Tampa hotels

[Pixie_Dust]

It turns out we have to fly into Tampa and arrive after 11 p.m. Any hotel recommendatioins? I don't want to drive all night to Orlando after that long plane ride. On the return flight I also want to stay there the night before our morning flight, only maybe this time find one near Busch Gardens and go there the last day. We stayed at the DAys Inn the last time we went to BG, and it was so dilapidated the walls were collapsing and the lights by the bathroom sink didn't work even though they tried fixing them twice.

Thanks

 

[Lewisc]

There is a Mariott in the airport itself, otherwise just use PL for the airport area.

 

[Pixie_Dust]

Originally posted by Lewisc
There is a Mariott in the airport itself, otherwise just use PL for the airport area.

Lol, I checked out your hint and it would be great to stay at the airport if I were rich, but who can afford $200/night?

Will a PL hotel let us check in after midnight? Not that I want to use PL!

Cheers

 

[FiestaFan]

We stayed at the Tampa Airport Marriott in March for a rate of $129.00, which included a fantastic breakfast buffet the next morning. I don't know if that was a special promotion or is still available. The hotel is great! You literally walk from the airport terminal into the hotel lobby. Great for late night arrivals. We also figured we saved the cost of a rental car for that night too. Rooms are practically on the runways. My kids loved watching the planes land and take off the next morning. Rooms are clean and large, hotel staff is very good. I would highly recommend staying there.

 

[Lewisc]

PL guarantees late arrival. No matter how you book give the hotel flight and arrival information. If you use PL fax the hotel.

Not all hotels offer 24 hour shuttle service. Are you picking up your rental car first?

My point--Mariott in the airport may be worth a premium otherwise PL may give you the best price.

DaysInn are known to be low end. Also avoid Knights Inn, Masters...

 

[Pixie_Dust]

Hi, Lewis,

Yes, we got a good rate at Enterprise, which is in the airport and open 24 hours, so we will be getting our car first

 

[Lewisc]

Personally I'd try for a good rate in the Mariott OR use PL. biddingfortravel will give you an idea what people are paying. Bid for a 3*. My only concern is getting a hotel without a 24 hour shuttle. You can wait to bid until your plans are carved in rock.

If you book on your own you can get place with free breakfast. Just bid low enough with PL so you won't care if you have to pay for breakfast.

 

[DisneyFreak43]

We stayed at the Doubletree Suites on Rocky Pt. Dr. (about 2 miles from the airport) for only $79. It was a very large 2 room suite and it is right on the water. We did have a little trouble getting a non-smoking room though. They need to put non-smoking signs on the doors so that people know exactly what they are getting! Our first room smelled of smoke, so they moved us to another.

 

[Pixie_Dust]

Originally posted by DisneyFreak43
We stayed at the Doubletree Suites on Rocky Pt. Dr. (about 2 miles from the airport) for only $79. It was a very large 2 room suite and it is right on the water. We did have a little trouble getting a non-smoking room though. They need to put non-smoking signs on the doors so that people know exactly what they are getting! Our first room smelled of smoke, so they moved us to another.

That's another thing that concerns me about PL, you can't request non-smoking. I am terribly allergic and don't want to get sick the first night of my trip! $79 seems high for a room we will only be in for a few hours.

Cheers

 

[Lewisc]

You want nice rooms (no Days Inn), 24 hour airport shuttle, guaranteed non-smoking and don't want to accept the terms of PL (not for everyone).

Unless you get lucky (keep checking hotel web-sites and consolidators) you may not do much better than $79.

I think a medial necessity note, faxed to the hotel, should get you a non-smoking room regardless of how you got the room (PL or conventionally).

update
I checked biddingfortravel The Tampa airport hotels (3*) seem to be around the mid 40s. I suspect $70-$80 is a realistic non PL price.