This low-rise, motel-style property was built in 1960 and embraces the era's Art Deco style. It’s one of the older hotels in the area and draws plenty of repeat guests thanks to its laid-back, no-frills vibe, beautiful Gulf views, and direct beach access. Unlike many nearby mega resorts, the Treasure Island Ocean Club feels intimate and personal. The lobby of the hotel is warm and homey, with stacked-stone walls and a small reception desk overhung with lamps. There are tea- and coffee-making facilities, a toaster, microwave, TV, and a stand of tourist information leaflets as well as a small table for guest use, though it's not exactly a place to linger and hang out. The hotel is family, pet, and LGBT friendly, but seems to mainly appeal to an older tourist crowd. 

On a somewhat busy road leading to popular John's Pass, the hotel's setting is peaceful, and it's surrounded by dozens of other hotels, with nothing but dunes and beach behind it, and there are some fantastic Gulf views from the property. It’s a 10-minute walk to pretty Rosselli Park, which is good for families, and a five- to 10-minute walk leads to a range of dining options, from a Waffle House and McDonalds to Cuban and seafood restaurants in the island's "downtown" area. It’s a 20-minute walk or two-minute drive to the quaint shops of John's Pass Village and Boardwalk and Hubbard's Marina, where deep sea fishing trips can be booked. Busch Gardens is around a 50-minute drive from the hotel, and it's about 40 minutes to Tampa International Airport by car. 

Guest rooms are quiet, basic, and simple, with slightly outdated, neutral decor. Like the rest of the property, rooms are modest, but kept clean and have a homey feel, with tan walls, tan-and-emerald patterned comforters on the beds, and almost retro blonde-wood furniture that showed slight wear-and-tear. Beach View, Garden View, and Pool View Rooms are available, and all have king-size or queen-size beds. A variety of configurations are also available, from standard hotel room layouts to suites and apartments, some of which include kitchenettes or full kitchens (though guests have reported these being un-stocked on occasion). Beach View and Garden View Rooms also have a sofa bed, and all rooms are air-conditioned and have tea- and coffee-making facilities, an iron and ironing board, phone, mini-fridge, microwave, clock radio, and flat-screen TV. Some of the bathrooms are on the small side and while several have newer tan tiling, others are outdated, with unattractive blue tiles. Bathrooms include toiletries, a hairdryer, and a bathtub/shower combo, though we did see a bit of dirty grout and tub basins could use a heavy scrub.

Most guests come to the hotel just to unwind on the beach or at the pool, so there aren’t a great deal of other facilities here. The pool area is kept very clean though and has lots of comfortable lounge chairs, and it stays open late for guests looking to take in the lovely nighttime Gulf breezes. There are pretty gardens with tropical plants and good views of the beach throughout (not to mention direct beach access), plus shuffleboard courts, barbecue grills, and a beachside terrace with outdoor furniture and umbrellas for shade. On-site parking is free as is Wi-Fi, and the hotel also has a computer station, laundry room, and a recently added poolside bar. This is a pet friendly hotel, though guests should contact the hotel in advance, and there's a nightly deposit involved. It’s also worth noting that the hotel lacks a restaurant, and there's no breakfast available.