Tampa - Comfort Suites Fairgrounds/Casino

[agp_mzk]

Some friends and I are cruising out of Tampa on August 5th. We're driving down the day before and looking for a clean, safe hotel room.

 

I have enough reward points through the Choice Privileges program for a free night, so I'm trying to stay with a hotel in one of their chains. I noticed that none of them are close to the water (which was our first choice). One that has caught my eye is the Comfort Suites Fairgrounds/Casino. It looks to be about a 15 minute drive from the port. A free shuttle to the Hard Rock Casino, if we choose, is a nice bonus.

 

Thoughts? Has anyone stayed at this hotel or in the fairgrounds area? Is it safe there (we'll be a group of four late 20s/early 30s women)? What kind of food options are nearby?

 

If this isn't a hotel or area that you'd recommend, is there any Choice hotel in the Tampa area that would be worth looking into?

 

Thanks for your help!

[BlueHerons]

I'd skip the points and pay for a hotel on the water. That time of year it is going to be stifling hot and you won't even be able to sit by the pool and chances are the pool water will be too warm to do any good.

 

Also, check out the beach hotels from Clearwater down to Pass-a-grille. Too many inexpensive mom and pop motels within walking distance to really cool tiki bars and restaurants.

[FlaGrl4Evr]

Just another suggestion for a Choice hotel : The Acend-PostCard Inn on St.Pete Beach is a 50's style vintage hotel. It is located directly on the beach and has a pretty hopping beach bar that is quite popular with the locals. It is a Choice points hotel. It may be a few dollars more than the Fairgrounds area, but IMHO well worth it to stay on the beach for a pre-cruise day.

http://www.ascendcollection.com/hotel-st_pete_beach-florida-FLC48?listpos=1

 

BTW: SP Beach is about a 30 min drive over the Howard Franklin Bridge from Tampa on I-275. Just take the Pinellas Bayway exit. Heading back to the port, about a 45 min drive- Take I-275 into Tampa and then the Ashley St. exit- just follow the signs for the port.

 

 

 

:)

 

 

 

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[agp_mzk]

Thanks for the tips! We're also considering the St. Pete/Clearwater area. There are a couple of beach hotels in the area (including the one listed above) that may work for my point redemption.

 

In case we decide to fly instead of drive, how easy is it to get to Tampa from the St. Pete/Clearwater area via taxi?

[FlaGrl4Evr]

Thanks for the tips! We're also considering the St. Pete/Clearwater area. There are a couple of beach hotels in the area (including the one listed above) that may work for my point redemption.

 

In case we decide to fly instead of drive, how easy is it to get to Tampa from the St. Pete/Clearwater area via taxi?

 

 

If you stay on St.Pete Beach, Bats Taxi is will known and reputable. Here is their link to calculate the taxi fares, or just give them a call.

 

http://www.batstaxi.com/services.jsp

 

BTW, Channelside is aka the port of Tampa.

 

Also price out Super Shuttle. They serve the beach hotels as well. http://www.supershuttle.com/Locations/TPAAirportShuttleTampaBay.aspx

 

 

 

. :)

 

 

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[agp_mzk]

Thank you so much! That helps a ton!

[familyofd]

I just stayed in this hotel for 3 days after cruise, our room was clean, never had any trouble, the pool was clean and warm, staff was polite, we had a rental car and got around easy enough, they have a shuttle for hard rock casino should you wish to go.