Place to stay in Tampa
Nov 30th, 2003, 07:49 PM
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Place to stay in Tampa
I am planning on being in Tampa the week of new year's eve. I am looking for a cheap hotel to stay in a fun area. There will be about 10 of us just out of college coming in to town for the Outback bowl staying for 4 nights 12/29 - 1/2. Thinking about the Howard Johnson on 50th because of price and proximity to Ybor city. Is this a good idea?
Dec 1st, 2003, 08:09 AM
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Trying to move this to the top again. We have also considered staying at the Tahitian Inn, but it is about double the price. Don't know if it is worth it. We really just need a clean room to sleep in; we won't be spending a lot of time in the room.
Dec 1st, 2003, 12:54 PM
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I realize it's hard to beat $37 bucks a night, but it's also hard to recover from getting mugged or having your car broken into. Ok, a little dramatic, but I would NOT stay anywhere in that area, it's definitely one of the ugliest parts of town. But if its you and 9 of your frat brothers and you don't care about staying in a shady area, it should be perfect.
You could look at hotels in Brandon, that's only about 10 minutes away from Ybor City, or look at some places closer to the airport, check out the hotels on Westshore blvd. Those are probably 15 minutes away from Ybor, and much closer to the stadium. Trust me, you were not going to walk to Ybor City from that hotel on 50th anyway.
You could look at hotels in Brandon, that's only about 10 minutes away from Ybor City, or look at some places closer to the airport, check out the hotels on Westshore blvd. Those are probably 15 minutes away from Ybor, and much closer to the stadium. Trust me, you were not going to walk to Ybor City from that hotel on 50th anyway.
Dec 1st, 2003, 01:24 PM
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Ok. I am glad I asked. Is the Tahitian also in a bad neighborhood? Any other specific hotel reccommendations for nearby entertainment (dining/bars) within walking distance. Doesn't have to be Ybor city, but I read that was one of the hot spots.
Dec 1st, 2003, 03:50 PM
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I believe Olive Oyl is still on a holiday trip.
From what I have read here and what she has said, I would definitely stay at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. The descriptions of the hotel make it sound wonderful.
In fact, I plan on visiting there this spring
From what I have read here and what she has said, I would definitely stay at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. The descriptions of the hotel make it sound wonderful.
In fact, I plan on visiting there this spring
Dec 2nd, 2003, 04:14 AM
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Tahitian Inn is on Dale Mabry, a major thoroughfare, but is in a good neighborhood and is fairly close to Raymond James Stadium where the Outback Bowl will be played. It has recently had a major expansion/renovation and looks very nice. You would also be close to many restaurants, including one of my favorites, Malios. Of course, the Grand Hyatt would be my first choice, budget permitting.
Dec 8th, 2003, 03:21 PM
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My father-in-law tried the Tahitian for a pre-Thanksgiving trip -- much to his dismay. Although the hotel has been recently renovated -- and their revamped restaurant is a giant step above their past -- he had a major problem with (get this!) the bed. The hotel had replaced all its King size beds but the doubles were just awful. And when he asked if they had another room with a newer bed, they responded that all the double beds were the same. So unless you and your friends want to have single rooms, or share king beds, I suggest you move on until the Tahitian invests in new beds.
Once he left there, he ended up (after a quick look-see at nearby hotels) at the Howard Johnson Express, a little further south on Dale Mabry (3314 S. Dale Mabry). It is all right, nothing fancy, not particularly nice, but it was cheap and the neighborhood was fine, although nothing to do there either.
Then my brother came into town that same weekend (it was a hectic week) and he ended up at the Holiday Inn Suites Express just north of the Stadium on Dale Mabry (4732 NORTH Dale Mabry). I did not see his room but he said it was OK too. All in all, I think you should try to find the cheapest rate at any of these, especially if you plan to spend your time in Ybor -- there is nothing cheap in Ybor, and the neighborhood north, south, or east of there is very dicey. West is downtown, and although there are nice hotels in downtown, all in good well-lit areas, there's nothing to do in downtown and these hotels will not be cheap.
I hate to say this (the chamber will surely quake) but have you considered staying at the beach in Treasure Island? It is 30 minutes of interstate from there to Ybor, even less to the stadium, the hotels are great and very reasonable, it's very funky and fun. You'll be near other beach towns (such as Passe-a-grille, St. Pete Beach, and Clearwater), and downtown St. Petersburg now has a lively downtown after a major rework along its waterfront. The Sands is a real work of art, straight out of the 1950s, a classic building -- funky, cheap. There are many beach cottages there too, everyone cheap, funky, nothing glamorous, wonderful beachfront locations. And the beach has fabulous fireworks on New Years Eve. I think a cab from Ybor to the beach would run at least $25 one-way but it might be a good investment if you plan to drink.
There is one hotel in Ybor -- I think it's a Hilton. It's very nice -- think $$$. If you decide to spend some money, submit your question again.
Once he left there, he ended up (after a quick look-see at nearby hotels) at the Howard Johnson Express, a little further south on Dale Mabry (3314 S. Dale Mabry). It is all right, nothing fancy, not particularly nice, but it was cheap and the neighborhood was fine, although nothing to do there either.
Then my brother came into town that same weekend (it was a hectic week) and he ended up at the Holiday Inn Suites Express just north of the Stadium on Dale Mabry (4732 NORTH Dale Mabry). I did not see his room but he said it was OK too. All in all, I think you should try to find the cheapest rate at any of these, especially if you plan to spend your time in Ybor -- there is nothing cheap in Ybor, and the neighborhood north, south, or east of there is very dicey. West is downtown, and although there are nice hotels in downtown, all in good well-lit areas, there's nothing to do in downtown and these hotels will not be cheap.
I hate to say this (the chamber will surely quake) but have you considered staying at the beach in Treasure Island? It is 30 minutes of interstate from there to Ybor, even less to the stadium, the hotels are great and very reasonable, it's very funky and fun. You'll be near other beach towns (such as Passe-a-grille, St. Pete Beach, and Clearwater), and downtown St. Petersburg now has a lively downtown after a major rework along its waterfront. The Sands is a real work of art, straight out of the 1950s, a classic building -- funky, cheap. There are many beach cottages there too, everyone cheap, funky, nothing glamorous, wonderful beachfront locations. And the beach has fabulous fireworks on New Years Eve. I think a cab from Ybor to the beach would run at least $25 one-way but it might be a good investment if you plan to drink.
There is one hotel in Ybor -- I think it's a Hilton. It's very nice -- think $$$. If you decide to spend some money, submit your question again.
Dec 9th, 2003, 09:49 AM
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I misnamed my suggested hotel if you stayed at Treasure Island (although The Sands is OK) -- I suggest you try The Surf. For more about Treasure Island, check out this link (I believe you will have to cut and paste):
http://recentpast.org/groups/treasure/index.html
http://recentpast.org/groups/treasure/index.html
Dec 9th, 2003, 10:09 AM
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Scarlett, the Grand Hyatt is a wonderful place. I've stayed there several times. But I hope you weren't mentioning it for hawkfan. Even if you captured the Grand Hyatt on Priceline, it would hardly fall into his category of a "cheap hotel".
I've stayed at the Tahitian. I think it's the sort of thing you're looking for if you can get a really good deal on it. I'm not sure about the number of beds and people per room however.
I've stayed at the Tahitian. I think it's the sort of thing you're looking for if you can get a really good deal on it. I'm not sure about the number of beds and people per room however.
Dec 9th, 2003, 10:10 AM
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Hampton Inn -
4817 W. Laurel St., Tampa, FL 33607
Tel: 1-813-287-0778 Fax: 1-813-287-0882
checked rates during your stay 119.00
I stayed there once and it was pretty decent. its off westshore close to mall,restaurants, not far from stadium. That is the only hotel ive stayed at that may have low rates. I did a search on hotels.com and Fairfield Inn/Clearwater is 85.00 a nite on hotels.com its about 25 min/12 miles from stadium and 10 min from the beach. Fairfield inns are decent. Clearwater is a nice area and beach. do the search on hotels.com or try the hotel site direct. good luck and have fun!
4817 W. Laurel St., Tampa, FL 33607
Tel: 1-813-287-0778 Fax: 1-813-287-0882
checked rates during your stay 119.00
I stayed there once and it was pretty decent. its off westshore close to mall,restaurants, not far from stadium. That is the only hotel ive stayed at that may have low rates. I did a search on hotels.com and Fairfield Inn/Clearwater is 85.00 a nite on hotels.com its about 25 min/12 miles from stadium and 10 min from the beach. Fairfield inns are decent. Clearwater is a nice area and beach. do the search on hotels.com or try the hotel site direct. good luck and have fun!
Dec 9th, 2003, 03:25 PM
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Another don't stay at the HoJo's on 50th St. Scary area.
Some you might try:
Courtyard of Marriott on Cass St which is in Downtown Tampa. Downtown is not usually rocking but very close to Ybor and Channelside which are happening places. (813) 229-1100
You could also try Sailport Resort. These are suites on the bay but you might be able to all get one. The # is 1-800-255-9599
Another hotel actually in Ybor is the Don Vicente de Ybor Historic Inn. The # is (813) 241-4545.
Good luck! I hope you enjoy Tampa as much as I do. Go Gators!
Some you might try:
Courtyard of Marriott on Cass St which is in Downtown Tampa. Downtown is not usually rocking but very close to Ybor and Channelside which are happening places. (813) 229-1100
You could also try Sailport Resort. These are suites on the bay but you might be able to all get one. The # is 1-800-255-9599
Another hotel actually in Ybor is the Don Vicente de Ybor Historic Inn. The # is (813) 241-4545.
Good luck! I hope you enjoy Tampa as much as I do. Go Gators!
Dec 9th, 2003, 06:44 PM
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hawkfan.if you go to outbackbowl.com they have lists of places to stay ,eat,etc---that should give you info...Ybor City and Channelside is cool...Hilton Garden Inn is located in Ybor...also Rocky Point is another place...Bahama Breeze is located there and really happening..the neighborhood around the Ray Jay(stadium) is not too good..last time I was there was a strip bar neigborhood...guys may say..what is wrong w/that?..
Dec 24th, 2003, 07:49 PM
#14
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Thanks for all the responses! It looks like for now we are risking it at the Tahitian. We managed to get some decent rates. We are also staying very close to Bowl Game activities going on for Hawkeye fans in the tampa area. I appreciate all the help. I will post a response to all when we get back. We are road tripping down from Iowa and will be staying in Atlanta on Sunday the 28th night. Any ideas of any nightlife on a Sunday in Atlanta?
Jan 7th, 2004, 03:06 PM
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I am just posting a response after the trip. We stayed at the Tahitian, and it fit our needs perfectly. I think they must have gotten new beds because we had no problems with them either that or we were too tired to notice the hardness. It was in a great location for the Outback bowl being very close to the stadium and a cheap taxi ride to Ybor city or Channelside where we spent most of our time. We did make the drive to Clearwater to go to the beach, and it was well worth the time spent in traffic. The beach was great and the weather cooperated. I am back in Iowa now and all I keep wishing is that we were back in Tampa. Thanks again for all the help.
Jan 8th, 2004, 07:47 AM
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Glad you had a great time and the Tahitian worked out for you. I wasn't happy with the results of the game, but we were very impressed with the number of Iowa fans who made the trip - they seemed to outnumber us Gators at all times! You've got a great band, too! Come back and see us again!
