Island Hotel Bed & Breakfast: Cedar Key
Whether you “believe” or not, hotel staff and locals insist that an unlucky number of 13 bona fide spirits inhabit this old hotel. In 1999, the Fox Network television series “Haunted Inns & Mansions” filmed a segment here and anytime the segment replays, reservations spike as people come to search for real proof that ghosts actually do exist.
Luxury And Boutique Accommodation In Tampa
Le Meridien Tampa is a posh 4-star hotel situated close to Times Forum. For travelers who would like to see some of Tampa’s nature places, book a hotel like Tampa Marriott Westshore situated near parks and gardens and enjoy the spectacular scenery combined with the atmosphere of this boutique hotel. Travelers will find several good chain hotels in Tampa, including the stylish Holiday Inn Express Tampa North – Telecom Park and Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Tampa -Usf-Busch Gardens, which has a casino, a golf course and a Jacuzzi.
Best Family Hotels In Tampa
Floridas third largest city , Tampa is often overshadowed by Orlando, just 90 miles to the east. But with water at every angle, sugar-fine beaches nearby, Busch Gardens and a wonderful zoo and aquarium to boot, this west coast Florida city rolls out the options for vacationing families.
Large chain hotels close to dining and attractions abound, but youll also find some new boutique-style properties in the mix, too. These are the best family hotels in Tampa, as rated by our team of experts and other families like you..
Also Check: Staying In God’s Presence
Sheraton Tampa Brandon Hotel
With a mix of family rooms and suites, parents will appreciate the spacious and well-appointed rooms at the Sheraton Tampa Brandon Hotel. All 266 rooms also feature Sheraton branded Sweet Sleeper Beds, as well as work spaces and fridges should you need to store drinks for the kids.
The property has a convenient location that makes it easy to access many of Tampa’s top attractions. On-site amenities at this 3-star hotel include a swimming pool with shallow entry steps, as well as sun loungers and umbrellas. Parking is also free, and the hotel is pet friendly.
Address: 10221 Princess Palm Ave, Tampa, Florida
Accommodation: Sheraton Tampa Brandon Hotel
Explore And Find Your Best Apartments B& bs And Others

If you’re visiting Tampa, book a snug B& B near Maranatha Chapel, such as The Hip Hop Hotels or . Guests in search of family-friendly hotels in Tampa can think of booking The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas Tampa, offering an indoor swimming pool, an outdoor heated swimming pool and water skiing. Econo Lodge Airport At Rj Stadium is a great resort for travelers to Tampa who would like to spend their vacation relaxing with a picnic area, a health club and a golf course.
Recommended Reading: Hotel In Winthrop Wa
Top 5 Places To Stay In Tampa Florida
Since its a sunny coastal city and very popular with dozens of excellent attractions, its no surprise that Tampa has a huge array of not just hotels but bed and breakfasts, and motels. Your budget will most definitely be the deciding factor. Whereas we have hotels located right in the heart of Tampa, still there are those that are just minutes way. January to April is the peak season so expect rates to be high during this time. However, if you are looking for discounts, weekends and over summer are the best times to visit.
Well, lets now check out some of the best places to stay while visiting Tampa Florida.
Things To See And Do In Hyde Park
- Dine on upscale southern fare at Elevage.
- Dont miss the lively Hyde Park Café.
- Eat mouthwatering local dishes at Datz.
- Enjoy amazing drinks and appetizers at Four Green Fields.
- Excite your sense at Green Lemon.
- Explore Hyde Park Village.
- Feast on pizza, sushi and other quick bites at Cheap.
- Indulge at Berns Steak House.
- Kickstart your day at Daily Eats.
- Sample local beers at Yard of Ale.
- Savour flavour experiments at Edison.
- Sip cocktails at Ciros Speakeasy and Supper Club.
Don’t Miss: Vrbo Houghton Mi
Downtown Tampa: Best Neighborhood For First Time Visitors
Downtown Tampa is the best area to stay for first-time visitors and passionate sightseers. For visitors that stay here, top attractions of the downtown and the Ybor City historic district will be within walking distance, no more than 30 minutes away. Tampa Riverwalk is an ideal place for strolling, biking, and enjoying performing arts at the Straz Center next to Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk. Other highlights in the area are Florida Aquarium the largest aquarium on the peninsula, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park a green area with two fountains, and Tampa Museum of Art, exhibiting classical and modern art. Moreover, the multi-style Tampa Theatre stages concerts and movies, while Glazer Childrens Museum lets little ones learn through fun.
International restaurants embody first-class dining in the neighborhood, while bars offer cocktails and craft beers. Channelside Bay Plaza is among the culinary and shopping hotspots of the downtown area, offering European and Asian dishes. As for entertainment, Ybor City, the nightlife hub of the city, is nearby.
NOTE: Tampa boasts great shopping, but the best areas for these activities are away from the central quarter of the Cigar City.
Now, lets see what are top places for a stay in the neighborhood.
Before You Travel To The United States
With specific exceptions, noncitizens who have been in certain countries during the past 14 days may not enter the United States, either as immigrants or nonimmigrants. For more information, visit Travelers Prohibited from Entry to the United States.
For information about COVID-19 requirements for land travel, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Fact Sheet: Guidance for Travelers to Enter the U.S. at Land Ports of Entry and Ferry Terminals.external icon
Also Check: Holiday Inn Express Houghton Lake Mi
Blockade And Blockade Runners
In late 1861, the Union navy set up a blockade near the mouth of Tampa Bay as part of the overall Anaconda Plan, which sought to squeeze the Confederacy off from outside sources of money and supplies. However, several local blockade runners consistently slipped out undetected to the Gulf of Mexico.
Most notable among these was former Tampa mayor James McKay Sr., who delivered Florida cattle and citrus to Spanish Cuba in exchange for gold and supplies before being captured and imprisoned by Union forces. Magbee wanted him tried for treason.McKay Bay, the portion of Tampa Bay adjoining the port, is named in his honor.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: Disney World
Walt Disney World
As the sun rises above the savanna you can sip your morning coffee and enjoy a front row seat to a giraffe searching the tall trees for a morning meal at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge in Orlando, Florida.
Experience the spirit of Africa and go on safari without leaving your balcony at this unique resort. Reservations are suggested, especially in the busy summer months.
Also Check: Winthrop Wa Bed And Breakfast
Best Area To Stay In Tampa
What is the best area to stay in while in the Tampa area? In another post here on TA, someone states that Tampa isn’t really a “destination” area, but we were looking to maybe spend four days there before heading down to Sarasota. Would we do better to stay all or part of the time in one of the beach towns? What is of interest to see in the Tampa area ? Is Tarpon Springs worth a day trip? Any really good nature attractions? Any interesting shopping areas or stores other than malls?
I would have to agree with the other post in that the city of Tampa is not really a destination area, especially if you’re not interested in Busch Gardens. Perhaps you can spend a couple days in Tampa and a couple days in Clearwater or St. Pete.
A few suggestions for Tampa with a slant towards nature: kayaking/canoeing on the Hillsborough River, dolphin cruise at the Florida Aquarium, Big Cat Rescue, Lettuce Lake Park or Flatwoods Park. In the St. Pete/Clearwater area, Ft. DeSoto Park or the Pinellas Trail.
Tarpon Springs is worth a visit, but I’m not sure you’ll be able to find a full day’s worth of entertainment. It’s only about half an hour’s drive from Clearwater, so perhaps an afternoon trip from there would be more apt.
Tour the H. B. Plant museum at the University of Tampa, Plant Hall. In the 1890’s Henry Plant built the railroad to Tampa and built a fabulous railroad hotel which is now Plant Hall at UT. Drive along Bayshore Blvd. to Ballast Point Park.
Edited: 11 years ago
Best For Families: Bon

The family-owned Bon-Aire Resort delivers friendly customer service to guests of all ages.
-
Full kitchens in most rooms
-
Barbecue grills available for guest use
-
Only one restaurant on site
-
No spa services
-
Accommodations are on the smaller side
Having been passed down from generation to generation for more than 60 years, theres no better place to feel like family than at the Bon-Aire Resort. With its endearing 50s-style character, amiable staff, moderate pricing, and direct access to the beach, youll want to return time and time again with the kids. The property also offers two heated pools, four shuffleboard courts, and a volleyball net to keep your little ones busy.
When booking here keep in mind that rooms do start on the smaller side, so if youre bringing children, consider opting for one of the apartments where youll have 530 square feet of space, a full kitchen, and the option to use the living room as an additional sleeping area.
- Full kitchens in most accommodations
You May Like: French Quail Winthrop
The Brazilian Court Hotel Palm Beach
Home to a tropical courtyard with color splashes of scarlet, yellow, green, and orange, this 1926 landmark, which now houses the famous Café Boulud, offers a secluded retreat within walking distance of Worth Avenue. Gary Cooper, Howard Hughes, polar explorer Lincoln Ellsworth, and Joseph Pulitzer all slept here. Plus, theres on onsite Frédéric Fekkai Salon and Spa.
Going To Tampa Next Week
Hi all, i am heading to tampa next monday for training and was wondering if anyone could share some info with me.
I will be staying at the Sheraton Riverwalk hotel in downtown tampa.
What are some good clubs/bars to go to while i am there? i am 26 yrs old.
what are the best ways to get to the closest beaches?
Any good happy hours to check out?
Thanks all in advance!
The closest beaches are over in Clearwater . The closest good beaches are in Sarasota .
Clubs/bars: Ybor City – no contest.
Best to get together with some other trainees and rent a car.
If you don’t want to rent a car, cab fare from downtown to Ybor City is minimal — it’s only a few miles.
If you have time, you can also catch the trolley from downtown through the Channelside district , past the Aquarium, then up to Ybor — good new is it’s cheap, bad news is it takes about 40 minutes each way…
i will definately check out Ybor, i’ve heard good things about that area.
any tips on a good way to get to clearwater?
Sheraton Riverwalk, nice hotel downtown, a few places nearby are The Office, Fly Bar and Restaurant, Hattricks – all with great Happy Hours. Channelside is also closeby with a few bars and restaurants. There is a downtown trolley that goes all over downtown regularly, check at the hotel for maps and schedule.
Nightlife, head over to SOHO/Hyde Park area. Ybor City has the most bars and clubs in one area-there is a streetcar downtown that can take you directly there.
Also Check: Winthrop Wa Places To Stay
Bush Gardens / Temple Terrace Area
When you are staying in Tampa for your cruise vacation, visiting the Bush Gardens should be in your to-do list. The bush garden is an amusement park that is filled with endless activities such as the visit to Adventure Island Tampa. The area is suitable for both adults and kids as the hotels are very affordable, and their rates are inclusive of the park admission and offer to various entries. Nonetheless, there are available packages that are suitable for families, couples, or even a joint getaway with your friends.
As the hotels are located around the park, it gives you easy access to the amenities, and you can relax and enjoy your day. Nonetheless, it gives you an exploration of new activities that are more exciting than cruising all day long.
Temple Terrace has an epic geographical position. The area is located strategically from the airport, Orlando and Sarasota beach. The temple terrace is located north-eastern of Tampa bay and is easily accessible in a short drive. The Temple terrace is a warm and welcoming neighborhood with one of the best parks that neighbors the Bush Gardens. Additionally, the Hillsborough river gives it a majestic scenery hence one can kayak or use the water skiers. In the surrounding gives it a welcoming environment that allows one to cycle through the pine and cypress trees, on a perfect sunny day.
Some of the available hotels are the
Best Guesthouse In Tampa Heights: Immaculate And Affordable Guesthouse
Super cute and affordable, this little guesthouse is the ideal getaway for backpackers on a budget. Youll pay a similar price as you would in a hostel, however youll get a lot more bang for your buck at this stunning home. The guesthouse offers room for 5 guests at a time, a fully equipped kitchen, a cute little outdoor area and one of the best locations you could ask for. Public transport options are nearby, making it very easy to get into other parts of Tampa within minutes. If youre travelling with a group, this guesthouse is the perfect spot for you!
Also Check: Cheap Hotels Near Bradenton Fl
Incorporation And Early Township
The settlement of Tampa recovered enough by 1849 to incorporate as the “Village of Tampa”, which officially occurred on January 18. At the time, Tampa was home to 185 inhabitants, excluding military personnel stationed at Fort Brooke. The city’s first official census count in 1850 listed Tampa-Fort Brooke as having 974 residents.Oaklawn Cemetery, the first public burying ground, was established the same year.
In 1855 the first official law enforcement position created was City Marshall. The City Marshall’s duties and responsibilities eventually expanded to include summoning members of patrol by midnight along with examining and recording marks and brands on butchered cattle. Tampa was reincorporated as a town on December 15, 1855, and Judge Joseph B. Lancaster became the first Mayor in 1856.
First churches
Evidence of the young community’s growth was seen as its first churches appeared. Tampa’s first church was established by a Methodist congregation in 1846. The Methodists were followed by the Baptists, who organized the First Baptist Church of Tampa in 1859, and the Catholics, who founded a parish in Tampa the following year.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa Usf
Busch Gardens is a huge attraction and at this hotel, they have a shuttle that can drop you off there. If you opt to drive, the place is just three minutes away. Apart from that, the rooms are spacious, clean and modern while the beds are pretty comfortable. Their helpful staff will also take you through every process until you are comfortable in your room. The Adventure Island is also an 18-minute walk from the hotel. Some of the main amenities to expect at the hotel include a fitness center, business center, outdoor pool, free WiFi, breakfast and parking, ATM /banking services, and premium TV channels.
Read Also: How To Stay In Sinus Rhythm After Cardioversion
Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa
Finally, take a peek at the Hampton Inn & Suites in North Tampa for a family-friendly sleep that is also on the cheap hotel side. This property is within walking distance of Lettuce Lake Park and has a mix of rooms and suites.
Families dig the suites as they come with separate living spaces with double sofa beds for the children, plus kitchens, which save you cash when it comes to dining. Also a hot buffet breakfast is served for free in the mornings, which is another cost-saving perk. Parking is also complimentary.
Address: 8210 Hidden River Pkwy, Tampa, Florida
Lake Como Nudist Resort: Lutz

Lake Como Resort
If you’re looking for a place to bare it all on your vacation, visit Lake Como Nudist Resort in Lutz, Florida, for an all-inclusive stay at a world-famous naturist retreat. Just the bare essentials is all you’ll need for a vacation at this clothing-optional resort just north of Tampa. Accommodations are far from four-star, but what the resort lacks in-room amenities it makes up for in recreational opportunities.
You May Like: Agave Suites At North Pointe
Tampa Bay Harbor: Stay In This Area For Seaside Activities
If you wonder where to stay in Tampa for beach activities, Tampa Bay Harbor, Florida, is among the best areas for that! Its also an ideal district to stay in Tampa for a brief visit since Tampa Airport is near. Moreover, several luxury hotels make the neighborhood one of the best areas for a high-end stay. For beach-hopping, Tampa Bay Harbor is among the best areas in Florida. Besides local beaches, those of St Petersburg and Clearwater are reasonably close.
The nearest beach is Ben T Davis Beach, featuring outdoor showers. Romantics and gourmands that stay in the area benefit from sunset spots and cozy restaurants within walking distance. Golfers should also stay in this area since Rocky Point Golf Course is nearby. The best place to go to see the top attractions of Tampa, FL, is the downtown, located some 20 minutes away by car.