The 244-room Westin Tampa Bay is an upscale, waterfront hotel on Rocky Point Island and close to the airport. Stylish, sunlit rooms offer minibars, iPod docks, and coffeemakers with Starbucks coffee as well as modern bathrooms with walk-in rainfall showers and soaking tubs. Some rooms also offer splendid ocean views, kitchenettes, fitness equipment, and free continental breakfast. The hotel's Aqua restaurant serves seafood in a stylish space, and there's an on-site Starbucks. The beach is small and gets highway noise, but there's a lovely indoor pool and hot tub, as well as a modern fitness center open 24-hours. Business travelers are well catered to with ample meeting rooms and event space, plus a 24/7 business center. Wi-Fi is free in the common areas, but in-room Wi-Fi incurs a fee for non-SPG members, as does parking. There are several comparable hotels in the area, like the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Tampa Bay, so travelers might want to compare rates.
The 244-room Westin Tampa Bay is an upscale, waterfront hotel on Rocky Point Island and close to the airport. Stylish, sunlit rooms offer minibars, iPod docks, and coffeemakers with Starbucks coffee as well as modern bathrooms with walk-in rainfall showers and soaking tubs. Some rooms also offer splendid ocean views, kitchenettes, fitness equipment, and free continental breakfast. The hotel's Aqua restaurant serves seafood in a stylish space, and there's an on-site Starbucks. The beach is small and gets highway noise, but there's a lovely indoor pool and hot tub, as well as a modern fitness center open 24-hours. Business travelers are well catered to with ample meeting rooms and event space, plus a 24/7 business center. Wi-Fi is free in the common areas, but in-room Wi-Fi incurs a fee for non-SPG members, as does parking. There are several comparable hotels in the area, like the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Tampa Bay, so travelers might want to compare rates.
The Grand Hyatt is essentially an airport hotel that caters to business travelers, but its lovely location on a 35-acre nature preserve makes it feel more like a resort. Highlights include two pools with bar service, three restaurants, two tennis courts, a 24-hour fitness center, and an artificial beach with ping-pong tables, lounge chairs, and a fire pit. About 10 percent of the hotel’s 442 guestrooms are private casitas, clustered in a mini-community that's accessible through a mangrove forest. Guests looking for a slightly cheaper alternative should try the nearby DoubleTree by Hilton, which has similar rooms and free Wi-Fi, but fewer amenities and dining options.
The Grand Hyatt is essentially an airport hotel that caters to business travelers, but its lovely location on a 35-acre nature preserve makes it feel more like a resort. Highlights include two pools with bar service, three restaurants, two tennis courts, a 24-hour fitness center, and an artificial beach with ping-pong tables, lounge chairs, and a fire pit. About 10 percent of the hotel’s 442 guestrooms are private casitas, clustered in a mini-community that's accessible through a mangrove forest. Guests looking for a slightly cheaper alternative should try the nearby DoubleTree by Hilton, which has similar rooms and free Wi-Fi, but fewer amenities and dining options.
The mid-range, 171-room Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Airport Westshore is a modern, well-maintained hotel with free 24-hour shuttle service to Tampa International Airport. A meeting room and a 24-hour business center are convenient for business travelers, and the hotel also has an outdoor pool, hot tub, gym, and 24-hour market. Homey, traditional rooms feature mini-fridges, microwaves, and Keurig coffeemakers; One-Bedroom Suites have separate living rooms, and some King Suites have whirlpool tubs. Aircraft noise can be heard, but the hotel is generally quiet. Guests looking for a waterfront hotel may want to consider the Westin Tampa Bay, though it's a bit more pricey.
The mid-range, 171-room Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Airport Westshore is a modern, well-maintained hotel with free 24-hour shuttle service to Tampa International Airport. A meeting room and a 24-hour business center are convenient for business travelers, and the hotel also has an outdoor pool, hot tub, gym, and 24-hour market. Homey, traditional rooms feature mini-fridges, microwaves, and Keurig coffeemakers; One-Bedroom Suites have separate living rooms, and some King Suites have whirlpool tubs. Aircraft noise can be heard, but the hotel is generally quiet. Guests looking for a waterfront hotel may want to consider the Westin Tampa Bay, though it's a bit more pricey.
The 137-room Epicurean Hotel is a luxury property with chic and modern interiors accented with a culinary theme. Multiple fine wining and dining options include a restaurant, rooftop bar, patisserie, wine shop, and the Epicurean Theatre, a demo kitchen that hosts regular classes and tastings. Even the spa offers delectable food-themed treatments. The rooms are stylish and sophisticated, with a curated selection of wine bottles available for purchase and gourmet snacks, though some guests complain of thin walls and traffic noise. There are an outdoor pool and fitness center on-site, and Wi-Fi is free.
The 137-room Epicurean Hotel is a luxury property with chic and modern interiors accented with a culinary theme. Multiple fine wining and dining options include a restaurant, rooftop bar, patisserie, wine shop, and the Epicurean Theatre, a demo kitchen that hosts regular classes and tastings. Even the spa offers delectable food-themed treatments. The rooms are stylish and sophisticated, with a curated selection of wine bottles available for purchase and gourmet snacks, though some guests complain of thin walls and traffic noise. There are an outdoor pool and fitness center on-site, and Wi-Fi is free.
Hyatt Place Tampa Airport/Westshore is a clean and fresh three-pearl property ideal for guests looking to explore both Tampa and St. Petersburg. The 124 Standard Rooms are surprisingly spacious, thanks to open suite-style layouts, though the bathrooms are noticeably snug. Expect modern color schemes, contemporary art prints on the walls, and sturdy furniture. Big pluses include the free shuttle drop-offs and pick-ups within a two-mile radius (including the airport), around-the-clock food options, and free breakfast, plus a beer and wine bar and small outdoor pool. Free Wi-Fi, free lot parking, a 24-hour gym with high-tech cardio machines, and cruise transportation packages for an extra fee add further appeal. To be closer to downtown Tampa, check rates at the Hilton Tampa Downtown, though you'll lose all the freebies.
Hyatt Place Tampa Airport/Westshore is a clean and fresh three-pearl property ideal for guests looking to explore both Tampa and St. Petersburg. The 124 Standard Rooms are surprisingly spacious, thanks to open suite-style layouts, though the bathrooms are noticeably snug. Expect modern color schemes, contemporary art prints on the walls, and sturdy furniture. Big pluses include the free shuttle drop-offs and pick-ups within a two-mile radius (including the airport), around-the-clock food options, and free breakfast, plus a beer and wine bar and small outdoor pool. Free Wi-Fi, free lot parking, a 24-hour gym with high-tech cardio machines, and cruise transportation packages for an extra fee add further appeal. To be closer to downtown Tampa, check rates at the Hilton Tampa Downtown, though you'll lose all the freebies.
This 127-room mid-range hotel sits in a quiet area off I-75, a short drive to the University of South Florida and Busch Gardens. There are a couple of chain eateries in the area, but not much else -- though the hotel does run a free area shuttle, including a stop at Busch Gardens. Rooms are large and clean, with comfortable beds and flat-screen TVs, while suites have kitchenettes -- but expect homey, generically modern decor. A breakfast buffet with hot items is included, as is use of a lovely outdoor pool and a fitness room. Rates are mostly reasonable here, but travelers might want to compare with the Wingate by Wyndham Tampa/USF, which is closer to Busch Gardens.
This 127-room mid-range hotel sits in a quiet area off I-75, a short drive to the University of South Florida and Busch Gardens. There are a couple of chain eateries in the area, but not much else -- though the hotel does run a free area shuttle, including a stop at Busch Gardens. Rooms are large and clean, with comfortable beds and flat-screen TVs, while suites have kitchenettes -- but expect homey, generically modern decor. A breakfast buffet with hot items is included, as is use of a lovely outdoor pool and a fitness room. Rates are mostly reasonable here, but travelers might want to compare with the Wingate by Wyndham Tampa/USF, which is closer to Busch Gardens.
The 126-room mid-range Hyatt Place Busch Gardens is a family-friendly property less than a five-minute drive from Busch Gardens. Rooms are spacious and have swiveling flat-screen TVs and separate sitting areas with sofa beds, but bathrooms are small side and despite 2014 renovations, decor is already a bit worn. A free continental breakfast is served, and hot dishes plus cold grab-and-go items are available. Features include a small outdoor pool and a gym with a good selection of equipment. The hotel sits by train tracks, so light sleepers might want to request rooms at the front of the hotel. The moderately cheaper Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites New Tampa I-75 Bruce B. Downs is worth a look for guests looking for similar features, though it's farther from Busch Gardens.
The 126-room mid-range Hyatt Place Busch Gardens is a family-friendly property less than a five-minute drive from Busch Gardens. Rooms are spacious and have swiveling flat-screen TVs and separate sitting areas with sofa beds, but bathrooms are small side and despite 2014 renovations, decor is already a bit worn. A free continental breakfast is served, and hot dishes plus cold grab-and-go items are available. Features include a small outdoor pool and a gym with a good selection of equipment. The hotel sits by train tracks, so light sleepers might want to request rooms at the front of the hotel. The moderately cheaper Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites New Tampa I-75 Bruce B. Downs is worth a look for guests looking for similar features, though it's farther from Busch Gardens.
The pet-friendly, mid-range Aloft Tampa Downtown is designed as a hip, affordable option under the SPG brand. The brand standard features and terminology, including an WXYZ lounge, Re:fuel snack area, and gym will be familiar to anyone who has stayed in an Aloft before, though Aloft Tampa’s river-view pool and large three-part lobby area set it apart. Opened in 2014, the overall style of the hotel still rings hip, though has lost some edge. Simple, modern style outfits the 130 rooms, where guests also get Bliss toiletries, stale-smelling carpets, and large picture windows. Wi-Fi, pet stays, and business computers are free, but the valet-only parking and breakfast are extra. For a better business-equipped hotel, check out rates at the nearby Hilton Tampa Downtown.
The pet-friendly, mid-range Aloft Tampa Downtown is designed as a hip, affordable option under the SPG brand. The brand standard features and terminology, including an WXYZ lounge, Re:fuel snack area, and gym will be familiar to anyone who has stayed in an Aloft before, though Aloft Tampa’s river-view pool and large three-part lobby area set it apart. Opened in 2014, the overall style of the hotel still rings hip, though has lost some edge. Simple, modern style outfits the 130 rooms, where guests also get Bliss toiletries, stale-smelling carpets, and large picture windows. Wi-Fi, pet stays, and business computers are free, but the valet-only parking and breakfast are extra. For a better business-equipped hotel, check out rates at the nearby Hilton Tampa Downtown.
The 325-room Westshore Grand is an upscale business option in Tampa's Westshore business district. Modern and bright rooms include floor-to-ceiling windows, and upgraded rooms with bay views can be requested. The hotel is a destination for many conferences, but expect hefty fees for features like Wi-Fi for guests who aren't SPG members. A ninth-floor pool overlooks the city and a 24-hour gym is an added convenience (as is the free airport shuttle). Shula’s Steak House offers fine dining on-site, and there’s also a bar and cafe. Travelers looking for a high-end chain property with more personality (and gorgeous grounds) should consider the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.
The 325-room Westshore Grand is an upscale business option in Tampa's Westshore business district. Modern and bright rooms include floor-to-ceiling windows, and upgraded rooms with bay views can be requested. The hotel is a destination for many conferences, but expect hefty fees for features like Wi-Fi for guests who aren't SPG members. A ninth-floor pool overlooks the city and a 24-hour gym is an added convenience (as is the free airport shuttle). Shula’s Steak House offers fine dining on-site, and there’s also a bar and cafe. Travelers looking for a high-end chain property with more personality (and gorgeous grounds) should consider the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.
The Tahitian Inn Hotel Cafe & Spa is an Old Florida motel property that has been family-owned and operated for three generations. The hotel's subdued Polynesian theme provides a glimpse into the style of mid-century vacationing in the Sunshine State. While the property dates back to the 1950s, the rooms have been updated with contemporary decor, although not all bathrooms have been renovated. All 82 rooms come with AC, microwaves, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Unfortunately, several guests have complained of musty smells and dirty rooms, and we noticed mustiness out by the pool. Still, the casual cafe, seasonal poolside tiki bar, and cruise transportation packages are big pluses with guests, plus there are a also a small spa, meeting rooms, and ample parking. For a more all-around modern hotel, check rates at the Hyatt Place Tampa Airport/Westshore.
The Tahitian Inn Hotel Cafe & Spa is an Old Florida motel property that has been family-owned and operated for three generations. The hotel's subdued Polynesian theme provides a glimpse into the style of mid-century vacationing in the Sunshine State. While the property dates back to the 1950s, the rooms have been updated with contemporary decor, although not all bathrooms have been renovated. All 82 rooms come with AC, microwaves, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Unfortunately, several guests have complained of musty smells and dirty rooms, and we noticed mustiness out by the pool. Still, the casual cafe, seasonal poolside tiki bar, and cruise transportation packages are big pluses with guests, plus there are a also a small spa, meeting rooms, and ample parking. For a more all-around modern hotel, check rates at the Hyatt Place Tampa Airport/Westshore.