dthntny

Hello Fodorites. My wife and I will be heading to Tampa in February for business and pleasure. I was looking into staying at the Radisson Riverwalk Hotel in downtown Tampa. The reason for this choice is its location to the Tampa Convention Center. According to the hotels website, it says that it is 3 blocks for the Convention Center. Looking at Mapquest it looks to be further then 3 blocks. I am looking for a nice hotel within walking distance for the Convention Center. Can anyone tell me if the Radisson Riverwalk fits the bill or if there is a better choice for around the same price? Thanks for your input.

Tandoori_Girl

I don't know about the price but the Waterside Marriot on Florida Avenue is the absolute closest to the convention center. It is a short walk from the Radisson but not the most enjoyable one. Another closer alternative that is a much nicer walk and only across a bridge would be the Harbor Island Wyndham.

Another alternative would be to stay in Ybor at the Hilton Garden Inn. There is a trolley that goes from there to the convention center. I think it costs $1.50 and runs every 15 minutes or so.

I'm sure you can locate all of the above hotels through a travel web site.

Tandoori_Girl

Ooops. Forgot about the Hyatt in downtown at Tampa City Center. It is even a little closer than the Radisson.

The Radisson is an older hotel that was renovated awhile back. I hear it's nice. I'm sorry but I live here so haven't stayed in any of these. Perhaps tripadviser.com would have some reviews that might be helpful.

I hope you enjoy your stay in Tampa.

dthntny

Thank you for the information.
Based on price I have chosen the Radisson. The Marriot and Hilton are more then double what the Radisson charges on a per night basis. If you have a chance to respond I was wondering what you meant by not the most enjoyable walk. Is it unsafe, or just not very scenic? Thanks again for your help.

birder

I stayed in the Radisson Riverwalk late last spring. It's a nice hotel, parking will cost you $$ though. It's not the most upscale but it is nice. I did find it full of college students, presumably there for sports competitions. It was very hard to use the business center, last year there was only 1 computer w/internet access and it was constantly hogged by students writing papers and sucy. The walk to the convention center is across traffic-filled roads in downtown Tampa. There are lights with crosswalks, but it will take a little bit of doing. I don't know exactly how far it is between the two but it's pretty close.