SpringHill Suites St. Petersburg Clearwater

There aren't many surprises at this simple budget hotel, but that's part of what makes it a reliable choice near St. Petersburg's airport. Painted white and pink, the well-maintained three-story Springhill Suites by Marriott St. Petersburg/Clearwater typifies the Springhill brand. Interiors are bright and cheerful, with light wood and bamboo decor, and pops of green and red in the furniture. A bit of vibrant abstract art ups the appeal, but at core this is a basic hotel that's meant more for those in transit than as a place to hang out and socialize in style. Given its proximity to the airport, the hotel attracts business travelers on layovers, but families and couples stay here too.

The hotel is set back from the busy eight-lane Ulmerton Road and tucked behind a Chik-fil-A, so it can be difficult to find. The area has a typical suburban-sprawl vibe, and there's not much to do within an easy walk. It's a three-minute drive to the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. Across the street from the hotel are fast-food restaurants, and there are several chain restaurants nearby. It's a five-minute drive to Carillon Parkway, and from there it’s six miles to Interstate 275. Tampa International Airport is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Clearwater Beach and St. Petersburg Beach are about a 30-minute drive from the hotel. Busch Gardens is about 30 minutes away by car, and Walt Disney World is about an hour's drive.

Like the hotel's common areas, it's mostly about functionality here, rather than high style. Still, the rooms are pleasantly modern and have a bit of homey charm. The 405 square feet suites have a king or two double beds. A wall separates sleeping areas from living rooms, which have teal-colored sofa beds, desks, and granite wet bars with mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and microwaves. Windows overlook the parking lot or pool area, and patterned carpets and a bit of watery wall art punches up the look just a bit. Modern bathrooms have shower/tub combos and generous granite countertops. All rooms have air-conditioning, desks, hairdryers, MP3 radios, free Wi-Fi, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, and  irons. Cribs and rollaway beds are available on request.

As a hotel for people in transit, most of the features here are convenient for those on the go. Still, many are nice to have in a budget property. Tropical greenery and stylish lounge chairs surround the outdoor pool and hot tub, which both have chair lifts. Velvety red chairs and light wooden walls create a polished look in the breakfast lounge, where a free morning buffet of scrambled eggs, fruit, pastries, juice, and waffles. Free newspapers are also available. The front desk can suggest take-out restaurants, but the hotel doesn’t have a full-service restaurant. Sundries, snacks, and chilled drinks can be purchased in the mini market. A dandelion poster creates a bright atmosphere in the gym that has modern cardio machines with mini-TVs, free weights, water, and towels. Coin-operated machines are in the laundry room. There's one meeting room with audiovisual equipment that can accommodate up to 35 people. A printer and a computer are available in the business corner. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. The hotel offers a shuttle to the airport, but unfortunately it's not included in room rates.