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goincruisin
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Posted: Sat Jun 17th, 2006 05:39 pm | 1st Post |
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| I have stayed at the Hilton Westshore and the Wyndam Westshore, both nice hotels... near the port, both have shuttle to the airport and the port. Got them both on Priceline for around $55... great hotels and very affordable!!!
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hstrybuf
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Posted: Sat Jun 17th, 2006 09:39 pm | 2nd Post |
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| I got the Doubletree Westshore for $70 a night on Priceline. It was my first time using Priceline and I wonder if I could have bid at a lower rate? Not sure if they have a shuttle to the pier. I'm thinking no.
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Liberty 10/07; Miracle 10/06; Navigator OTS 10/04; Legend 04/04; Grand Princess 09/03; Dawn Princess 01/03; Enchantment OTS 10/02; Destiny 01/02; Sensation 10/99
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goincruisin
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Posted: Sat Jun 17th, 2006 10:35 pm | 3rd Post |
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| Priceline works good for Tampa... it really depends on when you bid though. We generally bid at 300 days out, LOL.... The shuttles to the pier were $5 per person... it was worth it. It never hurts to start low on PL though!!
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GigglyWiggly
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Posted: Sun Jun 18th, 2006 11:04 pm | 4th Post |
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Some Tampa related links:
Tampa Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau
http://www.visittampabay.com/
Tampa Guide
http://www.tampaguide.com/
Tampa International Airport
http://www.tampaairport.com/
Tampa Webcam
http://www.wtvt.com/skycam.htm
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Sea Turtle
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Posted: Wed Jun 21st, 2006 11:42 pm | 5th Post |
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As a current resident of Tampa Bay I would be happy to share any of my local knowledge. Often times locals are not really the people you want to go to for hotel and transportation questions because of the fact that they are just that--local. And, locals don’t typically use those services. However, while not claiming to be a TB expert, I have personally stayed at and/or participated in FAM (familiarization) trips to several hotels in the area since 2000. I also have personal preferences for transportation services in the area.
When this weekend rolls around I’ll be sure to post my TB experiences with you here as I’m a bit short on time tonight. In the meantime if you have a question about the area, shout it out. I’ll be happy to help any time I have a first-hand or concrete answer. I’m not one to share info with you just because I read it second, third, or fourth hand. 
Later.
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hstrybuf
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Posted: Thu Jun 22nd, 2006 12:44 am | 6th Post |
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| Pamela, can you suggest a reasonable restaurant close to the Doubletree Westshore? We haven't cruised out of Tampa since 1999 and really have no idea what's good.
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Liberty 10/07; Miracle 10/06; Navigator OTS 10/04; Legend 04/04; Grand Princess 09/03; Dawn Princess 01/03; Enchantment OTS 10/02; Destiny 01/02; Sensation 10/99
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Sea Turtle
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Posted: Sat Jun 24th, 2006 02:33 pm | 7th Post |
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hstrybuf wrote: can you suggest a reasonable restaurant close to the Doubletree Westshore?
Yikes, I’m not a good source for restaurant referrals in that area as I only frequent two places. Here’s where I go:
Italian – I like Maggiano’s at the Westshore Mall – Entrees are in the $15-40 range and it can add up here because everything is ala carte. If you order Veal Piccata, that’s it, that’s what you get. It ‘aint’ the Olive Garden although M’s is a chain and may be in your area. I like the atmosphere and don’t mind a wait in the bar.
http://www.maggianos.com/locations/detail.asp?unit_id=001.025.0171
Bar-b-que – I like Jimbo’s at 4103 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa 813/289-1006. It’s just a bit east of Westshore Blvd on Kennedy. This is a very small place with a good pulled pork sandwich (I top mine off with coleslaw and sauce—yum). If you don’t mind ordering at the counter and sitting at a picnic table, then this is the spot for you.
Then at the International Plaza (opened in Sep01 so new for you, hstrybuf) at Westshore there are several restaurants (many tastes to fit many budgets). http://www.shopinternationalplaza.com/IM/index.html
Later.
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hstrybuf
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Posted: Sat Jun 24th, 2006 03:25 pm | 8th Post |
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| Thanks Pamela! Any recommendation is great!
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Liberty 10/07; Miracle 10/06; Navigator OTS 10/04; Legend 04/04; Grand Princess 09/03; Dawn Princess 01/03; Enchantment OTS 10/02; Destiny 01/02; Sensation 10/99
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Sea Turtle
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Posted: Sun Jun 25th, 2006 10:22 pm | 9th Post |
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Hotels in Tampa Bay where I’ve stayed overnight or I’ve been on FAM trips. Ones with an * I would stay at again:
*Doubletree Westshore – I’ve stayed here twice for a total of three nights, and have been on two FAMs. It’s nice enough as long as you get a really good rate (i.e., through Priceline or a group booking). I would never pay rack rate here. Even with the $$ they poured into this place in 2004 it doesn’t warrant the high pricing. Food/service via room service—forget about it. I tried it once and it was tasteless, cold, poorly presented, etc. If you’re a light sleeper, I recommend asking for a room on the opposite side of I-275. Their airport transportation is very speedy, and they come & go on whether they’ll take you to the port.
*Amerisuites Westshore – I stayed here once for a total of 7 days. It’s a typical moderately priced all suites hotel with continental breakfast included and served in a small area of the lobby. There’s a small pool on the backside away from the traffic of Westshore. I used the onsite laundry facilities here—small room where I left my things unattended during the wash/dry cycles.
LaQuinta Tampa Airport Spruce St – OMG. I stayed here once for two hours (no, it’s not what you’re thinking but I’m betting a lot of that ‘day only’ check-in does go on at this joint). There’s a long version to the story of my stay here but I’ll spare you because it’s just riddled with my stupidity and also involves a pet scare.  Anyway, this place is an old 60/70s type exterior entry motel that I believe has never seen a scrub down let alone a renovation. My skin started to crawl and I checked out. Front desk didn’t even bat an eye when I went to leave, and they double charged me which took two weeks to get resolved, and only resolved because I’m local and went down there and pounded my fist on the counter. None of my phone calls were ever returned. It’s cheap because it’s cheap.
*Embassy Suites Busch Gardens – I did a FAM trip here for four hours but haven’t actually checked in. I recommend you be very careful when booking a hotel near Busch Gardens, as it’s not the most desirable area. This ES (as with most ES) is well maintained on a secure lot. They run quite a few specials throughout the year and they have many pre/post cruisers stay with them. I always enjoy the evening reception at ES. They have a full service concierge. If interested in any packages they might offer, I would call this particular hotel directly during the hours M-F 0900-1500 and kindly ask to speak with the concierge.
*Marriott Waterside – I stayed here once for one night and would by all means stay again. The service was top notch; my double-bedded room while a bit small was very well appointed (nice, large bathroom); room service was the best and even the really good food is served after midnight. Their turkey platters are scrumptious. I don’t believe there could be a ‘bad view’ room in the hotel. My room overlooked the river, city lights, and pool. Cute, flirty Auto Valets!! 
*Mainsail Suites, Eisenhower St. – I have stayed once at this hotel for one night. Just imagine a two-bedroom apartment and that’s what I stayed in. Bonus is the bedrooms are split with the living room in between, and there’s even a small balcony. They do have airport transfer service—5 minutes away. No transfers to the port; however, they can refer you to transfer companies.
Holiday Inn, Rocky Point – I stayed here once for one night. Poor customer service at check-in/out, first room wasn’t what I requested/paid for, and second room had the most uncomfortable bed which in the morning I discovered had a huge blood stain down the side of mattress/box springs. Wonder who was murdered in there? It was an unpleasant experience all the way around. Normally I like to arrange for late checkouts but I was out of there by 0700.
Suburban, W Hillsborough Ave – I stayed here once for one night. If you are on an extremely tight budget, this place is tolerable. It’s about 5 minutes from the airport. It’s a barebones, no frills (think you might get an ice bucket) lay your head down for the night kind of place. It was clean.
*TradeWinds Island Grand and Sandpiper, St Pete Beach – I have stayed once at the Island Grand for a total of two nights, and I have done day tours to both properties once. Would I stay again, yes. If you’re interested in this resort, please let me know and I’ll gladly share my experiences.
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goincruisin
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Posted: Mon Jun 26th, 2006 02:58 pm | 10th Post |
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| WOW! Thanks so much Pamela!!! Great info there!!
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Livtojump
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Posted: Tue Jun 27th, 2006 12:43 pm | 11th Post |
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| Sounds like Pamela is pretty much in the know when it comes to Tampa. Good for folks planning on visiting...and others :D
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grinningramps
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Posted: Wed Jun 28th, 2006 11:30 am | 12th Post |
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Livtojump wrote: Sounds like Pamela is pretty much in the know when it comes to Tampa. Good for folks planning on visiting...and others :D
I think you need to explain that...
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Sea Turtle
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Posted: Fri Jun 30th, 2006 10:30 pm | 13th Post |
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Livtojump wrote: Sounds like Pamela is pretty much in the know when it comes to Tampa. Good for folks planning on visiting...and others :D
Ahh, the others. When it comes right down to it, I :monkeys:
Later.
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Livtojump
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Posted: Wed Jul 5th, 2006 06:06 pm | 14th Post |
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grinningramps wrote: Livtojump wrote: Sounds like Pamela is pretty much in the know when it comes to Tampa. Good for folks planning on visiting...and others :D
I think you need to explain that...
I was just saying it would be nice to have a source of info for those (that is to say...me) not planning on cruising out of Tampa just yet but rather moving there.
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Adios
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Posted: Wed Jul 5th, 2006 10:32 pm | 15th Post |
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| Nice area Liv. I lived in the Tampa Bay area for many years.
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hstrybuf
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Posted: Wed Jul 5th, 2006 11:27 pm | 16th Post |
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Livtojump wrote: grinningramps wrote: Livtojump wrote: Sounds like Pamela is pretty much in the know when it comes to Tampa. Good for folks planning on visiting...and others :D
I think you need to explain that...
I was just saying it would be nice to have a source of info for those (that is to say...me) not planning on cruising out of Tampa just yet but rather moving there.
So when's the big day Liv?
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Liberty 10/07; Miracle 10/06; Navigator OTS 10/04; Legend 04/04; Grand Princess 09/03; Dawn Princess 01/03; Enchantment OTS 10/02; Destiny 01/02; Sensation 10/99
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Livtojump
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Posted: Thu Jul 6th, 2006 11:21 am | 17th Post |
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cruisingator2 wrote: Nice area Liv. I lived in the Tampa Bay area for many years.
I agree. :D We went for a weekend in February to check out the area and look at a few homes to get a general idea of what was available - absolutely fell in love with the area. We're thinking about the Oldsmar, Safety Harbor or ideally the Clearwater area.
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Livtojump
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Posted: Thu Jul 6th, 2006 11:23 am | 18th Post |
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hstrybuf wrote: So when's the big day Liv?
Don't know yet Deb - it all depends on a J.O.B. - Hoping to get a job working with the fine folks at MacDill, AFB.
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grinningramps
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Posted: Thu Jul 6th, 2006 11:34 am | 19th Post |
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Livtojump wrote: grinningramps wrote: Livtojump wrote: Sounds like Pamela is pretty much in the know when it comes to Tampa. Good for folks planning on visiting...and others :D
I think you need to explain that...
I was just saying it would be nice to have a source of info for those (that is to say...me) not planning on cruising out of Tampa just yet but rather moving there.
OK, I thought you were up to something with the "and others" comment...now why would I think YOU were up to something???:monkeys:
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nhrich
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Posted: Thu Jul 6th, 2006 11:46 am | 20th Post |
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There's also the Sailport in the Rocky Point area. They have a shuttle to the airport and the pier, and if you're staying there, they'll even pick you up at the pier and bring you to the airport. I haven't stayed there (no need since I have a DD in Tampa) but have toured the property and it's pretty decent.
We also thought about moving there a few years ago, since there's family in the area but decided we liked New England too much.
Along with being careful with hotels in the Busch Gardens area, I'd also stay clear of pretty much anything on Dale Mabry and around 50th St.
Last edited on Thu Jul 6th, 2006 11:48 am by nhrich
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grinningramps
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Posted: Sat Jul 8th, 2006 02:20 pm | 21st Post |
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nhrich wrote: There's also the Sailport in the Rocky Point area. They have a shuttle to the airport and the pier, and if you're staying there, they'll even pick you up at the pier and bring you to the airport. I haven't stayed there (no need since I have a DD in Tampa) but have toured the property and it's pretty decent....
If you have a DD in Tampa why would any of us need a hotel there?? Surely a friend of her Dad would be welcome...surely...:D
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nhrich
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Posted: Sat Jul 8th, 2006 06:59 pm | 22nd Post |
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grinningramps wrote: nhrich wrote: There's also the Sailport in the Rocky Point area. They have a shuttle to the airport and the pier, and if you're staying there, they'll even pick you up at the pier and bring you to the airport. I haven't stayed there (no need since I have a DD in Tampa) but have toured the property and it's pretty decent....
If you have a DD in Tampa why would any of us need a hotel there?? Surely a friend of her Dad would be welcome...surely...:D
Well, as long as I don't tell her about any of you ahead of time.
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hstrybuf
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Posted: Sat Aug 5th, 2006 01:11 am | 23rd Post |
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Tampa Port Authority
http://www.tampaport.com/index.asp
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Deb - Research, research, research!
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Liberty 10/07; Miracle 10/06; Navigator OTS 10/04; Legend 04/04; Grand Princess 09/03; Dawn Princess 01/03; Enchantment OTS 10/02; Destiny 01/02; Sensation 10/99
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JustBeingMe
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Posted: Fri Jan 26th, 2007 05:17 pm | 24th Post |
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I agree with Chris about the Hilton-Westshore. Nice hotel & shuttle driver was great about taking us to make a liquor run. International Mall was conventently located with lots of shops & places to eat & drink. Not too impressed with Ybor City though. Think I will skip that part of town my next time there. 
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luvmytbear
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Posted: Mon Mar 10th, 2008 05:53 am | 25th Post |
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How about a few years later? Do your recommendations still hold true? I'm leery of using Priceline because of the fact we have 5 people traveling with us. Plus, to be honest, I just don't GET how to use it at all. I've read the biddingfortravel site and I still am lost.
I've looked at the Hilton and it's going for $269. Did I read correctly that they offer shuttle from the airport and to the pier as well? If so, how much does that cost?
I guess the Wyndham is now Intercontinental. They're going for $278.
I did find the Doubletree Guest Suites for $178. It's located on Rocky Point Drive. No mention of shuttle service. Also found Chase Suites in the same area for $189 per night.
Any input on these hotels or locations?
Thanks again!
Last edited on Mon Mar 10th, 2008 06:06 am by luvmytbear
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