Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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The Westin Tampa Harbour Island Close enough to downtown but still
worlds away on its own 177-acre island, this newly renovated in 2008 hotel insists that
you're here on vacation and not stuck in some insipid downtown convention hotel.
Rooms overlook the harbor and are hypercomfortable, with pillow-top mattresses and
large bathrooms featuring dual shower heads, a heavenly signature on par with the hotel's
Heavenly Bed. There's also an elegant waterfront restaurant, 725 South, that's popular
for business dinners and power lunches. A Reebok gym is a highlight for those into work-
ing out. Stroll the boardwalk to fully appreciate your surroundings.
725 S. Harbour Island Blvd., Tampa, FL 33602. & 877/999-3223 or 813/229-5000. Fax 813/229-5322.
www.starwoodhotels.com. 299 units. $249-$399 double; $495-$895 suite. Weekend rates available. AE,
DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $16; self-parking $14. Amenities: Restaurant; 3 bars; babysitting; con-
cierge; access to nearby health club; Jacuzzi; heated outdoor pool; limited room service; access to spa.
In room: A/C, TV, fax, hair dryer, high-speed Internet access.
Ybor City
Hilton Garden Inn This modern, four-story hotel stands just 2 blocks north of
the heart of Ybor City's dining and entertainment district. A one-story brick structure in
front houses the bright lobby, a comfy relaxation area with a fireplace, a dining area
providing cooked and continental breakfasts, and a small 24-hour pantry selling beer,
wine, soft drinks, and frozen dinners. You can heat up the dinners in your comfortable
guest room's microwave or store them in your fridge. Since Hilton's Garden hotels are
aimed primarily at business travelers, your room will also have a large desk and two
phones. If you opt for a suite, you'll get a separate living room and a larger bathroom.
1700 E. 9th Ave. (btw. 17th and 18th sts.), Tampa, FL 33605. & 800/445-8667 or 813/769-9267. Fax
813/769-3299. www.hiltongardeninn.com. 95 units. $149-$299 double. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Amenities:
Restaurant (breakfast only); exercise room; Jacuzzi; heated outdoor pool. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, hair
dryer, high-speed Internet access.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Despite its location in a somewhat run-
down part of town, Tampa's Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is full of nonstop
action. The 12-story building has 250 rooms, each with modern amenities and a large
bathroom with excellent lighting. The casino has 90,000 square feet of Vegas-style slots
as well as the newly added blackjack, baccarat, Pai Gow poker, Asia poker, Let It Ride
poker, Texas Hold'em, and mini baccarat. Several restaurants and bars keep the nongam-
blers entertained. The pool area is fine, but not as nice as those at the Hard Rocks in
Vegas or Hollywood, Florida. The fitness center is top-notch and even does outdoor
treatments in its Zen garden. The first phase of a $120-million construction project
unveiled a major casino expansion and the opening of the swanky Council Oak Steaks
& Seafood. New in 2009, a new restaurant with a live-action show kitchen.
5223 Orient Rd., Tampa, FL 33605. & 866/502-PLAY (7529) or 813/627-7625. Fax 813/623-6862. www.
seminolehardrocktampa.com. 250 units. $169-$369 double. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Amenities: 10 restau-
rants and bars; Jacuzzi; heated outdoor pool; full-service spa. In room: A/C, TV, CD player, fridge, hair
dryer, high-speed Internet access.
A Nearby Spa & Sports Resort
Saddlebrook Resort-Tampa Kids Set on 480 rolling acres of priceless coun-
tryside, Saddlebrook is a landlocked condominium development off the beaten path (30
min. north of Tampa International Airport). But if you're interested in spas, tennis, or
golf, I recommend this resort, which offers complete spa treatments, the Hopman Tennis
Program (Jennifer Capriati pitches a tent here), and the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy
10
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