Ybor City, Tampa

Advantages: An underrated treasure on Florida's Gulf Coast
Disadvantages: None really

...the channel, redevelopment of Tampa Port Authority has seen an increasing number of visiting cruise ships. A huge new Marriott hotel opened about two years ago. The area also boasts the Tampa Bay Ice Palace (now renamed the St Pete Times Forum) which is home to Lightning, the local ice hockey team. This is where you will catch the major concerts (in our time we have seen Tina Turner, The Who, The Moody Blues – and just missed Fleetwood Mac and Bruce Springstein) Channelside has its own Mall featuring boutiques, restaurants and a cinema. Although still under development it is aiming to capture some of the cruise line visitors. It is home to Florida Aquarium (see below) which is worth a visit in its own right. The latest attraction is the TECO streetcar line which runs from the Marriott Hotel, along Channelside to Ybor City. The cars... Read review

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Advantages: Tampa is in Florida, the sunshine state.
Disadvantages: Avoid our rainy season. July - October.

..., but mainly because of the school children, attending in large groups, Monday through Friday. This area is called Channelside, and new buildings and improvements keep going on. A new tram system has just started up. Taking you around this interesting area. Tampa Port Authority are here too. The docks are home to the cruise ships. I am always amazed at how many people are lining up to go aboard. Ybor city is a fun place. Lots of Spanish type restaurants, shops, and nightclubs. Also a Cuban Cigar factory. In the past there was a lot of trouble in this area, but now they have cameras and extra police and guards. We personally won't go there, but friends do, and say it is fine. We also have MacDill Airbase at the southern most part of Tampa. This is one of the most important military bases. Here the guys leave for all over the world... Read review

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Advantages: Ideal up market, up tempo hotel in downtown Tampa
Disadvantages: Limited choice of food

...‘pay-as-you-go’ multi-story car park, but multiple use valet parking is offered for a daily charge of $12. The valet parking entrance is on Tampa Street. Outside the main door are stops for the Hillsborough Public Transport System Uptown and CrossTown Connector buses (Free). A short walk away is the new electric streetcar service to Ybor City. The reception and concierge desks in the foyer and are reached from the Jackson Street entrance. Gold passport holders have their own check in desk. We arrived at eleven o’clock in the morning and our rooms were ready for us. There is a small shop selling newspapers, T-shirts and souvenirs which until very recently was managed by WH Smith. I gather they are currently selling out their interests in the States. The hotel has 521 rooms (108 designated Gold Passport) and 18 suites... Read review

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