The Westshore Grand, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Tampa

The Westshore Grand, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Tampa has a sleek 7,000 square-foot atrium with 11 floors of windows, three glass elevators, and tropical plants on the marble floors. Wooden flooring by the reception desk softens the look, and helps create a welcoming atmosphere upon arrival. Club chairs and modern sofas are in the lobby lounge, and given its business and conference facilities, corporate travelers make up the majority of guests. The hotel is convenient for shopping and sightseeing as well, and tourists -- especially couples -- are drawn here too. There are fine views of Tampa Bay available from many locations throughout the hotel, and the business-oriented vibe is completed by a branch of high-end Shula's Steak House, a classically decorated space with warm hardwood floors and black-and-white sports photographs on the walls. There's also a swank bar, the No Name Lounge, where many hotel guests can be seen throughout the day and evening. 

This hotel is situated off Interstate 275 in the Westshore business district -- there's a Starbucks and Panera Bread across the street in a strip mall. The WestShore Plaza -- a mall offering all of the standard chains -- is a four-minute walk across the street. Otherwise, there isn't much within walking distance, and guests should bring a car to reach farther destinations. The Tampa Convention Center is a 15-minute drive from the hotel, and tourist attractions like the Amalie Arena, Tampa Museum of Art, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, and Florida Aquarium are all within a 15-minute drive (or a 40-minute trip by public transportation). Busch Gardens is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Golfers can reach the Rocky Point Golf Course in 10 minutes by car, and Clearwater Beach is a 40-minute drive from the hotel. A free shuttle goes to Tampa International Airport, which is only 10 minutes away by road.

The 325 rooms at the Westshore Grand are simple and sophisticated, blending brown-striped carpeting and dark-blue accents that pop against the distinct wood grain veneer furniture. The look is appropriately Floridian, with muted prints of maritime artwork on the walls and attractive blue-gray textiles on the beds. Floor-to-ceiling windows have city or bay views, depending on the room category, though some look into the complex's atrium and other offices. King Junior Suites have sitting areas, and one-bedroom Corner Business Suites have meeting areas with conference tables that seat eight. Two stylishly designed one-bedroom Presidential Suites have living rooms, two bathrooms, dining areas, and conference tables. Adjoining rooms are available on request. All rooms have 32-inch flat-screen TVs, fluffy bathrobes, safes, minibars, irons and ironing boards, coffeemakers, and hairdryers, though there is little space in the mini-fridges for items beyond the minibar. Mosaic tiling is a nice touch in the bathrooms, which include shower/tub combos, marble-topped vanities, loofahs, scales, and toiletries.

With 17,000 square feet of meeting space, the Westshore Grand, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel Tampa is a popular venue for conferences. Seventeen meeting and event spaces -- including a ballroom, multi-level amphitheater, and a boardroom -- can be rented. The business center is equipped with three computers, a printer, and copy machine. Large windows facing the atrium provide light in the 24-hour gym, which has cardio and weight machines, free weights, and mini-TVs. A lovely rooftop pool offers city views from the lounge chairs. Shula’s Steak House, with its sophisticated black-and-white decor, is the place for fine-dining, and the No Name Lounge has a business-friendly vibe in the atrium. Breakfast is not included with room rates. The hotel also has a cafe with a refrigerator case stocked with light meals and beverages. The parking garage has seven floors of free secure of self-parking, and valet parking is available for a fee. Wi-Fi is only free for SPG Members, but anyone can join the program.