We stayed at the Hyatt Place Downtown Tampa in January before our cruise. It was very clean with a free breakfast bar that had everything possible. They also have a happy hour from 4-6pm daily, where they have half priced drinks and appetizers. The happy hour was wonderful. You can easily walk a couple blocks to the free trolley and to the river front walk. There are restaurants with walking distance also. There is the Tampa aquarium which is very nice within walking distance and this is also where you board the cruise ships.