Just Passing Through Tampa? Perfect!
EXPERIENCE: 3 nights, over 2 weekends, in 2 different rooms; Mom, Dad & 14-year-old daughter.
PROS: Located right on Old Tampa Bay, about 6 minutes from Tampa International; Very reasonable 1 BR suites w/full kitchen & balcony; Friendly, efficient staff; 24-7 office with snacks, drinks and free computer & printer; Hassle-free wi-fi across property; Complimentary paper, coffee & Danish every morning; Covered, monitored parking: Large, clean pool overlooking the bay with towels, lounges, bayfront sundeck and cheap soda machine; Sunning beach (no swimming) with chairs, hammocks, grills, volleyball, tennis & palm trees; Good (non-chain but $$$) restaurants within half-mile; Easy & scenic trip to Gulf beaches and 15 minutes to Ybor City, downtown Tampa, Busch Gardens, and Joe Robbie Stadium for the Bucs or the Times Forum for the Lightning.
CONS: Complicated, busy expressway interchange must be navigated to get to or from the rest of Tampa (HINT - Always stay on Rt. 60!); Gas stations, grocery stores, K-Marts, Walgreens and other stores are distant and can only be reached via the above mentioned nightmare of an interchange (HINT - Avoid Spruce Street, unless you're retuning to the airport.); Architecture reminiscent of a 1970's Soviet resort on the Black Sea; Minimal kitchen equipment; Not enough chairs & a tiny dining table (2 max); Lousy cable TV line-up; All non-smoking rooms (but balconies, grounds and pool allowed).
SUMMARY: For the price, the best bargain I've seen in 20 years of travel. And a very nice location.
