does anyone have any suggestions? we fly in late (10 pm) and get up to drive to sanibel the next morning. hotwire offers a 3 star hotel for $54. expedia has the westshore hotel for $49 but only gives it 2 stars. thank you for any help.

There is a hotel in Tampa Airport, if that helps. I think it is a Sheraton, but it has been several years since I've stayed there.

Thought of another option, there are several hotels/motels on Ulmerton Rd. in Clearwater. It's about 20 minutes from the airport and most of the locations are within 5 minutes of the highway.

I've stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn and the Hampton Inn. Both were fine.

There are quite a few hotels in the Westhshore area--Doubletree, Hyatt, Marriott, Sheraton, Wyndham, from 4* on down probably to 2*. Which Westshore hotel does Expedia have for $49? My guess is the Wyndham is the 3*, and I know Hyatt Westshore is 4*. All are convenient and many have shuttles between the airport and the hotel. Its a Marriott that is within the airport grounds. I've been to a function there and we reached it from outside the terminal. I don't know if there is a way to get to it from within the terminal or not. Seems that there should be, but I've never noticed!

I wouldn't bother with drving and finding Ulmerton at that time of night when there are so many others available right there.

the westshore hotel on expedia is a best western. all the travel sites have it for $49 even though it is relatively new, i think. wonder why it is so cheap?
maybe i ought to book the amerisuites airport at $79; at least i know what to expect from the property.

Carol,
The hotel in the Tampa airport is worth it, especially for a late flight. It's very nice too.