Tampa Airport Hotel

[greenclan67]

We have a 9 am flight from Tampa back home on Jan 3rd. I am trying to book stuff ahead. The marriott is a bit expensive for maybe 7 hours in the hotel. Any other suggestions? I would love if we could return our car rental the night before around 9 pm or 10 pm. Then take the shuttle back to the hotel, spend the night, then shuttle back in the morning. How much time should I give myself for a 9 am flight from Tampa, on Southwest on a Friday morning? We have never flown in and out of Tampa but couldn't beat the price of $800 return for the 4 of us over Xmas. TIA

 

[Mary Anne]

I just few out of Tampa this week. I too couldn't beat the price of $92 on Jet Blue into NY. Tampa is not that big of an airport BUT I did have to show my ID at least 3 times. I was with people that seemed to think that a 2:45 pm flight meant you could get their an hour before and life would be great. I was never so stressed in my life. It took 45 min midday to get from the curb to the gate and that was with PAYING two dollars for curb side drop off because I took one look at the line inside and did't think I'd make my flight. So based on my issues, I'd give at least two hours unless you enjoy stress. Yes, you might sail right through on everything but I'd rather be safe then sorry. Other then that, it was a nice airport, we took off on time and I had a great flight.

I just saw your location, are you flying back into Canada? Do you need to go through immigration? If so, then definitely I'd plan on at least two hours before.

 

[greenclan67]

We are from Canada but flying from the US, flint, mi. Thank you. I figured 2 hours.

 

[travelcoupons]

Depending on the nights your staying, the Chase Suites has Suites at $79+.
I stayed there several years ago, quiet location (unlike some airport area hotels), close to the water, free breakfast and lots of room in the suites.
It is comparable to a Residence Inn at a lower price.

 

[greenclan67]

Depending on the nights your staying, the Chase Suites has Suites at $79+.
I stayed there several years ago, quiet location (unlike some airport area hotels), close to the water, free breakfast and lots of room in the suites.
It is comparable to a Residence Inn at a lower price.

Do you know if they have shuttles back and forth to the airport? We would be looking on the night of Jan 2nd. I will take a look thanks.

 

[Detailor]

We were at a conference in St. Petersburg a few years ago at the beginning of December and heading back to the northeast when an early winter storm hit up there and delayed us. We moved from a Renaissance in St. Pete to a Doubletree in Tampa that's about a mile from the airport for a night or two using Priceline. It's a nice hotel, close to the airport and I recall that they had a shuttle bus available around the clock. I'd recommend that hotel which I believe was on Cypress Street (Avenue?) across the street from a high school.

Dick Taylor

 

[greenclan67]

We were at a conference in St. Petersburg a few years ago at the beginning of December and heading back to the northeast when an early winter storm hit up there and delayed us. We moved from a Renaissance in St. Pete to a Doubletree in Tampa that's about a mile from the airport for a night or two using Priceline. It's a nice hotel, close to the airport and I recall that they had a shuttle bus available around the clock. I'd recommend that hotel which I believe was on Cypress Street (Avenue?) across the street from a high school.

Dick Taylor

Hi, I was hoping someone would review the Doubltree. I like my Hiltons, and it was the one I was getting the best price for. Thanks so much, I think I will go with that then.

 

[travelcoupons]

Do you know if they have shuttles back and forth to the airport? We would be looking on the night of Jan 2nd. I will take a look thanks.

Yes, they run a shuttle from 6am-10pm.

BTW: Don't wait around too long to book something. Jan 1 is the Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa and the airport area hotels fill up for that.