“Good hotel for the money”
Checkin and checkout fast and efficient. Rooms a little shabby but very clean and comfortable. Only problem was our 2nd night there, found the bed had been made with no top sheet - a little disconcerting, but even the best employees can forget things now and then! Someone from the front desk brought a bottom and top sheet up within 5 minutes and offered to make the bed herself, but I did it as my husband had already gotten into bed. (Couldn't stand the idea of skin against a comforter that might not be clean - I'm sure most people would understand!) Wouldn't hestitate to stay there again if in the area. Didn't use the pool or anything - we were there to go to spring training games - the roads in Tampa are SO confusing! Oh yes, wi-fi was free and easy to get into! Also free parking! Hard to find both of those free at a hotel anymore - usually they charge for one, the other or both. Good value here!
Area recommendations
Local area very typical beach town, like Myrtle Beach or Panama City. We ate at "Rhumbas" the 1st night, local fish restaurant - food very tasty and reasonibly priced. It was recommended by the hotel for fish, they said a lot of locals eat there. 2nd night we ate at the Colonnade in Tampa right on the bay. We met local family members there as they like this restaurant. Fish was excellent with very wide variety. My husband had the chicken which he said was a little dry, but its main food type is fish, so I woulnd't expect non fish items to be their best entrees. Would go to both restaurants again.
Getting around
Getting around is very difficult in Tampa because of all the bodies of water. Even using mapquest and google maps made it difficult. Having a good map in your car would definitely help.
Events and shows
We went to Steinbrenner stadium in Tampa - very much like a major league park except a little smaller. We also went to Mackechnie Field in Bradenton to see the Pirates - nice, small stadium, very family friendly. Would recommend both for watching spring training games!
