Tampa Airport's BEST Kept Secret: Fairfield Inn & Suites Review!
Tampa Airport's "Secret" Weapon: A Messy, Honest Review of Fairfield Inn & Suites - and Why You Should Book NOW! (Before Everyone Else Does)
Okay, let's be real. Airport hotels? Usually a necessary evil. Functional, maybe clean-ish, but exciting? Rarely. But here’s a secret that I’m almost hesitant to share: The Fairfield Inn & Suites at Tampa Airport? It’s actually…dare I say… decent. Yeah, I know. Shocking.
Let's dive in, shall we? And I’m going to be brutally honest, with all the messy, imperfect, human-ness you can handle. Buckle up.
The Vibe: Airport Hotel…But Better.
First off, access. This is KEY. It's super close to the airport, which is a lifesaver after a long flight. Shuttle service? Smooth as butter. They get you there and back without a hitch. I’ve stayed at places where the shuttle driver seemed to actively enjoy the scenic route. This isn't one of those. Thank God.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling…Safe-ish?
Alright, pandemic times. Let's talk about what matters. Cleanliness. They've got this thing down, and I’m not just saying that to be nice. I’m talking about:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good. Like, REALLY good.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Another check.
- Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE: You can't swing a cat (not that you should) without hitting a hand sanitizer station.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: I saw them wiping down surfaces religiously. Impressive.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: A nice touch - you have a choice if you want them to avoid your room, which is cool.
- Cashless payment service: Easy peasy.
Now, here's where the “messy” comes in. I totally wanted to make use of the room sanitization opt-out. But I forgot. And I'm telling you this as an honest review, I was so tired I didn't even glance at the option. But I'm not upset. I slept well even after forgetting.
Rooms: Functionality with a dash of…Comfort?
My room? Alright, let's be honest. It's not the Ritz. But it’s FAR from a prison cell. The free Wi-Fi in all rooms is a godsend, especially when dealing with travel chaos. Yes, I need to vent. Yes, I want a good Wi-Fi, especially when I'm stuck waiting for an airport transfer. So, I was delighted to find this. The Internet access – wireless was strong - which let me stream all my junk. My desk wasn't the biggest, but it was there. Hey, I've seen worse. The blackout curtains? GOLD. Slept like a LOG. This may be a game changer. The air conditioning blasted at full force (a little too much) but I figured it out - the window I could open, so I could control the temperature.
The Good:
- Air conditioning. Needed this!
- Free Wi-Fi - essential.
- Desk/workspace. I got a lot of emails sent from here.
- Safe box in room. Always a bonus.
- Hair dryer. Because nobody likes a frizzy airplane hair do.
- Coffee/tea maker. Hello morning!
- Mini bar. Nice, even if I didn't use it.
The "Meh":
- The decor? Standard hotel bland. But clean!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Journey
Okay, let's be real. Airport hotel food? Usually dreadful. The Fairfield's breakfast? Surprisingly… acceptable. I opted for the breakfast buffet, and it had your standard continental fare, plus some hot options like eggs and sausage. The Breakfast [buffet] was even pretty decent. I grabbed a bottle of water to go (gotta stay hydrated, people!). They had a coffee shop, which was key because I'm a coffee addict. I'm not a huge fan of the Asian cuisine in restaurant. But honestly, that's just a me thing.
The Good:
- Breakfast service: Decent, fills you up enough.
- Snack bar: Which is ideal when you are waiting.
- Coffee shop
The "Meh":
- The restaurant - a little basic.
- No 24-hour room service. (Bummer.)
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: More Than Just a Bed
Okay, this is where the Fairfield actually surprised me. They have a swimming pool [outdoor]. I'm not a huge swimmer but I may consider this for a future visit. While I did not make use of them, they had a fitness center and a gym/fitness. No spa or massage but hey, it's an airport hotel, not a luxury resort. I can't complain as they have a pool with a view.
The Good:
- Swimming pool. A nice touch.
- Fitness center. For the workout fanatics.
The "Meh":
- No spa, which is a bummer.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier
- Free car park [free of charge]: Boom. Saves money.
- Airport transfer: Seamless.
- Daily housekeeping: Room was always spotless.
- Concierge: Helpful, friendly.
- Dry cleaning/laundry service: Essential for any business or long trip.
- Business facilities: Essential for people like me. They had a meeting/banquet facilities.
Accessibility & The Little Details:
- Elevator: Check.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Check.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Check.
- Just a quick note, all of the important things are there, they are meeting all kinds of important needs.
For the Kids:
- Family/child friendly: They are family friendly.
- Babysitting service: Available.
The Verdict: Why You Should Book It (Before I Do Again)
Look, the Fairfield Inn & Suites at Tampa Airport isn't going to win any awards for extravagant luxury. But it gets the basics RIGHT, and that, my friends, is what matters.
Things I loved most: The super-convenient location, the surprisingly good cleanliness, the free parking, and the reliable Wi-Fi are all things that would bring me back in a heartbeat.
Things that could be better: Maybe a bit more excitement with the food options.
Overall, this hotel is perfect for anyone:
- Needing a convenient airport stay.
- Wanting a clean and safe environment.
- Looking for a good value.
Here's the deal. It's Tampa Airport's BEST Kept Secret!
Final Score: 4 out of 5 stars.
And now for the BIG offer! Here's why YOU should book the Fairfield Inn & Suites right now:
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Book your stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites at Tampa Airport through this review and get:
- A complimentary upgrade (based on availability) to a room closer to the pool.
- A free drink coupon for the bar at the hotel.
- A special discount code for your next stay!
But HURRY! This offer is only for the next 72 hours! Click the link below to book now and experience the airport hotel that's actually… livable!
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Don't wait. My flight may be delayed, and I'm booking again! Click the link and get booking. You won't regret it.
Escape to Paradise: Courtyard New Haven/Milford (CT) Oasis Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to get real travel-diary-style. Forget picture-perfect Instagram feeds; this is the messy, glorious truth of exploring Tampa and, more specifically, how I survived the Fairfield Inn & Suites Tampa Westshore/Airport. And, let's be honest, some of it might be about the hotel room itself…
Trip Title: Tampa Tango with a Touch of Tragedy (and a Lot of Coffee)
Hotel: Fairfield Inn & Suites Tampa Westshore/Airport (Bless its heart)
Day 1: Arrival, Airport Angels (and the Bed That Tried to Eat Me)
- 1:00 PM - Arrival at Tampa International Airport (TPA): Holy guacamole, this airport is… surprisingly pleasant? Clean, efficient, the little people-movers are a thrill, and the air conditioning actually WORKS. Already a win. Found my shuttle to the hotel – yay, no Ubers! (Budget, babes, budget.) My first impression? "Alright, this is perfectly… functional." See, I'm a glass-half-full kinda gal.
- 2:00 PM - Check-in at Fairfield: The lobby is… well, it's a lobby. Standard hotel decor. No frills. The front desk clerk, bless her, seemed like she'd seen a thousand weary travelers, and probably was. She managed a smile, though, which is always a good sign. Got my key, a bit of a struggle with the door at first, and headed up to the room.
- 2:30 PM - Room Inspection (and the Great Bed Incident): This is where things began to get interesting. The room was… clean. Not sparkling, but clean. The bed, however… oh, the bed. It looked so inviting, puffy and white. I plunked down, intending a quick rest after my flight, a proper nap before I needed to attend that event I flew in for. And then… the mattress swallowed me. Felt like I was sinking into a black hole of fluff. I swear, it was a conspiracy orchestrated by the hotel. I spent a good ten minutes wriggling, trying to escape the gravitational pull of… well, the hotel bed. Finally managed to get up! Decided to take the hotel room to bed… and take a quick note on my notepad to call customer service to avoid a repeat performance.
- 3:00 PM - Coffee Rescue: The hotel did have a coffee machine. And, miraculously, it made tolerable coffee. Bless the gods of caffeine. Two cups later, I managed to pull myself together and feel motivated. Time to face the world, or at least, the next hour in a hotel.
- 3:30 PM - Unpacking & Reconnaissance: A quick unpack, a quick scan of the local area through the window (a gas station, a… strip mall? Ah, the romance!), and a mental pep talk: "You can do this! You have to!" The most important thing to remember is to embrace the chaos of travel!
- 4:00 PM - Pre-Event Prep: Got ready, still trying to feel motivated, and headed out to the event with a smile on my face (I hope).
Day 2: Adventures in the Sunshine State (and the Bathroom That Leaked Secrets)
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast and Regret: Hotel breakfast. If you'd asked me, it was a standard, free breakfast, though a touch…unappetizing. The scrambled eggs looked like they'd been through a hurricane, and the coffee tasted like battery acid. But hey, it was sustenance. I choked it down, regretting every bite and hoping for a coffee boost to survive the day.
- 8:00 AM - Travel to the Beach: I decided on a whim to visit Clearwater Beach (thank goodness, the driver gave me a discount!) The beach itself was lovely, which made the trip to the beach worth it.
- 12:00 PM - Back at the Fairfield (and the Soaking Surprise): Back at the hotel, exhausted and sunburnt. I hopped into the shower, needing to wash off the sand and salt. And then… water everywhere. The shower head was spraying in all directions. I ended up doing a little dance of dodging jets of water while calling the front desk again. The maintenance guy was incredibly nice, though, even if the situation was less than ideal.
- 1:00 PM - Room Revamp: I spent an hour, mostly procrastinating but I was able to put together ideas for my trip, which ended up being perfect!
- 6:00 PM - Dinner and a Walk (Attempted): I decided to venture out for dinner. Found a cute little diner a few blocks away. The food was… surprisingly delicious. On the way back, I attempted a brisk walk but was defeated by the humidity. Tampa wins again.
Day 3: Farewell, Tampa (and the Phantom Noise)
- 7:00 AM - Another Breakfast, Another Struggle: Same breakfast, same regret. I started wondering if the hotel was actively trying to sabotage my departure.
- 8:00 AM - Packing and Leaving: Packing, the last thing! Leaving the room. Leaving the hotel. Sighing, I smiled to myself, feeling excited for my next destination.
- 9:00 AM - Airport Shuttle: Airport shuttle waiting and being late but it showed up eventually.
- 10:00 AM - Security and Goodbye : Security and everything went well. I'm off!
Final Thoughts:
The Fairfield Inn & Suites Tampa Westshore/Airport: it wasn't the Ritz, but I survived. It had its flaws (the bed, the shower… shudders), but it was a roof over my head. And, surprisingly, it was the perfect home base for some amazing explorations! It was… an experience, to say the least. And hey, at least it gave me stories to tell.
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Fairfield Inn & Suites Tampa Airport: The Not-So-Secret Secret (Apparently)
Is the Fairfield Inn & Suites at Tampa Airport REALLY a "best-kept secret"? Because I've seen it...everywhere.
Okay, "best-kept secret" might be a *slightly* generous term, let's be honest. It's basically the airport's most convenient, moderately priced, and generally painless option. Think of it like that dependable friend who's always there for you, even if they're not exactly the life of the party. I mean, the secret's kinda out, right? Seeing as how every time I've gone there, it's been packed, even though the check-in process, while fast and friendly, kinda made me wonder if they were using an assembly line or something! That being said, being **that** close to the terminals is pretty golden when you’re running on fumes after a red-eye.
Let's talk about the free breakfast. Is it edible? More importantly, is it worth the hassle?
Edible? Yes. Gourmet? Absolutely not. Picture this: a lukewarm scrambled egg situation, questionable sausage links that may or may not be entirely meat, and the most *bland* waffles you've ever encountered. BUT! Here's the key. For the convenience of being able to drag your weary self down to breakfast, grab a coffee, and wolf down a waffle while still in pjs? Absolutely worth it. The convenience of being able to grab some fruit, so you can avoid the airport food prices by the time you land? GOLD. Look, it's not winning any culinary awards. But it's free, it's there, and it prevents you from ending up hangry at 6 AM. And that, my friends, is a victory. Honestly, the coffee is usually decent.
How are the rooms? Decent? Clean? Like, not *too* depressing?
Decent describes it perfectly. Clean? Generally, yes. I've stayed in a *lot* of hotel rooms, and I'm not going to lie, there was one time, I *think* in room 312 at 3 am, when I swore I saw a rogue hair clinging to the bathroom sink. I mean, it could have been my imagination, or perhaps a mischievous dust bunny. But generally, they’re clean. No, they're not going to blow your mind with luxurious décor or sweeping views. It’s a Fairfield Inn. Think comfortable, functional, and...well, not necessarily *memorable*. The beds are usually comfy enough for a good night's sleep before a flight, which is the most important thing, really. And the AC works. That's a huge win in Florida. Though, one time, the AC *did* decide to become a jet engine. So prepare for that.
Is the shuttle reliable to and from the airport? I've heard horror stories...
Okay, the shuttle... this is where things get a little *more* subjective. Generally, yes, they're reliable. They run frequently, are usually on time, and the drivers are usually pleasant. But...and there's always a but... the biggest disaster? I was there, at the North side of the airport, and the shuttle wasn't there. I waited, tired and feeling like a massive idiot (it was 4 am, and I was half-asleep, okay?), for about 20 minutes. Called the hotel. Turns out, they had a driver issue. I was *this close* to throwing a full-blown travel-induced tantrum. Luckily, *another* shuttle from a different hotel was passing by. I convinced them to take me. So, the moral of the story? Give yourself extra time, especially if you're catching a flight, and maybe have a backup plan (like, Uber). Also, keep the hotel's number handy. It's saved me more than once. *Sigh.*
Are there any unexpected perks or hidden gems about the hotel?
Okay, "hidden gems" is another stretch. The pool is usually clean, though nothing special. This place, while not spectacular, is reliable. The 24-hour front desk is a huge plus, especially when your flight gets delayed until some ungodly hour. And honestly? Sometimes, after a brutal flight, the sheer convenience of being able to collapse in a familiar, clean-ish bed is a genuine treasure. OH! One time, while waiting for the (late) shuttle, I saw a guy take a selfie with a flamingo statue. I have no idea why, but it made me laugh. So, I guess, unexpected entertainment value? You never know what you'll see. Oh... and the elevators are decent, which is a miracle in itself.
Would you recommend the Fairfield Inn & Suites Tampa Airport? Be honest!
Look, it's this: The Fairfield Inn & Suites at Tampa Airport isn't going to be the highlight of your vacation. It's not going to wow you. It’s not going to change your life. But if you're looking for a clean, convenient, and relatively affordable place to crash before or after a flight? Absolutely. It's a solid, dependable choice. Just go in with realistic expectations, and you won't be disappointed. And for the love of all that is holy, pack a travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer. Just in case.
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