hotels near port of tampa

[czexrus]

can anyone please give me some ideas on where to stay near the port of tampa. we are flying in the day before to tampa airport. we were thinking of NOT getting a rent a car since we wouldn't need it after the next morning. So i guess we would take a cab to the hotel? then i was hoping to find a hotel that would shuttle us to port AND that was near restaurants for dinner the night before the cruise.

i would appreciate any comments.

Thank you.

[-ClevelandRocks-]

Days Inn on Dale Mabry has a airport/ship port shuttle and permits free parking for cruise passengers. Nothin fancy, but they have continental breakfast, microwave, coffee pot, frig, pool, and very inexpensive. Chilis restaurant right across the street. Be sure and double check this info, it's been a few years since we were there.

[GAMOMOF2]

we just got back from Tampa and stayed at the Residence Inn in downtown. It was pretty nice.. They had happy hour with free drinks and food, breakfast buffett and a shuttle that will take you anywhere in a 2-3 mile radius for free. That includes the port. We will probably stay there when we go back in September.