Deb C.

Here is Jeff's blog below. He does an amazing job! Enjoy!!:D

 

http://amazingvoyages2.blogspot.com/

Pegasusa:

 

I am one that stayed in the new Holiday Inn on Dale Mabry in Nov. I wrote about my satifactory stay a few pages back on this thread. No problems.

 

Both motels also have a shuttle to the pier for $5.00pp. (We shared the same van). Both motels are under the same management (owner).

 

I believe the Comfort Inn is a little cheaper. The HI is a non-smoking motel.

 

If you have any other questions, just post them and I will try to answer them about these two motels.:D

 

I was on Zenith for 14 days in Nov. Sure hate to see her go. You will enjoy your cruise with such a great staff and crew. Deb C.:cool:

suezducruz:

I just stayed in that Holiday Inn Express 2 days prior to my Zenith 14 day cruise. I had heard it was 10 months old and a non-smoking motel.

 

I did not have any problems with reservations, free shuttle from airport, free buffet breakfast,etc. The shuttle driver gave me a free appetizer coupon for Sam's Seltzers Steakhouse (blooming onion). I had never eaten at that chain of restaurants and it was very good. It is located in front of the motel closer to the road. There was enough food served to me to have another meal from it the next evening (each room has a refrig and a microwave making it easy to reheat, pop corn, etc.)

 

It was a safe area and I did walk a couple blocks to the north looking for a diner that was recommended to me (but it was closed for a few days for remodeling). Right next to it was a Mom's Restaurant, but it closes at 3PM. Shuttle driver said that was his favorite in the area. Also right there to the north about one block, was a Shell gas station. I picked up my 12 cans of Pepsi for the cruise and carried it back to the motel. They had beer but I didn't see any wine, etc. I not a drinker so didn't pay much attention.

 

As soon as you check in...be sure to sign up for the $5.00 shuttle to the pier. They had 11:30 12:30 and 1:30 shuttles. They share the van ride with the Comfort Inn next door to the south. The early ones fill up fast. (Also they do NOT pick you up at the end of the cruise even if you are staying at the motel post cruise.) The 11:30 was packed full and we made it in about 15 minutes. They pull right up to the port where they unload the luggage and you tip the pier handlers with their large dollies. Then proceed up the outside esculator and enter the large, AC, (although I had a wind-breaker on due to cool weather in Tampa that morning)clean, carpetted check-in hall. Everyone was very nice and in good humor. I had to fill out Britsh Virgin Island immigration card (why didn't they put it in the pre-sent info????) and then I was on my way to check-in and up the next escalator to the ship.

 

Sorry, I got carried away with too many details.

 

I would stay at the HIE again ($98.10) or even the Comfort Inn next door at a cheaper amount.

 

The pool was nice. Security was evident. USAToday paper was provided.

Just can't say enough good about this hotel. Great for a pre/post cruise!!

 

Hope you have a wonderful time!! :cool: Deb C.

Yes, that is per taxi.

And yes, I did call BayShuttle ahead of time once I got to Tampa. They also knew to pick me up when I returned from the cruise. I did call them again once I got outside the cruise terminal. It took them about 10 or so to get there. I even had the whole van to myself.

Since I was solo, the shuttle was cheaper for me. With two, I'd say go with the taxi!

[SIZE=4][COLOR=red]Hi Judy![/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=4][COLOR=red]Taxi-$20.00[/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=4][COLOR=red]BayShuttle--$11.00pp--I took the shuttle last Nov. to the pier and back to the airport. No problems.[/COLOR][/SIZE]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#ff0000]Deb C.:cool: [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

Hi Judy:

I was also looking at the Comfort Inn for my 2 night pre-cruise in Nov. Then I ran onto a 10 month old Holiday Inn Express (I assume) right next door.

4750 vs. 4732 North Dale Mabry

It is about $19.00 more ($79 vs. $98), but I'm hoping a little better. (This is a AAA or AARP rate that I booked under). They have a free airport shuttle, but the pier shuttle will be $5.00pp. I'll let you know when I return after Nov. 18. I'll try to find this thread and repost here.

If you have time, keep researching the internet. Sometimes prices change,etc.

Good luck!! Deb C.:cool:

I requested a lower floor (due to lots of luggage--even though they have elevators and luggage carts). He couldn't guarantee the lower floor, but made a note of it and said for me to call back closer to arrival time and they would try their best to get one for me. At that time I'm going to ask about the shuttle again.

 

When I return home in late Nov.I'll make a posting here to inform you of the workings of the shuttle, okay? I did ask if they would do a pick-up FROM the cruise port and he didn't think so. But I might be able to make arrangements with the "van man". (My language, not his.) There is only one of me, but if you have a big group, maybe they WOULD do a pier to airport pickup!

 

Good luck! Deb C.:cool:

for Needsomesun:

 

You asked about the Holiday Inn on Mabry.

 

I just called them and asked some questions and then made a reservation for myself in Nov.

 

The motel is only 10 months old. Inside corridors with security cameras.

Free breakfast is served from 6am-10am

Free shuttle from airport

$5.00 shuttle to cruise port--be sure to sign up on clipboard (front desk said the shuttle runs at 9am and 9:30am). I wasn't expecting THAT early, but better early than late I guess!

All for under $100. aaa rate!

front desk telephone number is 1-813-877-6061. Norton was very patient with me and answered all of my questions (even ridiculous ones, like will the pool be open in Nov.?--yes, but I may find it too cold, he said).

 

I have gotten so much great info from this thread that I thought I would give back what I could.:D

 

Good luck everyone and happy cruising!! Zenith--here I come!! Deb C.:cool:

HEY BIGGER BOB:

 

Would say that the area around the Chase is safe? Are there any gas stations or convenient stores nearby to pick up soft drinks to take on cruise?

 

You have given great details. I just wanted a few more. I know the airport shuttle is free but I wonder what they charge for a ride to the pier? (no package deal.)

 

I stayed at the SpringHill Marriott last Oct. but my dates this year are not weekend dates and the price went up over $40. per night!! So I am now looking for another hotel under $100.

 

Thanks so much!! Deb C.