Staying in Tampa

[bouelle11]

Hi,

 

Im departing on the Legend this May and I'm looking for somewhere to stay for a night pre and post cruise. I was wondering if anyone has found any unique, hotels or resorts in the area? I won't be renting a car so shuttles and/or cab distances is also a factor. I did look at the previous Tampa post and all the hotels listed are expensive chain hotels... Is there anything in the area that offers a unique experience like this?

[JohninDC]

There are several hotels in the Rocky Point area that offer packages including both airport and port shuttles; Chase Suites and some chains (Hampton Inn, etc.) are the most often suggested hotels in that area, which also offers some nearby dining and shopping options. Good luck!

[bouelle11]

also I forgot to ask... With a day before the cruise and a day and a half after... are there any must see, must do attractions? Are places like Bush Gardens worth going to or are we better off doing a beach day?

[thistoo]

We are sailing on the Legend in April and we're booked at the Tahitian Inn on Dale Mabry. They offer a free shuttle to the cruise port and airport. The hotel itself has been a fixture in Tampa for years and has a full service restaurant and poolside bar.

 

There are also amenities within easy walking distance like a grocery store (Publix) and a Starbucks, in case you need to pick up wine or anything or grab coffee in the morning before the shuttle.

[FlaGrl4Evr]

I'm not sure of any "unique" hotels in Tampa but the Best Western Bay Harbor hotel just started offering a cruise pkg that provides a round trip shuttle for the port of Tpa. The hotel offers rooms with private balconies that over look the Bay.

 

Yes it is a chain hotel owned by Best Western but is one of very few that actually have a hotel room with a balcony that offers a water view without costing you and arm & a leg. There is a restaurant adjacent that offers nightly evening entertainment plus I believe the hotel itself has a restaurat. Room service at the very least. The hotel is in the Rocky Point area of Tampa which is near the airport and overlooks Tampa Bay.

 

Here is the link if you want to see a few pics and/or check the rates.

http://www.bayharbortampa.com/

 

 

As far as things to do in Tampa, there is Busch Gardens, the Museum of Science, the Ybor City area- which has restaurants & nightlife & some really good Cuban ethnic eateries. There is a Hard Rock Casino near the Fairgrounds area- no biggie really, and the Aquarium located in the downtown area near the port. The downtown area hotels are either on or near the Trolley line that will take you into the Ybor City area.

 

It all just depends on what you enjoy doing and seeing.

 

If you are looking for a hotel near Busch Gardens that is clean and offers BG park shuttles, check out the LaQuinta USF location. It's a very decent, clean hotel in a good area near the park.

 

For Ybor, the Hampton Ybor and for downtown Tpa, my favorite is the Residence Inn Downtown Tampa.

 

 

 

Good luck to you and have a great time.

 

 

.

[JohninDC]

... or are we better off doing a beach day?

 

Without a rental car you will find it very difficult to get to the beach from downtown Tampa.