Tampa Fairgrounds Fun? Luxury & Savings Await at Fairfield Inn!
Tampa Fairgrounds Fun? Fairfield Inn's Promises & My Fuzzy Memories - A Rambling Review
Alright, folks, buckle up. I'm about to spill the beans on the Fairfield Inn near the Tampa Fairgrounds. This isn't your sanitized, corporate-speak review. This is real life, with all its messy glory. I'm talking fuzzy memories, questionable decisions (like ordering a giant sundae at 10 PM), and the lingering scent of chlorine.
Accessibility - Yay or Nay? Let's Unpack This… With a Wheeze.
Okay, so accessibility is important. They say Fairfield Inn is good with this stuff, but my experience is… well, mixed. They definitely claim to have wheelchair accessibility, which is a huge plus. (I get winded just thinking about stairs, so that's a big win for me.) The website rattles off phrases like "facilities for disabled guests," and I appreciate the effort.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Couldn't find specifics (they don't scream this information with a bullhorn), but my gut tells me it’s probably adequate rather than amazing. Gotta ask real-time.
The Internet - My Constant Companion (and Sometimes Enemy)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Okay, that's pretty standard these days, blessedly. But here's a confession: I spent way too much time refreshing my social media feed. It's those little temptations that make life chaotic.
Internet access: Yes, indeed! Internet [LAN]: Never used it, but it was there. Internet services: Fine – what else is new? Wi-Fi in public areas: You betcha. That's where most of the social media refreshing occurred. A little rant: Why can't they make the Wi-Fi super fast everywhere? Just a thought. And why is it always the weakest in the pool area?
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Or, My Attempted Zen (and the Sundae)
Okay, the brochure promised a spa, a gym, and a pool. I'm not a spa person. I'm more of a "lie on a bed and eat chips" kind of relaxer. But the promise of a pool with a view? Sold!
Here's the breakdown:
- Body scrub, Body wrap: Nope. Not me.
- Fitness center: Did I use it? Nope. I swear I saw the door, though.
- Foot bath: Probably?
- Gym/fitness: See above (I think).
- Massage: No, but I could probably use one after all this…
- Pool with view: YES! And not a bad one, either. Sunshine, water, the whole shebang.
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: Not my jam.
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yup, and it was refreshing.
- The Sundae Story: I'm now remembering a late-night escapade. I got my "relaxing" on by ordering a room service concoction that was a mountain of whipped cream, fudge, and… well, everything. It was glorious and terrible at the same time. A mistake? Maybe. Regret? Absolutely not.
Cleanliness and Safety - Did I Survive?
This is where things get serious. I’m picky about cleanliness. COVID-19 changed that.
Anti-viral cleaning products: I sure hope so! Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service: They definitely had options like this. Cashless payment service: Thank heavens! Daily disinfection in common areas: Good to know. Doctor/nurse on call: Didn't need it, thank goodness. First aid kit: A safety net, in case I overdid it on the sundae. Hand sanitizer: All the hand sanitizer. Hot water linen and laundry washing: Essential in my opinion. Hygiene certification: Probably. Individually-wrapped food options: Appreciated. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Pretty good. Professional-grade sanitizing services: Cool. Room sanitization opt-out available: Nice to know I had a choice. Rooms sanitized between stays: A must-have. Safe dining setup: Seemed safe. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Hope so! Shared stationery removed: Excellent. Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed to be. Sterilizing equipment: Again, hope so!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - The Fuel of Life (and My Sundae)
The Fairfield Inn had the usual suspects: bar, coffee, restaurant, and room service. I’ve already mentioned my sundae victory.
A la carte in restaurant: Yep. Alternative meal arrangement: Probably, if you asked. Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant: I didn't see any. Bar: Bar was decent Bottle of water: Of course. Breakfast [buffet]: Yep. Breakfast service: Fine. Buffet in restaurant: Yes. Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Available! Desserts in restaurant: Sigh… yup. Happy hour: I think I saw a sign. International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar: All there. Restaurants: Yes, the usual suspects. Room service [24-hour]: Yes, the sundae. Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant: Yup. Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Available too.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter (and the Elevator)
The extra stuff. Here’s the lowdown:
- Air conditioning in public area: Necessary!
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: I didn't see any…
- Business facilities: Yes.
- Cash withdrawal, Concierge: Available, but didn't use them.
- Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store: Yes.
- Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman: all there, but I didn't see those.
- Dry cleaning, Elevator: Good!
- Essential condiments: All good.
- Facilities for disabled guests: They seem to try.
- Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop: Yes.
- Indoor venue for special events: Uh huh.
- Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service: Available.
- Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings:: Yes.
- Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events:: Yes.
- Projector/LED display: Nope.
- Safety deposit boxes: Sure.
- Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace: Yes.
- Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: Yes, and also yes.
For the Kids - Did I Forget the Babysitter?
Listen, I don't have kids, so I can't give you the expert advice.
- Babysitting service: don't know, ask.
- Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: all good.
Access - Keeping the Demons at Bay (Maybe)
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property: Yes.
- Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private]: Yes.
- Couple's room: No idea.
- Exterior corridor: Dunno
- Fire extinguisher: Always.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Yes.
- Hotel chain: Yeah, it is, Marriott.
- Non-smoking rooms: Yes.
- Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed: Sorry, no pets.
- Proposal spot: I didn't see it.
- Room decorations: Standard.
- Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms: Good.
- Soundproof rooms: Probably.
Getting Around - Taxi! (Or the Free Parking, If You're Like Me)
- Airport transfer: Not sure, but they probably had it.
- Bicycle parking: Possibly.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Yes.
- Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: Possibly, but I doubt the charging station.
Available in all rooms - The Essentials (and That Dang Air Conditioner)
Here's what you get in your room:
- Additional toilet: Sure,
- Air conditioning: Praise the air conditioning gods!
- Alarm clock: Yep.
- Bathrobes: No!
- Bathroom phone: Huh?
- Bathtub: Yes.
- Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box: All the basics.
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to go on a TRIP. Not just any trip, mind you, but a chaotic, slightly-off-kilter exploration of the wonders (and potential pitfalls) of Fairfield Inn & Suites Tampa Fairgrounds/Casino, Tampa, Florida. I'm talking raw, unadulterated, "I need a nap after writing this" kind of realness.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL, REALITY HITS HARDER THAN EXPECTED, AND THAT POOL IS CALLING MY NAME (or at least, whispering enticingly)
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: The Great Tampa Migration (and the Dreaded Rental Car)
- Okay, so the flight was smooth. Kinda. The turbulence got a bit…exciting over the Carolinas. My stomach’s still doing a weird flip-flop thing, but hey, landed! Now, the rental car… that's where the fun really began. Let's just say I may or may not have accidentally activated the windshield wipers when I was trying to adjust the radio volume. Twice. Florida driving is a whole different level, folks. Everyone's either going warp speed or crawling along like a sloth on tranquilizers.
- Pro Tip: Pack extra patience, an anti-anxiety med (optional, but helpful if you're like me), and a good playlist. You WILL need it.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Check-in and the "Oh My God, I Need a Shower" Moment
- Finally, the promised land: Fairfield Inn & Suites! The lobby… it’s… fine. Standard hotel lobby stuff. Pretty clean, smelled vaguely of cleaning products and generic air freshener (which is a comforting scent, I guess?). Check-in was a breeze. The front desk guy was too cheerful, which always makes me suspicious. Is everyone in Florida ridiculously cheerful? Is it the sunshine? The humidity? The proximity to… certain… establishments? More on that later.
- My room, though? Bless it. It was a small slice of normalcy. Clean bed, a TV that probably works (haven't checked yet), and… wait for it… a mini-fridge. My inner introvert squealed with joy.
- Imperfection Alert: Realized I forgot to pack my favorite shampoo. Sigh. Rookie mistake. Gotta hit the little travel-sized bottles. Hope like hell they don't smell like old men.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Pool Temptation (and a Near-Disaster with a Pool Noodle)
- Okay, pool time. The pool is… well, it's a pool. Small-ish, rectangular, surrounded by sun loungers that look suspiciously well-used. But the chlorine smell? Glorious. I needed this. I slipped into my swimsuit (which, let's be honest, hasn't seen the light of day in a while), grabbed a towel, and sauntered poolside.
- Anecdote Alert: I had a brief, terrifying encounter with a rogue pool noodle. I totally underestimated its buoyancy and almost ended up face-planting into the water. I swear I saw a little kid snicker behind his sunglasses. Humbling experience.
- Emotional Reaction: Pool is lukewarm. This is a travesty. I need a cold pool.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Naptime (a non-negotiable)
- I'm not even going to pretend to be cool. I crashed. Hard. Just a good old-fashioned, no-apologies nap. Woke up feeling slightly less like a crumpled piece of paper.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner Decisions (and the Crushing Weight of Choice)
- Okay, dinner. This is where things ALWAYS get complicated. What to eat? Where to go? The possibilities! Ugh, the possibilities. Found myself staring blankly at Yelp for a solid hour.
- Opinionated Language: I ended up settling on a mediocre burger from a chain restaurant. It was fine. Edible. Nothing to write home about. Regret. Should have gone for the Cuban sandwich. Next time.
- 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Casino Research (from afar, for now)
- The hotel is right by the Fairgrounds, and therefore, the Casino. I’m not much of a gambler, but the brightly lit facade of the casino beckons from across the parking lot. I did a little research on the website. Blackjack sounds…interesting, but probably a bad idea for me.
- 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Pre-Bed Ritual and the Anxiety of Tomorrow
- Brush teeth. Scroll through social media. Realize I've eaten way too many carbs today. Try to mentally map out tomorrow's itinerary. Panic. Maybe the casino will be…fun? Probably not? Ugh.
- Quirky Observation: There are a LOT of bug lights outside my window. That is reassuring and also slightly terrifying.
- Emotional Reaction: Exhausted. Excited. Slightly apprehensive. I'm a mess. But this is my mess, and I'm embracing it.
DAY 2: CASINO CAPERS (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Penny Slots… maybe)
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast and the Great Coffee Conundrum
- Breakfast is complimentary. Standard continental fare: muffins, cereal, maybe some sad-looking scrambled eggs. The coffee, however… this is crucial. Hotel coffee is always a gamble. Today's batch? Mediocre at best. Needed a strong brew. The worst coffee of the trip and yet, I'm not done with it.
- Rambling Moment: Seriously, why is good hotel coffee so elusive? Is it a conspiracy? A cruel joke played on weary travelers? I may start a petition.
- Imperfection Alert: Spilled coffee on myself. Twice. Florida humidity is not conducive to clean drinking.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The Adventure Begins! (and a bit of gambling too!)
- Okay, so I walked over the casino. The bright lights…the sounds… the smells… I spent all the money I had prepared to spend. I’m not a high roller, people. This was a low-roller adventure.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Won $10. Felt like a freaking millionaire. Lost it all. Felt marginally less like a millionaire.
- Anecdote: I watched a lady win a jackpot. I did not win a jackpot.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch and the Aftermath of Winning/Losing
- Another meal, this time from a local Tampa restaurant. More delicious food. More happy vibes. This is the best part of traveling, I think.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: More Casino (and the realization that my luck has run out)
- Went back to the casino because… well, why not?
- Quirky Observation: The people-watching in a casino is top-tier entertainment. So many different characters, so many dreams (and likely, disappointments) playing out in real-time.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Lost all the money. Again. Beginning to think maybe gambling isn't my forte.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Pool Time Redemption
- Back to the pool for some much-needed relaxation. Felt better.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner and the Contemplation of Choices
- Dinner. This time, I listened to my gut and went for that Cuban sandwich. Glorious.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Return to room
- Back to the room. Bed. Sleep.
- 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM: The End
- End of second day. The end of this itinerary.
Final Thoughts:
- Florida is… a place.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites: Solid but unremarkable.
- Casino: Fun for a bit, then a lesson in humility.
- I need a vacation from my vacation. But I loved it.
- Overall Rating: A solid 7/10. Would recommend (with caveats).
Tampa Fairgrounds Fun? & Fairfield Inn Bliss? Uh... Let's Sort This Out.
Okay, So... Tampa Fairgrounds. Is it *Actually* Fun? (And Should I Bother?)
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. The Tampa Fairgrounds… it's a *whole* experience. Truthfully? It depends. It’s like… you go in expecting a polished, Instagram-worthy experience, and what you get is… well, let's call it "authentically Florida." Which can be fantastic! Or slightly terrifying.
Pros: Definitely the rides! The screams, the nausea-inducing spins… pure childhood nostalgia, even for those of us who are *definitely* not children. The food, though... that deep-fried Oreos, funnel cakes... just *try* not to eat your weight in sugar. Seriously, bring the stretchy pants.
Cons: The crowds, oh sweet baby Jesus, the crowds. Especially on weekends. Prepare for a sweaty shuffle, a battle for parking, and the existential dread of waiting in line for *literally* everything. The bathrooms... let's just say they're a testament to the power of industrial-strength cleaning fluids. And sometimes, you get that weird feeling like you're being judged by the sheer number of people with suspiciously large stuffed animals won with skill games.
My Anecdote: I remember one year, I was with my cousins, and we were *determined* to win a giant, fluffy, suspiciously-pink unicorn. We spent, I kid you not, *forty dollars* on the water gun game. Forty bucks! Water gun game! We left empty-handed, slightly damp, and questioning our life choices. The unicorn (and our sanity) remained elusive. But hey, the memories… and the resulting sugar crash… priceless.
Verdict? If you’re prepared for the madness, the smells, the questionable sanitation practices, and the potential for a slightly bruised ego from losing at the ring toss… yeah, it’s fun. Embrace the chaos, laugh at the ridiculousness, and bring hand sanitizer. Lots and lots of hand sanitizer.
Is the Fairfield Inn near the Fairgrounds actually *luxurious*? They're pushing it a little, right?
Luxury? Okay, let's dial back the expectations a *smidge*. Luxury at a Fairfield Inn is probably not what you're picturing. Think "comfortable, clean, and a solid continental breakfast," rather than "butler service and a champagne fountain."
The Reality Check: They're pushing the "luxury" angle as a marketing tactic, and it sounds a wee bit… optimistic. It’s a good hotel, don't get me wrong. The beds are usually comfy, the rooms are generally tidy, and the staff are usually pleasant. The free breakfast helps, especially after all that sugar-fueled fairground debauchery. But is it LUXURY? Nah. It’s more “convenient and a decent value.”
My (Mildly Disappointing) Experience: I booked a room last year, lured by a "luxury" package. I pictured plush robes, a pillow menu, maybe even a jacuzzi in my room. What I got was a perfectly standard room, a somewhat scratchy towel, and a slightly stale muffin at breakfast. Don’t get me wrong, it was fine. It was… adequate. But “luxury”? Hardly. Although, to be fair, I wasn't there for true luxury - I was there to collapse after a long day of deep-fried everything and avoid driving home. And in that regard, mission accomplished!
The Verdict: Don’t expect the Ritz. Expect a clean, decent, and conveniently located hotel. Think “Practical Pete,” not “Stylish Sheldon.” It's a solid choice, especially if you're focusing on the value and convenience of being near the Fairgrounds. Just manage your expectations, and you won’t be disappointed. And maybe pack your own fluffy robe… just in case.
What About Savings? Are there Deals for Both the Fairgrounds and the Fairfield Inn? I am on a budget, people!
Ah, the sacred art of saving money! Yes, my frugal friend, there are definitely ways to pinch those pennies. Remember, a dollar saved is a dollar you can use on more… fair food!
Fairgrounds Savings: Check for advance ticket sales online! They almost always offer discounts if you buy your tickets ahead of time. Look for coupons in local newspapers or flyers. Consider going on a weekday, when prices are generally lower and the crowds are more manageable (see: less chance of losing your sanity). And, for the love of all that is holy, pack snacks and drinks! Food and drink prices inside the fairgrounds can be highway robbery.
Fairfield Inn Savings: Booking directly through the hotel website can sometimes net you a better deal than using third-party sites (though always compare prices!). Look for package deals that bundle the room with breakfast or parking. Check for discounts for AAA members, seniors, or government employees (if applicable). Be flexible with your dates. Staying mid-week is usually cheaper than weekends. And, if you're REALLY thrifty, consider splitting a room with a friend or family member. Shared suffering is often cheaper suffering!
My Cheapskate Tactics: I'm a master of the discount game, partially because I'm cheap, and partially because it's a challenge. For the Fair, I always buy advance tickets. For the hotel, I scoured the internet for deals. I once got a great rate at the Fairfield Inn by booking a "secret deal" - the catch? I didn't know what hotel I was getting until after I paid! Turns out it was the Fairfield Inn, and I saved a bundle! Score!
The Verdict: Yes, savings are possible! Be resourceful, be flexible, and don't be afraid to hunt for those deals. It's a mini-adventure in itself! And hey, the money you save can go towards MORE deep-fried deliciousness... or a slightly less fluffy unicorn.
Okay, fine, I'm going. But what should I REALLY expect at the Tampa Fairgrounds? Is there anything I NEED to know?
Alright, you've made the leap. Congratulations! You're about to enter a realm of cotton candy dreams and potentially questionable hygiene. Here's the lowdown, straight from the trenches:
Expect the Unexpected: Things happen. Rides break down (briefly). Lines are long. The smell of manure will mingle with the scent of frying oil. Embrace the chaos! This is part of the charm (I think?).
The Food is the Star (and the Villain): Deep-fried everything is the name of the game. Pace yourself. Seriously. And bring antacids. Trust me, your stomach will thank you. But don't deprive yourself! Half the fun is trying the ridiculous concoctions.
Bring Supplies: Sunscreen, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, comfortable shoes, and cash! Many vendors prefer cash, and ATMs can be few and far between (and charge outrageous fees). A small backpack or fanny pack is your friend. Think about it like a survival kit for sugar-induced pandemonium.
The Rides: Some are mild, some are wild. Pay attention to the height requirements and ride restrictions. Listen to the ride operators (they know what they're doing, mostly). And don’t eat a massive corn dog right before you go upside down. Rookie mistake.
My Slightly Traumatic Ride Experience: I once got stuck on a Ferris wheel at the VERY TOP, during a downpour. It was terrifying! I was convinced the whole thing was going to tip over. Turns out,Hotel Haven Now
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