9 replies to this topic

[The Escapists]

Hey Tampa,

My wife and I are coming down in September and since I have agreed to give her a night in Orlando at Dinsey Animal Kingdom, I now get MY choice for a night in Tampa. I am a architecture geek and love a good dramatic, modern buidling, but I am far from wealthy (if I spend more than $200 on room, I'll have to explain myself...). So how bout some suggestions? My hopes would be to be right in downtown, so we can expore and see your downtown core.

To give you an idea, when we went to Atlanta we stayed at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. It's an amazing building, and I was like a kid in a candy store. Here's a pic: You guys got anything cool like this?

[amato407]

Why would you want to venture outside of Orlando...the best you're gonna get in Tampa is nowhere near what  you can get in Orlando.  The Marriot World Centre, Ritz Carlton, JW Marriot, Omni Championsgate, Grand Bohemian are all amazing hotels in Orlando...forget Tampa!

[The Escapists]

amato407, on Jun 12 2007, 10:29 AM, said:

Why would you want to venture outside of Orlando...the best you're gonna get in Tampa is nowhere near what  you can get in Orlando.  The Marriot World Centre, Ritz Carlton, JW Marriot, Omni Championsgate, Grand Bohemian are all amazing hotels in Orlando...forget Tampa!

We've got reasons...and we will have to be in Tampa for at least night.

[tombarnes]

I can't think of too much.  Perhaps the Marriott or the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.  The latter isn't exactly downtown, but these are about the best hotels there.  The Sheraton was renovated recently, but isn't too exciting.  The old Floridan hotel is still under renovation.  I'm not sure when it will reopen.  Hope this helps a little.

[TampaTKE]

If you want Downtown try the new Embassy Suites. It is on the streetcar route and you can easily get to Ybor City or Channelside area.

If not try the Marriott Waterside or Westin Harbour Island.

[FloridaFuture]

The dowtown Hyatt is right in downtown. I'm not sure how expensive it is but it is in a cool glass building. If you like the atrium in the Marriot you pictured try the Embassy Suites downtown TampaTKE mentioned.

[facilities man]

amato407, on Jun 12 2007, 09:29 AM, said:

Why would you want to venture outside of Orlando...the best you're gonna get in Tampa is nowhere near what  you can get in Orlando.  The Marriot World Centre, Ritz Carlton, JW Marriot, Omni Championsgate, Grand Bohemian are all amazing hotels in Orlando...forget Tampa!

Also the Gaylord Palms in Orlando. They have a three acre atrium under glass.

[The Escapists]

How about the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel. Photo's look okay, location seems good (right?), and the price is the best out of all the passable downtown hotels.


Also, what's the area like on a Sunday night? We don't need to party down in the clubs, but it would be good if it wasn't a ghosttown.

[hjack]

The Escapists, on Jun 20 2007, 02:52 PM, said:

How about the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel. Photo's look okay, location seems good (right?), and the price is the best out of all the passable downtown hotels.
Also, what's the area like on a Sunday night? We don't need to party down in the clubs, but it would be good if it wasn't a ghosttown.

Forget the Sheraton. It's on the water but not exactly a happening place. The Marriot Waterside AND the new Embassy Suites are 100 ft from each other and BOTH directly on the streetcar line. The Westin Harbour Island is a short (200 yard) and pleasant bridge walk away over the channel. You would be a 5 min walk to Channelside (a happening little place) from either hotel. The Marriott and Westin are both on the water. Under the Westin, is a happening restaurant (not part of the hotel) with outdoor seating called Jacksons. The ambience is great but except for the Sushi the food is pretty weak. In fact, I've hated both the in-hotel restaurants at the Marriott and the Westin. To eat, go elsewhere (ie. Ybor/South Howard/International Plaza/Boyscout Road).

[shekelmeisterMan]

hjack, on Jun 21 2007, 03:47 AM, said:

Forget the Sheraton. It's on the water but not exactly a happening place. The Marriot Waterside AND the new Embassy Suites are 100 ft from each other and BOTH directly on the streetcar line. The Westin Harbour Island is a short (200 yard) and pleasant bridge walk away over the channel. You would be a 5 min walk to Channelside (a happening little place) from either hotel. The Marriott and Westin are both on the water. Under the Westin, is a happening restaurant (not part of the hotel) with outdoor seating called Jacksons. The ambience is great but except for the Sushi the food is pretty weak. In fact, I've hated both the in-hotel restaurants at the Marriott and the Westin. To eat, go elsewhere (ie. Ybor/South Howard/International Plaza/Boyscout Road).

My vote is for the Hyatt Westshore....or the Wyndwom on Harbor Island....the Hyatt's 'Oystercatchers' which is sort of off property but still on the grounds much to the south side of the hotel itself, still has some of the best, freshest seafood in the region........also, go the Jackson's on Harbor Island....great gathering place, above average food and pretty decent sushi....but the 'scenery' can be outstandings..

ON THE BEACH