Magnuson Hotel Marina Cove

The two-story Magnuson Hotel Marina Cove was built as two separate hotels in the 1950s and opened as the Magnuson in 2012. Four U.S. flags fly above the large covered entrance, and tropical landscaping abounds. Inside, the lobby is spacious, with a beige tiled floor and yellow walls with blue and green accents. Two-toned sofas of blue and maroon have patterned pillows that match the wallpaper and hearken back to an earlier era -- it's a dated look that runs through every aspect of the hotel. Giraffe and seal statues advertise Busch Gardens, while wavy patterns and stars decorate the front desk. Tropical music plays in the lobby and out by the pools, which are in decent shape, though the metal umbrellas look unintentionally retro and have seen better days. The hotel is popular with families and couples and gatherings such as family reunions and fishing tournaments. 

This hotel is situated on 18 acres directly on Tampa Bay, just off Interstate 275. It has its own marina, so guests can arrive by car or boat. The property is the farthest point of St. Petersburg before reaching the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, popular for fishing. The hotel's location is convenient for reaching many area attractions. Tropicana Field, where the Tampa Bay Rays play, is 10 minutes away, as are the Dali Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, must-see attractions. Fort de Soto Park is 20 minutes away, the Florida Aquarium and Lowry Park Zoo are 30 minutes away, and Busch Gardens and Adventure Island are a 40-minute drive from the hotel. The Gulf of Mexico beaches take about 10 minutes to reach by car. Tampa International Airport is 30 minutes away, and St. Petersburg Clearwater International is 20 minutes. The hotel offers a variety of packages that include area attractions. 

Rooms are clean but dated, with old floral bedspreads and tube-style TVs. Furnishings have a light wood veneer, and the color palette throughout the rooms is tropical bright, with blue carpeting, red drapery, and colorful wall art with tropical birds. Walls are white except for a bright-yellow accent wall behind the beds. All rooms have Sealy mattresses, a mini-fridge, coffeemakers, and ceiling fans. Most rooms also have balconies or patios with plastic furniture, and microwaves are available by request for a fee. Townhouses offer two floors connected by a spiral staircase and add a two-burner stove, microwave, pots and pans, and dishes. Family Suites have a room within a room, with bunk beds and a second TV. Bathrooms are basic and dated, but well-maintained. Views are of Tampa Bay, the pools, or the courtyard in many rooms, but Townhouses and Studios have views of the parking lot, and there may be a musty smell in some rooms. 

Periscopes Waterfront Restaurant serves American fare for breakfast and dinner with views of the marina. For lunch, the Banyan Cove Deli serves burgers and sandwiches in a casual seting by the pool. The Nepa Hut beach bar overlooks Tampa Bay and is a popular place to watch the sun set. There's plenty to keep the active engaged, with tennis and shuffleboard courts, a playground, game room, two swimming pools, fitness classes, volleyball, rental bikes, and guided Jet Ski tours off the beach. A pro is available for private tennis lessons. Both pools have plenty of seating for sunning or relaxing poolside, and there's also an outdoor hot tub. The small man-made beach is private but isn't very nice at all. An outdoor pavilion can be rented for receptions, and banquet space can seat up to 250 people. A business desk has a computer and printer for guests to use, while a small gift shop sells souvenirs, snacks, and necessities. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort. Parking is also free.