Tampa's BEST Downtown Hotel? Unbelievable Residence Inn Deal!
Tampa's BEST Downtown Hotel? Hold My Margarita! (Review of the Residence Inn Downtown - Unbelievable Deal!)
Okay, so I've been around the block, seen a few hotels in my day. I've slept on beds that felt like cardboard, dealt with staff that made me want to scream, and eaten "breakfast" that was clearly pre-chewed by a squirrel. But the Residence Inn Downtown Tampa? This place is… different. And, folks, trust me, it's a good different. Especially with this "Unbelievable Deal" they're currently running. Seriously.
Let's get one thing straight: I'm a travel writer, not a robot. This isn't a sterile, paint-by-numbers review. This is real.
First Impressions: Accessibility, Amen and Accessibility
Pulling up to the Residence Inn, my first thought was, "Thank God for valet parking!" (shoutout to Valet Parking, for the free Car Park on-site!). Downtown Tampa can be a beast to navigate. The entrance is easy to spot, and there's a definite sense of…well, not exactly grandeur, but definitely welcoming. And as someone who occasionally needs to use a wheelchair, I’m ALWAYS watching for accessible features. The good news? Check! The entire place is built with accessibility in mind. Wide hallways, ramps, elevators…the whole shebang. This is a HUGE win in my book.
The Room: My Little Sanctuary (and the Imperfections)
Okay, the room. That's where you really spend your time, right? My room was a “Suite,” and boy, did it feel like one. Seriously, I'm used to cramped hotel rooms. This was like…a mini-apartment. A proper living area with a sofa and a desk, a separate bedroom, and WAIT FOR IT – a full kitchen! (Fridge! Microwave! Coffee maker! Glorious!)
Available in all rooms? More than meets the eye!
- Additional toilet: Yep, appreciated, especially after a long day of Tampa adventures.
- Air conditioning: Absolutely essential in Florida’s heat! It worked perfectly.
- Alarm clock: It did its job. (Though I always end up using my phone anyway.)
- Bathrobes: Nice touch! (I never actually use them, because they're a bit too fluffy, and end up feeling a bit…. I won't say the word.)
- Bathroom phone: Who seriously uses bathroom phones anymore? But hey, it was there.
- Bathtub: YES! I love a good soak.
- Blackout curtains: Crucial for a good night's sleep. I appreciated how they actually worked, unlike some hotels where the sun just…shines right through.
- Closet: Plenty of space for my mess.
- Coffee/tea maker & Complimentary tea: Okay, this is a big one for me because I need a morning coffee, also the complimentary tea was a very nice touch as well.
- Daily housekeeping: I really appreciated this as it's hard to keep hotels properly clean and safe, and I did not have to sacrifice safety for personal convenience.
- Desk: Great for getting some work done (which I did…eventually).
- Extra long bed: Good, because I'm 6'2".
- Free bottled water: This is always appreciated.
- Hair dryer: It worked. Nothing more to say.
- High floor: I requested one and got it, and the view was surprisingly pleasant
- In-room safe box: I trusted it.
- Internet access – LAN / Internet access – wireless / Wi-Fi [free]: The Wi-Fi was fast and reliable. No complaints. Needed to stream some shows, and it worked perfectly.
- Ironing facilities: Essential for a wrinkle-phobic travel writer.
- Laptop workspace: The desk was perfect for a laptop.
- Linens: Clean and comfy.
- Mini bar: Empty, unfortunately. (But hey, I can't expect everything!)
- Mirror: I'm vain, don't judge me.
- Non-smoking: Thank goodness.
- On-demand movies, Satellite/cable channels: I never actually watched any but they were there, in case I got bored of the view.
- Private bathroom: Of course.
- Reading light: Nice touch.
- Refrigerator: Perfect for leftover pizza (which I definitely had).
- Safety/security feature, Smoke detector: Always essential.
- Scale: I don't want to see that thing.
- Seating area, Sofa: Comfy! I spent a lot of time lounging on it.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Another win!
- Shower: Pressure was good.
- Slippers: Never used them, but I knew they were there.
- Smoke detector: More safety features.
- Socket near the bed: Essential.
- Soundproofing: Surprisingly good.
- Telephone: Who uses these anymore?
- Toiletries: Decent quality.
- Towels: Clean.
- Umbrella: Unfortunately useful, especially as the hotel is in florida, and it has a lot of rain.
- Visual alarm, Wake-up service: Fortunately did not have to use.
- Window that opens: A HUGE plus! (I love fresh air).
The Imperfections:
- I could hear some noise from the hallway at times. (But really, that's pretty standard for a hotel.)
- The lighting in the bathroom could be a little brighter. (minor)
- The complimentary breakfast, might have been a little underwhelming, but that's probably the only real gripe I have. (I didn't care for the breakfast, to be candid.)
Breakfast: The Good, the Bad, and the Bacon
This is where things got…interesting. Breakfast is included, and the "Breakfast [buffet]" is fairly standard, with your usual eggs, bacon, pastries, and the like.
- Asian breakfast: Didn't see any.
- Breakfast in room: Didn't try it and can't comment.
- Breakfast service: Decent enough.
- Buffet in restaurant: It was there, and I'm sure many will like it.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Available, as they are at most hotels.
- Western breakfast: It's mostly this.
The Amenities: Pool with a View (YES!) and the Sauna (Did I Mention "Unbelievable Deal"?)
The real kicker? The amenities. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous. Seriously, it faces out over a beautiful view of the city. The Poolside bar is a dream, with a full drink and food menu and a super relaxed vibe. And I'm not a huge spa person, but the Sauna and Gym/fitness facilities are top-notch.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Spa, Steamroom: Did not try, but seemed to be good.
- Fitness center: Great for working off all that delicious food.
Food and Drink: Gotta Have It!
The Restaurants on site, are a decent option, and I only ate at the Snack bar:
- A la carte in restaurant.
- Alternative meal arrangement.
- Bottle of water: Yes.
- Coffee shop: Decent coffee shop.
- Desserts in restaurant.
- Happy hour.
- Poolside bar: The best part is that it's by the pool!
- Salad in restaurant.
- Soup in restaurant.
- Vegetarian restaurant.
- Western cuisine in restaurant.
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind
During this crazy time, one area I really paid attention to was cleanliness and safety. I give the Residence Inn major points here. They've gone above and beyond.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment – The level of attention to detail was reassuring. Felt safe.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Here's where the Residence Inn really shines. They've thought of everything.
- Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, **Gift/souvenir shop
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a Tampa adventure that's less "perfectly curated Instagram feed" and more "slightly off-kilter vacation scrapbook". We're talking a Residence Inn Tampa Downtown dive, and let me tell you, expectations? Managed. Reality? Likely a glorious, chaotic mess.
Day 1: Arrival - Hope We Don't Get Eaten by Gators (Probably Not)
- 1:00 PM: Land at Tampa International (TPA). First order of business? Surviving the baggage claim. I swear, it's a contact sport. Then… Ubers. Always an adventure. Who knows what stories they’ll have. Fingers crossed this driver doesn’t have a vendetta against tourists.
- 2:00 PM: Check-in at Residence Inn Downtown. Ah, the sweet, (hopefully) air-conditioned embrace of an extended-stay hotel. Let’s see, do they offer the complimentary breakfast yet? If not, major side-eye will be given. Praying for a room with a view. By "view," I mean something other than the alley behind the building.
- 3:00 PM: The Great Room Reconnaissance. Okay, deep breath. Gotta survey the landscape. First, the room. Clean? Good. Comfy bed? Crucial. Kitchenette situation? Okay, let's see what we have here. I need a good coffee maker. This could make or break the whole trip.
- 3:30 PM: Snack attack. This is important. Gotta have some snacks. A quick run to the grocery store to stock up. Gotta get the essential vacation fuel. The chips, the salsa, the cookies. My vacation diet is, shall we say, fluid. I really need something salty and crunchy right now.
- 5:00 PM: Settling in. Let's see what we have for channels. Okay, looks like we have the essentials. Let's see what we can find.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner in the hotel room. Leftovers from the store.
Day 2: Downtown Daze & Maybe a Little Misadventure
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast. If the hotel's offering the free stuff, I'm going for it. I'll give the hard-boiled eggs a side-eye but will probably end up eating them anyway. If not, well, time to raid the snack stash.
- 8:00 AM: Planning a walk. Yeah, I'm being ambitious. It's hot here, I know this. But I'm feeling it. Time to stroll, and maybe take in the sights. We'll see how far we get before I start hallucinating air conditioning.
- 9:00 AM: The Riverwalk. Okay, so I got myself to the Tampa Riverwalk. I knew it was a touristy thing to do, but I was hoping the breeze would be nice. It wasn't. It was swampy. But the views. Spectacular. I'm a sucker for a good waterfront. I stopped at a shop and got a bottle of water. I'll keep walking, I feel more alive than I have in a while.
- 11:00 AM: Lost In the Past. I saw a busker playing a guitar. I'm starting to get emotional. I just miss my mom.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. There's a little place called the "Columbia Restaurant." Okay, so this sounds good. Fancy, but good. I'm starving, so let's go.
- 1:00 PM: The Columbia Restaurant. I can't even describe it. They have the best food. The service was exceptional and the ambiance was top-notch. I could probably cry. I can't believe how good everything was.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the room. I feel a nap coming on. But first, a shower. I'm so sticky, and I need to clear my head.
- 5:00 PM: A walk. I just need to get out. Maybe the park? I don't know. Let's just go with the flow.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel and some tv.
Day 3: The "I'm Actually Doing Stuff!" and Maybe a Hangover
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Today is a good day. Let's get this, maybe a good day to grab some eggs or something.
- 10:00 AM: Busch Gardens! Yes! I'm actually doing tourist stuff! So excited! I'm ready to scream on roller coasters and eat overpriced funnel cake! Maybe I should have packed a poncho, I'm guessing it's hot here.
- 12:00 PM: Rollercoasters. Okay, so the "SheiKra" was amazing. I have no idea what the other ones were called, but holy cow! This is incredible.
- 2:00 PM: The animals. Let's go see the animals. Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my! So amazing.
- 4:00 PM: Beer! Okay, this is amazing. Let's get a beer and chill out.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Back to the hotel room. Gotta order door dash.
Day 4: Departure - Did I Even Leave My Room?
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast. I'm so tired. I have to get up and go, I need to plan things.
- 8:00 AM: Last minute packing. I'm gonna stuff everything in here, and hope it fits.
- 9:00 AM: Check out. I'm doing it!
- 10:00 AM: Head to the airport. Okay, this is it. This amazing trip.
- 12:00 PM: Home. I'm home. Time to crash.
So, yeah. That's the plan. Probably not exactly how it'll pan out. Maybe I'll discover the best Cuban sandwich in the history of the world. Maybe I'll get hopelessly lost. Maybe I'll just spend the whole time in bed, ordering room service. It's all part of the adventure, right? See ya on the other side, Tampa!
Escape to Virginia's Hidden Gem: Days Inn Altavista Awaits!
Hold Up! Is This REALLY the BEST Downtown Tampa Hotel? (And Should YOU Care?) Let's Dive In... Messily.
Okay, spill the tea. Is this "Unbelievable Residence Inn Deal" actually... believable?
Alright, alright, let's be real. "Unbelievable" is a strong word, right? My expectations were… cautiously optimistic. I'd seen the ads. Residence Inn, downtown Tampa. "Free breakfast!" (Always a win, honestly). "Spacious suites!" (Needed that after cramming into my tiny hatchback for the drive). The deal? Yeah, it *was* pretty good. Like, significantly cheaper than the other downtown options. But the devil's in the details, people. Did it live up to the hype? Mostly, yeah. More on that later. Patience, grasshopper.
What makes this Residence Inn stand out from the downtown crowd? Because, seriously, downtown Tampa hotels are a dime a dozen.
Okay, here's the thing. Location, location, location. This Residence Inn is, I swear, practically *tucked* right in the heart of everything. Walkable to the Riverwalk? Check. Amalie Arena (Lightning games, baby!)? Check. Restaurants galore? Check. Now, some people might scoff, "Oh, it's *just* a Residence Inn." And, sure, it doesn't have a rooftop pool with a DJ. But for what it *does* offer… the convenience alone is worth it. No more stressing about parking (more on THAT nightmare later). Plus, those suites… those suites are HUGE. Seriously, I think I could've held a small party in the living room, and it *still* wouldn't have felt cramped. Which, you know, is tempting… just kidding (mostly).
Tell me about the "free breakfast." Is it the usual sad continental fare, or is it… edible?
Okay, breakfast. This is crucial. Nothing ruins a good hotel stay like a terrible breakfast. And THIS breakfast… was surprisingly decent. There were the usual suspects: cereal, yogurt, fruit (actually ripe, which deserves bonus points!), and pastries. But then… there were the *hot* options. Scrambled eggs. Sausage. Sometimes even things like waffles or breakfast burritos. Look, it's not a Michelin-star dining experience. But it fueled me for a day of exploring, and honestly, I didn't feel like I needed to immediately track down the nearest coffee shop after. Win. Plus, the staff were constantly swirling and refilling. They seemed to care. Which is a rarity.
Parking downtown is… a beast. What’s the deal with parking at the Residence Inn?
Ugh, parking. The bane of my existence. Okay, so here's the honest truth: Parking at this Residence Inn... is not *free*. There's a fee. It's not outrageous, but it's a cost to factor in. *However*, it's *significantly* better than trying to find street parking or using the public garages nearby. Those garages? My anxiety spikes just *thinking* about them, especially on game nights or concert nights. Finding a spot, navigating the tiny spaces, and then walking a mile in the Florida humidity… no thanks. The Residence Inn's parking? Convenient. Safe. Worth the small price tag, in my opinion. It saved my sanity. Seriously. Like, a LOT.
What about the rooms themselves? Were they clean? Modern? Did they feel… depressing?
Okay, the rooms. This is where the Residence Inn really shines. Yes, they're clean. Spotless, even. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this is a HUGE deal for me. No lingering mystery smells, no questionable stains on the carpets (thank goodness!), and the bathroom? Sparkly. The décor? Modern, yes, but not in a cold, sterile way. Think neutral colors, comfortable furniture, and plenty of space to spread out. The suites are what really set this place apart. Having a separate living area and bedroom made a HUGE difference. I could actually relax at night without feeling like I was living out of my suitcase. And the lighting! Good lighting? It's a small thing, but it can really make or break your mood in a hotel room. These rooms gave me a good mood.
Okay, hit me with the ONE thing you HATED about staying there. Be honest.
Ugh... okay. THIS is where I get REAL. And my imperfections surface. There was one minor… annoyance. The elevator. It wasn't terrible, but it could get a little slow during peak times (breakfast rush, check-in/check-out). Small complaint, I know. But when you're fueled by questionable coffee and desperate to get to the important things... like your next meal, waiting feels like an eternity. It wasn't a dealbreaker, though. Everything else was just that good. And, hey, maybe it's good exercise, right?
Who should stay here, and who should probably look elsewhere?
Okay, I'll break it down. **You SHOULD stay here if:** You're going to a Lightning game, a concert, or just want to explore downtown Tampa. You value convenience and space. You appreciate a decent free breakfast. You're looking for a good deal. **You SHOULD NOT stay here if:** You're expecting a super-luxe, five-star experience with a butler. (This isn't the Ritz, people). You *must* have a rooftop pool and a swanky bar. You are terrified of parking fees (even reasonable ones). You hate the idea of a chain hotel. (I get it, sometimes those can feel… bland. But this one... wasn't that bland.).
Final Verdict: Worth the hype? And would you go back?
Okay, drumroll, please… YES. Absolutely, definitely, without a doubt, worth the hype, the price, the whole shebang. It's not perfect, but it's a solid choice for a downtown Tampa stay. And, yes, I would go back. In fact, I'm already planning my next trip. Mostly to re-visit that breakfast (kidding, mostly!). The convenience, the space, the price… it all adds up to a pretty darn good experience. Just… bring your patience for the elevator. And maybe some extra snacks. (Because, you know… hotel room cravings!) Go. Book it. Seriously.
Okay, okay, one last thing. What about the *vibe*? Was it… fun?
The vibe? It's… comfortable. Relaxed. Not overly stuffy or pretentiousStay Finder Blogs
Post a Comment for "Tampa's BEST Downtown Hotel? Unbelievable Residence Inn Deal!"