For a better future, study the past.
For a better future, study the past.
The Embassy Suites downtown Tampa convention center, by Hilton, is a perfect destination for vacation or business travel.
If you are looking for a great location to stay in downtown Tampa, near almost everything, you won’t do better than staying at the Embassy Suites Downtown Tampa Convention Center. This Hilton property has everything you are looking for.
We were visiting Tampa for a single night, attending a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game. With that in mind our goal was to find accommodation that was close to the arena if possible so that we weren’t parking and possibly having to leave and pay for parking at, or near, the arena. We all know that expense can be a killer.
Everything about our visit was convenient and comfortable, from online booking to the in person staff, we encountered no issues.
Online reservation was easy and the confirmation emailed quickly. We were able to book valet parking and include a tip easily. Valet parking is not cheap, at $45, but I challenge you to find a more convenient method at a better price. The valets were friendly and the service efficient. When we were checking out we were able to schedule pick up for our vehicle and it was already at the valet pick up when we arrived. With the tip already being covered, it was as simple as getting the keys and securing our bags.
At check in we did need to stop at the front desk but that was no bother at all. The staff were friendly and got us our keys in a flash. She explained the hotel rules and where things were. One thing that might be a concern for some visitors is the mandatory Urban Destination Charge added to all stays. This fee is refunded through the use of the premium guest internet (which unfortunately I found to be lacking), two, one hour bicycle rentals, and a $30 food and beverage credit that can be used at the onsite restaurant, TASTE DOWNTOWN, or the onsite Starbucks. This credit is good only on items charged to the room account and cannot be used after checkout.
Check in is at 4pm and check out is at 11am.
For those staying here there are some very nice amenities to take advantage of. Each evening they host a reception from 5p-6:30p featuring select beer, wine, and cocktails. There are some light foods such as nachos and salsa, and some nuts, granola, etc. Nothing fancy but it’s a good way to have a beer and prepare for whatever you are doing that evening.
Every morning be sure to stop and grab your complimentary breakfast buffet. This isn’t your regular old hotel breakfast. There is a custom omelet station or go through the line for eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, pancakes, toast, cereal, pastries, and more. Coffee, tea, milk, soda, and juices are available. It’s enough where to where you might not need lunch. It’s hot, everything seemed fresh, and staff keeps the pans filled and clean. The dining area was staffed and tables regularly bussed so everything was clean for the next guest. Breakfast is available from 6:30am until 9:30am during the week and 7:30am until 10:30am on weekends and holidays.
Taste Downtown is open from 11:30am until midnight.
Starbucks is open from 6am until 6pm.
Remember, you can use your $30 food and beverage credit at these two facilities.
Be sure to visit the third floor pool and pool bar to soak in some Florida sunshine. A wedding/reception was booked at the pool area during our stay and the area was highly decorated. I imagine this is a popular destination during the summer. The third floor is also where guests can find the credit card operated laundry facilities and the fitness center.
Odd numbered floors have ice machines and even numbered floors have vending machines.
Once you navigate the easy parking and check in processes, the quickest way to get to your room is to take one of several elevators, which are located close to the front desk service and the hub of activity going on in the lobby area. Elevator service was a bit erratic; sometimes very quick, and other times not so much. Hardly an inconvenience.
Our room was quite spacious with a separate living and sleeping area, along with the bathroom. The room was comfortably equipped with a television in each room, coffee maker, refrigerator, extra blankets, desk space, plenty of outlets and charging ports, and more. There is a small closet, perfect for hanging your clothes and to stow your luggage and keep it out of the way. The bedroom had several drawers for your folded items. There were several towels in the bath and I am sure they would be replaced by staff as needed. The room came with a couple of bottles of water but at $4 we easily passed.
The couch and seating were comfortable and would be a good spot to relax after a day of seeing the sites and having dinner. The living area looks out onto the hall so be sure to close your curtains for privacy. The images above show the living room layout.
While each room would be different, our room looked out toward the skyline where we could see cruise ships and Benchmark International Areana. The top of an adjacent parking garage was readily visible but to be honest, it was easy to ignore that for more interesting views beyond.
The king sized bed was comfortable and was stocked with four pillows. There were additional linens in the closet but I didn’t open the bag to see the exact contents.
The bathroom facilities met our needs. It wasn’t fancy or overdone but featured plenty of room to move around. The rain style shower head was nice with good water pressure and hot water. The sink and counter area offered room to spread out a bit. For the two of us there were ample towels provided. A couple of photos are provided for reference.
When selecting a hotel, price is certainly a primary consideration. We all want to get value for our money. However, when traveling, location should play a big role in your decision. The location of Embassy Suites Downtown Tampa is excellent. It is near so many great sites and convenient to major transportation that this can be a great jumping off point every morning.
As we have seen, the hotel is very short walk from Benchmark International Arena. There is a sidewalk next to the parking garage that will lead you right there. Also close by are the Tampa Riverwalk, a nearly 2.5 mile walking and biking path which connects sites along the Hillsborough River. You can easily visit the Florida Aquarium, the Tampa Theatre, and more from this convenient location.
Do you want to go shopping? Try a visit to the Tampa Armature Works, where you will find bakeries, cafes, bars, bistros, and shops. Or perhaps head to Hyde Park Village where boutiques, cafes, and bars await.
Do you have a history lover in your group. Do not miss the Tampa Bay History Center where permanent and temporary exhibits await. Be sure to hop on the TECO Streetcar Line for a nostalgic ride to the Ybor City Historical District where museums, cigars, dining, music, checkers, and chickens await. You can easily make a full day of Ybor City. If you don’t want to miss anything, try taking a Tampa Historic Walking Tour. This 1.5 hour, wheelchair accessible tour is perfect for history lovers in your family.
Use this Google Map to help orient yourself and find the best route to the hotel and all the locations nearby.
While we were only at the Embassy Suites for a single night, I left highly impressed. The facility was spotless, the staff friendly and knowledgeable, and the location was excellent. All reasons to return the next time we are in Tampa. Check them out during your next visit.
Embassy Suites DID NOT provide compensation or provide a complimentary room in exchange for this blog post.