Tampa pre-cruise hotel for 3-4 nights

[travellerin1984]

Hi!

 

We will be staying in Tampa for 3-4 nights pre-cruise in January 2021. I know we are early but I just want to start planning... 😄

 

 Do you have suggestions which area we should stay? We prefer not to rent a car (but if it is necessary we can do that) I love beaches but if the weather is so-so it might be wiser to stay near downtown? I like swimming so I want to find a heated pool... Any suggestions regarding area and hotel? 

 

 

[JohninDC]

I would escape Tampa and head to St Pete or Clearwater.

[Roz]

Avg. temps in Tampa in January are 53 - 71, so not exactly beach weather unless you're from Canada or Minnesota., or just want to walk on the beach.  

 

Roz

[cindy1957]

Choose beach or downtown. Downtown is fun with a walkable riverfront including restaurants, aquarium, water taxi, museums and theater. Cruise port is adjacent to downtown. 

 

Beach is great. Clearwater Beach has lots to do but a trek back to the port. Arrange transportation back ahead of time and be careful with your travel time. 

[GTO-Girl]

We love the Marriott Waterside downtown.  Nice walkable area and the trolley stops right outside your door!!

[travellerin1984]

Thank you for your comments! Have anyone stayed at Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay or can comment the location? Like I said before we prefer not to rent a car and like to walk. Marriot waterside looks great too. 

 

If we choose to stay at Clearwater beach do you think we need to rent a car? 

 

Thanks for taking time and answering the questions! 🙂

[bettyboop16]

We stayed at Clearwater Beach 4 nights & never rented a car, walked or took the trolley. We did a have car service for transportation from/to airport. This was before uber/lyft was popular 2015.