Best Hotel in Tampa
 

Stopping in Tampa on the way to Naples, need the BEST hotel/resort in the area -- what are your "Fodor's Picks"? Need ASAP travelling next week. Thanks.

Did you really want to stay in Tampa, or do you want to stay at the beach? If at the beach, I liked the Radison (Sandpiper)or its sister resort, The Tradewinds, both are on St. Pete Beach. Also, there are some neat B&B style inns in Pass A Grille. (Passe A Grille is a sleepy little beach town just south of St. Pete Beach.) I can't remember the names but I'm sure the Chamber of Commerce can help. The "best" place to stay is suppose to be the Don Ceaser (sp?). I've never been there.

I also like the Tradewinds. The Don is very expensive, but gorgeous! I have never stayed at the Radisson mentioned by Debra. <BR>My brother stayed at the Best Western Sirata on St Pete Beach and loved it. Of course, there also is the Adams Mark in Clearwater. <BR>The airport Marriott or the Hilton or Hyatt (both downtown Tampa) are the best hotels on the Tampa side of the bay. They don't offer the beach scenery, but they are close to Ybor City. Ybor City is THE Tampa night-spot- lots of restaurants,street vendors and bars. <BR>Kittie <BR>

Tell me about The Don -- where is it, what's it like? <BR> <BR>Also, isn't there a famous old resort somewhere around St. Petersburg/Tampa???

I believe that the famous resort you are referring to is The Don. <BR>I think it was built in the early 1900's I think. It is huge and it is pink. <BR>It is beautifully decorated and has all the ammenities. <BR>The room rate is probably about $300 per night right now. <BR>The phone# is (813)360-1881- sorry I couldn't find a toll free number. <BR>Hope this gets to you in time! <BR>Enjoy! <BR>Kittie <BR>

I spent my first 22 years in St. Pete and the Don Cesar is the place to be. It was actually a veteran's hospital at one time years ago. Then they redid it and painted it pink. The beach there is quite private to the south and it is the only really nice place to stay other than the Tradewinds that I just came back from celebrating my 20 year high school reunion. The pool at the Tradewinds is too noisy and crowded. <BR> <BR>Downtown St. Pete has the lovely Vinoy hotel that is very old but elegant and nice. It is not near the beach but near the Pier with shops and restaurants and views of the bay. Nice place to rollerblade. <BR> <BR>Hope you can swing the Don as it is a nice setting and walk up to Pass-a-grille beach and have a Grouper sandwhich at the Hurricane.... <BR>