We are driving from Orlando to St.Petersburg in early August to see the Red Sox play at Tropicana Field (couldn't get tickets at home!!). Then we fly out around noon the next day from Tampa International. I need hotel suggestions - something clean and reasonable. I was thinking of staying near the airport because we can crash after the game and sleep in a little the next morning.I read that the Embassy Suites is a bit run-down. Is that true? I am open to suggestions for locations other than near the airport. Any I should stay away from? Also, since our time in the area is extremely limited do you have any suggestions on what to see or do (we are not doing Busch Gardens)- besides hubby, myself, and my sister, our kids are ten and seventeen. Thanks in advance for your help.

If I were you, I'd stay in St. Pete. There's more to do there in the evenings, especially in the vicinity of the Tropicana. And it's only 30 minutes from there to the airport. You could have breakfast, check out, and go. The only problem is that I can't think of places in downtown St. Pete other than the Vinoy which is pricey. Maybe someone else has some suggestions for hotels in downtown St. Pete.

I'm hearing that the Holiday Inn Heritage in downtown St. Petersburg is very nice. It is an 1930s hotel that has recently been renovated.

There is also the downtown Hilton in St. Pete - almost always comes up on Priceline (see biddingfortravel.com). And there's a new Hampton Inn right across the street from the waterfront - pricey but a great location. You could walk two blocks to Baywalk, a complex of shops and restaurants the kids would enjoy. Or the St. Pete pier, which as Coconuts and the Columbia...and a great view. Both these hotels would only be about 30 minutes from tpa airport. The only Embassy Suites in Tampa that I recall is no longer an Embassy...think it's now Sheraton Suites? Quite old by now... Have you looked into the Hyatt Grand right by the airport? They too come up on Priceline - a very beautiful hotel. Have fun!

There is also the nice new mall near the airport in Tampa. Worth a visit, if you like to browse and shop. There are also restaurants there.

"Holiday Inn Heritage in downtown St. Petersburg is very nice. It is an 1930s hotel that has recently been renovated"

Yes, I drive by this hotel all the time, and it is very, very pretty, looks brand new, and within walking distance of Baywalk. The Hilton downtown St. Pete is also nice, a larger hotel, and possibly more expensive, but not sure about that. If I had a choice, I would probably stay at the Heritage. You would definitely have more to do if you stayed in St. Pete rather than by the airport, and downtown St. Pete is a "walking" town, you can walk to just about everything.

Thank you all for your advice. I will check into the Heritage. St. Petersburg sounds like a nice place!