Hyatt Place Tampa Busch Gardens

The Hyatt Place Busch Gardens doesn't have the most attractive surrounding neighborhood, with fast-food restaurants and gas stations dotting the streets, but the hotel makes a pleasant first impression. A small tiered fountain marks the entrance to the six-story white- and clay-colored building, with thick columns supporting a portico over the brick driveway. The lobby features a unique setup: a curved wooden front desk flanked by a bar and lunch counter that serves as the property's central hub. While everything feels spacious -- with sheer curtains and wooden accents dangling from the high ceilings -- the decor isn't the most stylish we've seen. Light-wood tables sit between mauve and beige vinyl chairs, while the adjacent breakfast area features more laminate wood and vinyl seating in shades of salmon and gold. Outside, the year-round heated pool is a nice spot for relaxing and getting some sun, though the pretty canopy of oak trees provides a bit of shade on the brick deck. Given its brand name, the hotel tends to host families, couples, and business travelers looking for reliable chain accommodations and convenience to Busch Gardens and area businesses.  

The hotel sits on a main road in a commercial area between highways I-75 and I-275, both about 10 minutes' drive away. Busch Gardens is less than a five-minute drive south of the hotel. The surrounding area includes a Yuengling brewery across the street, and convenience stores, fast-food restaurants, and gas stations nearby, though it's not the most charming by any stretch of the imagination. The hotel runs a free shuttle to attractions and businesses within a three-mile radius, including Busch Gardens and Museum Of Science & Industry. Adventure Island water park is a seven-minute drive. The hotel also sits just two minutes' drive south of the University of South Florida, with the USF Sun Dome a five-minute drive. Other attractions, such as Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo and the Florida Aquarium, are about 20 to 25 minutes' drive. For business travelers, the hotel is convenient to several area corporations and medical centers: Johnson Battery Controls is down the street; Moffitt Cancer Center is five minutes away by car; and Quest Diagnostics is a seven-minute drive. The Hyatt is a 20- to 30-minute drive to Tampa International Airport. Port of Tampa cruise terminal is a 20-minute drive. 

Rooms at the Hyatt Place Busch Gardens are unusually spacious for a mid-range hotel. Each room has a separate living area with a sofa bed and small coffee table. A partial wall with a trio of frosted-glass windows divides the bedroom and living room spaces, and a 42-inch, swiveling flat-screen TV is visible from both areas. Separate nooks hold desks with ergonomic chairs, and wet bars with sinks, mini-fridges, and single-cup coffeemakers. Decor is plain, but the palette of bright white, pale gray, and brown feels fresh. Walls are decorated with tasteful ocean- and nature-themed prints and photography in shades of bright blue and green. However, despite 2014 renovations to all rooms, we saw furniture that looked a bit beat up and worn already. There are long, tiered black-granite vanities located just outside the bathrooms -- which are somewhat narrow and include either shower/tub combos (in double rooms) or walk-in showers (in single king rooms). Ironing facilities, safes, and free Wi-Fi are available in all rooms. Noise from the nearby train tracks can be an issue for some rooms, so light sleepers might want to request rooms at the front of the hotel or on higher floors. 

As with most Hyatt Place hotel, there are a number of reliable features here. The hotel serves a free buffet breakfast that includes hot items, such as scrambled eggs, pancakes, and sausage. Meals, including pizzas, sandwiches, and salads, are available to order throughout the day and night. Ready-made sandwiches and salads, along with soft drinks, are also available from a refrigerated case in the lobby 24 hours a day. The hotel bar serves Starbucks coffee along with beer and wine (but no spirits) -- there's a microwave to heat items up as well. The hotel has a small, outdoor heated pool open year-round, and a medium-size, mirrored gym with cardio machines and free weights. The hotel has 1,200 square feet (111 square meters) of meeting and conference space, and a business center with two desktop computers and a printer. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Dogs under 50 pounds are allowed with an extra fee, plus a cleaning fee for stays of a week or longer. Kids' activities and menus, as well as cribs, are available. Parking is free and a free shuttle runs to local attractions and businesses within a three-mile radius, including Busch Gardens.