Chase Suite Hotel- Tampa

The lobby is simple and modern, with a fresh coat of green paint on the walls, and tile floors and leather armchairs. Simple wood and laminate tables and chairs fill the high-ceilinged breakfast room. There's a stone fireplace on one wall, but the space is generally unadorned. There are one or two framed prints and gaudy green leaf valances around the windows, but little other decoration. A TV is mounted in one corner. Outdoors, fire pits by the water and a long wood deck that leads to a (newer) dock offer a more refreshing place to lounge. Overall, the Chase Suite Hotel targets extended-stay and budget-conscious travelers who want to save a few bucks and be near the water.

The Chase Suite Hotel is on the island of Rocky Point, considered prime Tampa real estate, between the mainland city and the town of Clearwater. With views of the calm green waters and the beach only a half-mile away, the hotel's location offers a sense of escape while still being less than 10 minutes from the Tampa airport. The junction of I-275 and Veterans’ Expressway is nearby, making it convenient to get around if you have a car, though you'll have to cross the causeway to find a large grocery store. There are several restaurants on Rocky Point, including the Bahama Breeze grill next door, and there are a number of low-key beach town activities for vacationers.

The suites at the Chase are large and well-equipped, with full kitchens in all, and balconies and fireplaces in some, but are many appear a bit worse for wear after years of use. Suites come in two sizes -- Studios and Two-Bedrooms -- and all are notably spacious. Even Studios have two reading chairs in addition to a dining table, and kitchens include a full-size fridge, a dishwasher, a four-burner stove and oven, a coffeemaker, and a toaster. None of the equipment is close to new, but it's all in good, clean condition. The toilet and shower area of the studio bathroom are separate from the sink and vanity, and Studios have a long, narrow walk-in shower; Two-Bedroom Suites have a larger bathroom with a shower/tub combination. As a general rule, Two-Bedroom Suites are significantly more spacious and, with four double beds, can accommodate large parties. The second bedroom is a lofted space, so, while private, it does not have a door. Regarding decor, it's worth noting that much of the furniture is old, stained, or nicked. While some furniture has fared better through the years, and a few units have been updated more recently, overall there's a general lack of style among suites at the Chase. The furniture varies from room to room, and some guests complain that rooms look poorly thought-out and maintained.

The Chase Suite Hotel offers free breakfast, including hot and cold items, but the quality varies. The hotel also hosts a weekday happy hour of wine or beer (limit two per person). Each suite has free Wi-Fi, though connectivity can be spotty. There's also a heated outdoor pool, a basketball court, and bicycles to rent. Outdoor activities are much preferable to visiting the gym, a tiny, musty, cement room with two treadmills, an elliptical machine, and a stationary bike. There's also a small convenience store, which may be useful as there's no large grocery on Rocky Point. In addition, the Chase Suite Hotel offers a shuttle to and from the airport (and few other nearby locations upon request).