ms simba
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Posts posted by ms simba
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I will be on a December cruise with Carnival. I will be using an electric scooter due to degenerative arthritis in my ankle and a Baker's cyst in my knee. I have filled out the Special Needs form for Carnival and am booked in a handicapped cabin.
Do I now have to go to the doctor and get a note from him commenting on my disability?
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Ungh.. we've been trying to book flights today. We've been on the phone with Delta Airlines and American Airlines for 2.5 hours now, trying to get information on our particular flights about which rows have movable armrests (both between the seats and the aisle armrest).
For Delta, the answer was that there are at least 2 seats that have a movable aisle armrest, don't know about moving between the seats AND they can't tell us *where* those seats on the plane are. But that at the friggen airport, they'll be able to accommodate us. We are NOT going to wait to the airport to try and arrange (and rearrange) the passengers on the flight to accommodate us *if* there are indeed actually movable armrests.
For American Airlines, they finally gave us a list of aisle armrests that move but then rudely told us that all this info can be found on their website and we should go there. So we did and what they list on the website are completely different aisle armrests and say nothing about the armrests between the seats.
soooo we're currently on hold with American Airlines *again* hopefully getting clarification on this conflicting information.
If y'all can, fly continental. it's soooo easy with them
Try Seat Guru
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He might have a problem with the toilet. I have found that sometimes they are really close to the wall. I won't go into details but this can cause a problem.
What ship are you going to be on?
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We had a ViewSonic TV in our cabin. It took my nephew, who is a computer/electronics genius, almost an hour to hook up my DVD player to the TV. The TV is very close to the wall and it is not easy to see the hook-up plugs that were finally found inside of a little door (at least I think that is where they are). After I gave him my purse mirror, he was able to see where the inputs were. I am attaching a picture of the TV.
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Is there anyway to get back into a posted message to edit it? I know you can edit it and the board asks if you want to save it but I don't see that option after it was posted.
I wanted to ask Cracker Ken if he wanted me to send him the table so he could edit it (he knows so much more and has up-to-the-minute information). I just thought it would be easier to put that question in the original post rather than adding another message.
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Cracker Ken,
I don't know if you can update the table as it is a jpg picture. However, I am willing to do the updating at least once a week as I am retired and have more time than money. This table and the hotel information was originally just for my eyes. i will try to update it so it is more generalized.
So if you see something that needs updating just tell me and I will do it. That goes for the rest of you folks, also. If a hotel you stayed at has higher or lower prices, just tell me. If there is a change in shuttle info, tell me about that too.
However, if Cracker Ken tells you something, believe him first as he lives in Tampa and knows a lot more than I ever will!
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Okay here is the text for the table (a) and cb are in the table. The rest is info I gathered about the hotels I was interested in. If the hotel was too expensive for me, I may have just put a short description.
Be sure to call the hotel to see if the information given here is still correct.
Very little of the information came from me as I have never been to Tampa or on a cruise. Some of the information was taken from hotel reviews on Orbitz or Expedia. Other info was from messages that were posted here. I did not enter in the names of the people whose reviews/messages I put in this hotel information section as I thought I was going to be the only one to use it. So thank you all for helping me out. Sorry I cannot give you credit!
(a) Doubletree airport: They shuttle you to anywhere within 2km, including shopping center, drug store, etc.
Howard Johnson Plaza downtown-Shuttle within 2 mile area (includes Ybor City and Channelside
cb = complimentary breakfast
Hotel Descriptions and details
Cracker Ken: Actually, I don't recommend any of those motels at I-4 and 50th St. or I-4 and 40th St., no matter what kind of deal you get there. Also, I also don't recommend staying in motels/hotels on Busch Blvd. in Tampa. That area has deteriorated over the years too. If you want to stay in N. Tampa, pick something that has an address from 3000 E. Fowler Avenue and up.
Chase Suites- 3075 North Rocky Point Drive East, Tampa, FL 33607 877-433-9644 / 813-281-5677 They have a shuttle from the airport to the hotel and then to the port the next morning (after a complimentary breakfast). They have one and two bedroom suites also. In addition, Chase Suites offers a ship to shore package that includes free shuttle to/from airport and to/from pier. Breakfast is included and they will also shuttle you around to the stores so that you can get any last minute supplies or if you want to go somewhere else to eat besides the restaurant that's right beside the hotel. Bahama Breezes is right there and the food is great but wow the wait time to get in can get nuts. We wound up ordering take out and brought it back to our suite. - Complimentary daily buffet breakfast, Manager*s reception *Mon-Thurs*, free airport transportation Check out Chase Suites near the airport. It is on this thread with many people loving it. They (with the right package) will pick you up at the airport then take you to the ship and redeliver to the airport when you get back PLEASE NOTE: If you go with the Chase Suites, CALL THEM ON THE PHONE and make your reservations the old fashioned way and BE SURE to tell them you want the package that includes the transfers from airport to hotel, to port, etc. I've read with other folks have messed up by "assuming" things - This two-story hotel has no elevators (On Orbitz the "Hotel Features" mention Elevators Call and ask) -The photos on Orbitz did show a staircase from the living room going upstairs. Also the photos on Live Search Maps (http://maps.live.com/ ) do show two story units. I definitely would call to check about elevators if walking a flight of stairs is a concern to you. Orbitz Rating: 4 out of 5 $159 - USD Promotional Rate - (Daily Rate Per Room).Studio with two double beds, living area, sofa sleeper and fully equipped kitchen
Crowne-Plaza on Princess Palm Drive - 10221 PRINCESS PALM AVENUE, Tampa, FL 33610, 12.2 Miles East of TPA. Complimentary Airport shuttle available every 2 hours from 6:00AM to 11:00PM-advanced shuttle reservations required. Cracker Ken?: - Big hotel. I stayed there many years ago (like 17-18 years) when I helped to put on a conference there. Crowne Plaza's tend to have a nice reputation - never stayed in a bad one. The down side, is the location. This is on the corner of an office park out to the E of Tampa. There is a couple of other hotels around, lots of office complexes, and that's about it. Yes - taxi needed for Ybor. Restaurants are located along SR 60 (Adamo Drive) which is an exit S of Martin Luther King Jr Blvd (where the hotel is located). I checked MapQuest, and it's about 3.5 miles from the hotel to the intersection of I-75 and Adamo Drive (SR60) in Brandon. Lots of places to eat within 1 mile either side of that intersection. Orbitz Rating: 4.9 out of 5- $132
Days Inn Tampa Airport Stadium 2522 North Dale Mabry Free Airport Shuttle, Free Continental Breakfast, in-room refrigerator with large freezer space and microwave Bennigans at hotel open 11am to2 am, Burger King (0 Miles) Chili's (0 Miles) China One (0 Miles) Crazy Buffet (0 Miles) McDonalds (0 Miles) This hotel had no elevator, but only stairs to the second story $79 at Orbitz - 2.5 out of 5 Had the worst reviews on 2 different places
Downtown Residence Inn -Residence Inn by Marriott Tampa Downtown - 101 E Tyler St Tampa, FL 33602, All suites include full kitchens with living areas. One and two bedroom suites available. A Daily complimentary hot breakfast buffet is served featuring breads and pastries, cereals and hot oatmeal, eggs, fruits and juices, hot and cold beverages, waffles and yogurt. March 2007 - Just wanted to report that we stayed at the Downtown Residence Inn on Feb 17 and 18. Taxi fare was a flat rate of $22 from the airport to downtown, also the same from pier to airport. Got to the hotel about 7:00 pm. No bellmen, but did have luggage carts. We were met with very friendly and helpful people at the desk. Had clean one bed studio suites on floor five (there was also a single pullout). We paid $65/night through Priceline. The desk directed us to a bar (The Hub), with takeout spirits and beer, about two blocks away. Went there and had a couple, and brought some back. Ordered from Domino's across the street, and they were at the door in less than 30 minutes. There was a breakfast bar in the morning with hot and cold servings. That evening the hotel shuttled us to the Columbia in Ybor City, and then picked us up when we were done with a great dinner. They also shuttled us to the pier on the 19th. Be sure to sign up at check-in. I believe this area was once not too desirable, but looks like it is on the comeback trail. It has a lot of construction of high rise apartments going on. It is also across from the performing arts center. $189.00
Doubletree airport hotel - 4500 West Cypress Street, Tampa, FL, 33607, 1.3 Miles Southeast of TPA. We stayed at the Doubletree airport hotel. It has a shuttle to/from airport and the cruise port. After the cruise, we called them from the cruise port, they picked us up to go to the airport. They also shuttle you to anywhere within 2km, including shopping center or drug store, etc. The shuttle from the airport and to the cruise is free. We are on our own getting to the airport after the cruise. Orbitz Rating: 3.4 out of 5, $269
Doubletree Westshore: Doubletree Hotel Tampa Westshore Airport - 4500 West Cypress Street, Tampa, FL, 33607, 1.3 Miles Southeastof TPA,Complimentary airport shuttle service They offer free shuttle to/from the airport. There is a $10 fee per person for the shuttle to the cruise terminal. Hotel info says: Please note that the Package rate floats off our Best Available Rate on the date at the time of booking. This means that the rate will differ depending upon time of year, occupancy or historical demand for that day/date. The package includes accommodations and up to 14 days parking. The package does not include Port of Tampa transportation fees which are purchased by the guest upon check-in. Currently, the rate for roundtrip transportation from the hotel to the port is $15 per person, adult/child. There is no charge for luggage but we do request a limit of two bags and a carry-on per passenger. Orbitz Rating: 3.4 out of 5 $269
Econo-Lodge at 1020 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL, 33629 - 2.9 miles SE of TPA, No airport shuttle, free deluxe continental breakfast , Orbitz Rating 3.5 out of 5, $60 with RoomSavers
Cracker Ken: If the Econo-Lodge has an address on W. Kennedy Blvd, I cannot give it a high rating at all. The area has improved some. For years it was getting to be skid row (where the homeless people roam). Used to be lots of prostitution and other bad activity along W. Kennedy too. It's cleaned up some though. If you stay there, don't venture out much at night unless you are in a taxi, don't walk around at night.
Embassy Suites - Tampa Downtown Convention Center. 513 S. Florida Avenue, Tampa, 5.1 Miles East of TPA NO shuttle It's across from the Marriott Waterside Hotel and next to the trolley station Orbitz Rating: 5 out of 5, $269
Embassy Suites Tampa - Airport/Westshore - 555 N. Westshore Blvd, Tampa, 1.4 Miles Southeast of TPA. NO elevator in the multi-story parking garage. The Embassy Suites Tampa offers a complimentary shuttle to and from Tampa International Airport as well as a scheduled business shuttle within a 3 mile radius of the hotel. Receive a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast. They will shuttle from the airport to hotel and provide arrangements to the port as well. Orbitz Rating 4.5 out of 5 - $169
Extended Stay Deluxe Tampa - Airport - 1805 N. Westshore Blvd 2 Double beds-$105.03 or Regular Suite$95 - Studio suite with queen bed and separate living area. Rate includes continental breakfast
Hampton Inn Rocky Point - 3035 North Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, 2.2 Miles West of TPA They have free shuttle from the airport, shuttle to the cruise port, and then they pick you up after your cruise and will take you back to the airport. This was a huge plus for me. Called again, was told by a second person that you can't reserve the port shuttle until check in. Also found out that the first shuttle is at 11 am. 24 hour complimentary Tampa International Airport shuttle - Complimentary transportation within a four mile radius of the Hampton Inn - Complimentary deluxe breakfast bar This hotel has a cruise package special that includes shuttle from airport, free breakfast, and shuttle to port plus complimentary wifi internet. Otherwise the room costs $179 (Advance Reservation) Orbitz Rating 4 out of 5
Cruise Package: (Weekends Only Friday, Saturday & Sunday Stays Only - however when I called the clerk said that the shuttle would run Monday am also - would check on this). Includes room, transportation to/from Tampa International Airport and transportation to/from the Port of Tampa. Shuttle runs 24/7 but was told they go to the port @ 11:00, 11:30 & 12:00. You also receive complimentary parking during your cruise and complimentary deluxe continental breakfast. This package is for two people and each additional person will be charged $10.00 per night. free for children six and under. April 1-December 28, 2008- $199.00 Per Night (Standard) Please Call Directly @ 813.289.6262 or Toll free (direct to hotel) 877-4642678. - $199
BTW - The Holiday Inn Express is a nice place. I've stayed there overnight. They just recently refurbed the outside. Hampton looks like it's fine too. The skyline is changing out there at Rocky Point. On the property between the Hampton/HIE and Courtney Campbell Causeway, they are putting up a high rise condo/hotel building. The cranes are there now, and the building is on the way up. Also in the planning stages is a new Ritz Carlton Resort that's going to take up the ground where the Radisson is presently located. There are no stores or fast food joints on Rocky Point. Just hotels, office buildings, and a few more expensive places. When I'm at the office on Friday and some of us want to go somewhere away from the building for lunch, we have to leave the island and go elsewhere (or else blow more money than we want to).
Hampton Inn - Ybor City. 1301 E 7th Ave- 1301 East 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605, 5.4 Miles East of TPA Next to the trolley line. Very convenient too. Not far from the cruise terminals. Walking distance to a lot of things in Ybor City, including some restaurants. complimentary hot breakfast , Self parking: $5-$15 per 24-hour period. complimentary shuttle service that we offer to any location within 5 miles of the hotel between 8:00am - 10:00pm daily. The Tampa Convention Center, Port of Tampa Cruise Terminal, and the Channelside Shopping and Entertainment District are all within 1.5 miles. It is across the street from the street car garage and it's quite convenient to get on the street car line and go to the Channelside complex. $129 on Expedia, Orbitz Ratings: 4.6 out of 5
Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore 2225 North Lois Avenue, Tampa, FL 33607 The shuttle to the airport is free and the shuttle to the port is $5.00 per person. Complimentary airport transportation is provided to and from the Tampa Airport as well as scheduled shuttle service to and from the Port of Tampa. $159 at CheapTickets
There's a Best Western on N. Westshore Blvd that may be cheaper than those I listed before, and city buses run up and down Westshore Blvd all the time. The Westshore area is a lot cleaner and safer than the area where that Econo-Lodge is located on Kennedy Blvd - if that's the one you are looking at.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Tampa/Rocky Point Island - 3025 North Rocky Point DR, Tampa, FL 33607, 2.1 Miles West of TPA - It's about 2-3 miles W of the airport, and 9 miles from the pier - Complimentary 24-hour shuttle service to / from Tampa International Airport - Complimentary transportation within a four mile radius of Holiday Inn Express. If you don't book the Cruise Package, they have a $15/person shuttle service that will take you to the port and then pick you up and take you to the airport or the hotel when you return. - Complimentary deluxe Express Start breakfast bar from 6:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. (Eggs, bacon, toast, cereals, yogurt and fruits). scrambled eggs or cheese omelets , Sausage patties or crispy bacon , Signature cinnamon rolls, bananas, • yogurt, Hardboiled eggs, Variety of breakfast breads & cereals , Selection of fruit juices and skim and 2% milk, Flaky biscuits with sausage gravy) - Bahama Breeze opens at 11 am - adjacent to Bahama Breeze. It has a nice water view but not as nice as the SailPort. Wireless High Speed Internet in lobby. Free local telephone calls. Cracker Ken: I covered the Holiday Inn Express at Rocky Point in post #1447 just above your first question. It's not a bad place at all. There are three restaurants within 1/4 to 1/2 mile.
Cruise Package: (Weekends Only Friday, Saturday & Sunday Stays Only - I received conflicting info on these days from the desk clerks. Be sure to call about this if staying there) Includes room, transportation to/from Tampa International Airport and transportation to/from the Port of Tampa. You also receive complimentary parking during your cruise and complimentary continental breakfast. This package is for two people and each additional person will be charged $10.00 per night. April 1-December 28, 2008- $139.00 Per Night (Standard). Otherwise the room costs $127 (Advance Reservation). Please Call Directly @ 813.287.8585. - Phone: Hotel Front Desk (813) 287-8585, Toll-Free: (888) 613-3555, Hotel Reservations: 1- 800 315-2621, Fax: (813) 287-8484
Howard Johnson Plaza downtown - 111 W Fortune St, Tampa, FL, 33602 We are staying at the in October, recently renovated. It offers transportation from airport to hotel?, hotel to pier and a two mile area. No transportation from pier to airport, but that was not a big deal for my group of friends....I have read a taxi is only $22 from the pier to the airport.....we are paying for one night $109 for up to 4 people in the room plus tax. Ybor city, and Channelside are all in that two mile area for the shuttle. Complimentary shuttle to Tampa Airport and businesses/attractions (including the Cruise Terminal) within 2 mile radius of hotel $129 at Cheap Tickets.com. ....with transportation from the airport to hotel...from hotel to the pier and free transportation within a two mile area...which Channelside, Ybor city and other major attractions are within....no transportation from port to airport, Self parking: $8 per day per vehicle
Hilton Garden Inn - Ybor City - 1700 E 9th Ave. 2 blocks from the trolley line and close to the action in Ybor City. shuttles guests to Downtown Tampa, the Port of Tampa and the Tampa Convention Center at no additional costs - $184 at Expedia
Hyatt Regency Hotel - 211 N Tampa Street Downtown Tampa. Nice hotel in the middle of town, not very far from the trolley line at the Embassy Suites and Marriott Waterside area. Easy walking distance. Valet parking: $16 per 24-hour period ; Self parking: $10 per 24-hour period - no shuttle info-$159 on Expedia.
Hyatt Regency Tampa airport shuttle
Intercontinental Hotel (W Kennedy Blvd) at Westshore Blvd . 4860 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL, 33609, 1.6 Miles South of TPA - 813-286-44 - No airport shuttle - Free Airport Shuttle so which is it?? Complimentary airport transportation and free on site parking. Courtesy car ?????what does this mean? Complimentary transportation (to where?) This was originally built as a Sheraton. Very nice place. It joins an office building. Parking is in a garage. features three restaurants There is a excellent steak house (Shula's) on the premises - expensive. It went from being a Sheraton to a Westin, now Intercontinental, which is the upscale line of the group which includes Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza. Across the street on one corner is a Walgreen's Drug store. On the other corner is a little shopping plaza with a Blimpies Sub Shop, Panera's (free Wi-Fi ), and other stuff. Directly across the street is the Westshore Plaza Mall. There is a food court inside, and outside is a nice Chinese restaurant, Maggianno's Italian (family style), and out at the street is a Steak and Ale Restaurant. You can walk, quite easily and relatively safely, to all of the above. It's all at the intersection of Westshore Blvd and Kennedy Blvd. about 8 miles from the cruise terminal (about $20 for a taxi). The outdoor heated pool and exercise room has great views of Tampa Bay Rates from $129 at Hotels.com to $248 at their website.
La Quinta Inn Tampa Bay Airport - 4730 Spruce St - 0.7 Miles Southeast of TPA -813-287-0440- Free Airport Shuttle Transportation is available each day to Seaport in Tampa for a small fee - Complimentary First Light Breakfast - IHOP (Adjacent) - Denny's Restaurant Adjacent...Open 24hrs. * Houlihan's * Ruth Chris Steakhouse -(2003) Offers a park and cruise package for $90.00. A shuttle to the cruise port begins at 11:00 am and costs $10.00 per person. They are within walking distance of many places to eat. Average reviews on tripadvisor.com. $94 on Orbitz Rating: 4 out of 5. Breakfast is free, as is the airport shuttle that runs every hour. Not up for a night out? There are about 20 affordable restaurants within walking distance. Rooms are unpretentious and clean. The hotel offers both AARP and senior citizen discounts.
Marriott Waterside Hotel Cracker Ken: a great location within walking distance of things to do in the S side of the downtown business core, along the water front. It's next to a trolley station, and the trolley can take you (inexpensively) to the Channelside complex, past the cruise terminals, and on up to the Ybor City Latin district. It stops at the Florida Aquarium too. Back on the thread somewhere, I have links to the trolley system, Centro Ybor, Florida Aquarium and Channelside (which is where Carnival ships dock). Waterside Marriott (www.marriott.com) $309 at Expedia - No shuttle info
RadissonBayHarbor - 7700 Courtney Campbell Causeway Don't care for its looks (don't even know if it is still there as I think Crakcer Ken said it was being torn down to have different hotel to be built there)
SailPort Waterfront Suites 2506 Rocky Pointe Drive, Tampa, FL 33607. Free Breakfast Free shuttle service is provided to and from Tampa Airport from 7AM to 10 PM. Complimentary shuttle service to the airport (4 Miles) and within a five-mile radius of the hotel is available There is a $1.17 per day charge for unlimited local calls, 800 calls, credit card calls and voice mail service_ $99 at Cheap Tickets One queen bed. Separate living area with queen sofa bed. 600 square feet. "The only problem that I had was the small bedroom. There was only about 3 ft of space around the bed." Complimentary wireless Internet access. Two cable/satellite TVs with HBO. Private, furnished balcony with Tampa Bay water views. Spacious 1 bedroom suites have separate bedrooms, living rooms with sofa sleepers, dining areas, fully equipped kitchens with refrigerator, range, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and utensils. Complimentary coffee and danish are served 6:30 AM-10 AM. or from 6:30-8:am. Weekday local newspaper.. Watch for dolphins and stingrays. - - The hotel does not have its own restaurant, but there are Nearby restaurants: Rusty Pelican, Crabby Bill's, Crawdaddy's, Landry', Castaways
Reviews: Rooms are older and pretty used. Restaurants close to the hotel are very limited. A car is needed to go to almost everything. You can have pizza delivered, but not much else was available. The main elevator was out of service. Bed wasn’t the most comfortable. We stayed at the SailPort Inn when we sailed from Tampa, they picked us up from the airport and took us to the port the next day....it was a nice place RATINGS: 3.7 (out of 5)
Sheraton Hotel - Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel Downtown Tampa. 200 N Ashley Dr. Complimentary shuttle service is provided within a three-mile radius of the hotel, which includes the business district and many downtown attractions, such as Channelside, the Tampa Art Museum, the Florida Aquarium, the Port of Tampa, and Ybor City. The downtown trolley, which stops in front of the hotel, travels through the business district and past the Tampa Convention Center for $1 per ride -$169 on Expedia
Tahitian Hotel - the suites in the main hotel were awesome, but we stayed in the back part of the hotel- which were lower end rooms, but the only way we could have double beds. The hotel's café serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Wireless Internet access is complimentary in the restaurant, lobby, and patio. It's five miles from the airport, and within six miles of the cruise terminals. $79 Two double beds. Desk. Cable/satellite TV with DVD player. Refrigerator, microwave, and coffee/tea maker. Hair dryer. Iron/ironing board. Includes: Free Parking ??
Wentworth - Taxi's are available at Rocky Point. A lot of what you may want to do is not close to Rocky Point. I'd recommend renting a cheap car at the airport when you come in to the airport. On the day of the cruise, turn it in at the airport and take a taxi from there to the port. $50 for a rental car will give you a lot of mobility for the day before the cruise.
Westshore Hotel 1-800-449-4343 they have a cruise package - 1200 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa, FL, Hwy/Exit: 40A - Westshore Hotel - 1 Mile Southeast of TPA The Westshore offers complimentary airport shuttle transportation from 5:30 AM–12:10 AM daily (subject to availability). Guests can use the courtesy phone in Baggage Claim to arrange for pick-up. - Complimentary shuttle service is available to the airport and other destinations within a three-mile radius (excluding the beach). Restaurant/bar: "the Green Iguana" Serving American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. ....unable to sleep all night because the music from the disco downstairs can be heard (LOUDLY) in the rooms. - "The rooms directly above the bar have a lot of noise asked for a quiet room." - ".. the hotel did provide shuttle services to/from airport as well as breakfast. However, I was not informed about the breakfast vouchers when I checked in. In addition, I had to request vouchers every morning." "Breakfast was provided at this hotel only for certain people My boyfriend wasn't given breakfast tickets he even checked at the front desk about it and was informed that he's room didn't come with breakfast." There are two shopping malls near the hotel (International Plaza and Westshore Plaza). The hotel was a bit noisy (close to airport and bar. This hotel was just recently renovated and changed over from being a Best Western. I haven't been inside, but it looks nice outside. One of the posters said they have a restaurant there. Complimentary Airport Shuttle - Orbitz Rating: 3.3 out of 5 $85
Closest to the Port:Tampa Waterside Marriott (www.marriott.com) $309 at Expedia - No shuttle info
Middle of the Road: Radisson Bay Harbor Hotel (www.radisson.com) because it's on the waterfront and its pool is gorgeous. 7700 E Courtney Campbell Cswy, Tampa, FL, Hwy/Exit: I-275 /39. ($119 on RoomSavers.com) Hilton Garden Inn (www.hiltongardeninn.com) because its location in Ybor City can't be beat.
On a Shoestring: Red Roof Inn (www.redroof.com) because not only are rates under $100 during the high season, but it's also less than a mile from Busch Gardens. Best Western (www.bestwestern.com) because it's got a pool and a fitness center.
Best Overall Package: Quorum Hotel-Tampa (www.quorumtampa.com) 700 N. Westshore Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33609 1.6 Miles South of TPA - 1-877-4-QUORUM - two blocks from Westshore Plaza. - Complimentary airport shuttle from 6am - midnight daily. Service to other destinations within a three-mile radius of the hotel is available- upon request, based on availability. They offer a great package specifically for cruisers. The Sleep-and-Sail includes hotel pick-up upon arrival at Tampa International Airport, a one-night's stay in a traditional guest room, 15 nights complimentary hotel garage parking, and one-way transportation from the hotel to the Port of Tampa Price is $169. Offered year round with rates beginning at $119.AAA=$134; Internet=$139
It seems that NICE hotels in Tampa that actually offer shuttle service are few.
I know I could get a much cheaper hotel rate with Priceline but I have seen some of the Tampa hotels that have rooms with only 1 bed to share (and no sleeper sofa). We absolutely need double beds.
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Don't know what I did but all of a sudden I was asked for the URL and it worked.!
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I'm going to try again using Cracker Ken's advice. ms simba - Try posting the image on Photobucket.com. It's easy, and free. Then, you can attach the image in large size here by using the URL from your photo/image in Photobucket on your entry in this thread using the "Insert Image" thing (it's a little yellow rectangle with mountains in it. If you do that, it will be large on the thread. That's the way I posted the picture of the street car station below. This is across the street from the Marriott Waterside.
Okay what am I doing wrong.I went to Photobucket and put my Table jpg image in. I then clicked on the "Insert Image" expecting that after doing so I would be asked to choose or put in info like it does in "Manage Attachments" Nothing came up asking for the URL and of course no picture showed up here.
So I did (1) Placed my Table image in Photobucket.
(2) What is step Number 2
(3) What is step Number 3
and at what point do I click on "Insert Image" to get the table in the thread?
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To those I sent the Table and hotel details, be sure you call the hotel and double check the details listed.
For example: I called Holiday Inn Express the other day and asked about the shuttle to the pier. I was told the shuttle only went on Saturdays and Sundays. I was going to cross this hotel off my list but decided to call back today. This time I mentioned the cruise package. However, I got the same answer today - no Monday morning shuttle. So I asked the clerk if it wasn't true that they shared their shuttle bus with the Hampton Inn. She said yes they do share the bus with them. I then said that the Hampton Inn said their shuttle bus runs all week. The clerk went away to check and came back and said yes, she checked and their shuttle bus does run on Monday mornings.
So be sure to check (and double-check if necessary) by calling the hotel directly. I did email them so I could give them a hard copy of the answers but did not receive a reply. So I am going to email and snail mail them my questions. I do want a hard copy in my hand when I go to check in.
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I tried attaching the whole Word document since scanning the table didn't seem to work very well. However, I got a message that said the file was too big. So then I delted everything but the Table but that was too big also. Emailing the document worked or just emailing the table worked also. So that is the only way I can think of getting the Table and the hotel descriptions to anyone.
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Remember when I was making this table and gathering hotel info, I wanted a room at the end of November 2008 for me and my nephew. I particularly wanted a place with shuttles from the airport, to the pier, and around the local area. I wasn't as interested in a shuttle from the pier to the airport as I will be using Alamo's shuttle from pier to their rental car area. I also wanted a continental breakfast (cb) and double beds. There might not be much information if a hotel was too expensive for me. If any of this information is incorrect or if you have any additions to make such as telephone numbers, send me an email
I scanned this hard copy and it was fine. The size was 427 KB at 600 resolution. However, when I uploaded it here, it came out as 24 KB and can hardly be seen. SO again any suggestions?
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Lets try again using Excel. Nope this didn't work either. Any suggestions?
Would you like me to email you the table and the detailed information on the Tampa hotels I was interested in?
Remember when I was making this table and gathering hotel info, I wanted a room at the end of November 2008 for me and my nephew. I particularly wanted a place with shuttles from the airport, to the pier, and around the local area. I wasn't as interested in a shuttle from the pier to the airport as I will be using Alamo's shuttle from pier to their rental car area. I also wanted a continental breakfast (cb) and double beds. There might not be much information if a hotel was too expensive for me. If any of this information is incorrect or if you have any additions to make such as telephone numbers, send me an email
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I tried to post the table but it wouldn't work. This table was made in Word. Would it work better if I did it in Excel and pasted it? Any suggestions as to what I might try.
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Norski posted this message: We just got off the Legend Sunday. We were able to have our luggage sent directly to the airport and didn't have to handle it until we reached our final destination. They charge $15/person and is only for certain airlines. It was well worth the $15/person
Ms Simba asks:
Do I get this right?
You got off the Legend and the ship sent the luggage to the airlines who forwarded it to your hotel.
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Finally finished reading all the posts in this thread! I have made a page where I listed each Tampa hotel with the info about it, the ratings and the rates. Then I put this info into a table I made so that I could compare the different places. But I really think all of us should pitch in to buy Cracker Ken a gift for all his hard work. I am still hoping that he will write a guide book about Tampa hotels!
I had to laugh at Cracker Ken's comment about TripAdvisor "If I depended upon the hotel reviews on TripAdvisor, I would be sleeping in my car (or something like that). LOL
I have posted hotel reviews on TripAdvisor for the Kissimmee, FL area. However, I only post if I have good things to say. I now have a review I should post about the AmeriHost Inn but feel that if I do then more people will go there and I won't be able to get a room when I want or the rates will go up since they then will have so many people coming there.
Anyway, thanks to ALL of you for posting your comments. I have never been to Tampa and this website has really helped me.
One suggestion I would make to those of you that are wondering what is around your hotel, is to go to MapQuest.com, put in the address, and after the map comes up go to the [COLOR=#272750][B]Find Nearby:[/B] area and put in something like restaurants or choose from their list. Many choices will then be shown on the map.[/COLOR]
[COLOR=#272750][/COLOR]
[COLOR=#272750]Another suggestion for those wondering how far it would be to walk to a place, use Microsoft Live Search maps [URL]http://maps.live.com/[/URL] put in an address, do the "Birds Eye" view selection and look down to the area you will be in. This is especially helpful if you are thinking about walking to a dining place, etc. and are of the less-mobile group as I am. What some of the young whippersnappers think is just a nice stroll would do me in (even with my walker helping me along).[/COLOR] -
How long is a Passport good for? Life? or shorter?
Anything to eat in Terminal 5 at Port Canaveral
in Ask a Cruise Question
Posted
What can I expect to find inside Terminal 5 at Port Canaveral? I assume there are toilets but is there anywhere to get a quick bite? I will be dropping someone off and parking in the garage. I prefer to park in the garage for personal reasons.