Although the Tampa Bay metro area spans miles, most tourist attractions are concentrated in a few central neighborhoods. Tampa is the economic center of West Florida, and the downtown area is filled with high-rise office buildings, as well as art and science museums, restaurants, entertainment venues, and hotels. Bordered by I-275 to the north, Meridian Ave to the east, Garrison Channel to the south, and Hillsborough River to the west, Franklin Street is downtown Tampa’s pedestrian-only walking area, where you’ll find the Tampa Riverwalk and Glazer Children’s Museum.
Tampa is also home to historic areas such as Ybor City in Hyde Park North, which are culturally significant and feature an array of hotel and dining options. The Tampa Bay area is a wonderful family destination with enough attractions to keep kids and parents excited for days at a time. The Florida Aquarium is one of the best in the country, located just east of downtown in the Channel District. Just north of downtown you will find the Lowry Park Zoo and Busch Gardens, which is an African themed amusement park, offering a mix of safari adventures and thrill rides. Tampa also has an NFL team, so if you’re in town to watch the Buccaneers play, there are a number of mid range and luxury hotels close by Raymond James Stadium in northwest Tampa. The airport is also nearby.
Read also: 12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tampa
Where to stay for luxury
Try Le Meridien in Tampa for a fantastic downtown place for historic boutique luxury, in a building that was once a federal courthouse and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside, the property features 130 guestrooms and suites, decorated in an elegant, modern style with a flat-screen TV, leather seating, crisp white linens and large windows. There is also an outdoor swimming pool, a gym and a stylish French bistro.
The contemporary Epicurean Hotel is inside historische Hyde Park North and within walking distance of numerous restaurants. It features chic rooms, great staff, a beautiful pool, spa and an excellent house restaurant. Head to the rooftop for a view of downtown Tampa and the bay – it’s particularly appealing at sunset.
Just two blocks from the Tampa Convention Center and one 10 minutes walk from the center, The Westin Tampa Waterside is located right on the water and is a solid luxury choice, especially for business travelers. Located on Harbor Island, this mid-range hotel has a marina with lush landscaping and a mix of rooms and suites with city or bay views, comfortable pillow-top mattresses and ergonomic chairs. The suites add space with separate living areas and pullout couches. There is an on-site restaurant overlooking the harbour, a heated outdoor pool and a gym.
Where to stay for the best value
Downtown Tampa
To the right downtown Just a minute’s walk from the Tampa Convention Center, Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina offers waterfront views, comfortable and spacious rooms with a flat-screen TV and Wi-Fi for an additional fee. Suites make it a good choice for families because they have separate living areas with pull-out beds and balconies. There is a casual restaurant overlooking the bay, an outdoor pool and a gym with a sauna.
The Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel offers even more value for money and has beautiful views of the revitalized city River walk which is located on one side of the center. It offers free Wi-Fi in modern rooms and suites with coffee makers and work areas with ergonomic chairs. Book the club level rooms for access to a lounge with a free continental breakfast and evening canapés. There is also a waterfront grill and a riverside deck with a pool.
The Hilton Garden Inn is another excellent option in this price range. It’s great in it Location of Ybor Historic District It offers clean and comfortable rooms plus an outdoor pool and hot tub.
Finally to stay close Busch Gardens, visit the Holiday Inn Tampa North Hotel, which caters especially for families. It features spacious and clean rooms and suites and a lovely courtyard with a swimming pool.
Where to stay on a budget
You’ll need a car — or relying on Uber or a taxi service — to really access all of the budget accommodations in Tampa, but these places aren’t far outside the hot neighborhoods. Being close Ybor City, try the Quality Inn & Suites Near Fairgrounds Ybor City, which offers basic but clean rooms for a good price. They also offer a free breakfast and have an outdoor pool set in a landscaped garden.
Near the Raymond James Stadium is the reasonably priced Comfort Suites Tampa Airport North. Rooms are clean, staff are friendly and breakfast is included.
As the name implies, the Sleep Inn Near Busch Gardens – USF is a good budget choice if you’re heading to the theme park. It offers clean rooms with comfortable beds and a free breakfast bar.
Where to stay for romance
The waterfront Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay feels like a bit of an urban oasis, with its on-site nature preserve featuring a walking trail, lush landscaping, and two pools making it a favorite romantic luxury choice. The rooms are chic chic with all modern conveniences and there is an Italian restaurant on site.
The Floridan Palace Hotel is another romantic option, especially if your style leans toward lavish history. Right downtown, the hotel is located in a building dating back to the 1920s.The rooms are spacious and decorated in a Beaux-Arts style, with antique wood furniture, gold overlay and marble bathrooms. The hotel’s restaurant has the original ceiling from 1926 and serves Mediterranean cuisine.
If romance also means football, then the Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel, near it Raymond James Stadium, is another top option. Even if you’re not in the NFL, the hotel offers a chic atmosphere, elegant guestrooms, an outdoor pool and a chic Italian restaurant. It is also just steps away from a number of top restaurants and shops.
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