Unusual situation.. best way to find accommodations?

[RellaSprinkles]

Long story short(er), but DH will be flying down to Tampa for a transplant.
We don't know when this will be (could be today, could be next year), but I'm trying to plan as much as I can, anyway.

So.. what's the best way to find accommodations on fairly short notice(2 weeks notice or so)?
There will be 4 of us.. I'd like to stay 3-4 weeks, depending on budget. Full kitchen would be a must, and in-room laundry would be a plus.
Either in Tampa, Orlando, or somewhere in between.

Sorry so long! And thanks for any help/suggestions!

 

[swilshire]

My first call would be to the hospital to see if they have a Ronald McDonald type house for family members of their patients. You'll have a better feel for the schedule for the return trip with the children, so you can utilize any of the resources mentioned in this forum to book a condo with all the amenities. That would be harder to do for the first trip without knowing the schedule.

Best wishes for your journey to better health for your husband.

Sheila

 

[SilverMickey]

We have had good luck with last minute specials for several trips on Homeaway.com and VRBO.com.

St Pete is so very close to Tampa but has the fun of beaches!

I hope your family has a happy and healthy new year!

 

[tina.tina]

My first call would be to the hospital to see if they have a Ronald McDonald type house for family members of their patients. You'll have a better feel for the schedule for the return trip with the children, so you can utilize any of the resources mentioned in this forum to book a condo with all the amenities. That would be harder to do for the first trip without knowing the schedule.

Best wishes for your journey to better health for your husband.

Sheila

Actually, Ronald McDonald House is for families of pediatric patients only. It seems to me they are often full.

I just looked on priceline and there were a few different extended stay hotels listed in Tampa with deals on priceline. They had a kitchenette but I'm not sure if there were separate bedrooms. As a PP said, I think VRBO is a very good option.

 

[spiceycat]

there is a motel 6 for $39 a night (Feb)

 

[Chelley00]

there is a motel 6 for $39 a night (Feb)

No full kitchen






You could try vrbo.com to find a condo.

We usually stay at Residence Inns. Full kitchen plus some extras in the lobby. If you sign up for Marriott rewards you can earn free stays.

 

[MarthaJr.]

I would suggest talking to the hospital social worker. I'm sure you're not the first person in this situation. I'm sure they can make some recommendations and may even have hotels they partner with in the area.

Most importantly, may you be blessed with great medical care, healing for your DH and strength for all involved.

 

[wendybeth75]

I would suggest talking to the hospital social worker. I'm sure you're not the first person in this situation. I'm sure they can make some recommendations and may even have hotels they partner with in the area.

Most importantly, may you be blessed with great medical care, healing for your DH and strength for all involved.

Yes this. If it is a transplant hospital I would think they encounter this often. I am sure they must partner with places in the area for longer term accomodations. I know that the hospitals in Louisville do this. Good luck! I hope it works out and you have a happy and healthy future.

 

[swilshire]

Actually, Ronald McDonald House is for families of pediatric patients only. It seems to me they are often full.

Thanks for the info. I wasn't aware of that. My kids have volunteered several times at the local one, but since it is near the children's hospital, I should have realized.

Our local hospital also has a couple of houses with generic names, so the suggestions above to check with the hospital are good ones.

Some of the hotel chains designed for extended stays have good weekly or monthly rates, but I'm not sure which ones have a full kitchen.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery for your husband.

Sheila

 

[NinaBella]

There is tons to do in the Tampa / St. Pete area and it's an easy drive to Orlando.

Which hospital is doing the transplant? Do you want a place close to the hospital? What is your weekly budget for accommodations? There are many bedroom communities around Tampa that may have slightly cheaper accommodations (Brandon, Riverview, Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Land O Lakes, Carrollwood). How old are your kids? The kids ages may change what accommodations I would recommend as far as being close to a city park for the kids to get out and play, etc.