tampa area - dad at dunedin, mom and toddler on beach- best places to stay?
Jan 4th, 2007, 05:59 AM
#1
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tampa area - dad at dunedin, mom and toddler on beach- best places to stay?
My husband, child (2 1/2 yr old) and I are planning a 9 day stay in Florida in March. Hurray! I was thinking of staying a few days in Tampa (Busch Gardens, Aquarium etc.) and the rest would be spent on a beach while dad takes in his beloved Blue Jays in Dunedin. I would really appreciate some help with places to stay in Tampa and a nice resort (beach) for the rest of the stay. We would love a suite so that my daughter's bed time didn't have to be our own. Any help would be appreciated 
thanks
thanks
Jan 5th, 2007, 12:47 PM
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Hi canalgirl!
My mom likes the Don CeSar-check it out:
http://www.doncesar.com/
Post back if youre looking for other fun suggestions on how to spend your time!
Have a great trip!
My mom likes the Don CeSar-check it out:
http://www.doncesar.com/
Post back if youre looking for other fun suggestions on how to spend your time!
Have a great trip!
Jan 5th, 2007, 05:04 PM
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A nice place to stay in Tampa could be the Marriott Waterside. It is in the downtown/Channelside district and is near the aquarium. I have stayed there (and I live in Tampa) and it is really nice. Busch Gardens has some mid-price chain hotels nearby. You might want to look at the Embassy Suites at the University of South Florida which is a stone's throw away from Busch Gardens if you want to be closer to that. Just realized that the new Embassy Suites is open in downtown Tampa too which is right next to the Marriott Waterside which might be better if you are looking at suites. Best wishes!
Jan 5th, 2007, 05:44 PM
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That Mariott is nice, I have stayed there for a conference. But it is not on the beach or near one.
In Dunedin there are many small "Mom and Pop" motels of varying quality. They are not actually on a beach, either.
If you want to walk out of your hotel onto a white sand beach you will need to stay in Clearwater Beach or at Sand Key. There are many choices--but I would make the reservations soon, as the area attracts many Blue Jays fans
I'm assuming you'll bring only one car, and when your DH goes off to watch spring practice you'll want to be somewhere convenient. I wouldn't stay in St. Pete because of the traffic (in March, horrible) and distance to Dunedin.
In Dunedin there are many small "Mom and Pop" motels of varying quality. They are not actually on a beach, either.
If you want to walk out of your hotel onto a white sand beach you will need to stay in Clearwater Beach or at Sand Key. There are many choices--but I would make the reservations soon, as the area attracts many Blue Jays fans
I'm assuming you'll bring only one car, and when your DH goes off to watch spring practice you'll want to be somewhere convenient. I wouldn't stay in St. Pete because of the traffic (in March, horrible) and distance to Dunedin.
Jan 8th, 2007, 09:06 AM
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Thanks for the Tampa suggestions. Any specific ones for clearwater on the beach? I want on the beach so we have things to do when hubby is at the game.
Also, any tips on restaurants or fun things to do with a 2 1/2 year old would be welcomed. Thanks all for your help with this. It doesn't take a village to plan a vacation, but it sure helps!
Also, any tips on restaurants or fun things to do with a 2 1/2 year old would be welcomed. Thanks all for your help with this. It doesn't take a village to plan a vacation, but it sure helps!
Jan 8th, 2007, 10:57 AM
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After some internet trolling this is the shortlist:
for Tampa:
embassy suites (USF)
Chase suites
Doubletree rocky point
amerisuites (busch)
Hampton Inn close to Busch
or Hampton Inn (Rocky point)
And for beach time:
marriott suites on sand key
sheraton on sand key
or doubletree on redington beach
Any words of advice?
for Tampa:
embassy suites (USF)
Chase suites
Doubletree rocky point
amerisuites (busch)
Hampton Inn close to Busch
or Hampton Inn (Rocky point)
And for beach time:
marriott suites on sand key
sheraton on sand key
or doubletree on redington beach
Any words of advice?
Jan 8th, 2007, 11:36 AM
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I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Rocky Point. It's right next door to the Hampton Inn. Nice location: convenient to airport, beach and Busch Gardens are easily accesible. Bahama Breeze restaurant is within walking distance...the coconut shrimp are AWESOME!
The pool at the Hampton Inn is very small if that's important to you.
I'd look at the Holiday Inn Express where I stayed. Clean, nice rooms, mine had a kitchenette. Courteous staff.
Embassy Suites and AmeriSuites are both on a very busy road across from USF. Could be loud at night.
The pool at the Hampton Inn is very small if that's important to you.
I'd look at the Holiday Inn Express where I stayed. Clean, nice rooms, mine had a kitchenette. Courteous staff.
Embassy Suites and AmeriSuites are both on a very busy road across from USF. Could be loud at night.
Jan 8th, 2007, 11:54 AM
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Since I'm a local, can't speak to hotel quality, but I can tell that USF location is dicey, you'd be happier in the Rocky Point area, which is more convenient anyway to the aquarium. There was a detailed discussion here about a month ago. OO, another local poster, gave some wonderful detailed info to Rizzo0904 that you could use. Click on rizzo's name to find the threads (teens in tampa or similar).
Redington Beach is nice, a little quieter than Sand Key, which is quieter by far than Clearwater Beach. But of course, the further south, the further from Dunedin. I wouldn't stay any further south than Redington Beach, because the traffic can be awful getting to Dunedin, as has already been mentioned. There is a great fishing pier on Red Beach, and the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary (they rescue injured seabirds), which you should enjoy for a short visit with your toddler.
Redington Beach is nice, a little quieter than Sand Key, which is quieter by far than Clearwater Beach. But of course, the further south, the further from Dunedin. I wouldn't stay any further south than Redington Beach, because the traffic can be awful getting to Dunedin, as has already been mentioned. There is a great fishing pier on Red Beach, and the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary (they rescue injured seabirds), which you should enjoy for a short visit with your toddler.
Jan 9th, 2007, 05:43 AM
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Sand Key is wonderful. If you can afford it, the Sheraton is right on the beach. The Marriott Sand Key is NOT right on the beach and I think you have to take a little shuttle to get there. I would not choose the option.
Have you looked into condo rentals? VRBO.com will have some choices. That way you can have at least 2 bedrooms. Most rentals require a Sat-Sat stay. Does that fit into your schedule?
I agree that the Tradewinds would be nice, but it's a little far from Dunedin. Not impossibly so, but if you can get something closer, that would be nice. Although frankly, the drive is gorgeous since it's right on the beach.
I would also avoid Clearwater Beach unless you find something at a great price (unlikely) or a rental in the residential section. The stores in Clearwater Beach have postcards of topless women right at eye level or lower (so kids can see them). We've seen teens around there with body parts hanging out all over. I don't know, it just seems a little more skanky around there.
Sand Key is just south of Clearwater Beach and it's a very different atmosphere, much nicer.
Have you looked into condo rentals? VRBO.com will have some choices. That way you can have at least 2 bedrooms. Most rentals require a Sat-Sat stay. Does that fit into your schedule?
I agree that the Tradewinds would be nice, but it's a little far from Dunedin. Not impossibly so, but if you can get something closer, that would be nice. Although frankly, the drive is gorgeous since it's right on the beach.
I would also avoid Clearwater Beach unless you find something at a great price (unlikely) or a rental in the residential section. The stores in Clearwater Beach have postcards of topless women right at eye level or lower (so kids can see them). We've seen teens around there with body parts hanging out all over. I don't know, it just seems a little more skanky around there.
Sand Key is just south of Clearwater Beach and it's a very different atmosphere, much nicer.
Jan 9th, 2007, 06:42 PM
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Sheraton Sand Key is very very nice and is right on the beach. Again, I agree with posters that Clearwater Beach is very congested but the Sand Key location is nice. There is a park next door as well. Sometimes there is a bagpiper there who practices.
The rec for Embassy Suites at USF was from me and I am local so I will vouch for the location and I have stayed there and noise from the road (Fowler Ave) is not an issue.
Kswl: no problem! I just wanted to be clear on the hotels I was recommending for the OP.
The rec for Embassy Suites at USF was from me and I am local so I will vouch for the location and I have stayed there and noise from the road (Fowler Ave) is not an issue.
Kswl: no problem! I just wanted to be clear on the hotels I was recommending for the OP.
Coldwar.
Jan 10th, 2007, 02:50 AM
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I am also a local and will vouch for the USF Embassy Suites. It is not in a "dicey area." It sits far enough back that the road noise is minimal and access is easy. There is a traffic light on the main road in. The University grounds are very attractive and I come and go there at all hours and am more than comfortable. It is very convenient to Busch Gardens and to MOSI. It is also not far from Lowry Park, an extremely fun zoo for children.
Jan 11th, 2007, 04:45 AM
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With regards where you stay in Tampa, I guess the big question is if you prefer convenience to more Florida-feeling accomodations. The area near USF looks like any typical city. It's not especially pretty (although the grounds of USF might be, I haven't been there). I've driven by the area many times and it's just a lot of traffic and buildings, etc. It's not awful by any means and it is certainly very close to Busch Gardens.
However, Rocky Point is really nice because you are right at the Bay. Bahama Breeze is a really fun restaurant (even though it's a chain) with a tropical feel. When relatives stayed at Rocky Point, we saw dolphins both in the little area in front of Bahama Breeze and at the end of the little nature area at the Grand Hyatt (at the gazebo). The kids loved that. (I'm pretty sure the nature area at the Grand Hyatt is open to the public - if you decide on Rocky Point, let me know and I'll post more info.) It is further away from Busch Gardens. It would take, I don't know, 20-25 minutes from there to Busch Gardens? Is that right?
Of course, you will be staying at the beach for the week, so you may indeed prefer the convenience of the USF area since you'll be getting plenty of the "Florida feeling" during your week at the beach.
However, Rocky Point is really nice because you are right at the Bay. Bahama Breeze is a really fun restaurant (even though it's a chain) with a tropical feel. When relatives stayed at Rocky Point, we saw dolphins both in the little area in front of Bahama Breeze and at the end of the little nature area at the Grand Hyatt (at the gazebo). The kids loved that. (I'm pretty sure the nature area at the Grand Hyatt is open to the public - if you decide on Rocky Point, let me know and I'll post more info.) It is further away from Busch Gardens. It would take, I don't know, 20-25 minutes from there to Busch Gardens? Is that right?
Of course, you will be staying at the beach for the week, so you may indeed prefer the convenience of the USF area since you'll be getting plenty of the "Florida feeling" during your week at the beach.
