We are flying into Orlando from the U.K.on Friday afternoon & have until Sunday to relax & get over our jet lag in the Tampa Bay area.

Any suggestions where to stay 3 or 4 star in a nice area.

Is it an easy journey from Orlando airport or is this the start of spring break causing road delays?

The trip should be fairly easy, it is only about 100 miles (160kl). We like the Sheraton Sand Key which is just outside of Clearwater Beach.
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sherat...and_key_122505

Cruiser100, where in Tampa Bay are you thinking of staying? By the beach, in Tampa, or in St. Petersburg/Clearwater area? There are some good bargains listed on biddingfortravel.com in these areas - I'm seeing the Tampa Grand Hyatt for around $100 on Priceline:

http://p070.ezboard.com/fpricelinean...erstpetersburg

Also, by your name I'm thinking maybe you're going on a cruise? If so, check out the Marriott Waterside. Really nice, and there is a trolley right outside your door that takes you to two tourist/shopping areas (Channelside & Ybor City) and the cruise docks.

As far as traffic, my daughter goes to school in Orlando and travels home to Tampa Bay quite often. Except for late at night, the traffic is always awful. It will probably take 1-2 hours to get to Tampa, add another hour for the beaches. You don't want to be driving between 3 and 6 PM. Except for that, it won't matter when you drive over.

If you get on the crosstown (toll road, which will cost you a few dollars) to Brandon on 60 then onto I-4, you will miss Malfuction Junction ( this is what the natives call it). Follow the signs. I-4 is a continual work in progress,but on a good day takes about an hour to Orlando. Caution: If it is raining, be aware that it rains so hard, you can not see and drivers will slow down or stop without too much notice, and they don't know how to merge into traffic. Other than the traffic there is a lot to see and do.

This a question from 2006!