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Tampa TRAVEL GUIDE AND DEALS

The Tampa Bay area delivers a triple-threat of tropical charm: St. Petersburg and Clearwater win over guests with 35 miles of powder-white beaches, unspoiled barrier islands, and a vibrant arts scene, while convention-minded bayside neighbor Tampa adds urban moxie and theme-park thrills.

Why Go

 White-sand beaches and family-friendly amusement parks chock-full of convention-goers and art lovers.

Tampa Travel Deals

Tampa Hotels

Tampa is a family destination through and through, and the hotels, most of which are large resorts, reflect that with special programs for children. Properties cater to most budgets, with the common themes being tropical motifs and beach access.

= Smart Splurge = Great Value

Embassy Suites Tampa
Driving is unnecessary thanks to the front-door streetcar stop; this contemporary, all-suite hotel also features a 20-story... pool

Inn at the Bay
Built in 1910, the 12-room bed and breakfast mixes gracious antique-filled rooms with modern amenities like WiFi, free DVDs,... great value

Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
Water views and a 25-acre wildlife estuary filled with mangroves provide natural aesthetics; on-site amenities include a... wildlife | expensive | editor pick

Sandpearl Resort
On the sugar-white Gulf beachfront, this high-end hotel (debuted August 2007) woos guests with a seaside lagoon pool,... family | new | smart splurge | expensive | editor pick

Plaza Beach Resort
This 39-unit property is dressed in tropical basics, but boosts value with its beachfront locale, full in-room kitchens,... great value

Wingate by Wyndham-Tampa
The free hot breakfast buffet, local shuttle, and Busch Gardens discounts up the family appeal at this 85-room property; the... family

Embassy Suites Tampa
Driving is unnecessary thanks to the front-door streetcar stop; this contemporary, all-suite hotel also features a 20-story... pool

Inn at the Bay
Built in 1910, the 12-room bed and breakfast mixes gracious antique-filled rooms with modern amenities like WiFi, free DVDs,... great value

Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
Water views and a 25-acre wildlife estuary filled with mangroves provide natural aesthetics; on-site amenities include a... wildlife | expensive | editor pick

Sandpearl Resort
On the sugar-white Gulf beachfront, this high-end hotel (debuted August 2007) woos guests with a seaside lagoon pool,... family | new | smart splurge | expensive | editor pick

Plaza Beach Resort
This 39-unit property is dressed in tropical basics, but boosts value with its beachfront locale, full in-room kitchens,... great value

Wingate by Wyndham-Tampa
The free hot breakfast buffet, local shuttle, and Busch Gardens discounts up the family appeal at this 85-room property; the... family

Tampa Restaurants

In addition to all of the usual chains (Applebee’s, Outback Steak House, Ruby Tuesday) and restaurants specializing in American favorites like hot dogs and mile-high sandwiches, Tampa does a brisk business in Spanish/Cuban fare.

= Smart Splurge = Great Value

Acropolis Greek Taverna
Take a culinary break from the neighborhood's Latin flavors with tasty Greek staples like gyros, kebabs, souvlaki, and a... open late

Ceviche
With its Wednesday-Saturday flamenco bar, outdoor patio and outstanding Northern Spanish dishes, this contemporary St. Pete... live entertainment | great value

Bern's
An institution since 1956, this reservations-required steakhouse is renowned for choice beef, the world's largest restaurant... smart splurge | editor pick

Columbia Restaurant
The original tile-covered location of this family business from 1905, packs 'em in for Cuban/Spanish fare (paella, Cuban-style... live entertainment

Marc and Didi's
Overstuffed sandwiches and homemade pies are the hallmarks of this New York-style deli, a local lunch favorite with a kids' menu. family

Mel's Hot Dogs
A noisy guilty-pleasure palace where the Chicago-style dogs come with mega toppings; the Reuben version is a house specialty. family | editor pick

Acropolis Greek Taverna
Take a culinary break from the neighborhood's Latin flavors with tasty Greek staples like gyros, kebabs, souvlaki, and a... open late

Ceviche
With its Wednesday-Saturday flamenco bar, outdoor patio and outstanding Northern Spanish dishes, this contemporary St. Pete... live entertainment | great value

Bern's
An institution since 1956, this reservations-required steakhouse is renowned for choice beef, the world's largest restaurant... smart splurge | editor pick

Columbia Restaurant
The original tile-covered location of this family business from 1905, packs 'em in for Cuban/Spanish fare (paella, Cuban-style... live entertainment

Marc and Didi's
Overstuffed sandwiches and homemade pies are the hallmarks of this New York-style deli, a local lunch favorite with a kids' menu. family

Mel's Hot Dogs
A noisy guilty-pleasure palace where the Chicago-style dogs come with mega toppings; the Reuben version is a house specialty. family | editor pick

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