Tampa hotels & area/location information

[ajirons09]

Hi everyone!

 

I'm planning a visit to Tampa, FL Friday, July 24th (arrival) - Monday, July 27th (departure), but I'm not sure of what area to stay in. I'm an Inner Circle member with Kimpton properties, but there aren't any Kimpton properties in Tampa so that idea's out the window.

For me it's all about location. I prefer a hotel that's close to a metro/subway stop to make it easy and convenient for my "visitors" to get to me. I will have transportation during my visit so I'll be available for outcalls within city proper. Not a fan of staying at or close to airports. Suggestions are encouraged and will be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys.

 

A.J. Irons

ajirons09@yahoo.com

714-743-5652

 

Travel schedule

Homebase (Newport Beach, CA): 5/18 - 5/25

NYC: 5/26 - 6/1

Homebase (Newport Beach, CA): 6/11 - 6/13

Washington, DC: 6/24 - 6/29

Tampa, FL: 7/24 - 7/27

San Francisco: 7/30 - 8/3

[geoffk]

My guess is that any "visitors" in the Tampa area will have a car to get to you. Hotels near the airport have parking for "visitors" so find a good deal. The Hampton Inn in Ybor is nice and you can walk to restaurants and clubs in that area. The Hampton Inn has it's own parking, otherwise you may have to pay for parking on a busy weekend night. I'm going to this area in June and I'm staying in St. Pete Beach because i like it there.

[rguer]

My guess is that any "visitors" in the Tampa area will have a car to get to you. Hotels near the airport have parking for "visitors" so find a good deal. The Hampton Inn in Ybor is nice and you can walk to restaurants and clubs in that area. The Hampton Inn has it's own parking, otherwise you may have to pay for parking on a busy weekend night. I'm going to this area in June and I'm staying in St. Pete Beach because i like it there.

I've stayed there. It's not bad, and it's close to a trolley line.

[shadowcatzxxx]

Hi AJ! We met a few years ago ... hope to see you again some time.

 

I agree with geoff that "visitors" in the area will have cars. Tampa ain't like NYC or Boston; pub trans is minimal, everyone drives, and no one I've ever met who lives there actually uses pub trans.

 

Much of "downtown" Tampa is a ghost town after dark. I agree with geoff's comment that Ybor City is a good area to be in so that YOU can enjoy yourself during your stay ... especially if you're not renting a car . Lots of hotels and (straight, college) bars there, and some gay spots as well. An EXCELLENT (and historic) restaurant - La Columbia - is fun and worth a visit. (My preference is generally to order a few appetizers, rather than a main course. I find the apps more interesting.)

 

Some hotels I've stayed at for business in other parts of Tampa felt like they were islands in the midst of nothingness after working hours. The only thing about Ybor is that parking on weekend nights can be a little tough, but people who live there know how to deal with that.

 

St Pete is a fun alternative in the area ... either on the beach as geoff suggests, or near the harbor on the bay side, near a couple of great museums and lots of good restaurants.

 

Either way, my sense is that a top-flight guy like you should do VERY well there. Although there are a few good masseurs in the Tampa Bay area, it is a virtual escort desert.

 

And if you ever make a trip back to Boston, AJ, let me know!

[Scorpio]

I've always been partial to this property. It's across the street from a mall with good dining choices, although "near-ish" to the airport.

 

https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/tampa/tpaha/hoteldetail?qRef=rr&qDest=4860+West+Kennedy+Boulevard+Tampa+Florida+United+States&qRpn=1&qChld=0&qSrt=sBR&qSHp=1&qSmP=3&qGRM=0&qSlH=TPAHA&qRms=1&srb_u=1&qAdlt=2&qPSt=0&qFRA=1&qRtP=6CBARC&qCiMy=042015&qHtlC=TPAHA&qrtPt=138.24&qCoD=01&qCiD=31&qCoMy=052015&qRmP=K.O.T.X.C&qRRSrt=rt&qRpp=12&qBrs=6c.hi.ex.rs.ic.cp.in.sb.cw.cv.ul.vn&qWch=0&icdv=99618783#

[Amoco]

Recently stayed with an escort for two days at The Grand Hyatt in Tampa - a well known landmark on the water in the area, far enough from the airport but easy access for locals and business travels. We stayed in the rear of the property in a "casita" - a 800 ft. + loft that had room service, privacy and easy access to a pool, bar and restaurant. Rate was pretty good for what we had...you'd probably be OK with a nice king size room in the main building, but you can't go wrong, and it will come with some cache.

[tanman4u]

I've always been partial to this property. It's across the street from a mall with good dining choices, although "near-ish" to the airport.

 

Completely agree. Don't let the airport thing dissuade you. It's convenient to get to TPA from anywhere and unlike most airport hotels the ones Scorpio and I just listed don't charge for parking (other than the optional valet at the Intercontinental). There's several good restaurants in the area like Season's 52 (one of my all time favorites in any city), PF Chang's, and several others all right across the street from the Intercontinental and a half mile from the Crowne Plaza.

[Inkeddudefla]

I live in Ybor and highly recommend you stay there. It's easy access and great location.

[Steven_Draker]

I'll be in Tampa next week.

 

I usually stay in International Plaza (stone's throw away from TPA airport) or on the Westshore. Last time I stayed at the Marriott Waterside hotel and Marina in downtown. I agree with others: everyone will drive to come and see you, AJ.

[shadowcatzxxx]

AJ and Steven ... how come (cum?) you guys have never been there when I'm there?

[ajirons09]

Thank you all for the suggestions and helpful information. It is much appreciated. I've decided i'm going to setup shop in Ybor City. Thanks again guys.

[Epigonos]

I have always stayed at the Double Tree Suites/Hilton Hotel Tampa Bay, 3050 N Rock Point Dr. West, 813 888-8800. The location right on the bay is fabulous and the views from the upper floors are fantastic .

[Michael Wayne]

there is no subway or metro. a car is an essential there. Ybor is the place. Good choice!! Dinner at Columbia is a must..... Good clients there but be willing to go to St petersburg