Tampa Travel Forum

Hi,
I have a group of 20 coming into Tampa to go on a cruise. We were all coming in a couple of days early to enjoy some things that Tampa has to offer. I was hoping someone had some good suggestions as to where to stay. We were hoping to avoid having to rent a car. Is there any hotel that is convenient to some attractions and things to do w/o having to get a car. We were hoping to find a hotel w/ shuttle service that would also take us to the cruise terminal. We were also hoping to stay in the price range of about 85.00-150.00 a night. If you have any suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated! I'm so lost and I want this trip to be so good for everyone. Most of the people that are traveling have never taken a trip before and are so incredibly excited!! Thanks in advance for your help!!!!! It is most appreciated!!! Teresa

With that size group, you might want to contact the Tampa Tourism Office: www.visittampabay.com. You probably would worry yourself quite a bit if you try to arrange things on your own. That being said, you will get very good advice from the members here on VT. You can look on the Tampa forum and the Tampa travel pages here on VT as well. Gary

Aren't there pre-cruise packages from the cruise line?

You did not mention the time of year, but you will find accomodations probably only at the upper end of your price range as the Port of Tampa (not to be confused with Port Tampa) is near the downtown/Ybor City area.

Ok here are some hotels in downtown:
Courtyard by Mariott - 813-229-1100
Embassy Suites Downtown - 813-769-8300
Howard Johnson Plaza - 813-223-1351
Hyatt Regency - 813-222-4911
Residence Inn by Mariott - 813-221-4224
Sheraton Riverwalk - 813-223-2222
Westin Harbour Island - 813-229-5000

In Ybor City:
Hilton Garden Inn - 813-769-9267
Hampton Inn - 813-247-6700

Did the Tampa Tourism Office provide you with help ? If they didn't, as Donna mentioned, the cruise lines may offer pre-cruise packages. Your Airline probably would have such packages available as well. Gary

I would say that St. Petersburg or Clearwater are much nicer than Tampa and since they are pretty much attached, it shouldn't be hard to travel between the two. St. Petersburg is more walkable and has more attractions than Clearwater, but it is pricier. At Clearwater the main attraction is the beach, which I thought was gorgeous- most motels are right beside it, but there are few cultural attractions there or good restaurants (there are restaurants so you won't starve). St. Petersburg restaurants had delicious healthy meals with a wide variety of types of cooking-- all seemed to be prepared with the finest of ingredients and helpful, enthusiastic staff and we did not find it any more expensive than the restaurants in Clearwater or Tampa. If I was on a vacation, I would try to stay in St. Petersburg instead of Tampa - it is much more of a vacation destination.