EMBASSY SUITES TAMPA-AIRPORT/ WESTSHORE
555 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa, Fla., 813-875-1555, embassy
Rates: Start at $140 for a regular-size, two-room suite with king bed and $160 for bay views. Two-bedroom, two-bath suites with three queen beds start at $209. There are smaller suites, as well, that start at $120. Look for online deals. Overnight parking in the garage $5 for self, $12 for valet.
Stay here if you’re: a business traveler or a family looking for a convenient, spacious spot.
It’s close to: the airport, of course, 2.5 miles away, and International Plaza and Bay Street are 1 mile. The Convention Center is a 6-mile drive, Busch Gardens is 10 miles, and Clearwater and St. Pete beaches are each 12 miles. Conveniently located right off Interstate 275 (exit 40A).
The rooms are: huge, with so much space in both rooms you could host a party for your favorite basketball team. The living room has a sleeper sofa and armchair, a round table and chairs, a mini refrigerator, microwave and TV; the bedroom also has a TV. Neutrogena bath products.
They put all of the money into: extras such as a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, a complimentary manager’s reception with snacks and cocktails each night, and a convenient kiosk for printing your boarding pass. The place is roomy all over and very clean, and the fitness room is well-equipped, while the outdoor pool is a decent size and has comfy chairs.
The bottom line: As is often the case with such a great spot, my only complaint is that we’re being nickle-and-dimed with the high-speed Internet access ($9.95 per 24 hours). Otherwise, this is one of my top picks for Tampa.
