Tampa's BEST Kept Secret? This Hotel Will Blow You Away!
Tampa's BEST Kept Secret? Hold on Tight! (Because This Hotel Might Actually Blow You Away!) - A Messy, Opinionated Review
Alright, folks, buckle up. Because I've just emerged, blinking and slightly dazed, from what's apparently Tampa's "best kept secret" hotel. I'm talking about the kind of place that makes you question your life choices… in a good way. Or maybe it's the post-spa glow talking. Either way, here's the lowdown, warts and all, on this place. Prepare yourself, because this review is gonna be as wild as the guy who insisted on ordering ALL the desserts at the buffet (more on that later…).
Metadata First! Because, you know, SEO demands it:
- Keywords: Tampa Hotel, Luxury Hotel, Tampa Bay, Spa Hotel, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi, Swimming Pool, Fitness Center, Restaurant, Bar, Room Service, Spa, Sauna, Tampa Travel, Pet-Friendly Hotels (sort of), Accessible Dining, Meeting Rooms, Events, Tampa Bay Hotels, Best Hotels Tampa.
Accessibility: Bless 'Em!
Okay, let's start with the actual essentials. My friend, bless her heart, uses a wheelchair, and finding truly wheelchair accessible hotels is a minefield. But this place? Actually pretty darn good. Accessibility was solid – ramps, elevators, you name it. I even saw a Car park [free of charge] with accessible parking spots that weren't already taken! HUGE win. They also have Facilities for disabled guests listed, so they're trying, which is commendable. The Elevator was a constant help in getting to the rooms, and my friend particularly loved the way the rooms had a wide pathway.
Internet - Because We All Need Our Fix:
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! Needed it. The Internet was generally pretty seamless, though I swear that one time the connection decided to take a vacation right in the middle of me trying to stream a crucial cat video. But hey, happens. Internet [LAN] is a nice option for the old-schoolers, I guess, but who uses LAN anymore? Internet services generally worked.
Rooms - Not Your Average Hotel Room (Thank God!)
First off, the Air conditioning worked like a dream. And believe me, in Tampa, that's GOLD. My room was, well, let's just say it rivaled some apartments I've lived in. I couldn't shut the Window that opens - the air conditioning already did a great job. The Blackout curtains were a godsend after a particularly raucous happy hour, and the Extra long bed meant I didn't have to curl up like a pretzel. My favorite part was the Complimentary tea and coffee setup, and the Free bottled water – small touches, but appreciated. I may or may not have utilized the Mini bar once or twice. Okay, more than twice. Don't judge me!
And the Bathroom phone and the Additional toilet for those late night trips to the restroom was a blessing. The Bathroom phone was a novelty, but hey, why not. There was an Alarm clock that worked, although it did manage to wake me up a couple of times. The Bathtub was huge, perfect for a long soak.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Prepare to Loosen Your Belt
Okay, let's talk food. This is where things got REALLY interesting. The Breakfast [buffet], was, for the most part, amazing. The guy who ordered ALL the desserts at the buffet? That was me. And there was no shame. I saw Coffee/tea in restaurant, and it was actually decent!
There were several Restaurants on-site, offering everything from International cuisine in restaurant to more familiar Western cuisine in restaurant. And the Asian cuisine in restaurant was also a hit. The Breakfast service was a solid choice, but make sure you get there early before they run out. The Happy hour was a great way to start the evening, and the Poolside bar? Pure bliss. I may or may not have spent a whole afternoon there. The Soup in restaurant was amazing!
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe-ish (Mostly)
This is a big one, especially these days. They’re making an effort, I will say that. The Daily disinfection in common areas was reassuring, and I saw Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. The staff clearly had been Staff trained in safety protocol. They had Rooms sanitized between stays. I opted for the Room sanitization opt-out available - hey, I like to live dangerously! The Safe dining setup generally appeared well-thought-out.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Ahhhhh, the Good Stuff
Okay, let's get to the fun part. THIS is where this hotel really shines.
The Swimming pool was gorgeous, with a Pool with view that made you want to stay there all day. I may have nearly stayed there all day. The Spa was a total game-changer. The Massage was heavenly, and the Body scrub left me feeling like a brand new person. The Sauna? Oh, the sauna. I spent a solid hour in there, trying to sweat out all my life's frustrations. Which may or may not have worked. The Steamroom and Spa/sauna combo was glorious.
The Gym/fitness was actually pretty decent, with the usual equipment. I may have considered using the Fitness center once.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things Matter
They had a Concierge service, a Doorman, Daily housekeeping. The Dry cleaning was super-convenient. And the Cash withdrawal was helpful. The Luggage storage was amazing. On-site event hosting seems nice. Not gonna lie, it’s the little things that really make a difference and this hotel nailed it.
For the Kids: (I Didn't Have Any With Me, But…)
They do seem to cater to families, with the Kids meal option. They had Babysitting service.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
They offer Airport transfer, which I would highly recommend. They have Car park [free of charge], but I opted for the Valet parking – because I was, you know, living my best life.
The Imperfections (Because No Place is Perfect):
- The Wi-Fi occasionally hiccuped. Seriously, it's 2024. Make it consistently good!
- The room service guy did get my order wrong one time. The horror! But he recovered, and the food was still delicious.
- I had a brief moment of panic where I couldn't find my phone. Turns out, I was wearing it. Don't judge.
Emotional Verdict: Worth the Hype? Absolutely.
Look, I'm not gonna lie. This hotel is… well, it's pretty darn amazing. Is it perfect? Nope. But the good stuff far outweighs the minor quibbles. If you want a luxurious, relaxing, and generally awesome experience in Tampa, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared to loosen your belt (and maybe bring your credit card. The spa's a killer!). Highly recommended!
Escape to Luxury: SpringHill Suites Baton Rouge South's Unbeatable Deals!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your perfectly curated Instagram travel story. This is the REAL, messy, hilarious, and slightly chaotic itinerary for my stay at the Residence Inn Tampa Suncoast Parkway at NorthPointe Village in Odessa, Florida. Get ready for a wild ride, because I'm packing my bags (and my anxieties!)
Day 1: Arrival & Mild Panic
1:00 PM: Arrival! …Wait, where's the key card? Okay, so I’m officially here. Check-in was smooth, which already felt like a win. (My last hotel experience involved a rogue cockroach and a fire alarm – true story!) Found my room, a surprisingly lovely suite with a tiny kitchen. IMMEDIATELY started envisioning myself cooking gourmet meals…that I will probably never make. The sheer size of it feels…overwhelmingly spacious? This isn't a critique, just an observation.
1:30 PM: The Grocery Store Gamble. Okay, gotta get groceries. Publix, here I come! I swear I spent half an hour staring at the cereal aisle, paralyzed by choice. Frosted Flakes? Raisin Bran? NO! I ended up with a box of some organic granola with "superfoods" that tastes like cardboard. But hey, healthy start!
2:30 PM: Unpacking and (Attempting) to Unwind. The unpacking process is usually a disaster, a chaotic explosion of clothing. This time, I'm trying to be organized. Ha! Let’s be honest, clothes are everywhere. I found a stray sock under the bed. Is it mine? No. Whose is it? I wouldn't want to know it. I really just want to sink into this plush bed.
3:00 PM: Poolside Procrastination? The pool looks inviting. I threw on my swimsuit, but then remembered my phone. Gotta take pictures, right? But the thought of posing in a swimsuit…the pressure is too much. I'm just going to sit on the balcony, and watch the other guests. They seem to be having fun.
6:00 PM: Dinner Dilemma…and Domino's? Okay, I said I was going to cook, Remember? Didn't. The thought of chopping vegetables and cleaning up is exhausting. The easy food takes over. Domino’s is going to deliver. At least, I’m in bed.
8:00 PM: The "First Night" Regret. Scrolling through TikTok and Instagram. I've probably been on my phone for way too long. I'm slightly regretting the pizza, and the realization that I should have gone for a walk. But hey, tomorrow is a new day… right?
Day 2: Tourist Trap Triumph & The Quest for Coffee Perfection
7:00 AM: Coffee Crisis! The complimentary breakfast is a lifesaver, but the coffee… well, let's just say it's the color of dishwater and tastes like burnt disappointment. Quest for a decent cup commences.
8:00 AM: Breakfast Brawl and the Waffle's Whimsy. Okay, the breakfast bar is surprisingly packed. Trying to navigate the buffet while avoiding eye contact with the overly-eager elderly couple who seem to be eyeing my waffle… it's a competitive sport! I successfully snagged a waffle. It's a bit burnt, but hey, it's a waffle!
9:00 AM: Manatees and Mayhem. A manatee tour! I'm not a huge fan of boats, the ocean makes me queasy. But I'm going to be brave, damn it! The manatees were surprisingly adorable! Seeing a giant, blubbery creature gliding through the water… pure magic. The boat ride back, however, was a bit choppy. I clung to the side railing, battling sea sickness.
1:00 PM: Lunch (and Regret): Okay, maybe I should have packed a cooler. I ended up at some roadside diner because I was starving. The burger looked amazing. But I swear I saw the chef drop it. Didn't want to send it back. Should have.
2:00 PM: The "Relaxation" Ruse. Back at the hotel. Finally! I’m gonna go read a while. No, wait, I should check my emails. No, wait, I have to watch that new episode. Then I'm sure that my laundry should get done. And I’m back to the pool! I'm going to be a pool person.
6:00 PM: Solo Dinner Symphony. Fine dining? Nope. I'm feeling lazy. I'm thinking about the leftovers, a salad. I'm staying put. I even have some of my cardboard granola!
8:00 PM: Late-Night Musings & the Unexpected Call. Alone! Now I can finally write in my journal. Or maybe binge-watch something. I also got a call from my boss, a quick chat about work. Ugh. Back to reality a little bit!
Day 3: Departure and the Bitter-Sweet Farewell
7:00 AM: Coffee Redemption! Found a surprisingly good coffee shop around the corner. My day is already off to a better start!
8:00 AM: Last Breakfast Barrage. Okay, I'm getting good at this breakfast thing. Avoiding the elderly couple… check! Decent waffle… check!
9:00 AM: Poolside Farewell (attempt). One more dip. It's so peaceful here. I'm also now aware that I should probably apply more sunscreen.
10:00 AM: Packing Panic 2.0. The unpacking chaos is now packing chaos. I'm pretty sure I will be leaving with half of my clothes behind.
11:00 AM: Check-Out and Goodbye, Sweet Suite! Check-out was thankfully simple. Saying goodbye to my surprisingly comfortable suite feels… weirdly emotional.
12:00 PM: Travel Home (with a Pizza Stop) On the road! The drive home is long so I'm definitely stopping for pizza.
This trip wasn't perfect. It was a mishmash of good intentions, silly moments, and minor anxieties. But that's me. That's life. And that's why it will never be boring!!
Escape to Austin's Hidden Gem: SpringHill Suites Cedar Park Awaits!
Okay, Okay, You GOTTA Know: FAQs About Tampa's "Best Kept Secret" (Before They Ruin It... er, I mean, You're Gonna LOVE It!)
So, what *IS* this "Best Kept Secret" anyway? Spill the beans!
Alright, alright, keep your horses. It's... well, it's a hotel. Yeah, *duh*. But not just any hotel. This place is, like, a portal. Seriously. It feels like you've stepped into some quirky, amazing, slightly-wonky dream. I'm not officially *saying* the name, 'cause, you know... "Best Kept Secret." But let's just say it involves a very famous bay and a historical area that's had more makeovers than a Kardashian. Think, old-school charm meets modern cool. Think, where you *want* to be. And a seriously underrated cocktail menu. Don't tell anyone I told you that.
Is it really *that* good? Like, better than the reviews say?
Okay, the reviews are good. They *underplay* it, though. I read them, and thought: "Yeah, yeah, another glowing review." Then, I went. And BAM! My jaw hit the floor. Seriously. I swear, it's one of those places that photographs *badly*. You need to be *there*. The pictures don't capture the vibe. The feeling. The way the sunlight hits that *one* particular stained-glass window in the lobby... It's cinematic. Truly.
What's the food like? Because I'm a foodie, and I hate bad food. HATE IT.
Okay, you picky eater, settle down. The food... is impressive. And listen, I've eaten some *terrible* hotel food in my day. Pretzels that could double as building materials, sad little sandwiches, and watery coffee that tasted like regret. This place? Completely different. They genuinely care. The breakfast croissants? Butter heaven. The dinner specials? Constantly changing, fresh, and made with *actual* love. I once saw a chef literally adjusting the lighting over a plate of scallops! I mean, dedication! Just... don't be the person who complains about something being 'too fancy'. Relax and enjoy it.
Are the rooms nice? Please tell me the rooms are nice.
YES! The rooms are *gorgeous*. Think: high ceilings, plush beds you'll sink into, and decor that screams "I'm a sophisticated and slightly eccentric traveler!" They're not cookie-cutter, either. Each one has its own personality. My first time there, I was in a room with a balcony overlooking the courtyard. I spent like two hours just... looking. Seriously. Just people-watching and absorbing the ambiance. The only *minor* quibble? The water pressure in the shower could be a little stronger for the serious shampooers like yours truly, but honestly, that's me being *super* knit-picky. It's an absolute paradise in there.
Okay, okay, I'm intrigued. But is it *expensive*? Because I don't want to break the bank.
This is the thing. It's not *cheap*, mind you. But it's also not that obscene "you need to take out a second mortgage" expensive. Think of it as an investment in your sanity. You know? You're paying for the *experience*. The little details. The friendly staff. That feeling of escape. Also, try to go in the off-season. You might snag a slightly better deal. Or, I don't know, just eat ramen for a month before you go? Worth it. Trust me.
Tell me about the location. Is it convenient? Is it safe?
Location is spot on. You're right in the heart of the action, but tucked away enough that you feel secluded. It's walkable to a ton of stuff - restaurants, shops, the riverwalk (a MUST-do, especially at sunset). Safety? I felt perfectly safe the whole time. The area is well-lit and there's always people around. I even went for a solo evening stroll, which I don't often do. It felt... safe. Liberating, even. Just be aware of your surroundings as you would anywhere, of course, but no worries at all. (And side note: that rooftop bar has the most incredible views...)
Anything I should be aware of before I book? Any downsides? Because nothing's perfect, right?
Okay, alright, the *real* stuff. Look, this isn't perfect. Nothing is. And to be honest, I almost *don't* want to say this, because I want the secret to stay secret... but... (deep breath)... the parking situation can be a bit tricky. It's valet only, which is fine, but can take a bit of time during the busier periods. And the Wi-Fi, in my room, was a touch spotty on my visit – I think they were working on upgrades, though. And the elevators are a little…quirky. They have character! (And maybe that's part of the charm? I don't mind it really.) But honestly? Those are such minor quibbles. I'm reaching for things to complain about… because I love it so much!
You mentioned "quirky." Give me an example. I need proof!
Alright, buckle up. This is the *good stuff*. One time, I was at the bar - remember I told you about the cocktail menu? - and ordered a drink, which was... *divine*. The barman, a guy named Javier, was making small talk... and then he just… *stopped*. Mid-sentence. Looked me dead in the eye, and said, "You know, this hotel used to be a cigar factory. Can you *feel* the history? The stories?" And then he winked! I swear! Then another time... the desk clerk, a woman named Maria, told me a ghost story! She claimed to have seen a Victorian lady floating down the hallway. I mean, is this not what you want? It’s just… different. In the best way possible.
Is it kid-friendly? (Because I have kids, and they break everything.)
Hmm. That's a tricky one. Technically? Yes. They're *tolerant* of kids. And there is a pool! But... this is probably moreHoneymoon Havenst
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