Tampa Hotel

[dkh]

We have an early morning flight out of TPA and figured we would stay somewhere near the airport so that we can sleep until 4 AM. At first I was just looking for a decent price, but in my research of Tampa hotels, I have read so many horror stories (filhy carpets, wet beds, roaches, RATS!!) that I am getting scared to stay there at all.

 

1. Can anyone recommend a decent place that doesn't cost $300 a night? We don't really consider this night to be a part of our vacation--the airfare just fell that way. We will have a car so if we need to drive we can and will.

 

2. How confusing is the downtown Tampa area? We are from the Detroit area and driving downtown can be a trial. With an early morning flight, I don't want to chance getting lost.

 

Any help would be very much appreciated.

[tarheelmjfan]

Tampa's a very easy city to navigate. For a hotel, I would check to see how much I could get the Marriott located inside the airport for. You will find that Tampa's airport is very user friendly. ;) If you have time, try to check out International plaza for shopping & dinner. :)

 

As a side note, I don't know what type of hotels, or in what area you have been researching, but Tampa has not shortage of nice hotels.

[dkh]

I appreciate your help!

[tarheelmjfan]

dkh,

If the Marriott doesn't work for you, feel free to come back for more suggestions. If you're just want a nice hotel, that is close to the airport, it's hard to beat one that doesn't even make you go outside to get there. :D

[Sea_Weed]

The Marriott is part of the TPA terminal, so hard to beat for convenience. Also hava nice outside pool.

 

Dean

[shorton]

Does Tampa airport Marriott offer a shuttle to the pier?

[tadjr]

Not that I am aware of. You can call them at 813-879-5151 if you'd like. I'll try to find out and post back for you.

[Host Mike]

Let me pose this question in a reverse scenario.

 

We are arriving late the night before a cruise.

Would you recommend staying at the TPA Marriott and taking a cab to the pier the next morning or taking a cab to a hotel near the pier and then on to the ship next day?

 

What hotel is near the port?

[tarheelmjfan]

If you're flying in late, you will probably be tired. I would stay at the Marriott Airport & start your departure day fresh. The airport is only about 20 min. to the pier, depending on traffic. You would probably need transportation from a hotel near the pier also. There's not really any hotels I consider walkable with luggage. If you decide to stay closer to the pier you could take the trolley to the pier, but again not a great option with luggage. Personally, I would rather take the one 20 min. cab ride, than need transportation from the airport to the hotel, then on to the port the next morning. As a side note, there are some nice hotels close to the pier, if you do decide to go that route.

[tampahotelguy]

The Marriott in the Tpa terminal is very Popular and usually has a higher rate then the other tampa area hotels. I recommend the Tampa Airport Hilton located 2 miles from the airport and across the street from the Int'l Mall. The Hilton has a airport shuttle aswell as a very organized shuttle to the Port. The Hilton has a great heated pool and we seem to always find good rates on-line to keep the cost down.