The 244-room Westin Tampa Bay is an upscale, waterfront hotel on Rocky Point Island and close to the airport. Stylish, sunlit rooms offer minibars, iPod docks, and coffeemakers with Starbucks coffee as well as modern bathrooms with walk-in rainfall showers and soaking tubs. Some rooms also offer splendid ocean views, kitchenettes, fitness equipment, and free continental breakfast. The hotel's Aqua restaurant serves seafood in a stylish space, and there's an on-site Starbucks. The beach is small and gets highway noise, but there's a lovely indoor pool and hot tub, as well as a modern fitness center open 24-hours. Business travelers are well catered to with ample meeting rooms and event space, plus a 24/7 business center. Wi-Fi is free in the common areas, but in-room Wi-Fi incurs a fee for non-SPG members, as does parking. There are several comparable hotels in the area, like the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Tampa Bay, so travelers might want to compare rates.
The 244-room Westin Tampa Bay is an upscale, waterfront hotel on Rocky Point Island and close to the airport. Stylish, sunlit rooms offer minibars, iPod docks, and coffeemakers with Starbucks coffee as well as modern bathrooms with walk-in rainfall showers and soaking tubs. Some rooms also offer splendid ocean views, kitchenettes, fitness equipment, and free continental breakfast. The hotel's Aqua restaurant serves seafood in a stylish space, and there's an on-site Starbucks. The beach is small and gets highway noise, but there's a lovely indoor pool and hot tub, as well as a modern fitness center open 24-hours. Business travelers are well catered to with ample meeting rooms and event space, plus a 24/7 business center. Wi-Fi is free in the common areas, but in-room Wi-Fi incurs a fee for non-SPG members, as does parking. There are several comparable hotels in the area, like the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Tampa Bay, so travelers might want to compare rates.
The 156-room mid-range Grand Plaza Beachfront Resort Hotel & Conference Center is right on the Gulf of Mexico, a five-minute drive from the shops along Corey Avenue in St. Pete's Beach. Rooms are modern and fresh, with microwaves and mini-fridges, and some have spectacular views of the bay or gulf. The revolving restaurant on the top floor is popular with both guests and locals, and the expansive events space draws both social events and business gatherings. There is also a pool and fitness center, as well as a beachfront bar. Families may want to check out the Guy Harvey Outpost. It's similarly priced but offers more activities for children.
The 156-room mid-range Grand Plaza Beachfront Resort Hotel & Conference Center is right on the Gulf of Mexico, a five-minute drive from the shops along Corey Avenue in St. Pete's Beach. Rooms are modern and fresh, with microwaves and mini-fridges, and some have spectacular views of the bay or gulf. The revolving restaurant on the top floor is popular with both guests and locals, and the expansive events space draws both social events and business gatherings. There is also a pool and fitness center, as well as a beachfront bar. Families may want to check out the Guy Harvey Outpost. It's similarly priced but offers more activities for children.
One of Disney's least expensive resorts, the 1,920-room All-Star Movies Resort is one of three adjacent, virtually identical All Star properties. Small, worn rooms, scarce food options, two fairly ordinary pools, and Disney's standard set of free services -- not bad, for the price, but the similarly priced Pop Century has faster access to most of Disney's theme parks.
One of Disney's least expensive resorts, the 1,920-room All-Star Movies Resort is one of three adjacent, virtually identical All Star properties. Small, worn rooms, scarce food options, two fairly ordinary pools, and Disney's standard set of free services -- not bad, for the price, but the similarly priced Pop Century has faster access to most of Disney's theme parks.
Popular with families visiting the Universal Studios theme parks, Loews Royal Pacific Resort is a 1,000-room, four-pearl resort with a Pacific Island/Balinese theme. Modern rooms here range from Standard units to Suites, and some have kid-pleasing decor themes such as Jurassic Park. As one might expect from a theme park resort, most of the amenities here are geared toward families, from the huge lagoon pool to the busy kids' club. However, there are also plenty of restaurants with food that adults will enjoy (think sushi and sashimi), plus a business center and lots of meeting space. Visitors may want to compare rates and amenities at one of the other Universal hotels, such as Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando, which has an on-site spa.
Popular with families visiting the Universal Studios theme parks, Loews Royal Pacific Resort is a 1,000-room, four-pearl resort with a Pacific Island/Balinese theme. Modern rooms here range from Standard units to Suites, and some have kid-pleasing decor themes such as Jurassic Park. As one might expect from a theme park resort, most of the amenities here are geared toward families, from the huge lagoon pool to the busy kids' club. However, there are also plenty of restaurants with food that adults will enjoy (think sushi and sashimi), plus a business center and lots of meeting space. Visitors may want to compare rates and amenities at one of the other Universal hotels, such as Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando, which has an on-site spa.
Located on the southern end of Clearwater Beach, the 140-room Shephard’s Beach Resort is an upper-mid-range hotel located directly on the sand and famous for its entertainment and nightlife. This hotel is a good fit for travelers looking for a party scene on the beach and who love live music and bands that often play all day and into the night. It may not be the best fit for families -- loud music at the night club continues until the wee hours -- although children are welcome at the property. There is an outdoor pool with hot tub, slim beach, and fitness center on-site. Rooms are modern and colorful; some have balconies and gorgeous Gulf views. Prices are comparable to other upper-mid-range properties in the area, but those looking for a quieter property may consider the Sandpearl, located about a mile north.
Located on the southern end of Clearwater Beach, the 140-room Shephard’s Beach Resort is an upper-mid-range hotel located directly on the sand and famous for its entertainment and nightlife. This hotel is a good fit for travelers looking for a party scene on the beach and who love live music and bands that often play all day and into the night. It may not be the best fit for families -- loud music at the night club continues until the wee hours -- although children are welcome at the property. There is an outdoor pool with hot tub, slim beach, and fitness center on-site. Rooms are modern and colorful; some have balconies and gorgeous Gulf views. Prices are comparable to other upper-mid-range properties in the area, but those looking for a quieter property may consider the Sandpearl, located about a mile north.
Marriott's Harbour Lake is a mid-range, family-friendly resort with 900 rooms off of International Drive, on the outskirts of Orlando's main tourist area. It's a short 10-minute drive to Disney World, and a 15-minute drive to Universal Studios, though shuttles aren't offered. Highlights include a large natural lake, activities, and numerous sports features plus a kid-friendly water playground and pirate-themed outdoor pool. Guest rooms and villas are clean and spacious, if generic and a bit dated, and villas include kitchens. A pool-side grill restaurant is also open for (paid) breakfast and serves American dishes. For a stay closer to the Disney parks, try Disney's Art of Animation Resort, which is good value and located right within Walt Disney World Resort, though it lacks a gym.
Marriott's Harbour Lake is a mid-range, family-friendly resort with 900 rooms off of International Drive, on the outskirts of Orlando's main tourist area. It's a short 10-minute drive to Disney World, and a 15-minute drive to Universal Studios, though shuttles aren't offered. Highlights include a large natural lake, activities, and numerous sports features plus a kid-friendly water playground and pirate-themed outdoor pool. Guest rooms and villas are clean and spacious, if generic and a bit dated, and villas include kitchens. A pool-side grill restaurant is also open for (paid) breakfast and serves American dishes. For a stay closer to the Disney parks, try Disney's Art of Animation Resort, which is good value and located right within Walt Disney World Resort, though it lacks a gym.
This massive 1000-room upscale resort is set within the Universal Orlando complex and comes with an array of theme park perks, including free water taxis and early admission to some parks. The outdoor pool is impressive, complete with a waterslide, two sandy beaches, and kids' areas, as are the hotel's indoor spaces, which feature stylish contemporary decor with Caribbean island inspirations. Inviting guest rooms offer a solid set of mod-cons and spacious bathrooms, while suites add living rooms. Dining options include Caribbean fare in a stylish restaurant and rum tastings in a tavern, plus there's a well equipped fitness center. For something with even more features, including a spa and three pools, check out sister property Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando -- but note that rates are more expensive.
This massive 1000-room upscale resort is set within the Universal Orlando complex and comes with an array of theme park perks, including free water taxis and early admission to some parks. The outdoor pool is impressive, complete with a waterslide, two sandy beaches, and kids' areas, as are the hotel's indoor spaces, which feature stylish contemporary decor with Caribbean island inspirations. Inviting guest rooms offer a solid set of mod-cons and spacious bathrooms, while suites add living rooms. Dining options include Caribbean fare in a stylish restaurant and rum tastings in a tavern, plus there's a well equipped fitness center. For something with even more features, including a spa and three pools, check out sister property Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando -- but note that rates are more expensive.
Operated by around 400 members of the Miccosukee Tribe, the mid-range Miccosukee Resort & Gaming is a 302-room casino hotel that sits at the edge of the Everglades, just outside Miami. Built in 1995 and near the tribal village, the resort is popular with travelers looking for a well-positioned stopover en route to or from the airport, cruise port, or Everglades. All-you-can-eat buffets are available, however, food gets mixed reviews. Also note that some visitors are put off by the smoky lobby. Rooms are spacious and clean, with standard amenities like air-conditioning, safes, and Wi-Fi, but those wanting a room with a bit more design sense will need to upgrade to the higher tiers. Additional features include an indoor pool, game rooms for kids and teens, and a dated fitness center, as well as bingo and various gaming machines. Guests can join the Miccosukee One rewards program for extra perks (based on casino play) during their stay, like a discount off of rooms or free valet service. Those wanting a more upscale casino experience with more amenities should look into the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, which offers a wide variety of restaurant and a great outdoor pool.
Operated by around 400 members of the Miccosukee Tribe, the mid-range Miccosukee Resort & Gaming is a 302-room casino hotel that sits at the edge of the Everglades, just outside Miami. Built in 1995 and near the tribal village, the resort is popular with travelers looking for a well-positioned stopover en route to or from the airport, cruise port, or Everglades. All-you-can-eat buffets are available, however, food gets mixed reviews. Also note that some visitors are put off by the smoky lobby. Rooms are spacious and clean, with standard amenities like air-conditioning, safes, and Wi-Fi, but those wanting a room with a bit more design sense will need to upgrade to the higher tiers. Additional features include an indoor pool, game rooms for kids and teens, and a dated fitness center, as well as bingo and various gaming machines. Guests can join the Miccosukee One rewards program for extra perks (based on casino play) during their stay, like a discount off of rooms or free valet service. Those wanting a more upscale casino experience with more amenities should look into the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, which offers a wide variety of restaurant and a great outdoor pool.
An amenities-packed hotel right on the beach in Sunny Isles, the Trump International Beach Resort is more casual than other Trump properties. Limited nightlife options, plus two pools and a free kids' club, make it a better fit for families and business travelers than scene-hunting sophisticates.
An amenities-packed hotel right on the beach in Sunny Isles, the Trump International Beach Resort is more casual than other Trump properties. Limited nightlife options, plus two pools and a free kids' club, make it a better fit for families and business travelers than scene-hunting sophisticates.
Paradise doesn't come cheap. Striking but sober mood-lit design, impeccable service, three pools (each a different temperature), and a prime beachside location make the Setai one of the best hotels in Miami. The 133 rooms are huge and immaculate, with handmade Duxiana king-sized beds, espresso machines, rainfall showers, bathrobes and slippers, stocked minibars, and free Wi-Fi in all. Food and drink offerings range from the modern Asian restaurant Jaya to the poolside Ocean Grill, plus several of Miami's best restaurants are just half a block away. For even bigger rooms and a more kid-friendly vibe, consider 1 Hotel South Beach.
Paradise doesn't come cheap. Striking but sober mood-lit design, impeccable service, three pools (each a different temperature), and a prime beachside location make the Setai one of the best hotels in Miami. The 133 rooms are huge and immaculate, with handmade Duxiana king-sized beds, espresso machines, rainfall showers, bathrobes and slippers, stocked minibars, and free Wi-Fi in all. Food and drink offerings range from the modern Asian restaurant Jaya to the poolside Ocean Grill, plus several of Miami's best restaurants are just half a block away. For even bigger rooms and a more kid-friendly vibe, consider 1 Hotel South Beach.