andib

About to take business trip to Atlanta, Tampa Raleigh with only a day or two in each city. Would like to stay someplace central and charming/interesting, whatever that means

Would like to know areas, as well specific hotels under $200.

Also, anyplace interesting to explore in Tampa and/or Raleigh for a day?

Thanks!

thursdaysd

So, what do YOU mean by "charming/interesting"? If you mean a B&B try this: http://www.oakwoodinnbb.com/ - very central.

For things to do in the Raleigh area see: http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...omment-8065978

andib

Thanks, and it is Nashville, not Atlanta.

AAFrequentFlyer

Tampa - Ybor City is the historic part of Tampa. Great nightlife, restaurants and all withing walking distance. There is also a streetcar that runs right through it. Hilton Garden Inn is whithin walking distance to the main drag. Channelside Tampa is also fun to explore. If you prefer downtown area I recommend Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk.

Finally, if you want a great evening out at a restaurant www.bernssteakhouse.com would be the place.

NewbE

Ybor City is cool, but gets dicey late at night--after 11, say, on weekends. Nothing to worry about, just a note.

Channelside is mostly shuttered at the moment; there are some restaurants and businesses open, and good ones, but I wouldn't choose to stay there. Right across from Bern's is the new Epicurean Hotel, a foodie-themed luxury, boutique hotel in a walkable neighborhood. That would be my hands down pick for Tampa. I also like the Westin Harbour Island, which is an easy walk to downtown.

NewbE

Btw, an Aloft hotel is taking shape right next door to the Sheraton Riverwalk, scheduled to open in "early 2014", so if you book a room at the Sheraton, request to be away from the construction side. (The new Le Meridien Courthouse, which is a rehab of the historic old courthouse building downtown, built in 1905, is scheduled to open this spring.)