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Where to Stay Near Busch Gardens
Embassy Suites Hotel near Busch Gardens (a preferred B.G. Hotel)
*
$$-$$$
Recommended for families with kids of any age.
Location: 3705 Spectrum Blvd., Tampa
Phone: 813-977-7066
Web site: www.embassysuites.com and www.hilton.com
Check-in: 3:00 p.m.; check-out: noon
Parking: Complimentary self-parking.
In Brief
Personally, I quite like Embassy Suites because they offer a reasonable amount of room for relaxing without having to trip over your luggage. With a separate bedroom and living area, it is possible for kids to head to bed on time or take a much-needed nap in relative peace and quiet. The mini-refrigerator and microwave are invaluable when traveling with kids. You can stock up on snacks for those late-night attacks or keep supplies on hand for those good-night glasses of milk. The daily manager’s reception is a huge hit as well. On a recent trip (to another location), my kids insisted on being back at the hotel every single day for the evening reception. They thought that getting those free drinks and snacks was just the coolest thing around. You certainly can’t beat the made to- order breakfast either. Not only is it practically at your doorstep, but it is complimentary--and it is not just coffee and a bagel or muffin, either, but eggs, waffles, and much more.
The Highlights
-The suites offer plenty of room to relax as well as kitchen facilities.
-Daily manager’s reception featuring complimentary beverages and snacks.
-Complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast including both hot and cold breakfast favorites.
-Close to Busch Gardens as well as area restaurants and shopping.
In-Room Amenities
There are 247 suites in total. The suites are large enough to spread out in, with a bedroom
(including either a king or 2 double beds) and a separate living area where there is a pullout sofa, table, and chairs, and a small kitchen area. A TV in both the bedroom and living room means there is no fighting over what to watch. The suites feature almost all the comforts of home, though in a mini version. The refrigerator and microwave are invaluable when traveling with kids and the night-lights in the bathroom help too.
The suites include: Living area, private bedroom, 1 king or 2 double beds, sofa bed, hair dryer, iron/board, 2 TVs, dining table & chairs, VCR, video games via TV, 2 phones
(both with data ports and voice mail), kitchen area with wet bar, mini-fridge, microwave, and coffeemaker. Cribs and high chairs are available upon request
Guest Services
-Coin and valet laundry
-ATM
-Baggage storage available
-Safety deposit boxes
-Room service
-Business center
-Free shuttle to Busch Gardens (first come, first served)
Child Care/Children’s Programs
None are available on-site though sitting can be arranged through an outside agency.
Recreational Facilities
-Heated outdoor pool
-Game room
-Sauna
-Fitness center
Dining
Complimentary, made-to-order breakfast
Manager’s Reception
Mangrove’s Grill is located in the courtyard of the 7-story atrium with a casual, open atmosphere. It is open for lunch and dinner daily from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. If you are traveling with younger kids, some of the other area eateries may offer more appropriate menu items.
Distance To
Orlando attractions: 75 miles (an hour and a half)
Clearwater Beach: 28 miles (45 minutes to an hour)
Busch Gardens: 5 miles (10 minutes)
Florida Aquarium: 12 miles (20 minutes)
Tampa International Airport: 12 miles (30 minutes)
Best Western All Suites Hotel
*
$-$$
Recommended for families with kids of all ages
Location: 3001 University Center Drive, Tampa
Phone: 813-971-8930
Web site: www.bestwestern.com
Parking: Free parking is available at the resort
In Brief
This family-friendly all-suite hotel is a good choice for families who appreciate nice surroundings, family-friendly amenities like suite-sized rooms, laundry facilities, a pool, and casual dining, all the while being located close to where they’ll be sightseeing during the day. The suites feature a bit of extra room for families to spread out and relax as well as some of the comforts of home such as a refrigerator and microwave.
Highlights
-The suites offer room to relax as well as a bit of added privacy.
-The heated outdoor pool is set in a tropically landscaped courtyard area.
-Casual poolside dining is available at the Parrott’s Cove Bar and Grill. You also have the option of taking your meal back to your room.
-Complimentary hot buffet breakfast.
-Located close to Busch Gardens and other area attractions, including the Museum of Science and Industry and more.
-Located close to several casual family-friendly eateries.
-Set back off the main road on a quieter street, yet close to area shops, restaurants, and attractions.
-The University Mall is located just down the road.
In-Room Amenities
All of the suites include: Choice of either 1 king or 2 double beds, sofa bed in the living area, comfortable armchair, microwave, refrigerator, 2 TVs with a VCR, hair dryer, coffeemaker, iron/board, 2 phones with voice mail and data ports, free Internet access, video games via the TV (fee).
Cribs are available upon request.
Free WiFi is available.
Pets (with some restrictions) are allowed (fee)
Guest Services
-Guest and valet laundry
-Self-parking and valet parking
-Complimentary shuttle to Busch Gardens
-ATM in lobby
-Free high-speed Internet access available
-Business services available
Child Care/ Children’s Programs
While there no formal child care or children’s programs are located at the hotel, arrangements can be made through the guest services desk for an outside sitting service.
Dining
The Parrots Cove Bar and Grill offers casual poolside dining. The colorful open-air tiki hut-style eatery offers casual fare including ribs, sandwiches, and other popular American
fare.
There are also plenty of casual family-appropriate eateries located many within just a minute or two of the resort, including Shells (seafood), Chili’s, Bennigan’s, Mel’s Hot Dogs (a family favorite of ours), Pizza Hut, and of course plenty of fast food.
Additional restaurants can be found up and down both Busch Boulevard and Fowler Avenue (the two main roads on either end of 30th Street) any of which within a 2- to 10- minute drive.
Distance To
Busch Gardens and Adventure Island: 1/2 mile (5 minutes)
Orlando Attractions: 75 Miles (about 1 1/2 hours)
Tampa International Airport: 12 Miles (about 1/2 hour)
The beaches (St.Pete’s and Clearwater): 35 Miles (about 45 minutes to 1 hour)
Overall
All in all, the Best Western All Suites is a decent choice for families who appreciate the space of a suite but don’t necessarily require too many fancy frills and extras. There are plenty of amenities and services available to make your stay a comfortable one.
Certainly Worth Your Consideration
The Grand Suites Tampa near Busch Gardens
*
$-$$
Appropriate for families with kids of all ages
Location: 11310 North 30th Street, Tampa
Phone: 813-971-7690
Web site: www.grandsuitestampa.com
Check-in 3 p.m.; check-out noon.
Parking: complimentary parking is available around the perimeter of the hotel
In Brief
The Grand Suites is a Spanish Mission- style all-suite hotel. While the facilities are not extensive, there are certainly plenty of amenities to make a family comfortable. The location can’t be beat since it’s only minutes to area attractions, restaurants, and shops.
Highlights
-All suites offer plenty of room and privacy as well as some of the comforts of home.
-A tropically landscaped courtyard surrounding the outdoor heated pool.
-Free high speed wireless internet
-Located close to (less than a mile) to Busch Gardens, MOSI, The Lowry Park Zoo.
-Close to several area restaurants and shops.
In-Room Amenities
The suites feature a separate living area with a sleeper sofa, microwave, refrigerator, and a large work desk, as well as a private bedroom. There is plenty of room to spread out and relax. The separate rooms allow for added privacy as well as allowing kids to watch their favorite TV show while Mom and Dad just relax or even watch their own show. Naps are much easier as well since little ones can head off to the bedroom for a rest and not be disturbed by the surrounding activity in the parlor.
The suites include: 1 king or 2 double beds, 2 TVs, sleeper sofa, microwave, refrigerator, wet bar, 2 phones, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron/board.
Guest Services
-Guest and valet laundry
-Tour desk
-Free shuttle to Busch Gardens and Adventure Island
-Business services
Child Care/Children’s Programs
No structured child care is available on-site
Recreational Facilities
The center courtyard is nicely landscaped around the heated pool, with a waterfall and koi pond just nearby, adding to the relaxing atmosphere.
Dining
While there is no onsite dining there are several reastaurants within minutes of the hotel. In addition, Dine One One , a local delivery service, delivers meals from several area restaurants right to your room. (www.dineoneone.com; 813-870-3663).
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