Here's an excerpt from my book, "The Other Orlando":
Staying Near the Park
If youd like to spend a few days at Busch Gardens or just want to avoid doing the roundtrip from Orlando in one day, you may want to consider staying at one of the motels within walking distance of the park. Look for discounts on these motels in the throwaway coupon books given away at many locations along Floridas major highways.
There is a not very well marked pedestrian entrance on Busch Boulevard (about midway between 30th Street and McKinley Street) that takes you right to the main entrance. If youre on foot, I recommend using this rather than the automobile entry on McKinley. Walking times listed below are to this entrance.
Days Inn
2901 East Busch Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33612
(813) 933-6471
A standard mid-range motel.
Price Range: $$ - $$$
Amenities: Pool, restaurant
Walk to Park: 10 minutes
Baymont Inn & Suites
9202 North 30th Street
Tampa, FL 33612
(813) 930-6900; fax (813) 930-0563
Newly built mid-range hotel.
Price Range: $$ - $$$
Amenities: Pool
Walk to Park: 10 minutes
Howard Johnson
4139 East Busch Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33612
(813) 988-9191; fax (813) 988-9195
A standard mid-range motel.
Price Range: $ - $$$
Amenities: Pool
Walk to Park: 10 minutes
Red Roof Inn
2307 East Busch Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33612
(813) 932-0073; fax (813) 933-5689
A nice, clean budget motel.
Price Range: $$
Amenities: Small pool
Walk to Park: 15 to 20 minutes