Tampa Airport Escape: Hyatt Place Westshore Luxury Awaits!
Tampa Airport Escape: Hyatt Place Westshore - Luxury? More Like a Lifesaver (and Some Gripes!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just survived a layover at Tampa International and I'm here to spill the tea on the Hyatt Place Westshore, the supposed "luxury" escape. Let's be real, after navigating that airport, any escape seems luxurious. But does this place live up to the hype? Spoiler alert: It's complicated. Prepare for a review that’s less polished travel brochure, more… well, me after a delayed flight and a questionable airport burrito.
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- Meta Description: Exhausted traveler? This review of the Hyatt Place Westshore near Tampa Airport dives deep! Find out if the "luxury" lives up to the name, from accessibility and cleanliness to the food and the fitness center. Honest opinions, quirky observations, and all the messy details you crave!
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (and a Deep Breath)
Alright, first things first: Accessibility. Gotta give Hyatt props for trying. The elevator was a godsend after lugging my suitcase. They advertise "Facilities for disabled guests," which is encouraging. However, I didn't specifically test any of the accessible rooms. I mean, I'm assuming they're up to par, but it would be nice to hear some firsthand accounts. The exterior corridor makes it easier to get to your room, rather than navigating long, confusing hallways. That's a definite plus for anyone with mobility issues. But the devil's always in the details, right? They could probably do with a bit more detail.
Wheelchair accessible? Unclear, but promising. Need more info from actual users, please!
On-site Restaurant/Lounges & Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Coma Incoming!
Let’s cut to the chase: Food. It's the fuel for survival in a travel purgatory, and at the Hyatt, it's… a mixed bag.
- The Breakfast [Buffet]: Okay, this is where my emotions got intensely conflicted. It was a Western breakfast mostly, with the usual suspects: scrambled eggs, sad-looking bacon (I swear, it was crying), those weird, rubbery sausages… You get the picture. There were some Buffet in restaurant options that tried to redeem themselves, but it was average at best. They had pancakes, which were alright, but the syrup tasted like regret. They also had some Asian breakfast options, though I didn't try them. Coffee/tea in restaurant was available and much needed!
- Poolside bar: A definite plus, if you're into that kind of thing. I'm more of a "hide in my room with a book" type of person, but I saw some people enjoying the happy hour and the poolside bar.
- Room Service [24-hour]: Thank GOD for this. After a flight delay, and my general travel weariness, I needed comfort food FAST. They provided food delivery which was amazing, although not the highest quality, it was good enough. I went for the burger; it was edible.
- Coffee shop: I didn’t see one, but if there was one, they hid it well.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized, But Not Souls (Yet)
Okay, I'm a bit of a germaphobe, especially after being on an airplane. So, I was relieved to see that they were taking safety seriously, at least on the surface. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check.Anti-viral cleaning products? Hopefully! Staff trained in safety protocol? Supposedly. I saw signs everywhere about Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, even though I saw a few people get a little too cozy in the elevator. But good on them for trying. They are also taking Hygiene certification, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, all of which are big pluses. Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. I will grant the hotel props for playing it safe.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: The Spa Dream (Shattered?)
This is where things got… interesting. The website blares about a Spa, sauna, spa/sauna, so I ran, I ran to that spa. But wait. Turns out it was more like a phantom spa. The Spa was not mentioned by the staff, nor was there any body scrub or Body wrap, which was a real letdown! I had my heart set on getting stress scrubbed away after the flight. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was pretty, though I wasn't in a swimming mood. The Fitness center was decent, with the usual equipment Gym/fitness. I didn't use it, because let's be honest, I was more in a "eat my feelings" mood than a "get ripped" mood.
Internet Access: The Wi-Fi Whisperer
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Bless you, Hyatt. I'm pretty sure I would have lost my mind without it. The internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN worked great in my experience, which is more than I can say for some hotels, and the internet was reliable, which is CRUCIAL. Wifi in public areas was also available, which is helpful when you are away from your room.
Rooms: The Sanctuary (Mostly)
Okay, the rooms. They weren’t bad. They were… fine. Non-smoking rooms, thank you! Air conditioning, check! Blackout curtains – a HUGE win for combating jet lag. The bed was comfortable enough, with Extra long bed. Complimentary tea and Coffee/tea maker, always appreciated. Refrigerator helped with keeping my precious snacks cold. The Desk and Laptop workspace were adequate for a quick email check, and free bottled water. I also liked the Mirror, and the Shower.
But… and there's always a but… the room decorations were a little generic. Felt like a bland, corporate hug. No personality. I wish there was more of a personal touch, you know? And, you know, the air conditioning got a little noisy at night. It was bearable, but not ideal. But the Soundproofing was pretty good.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, and the Unexpected
They had all the usual stuff: Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Elevator. Definitely appreciated the Cash withdrawal. The Convenience store was helpful for late-night snacks (see "eating my feelings," above). Cashless payment service was widely available. The Air conditioning in public area was also a lifesaver. However, the dry cleaning was not very good.
For the Kids: I don't have any, but…
They have Babysitting service and I think you can assume it's Family/child friendly, and they did advertise Kids meal. So, good on them for trying to cater to families.
Getting Around: The Airport Shuttle – Bless Its Wheels
Thank GOD for the Airport transfer. Made getting to and from the airport a breeze. Car park [free of charge] on-site, always a plus.
The Negatives (Because I'm Honest):
- The "Luxury" Misnomer: Let's be honest, this isn't the Ritz. But it is a solid, clean, convenient place to crash before a flight. Don't expect the world, and you won't be disappointed.
- The Food: Again, the food. Predictable, and generally not very exciting.
- The Staff: Generally friendly and helpful, but sometimes seemed a little… robotic. A bit more warmth would be nice.
The Verdict: Worth It? (Maybe)
The Hyatt Place Westshore is a decent option for a layover or a quick stay near Tampa Airport. It's clean, safe (currently), and convenient. It isn't luxury, but it is a comfortable and reliable option for a weary traveler. If you need a place to crash, access Wi-Fi, and refuel before your next flight, it gets the job done. Just don’t expect a spa day to complete your stay.
Pleasant Hill Getaway: Your Dream Residence Inn Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're diving headfirst into a Tampa adventure based out of the Hyatt Place Tampa Airport/Westshore. This isn't some perfectly polished brochure, this is real life travel, flaws and all. Consider yourself warned.
Day 1: Arrival and the Mildest of Mild Adventures (aka, Jet-Lagged Bliss)
- Morning (Like, around noon, let's be real): Arrived at TPA. Ugh. Airports. You know the drill. Delayed flight? Check. Overpriced coffee that tastes faintly of sadness? Double check. Finally wrestled my luggage – which, by the way, I swear weighs more on every trip – and Ubered it to the Hyatt. Found the hotel, the lobby, a familiar face. Felt the relief, just settling in, this is where I am putting down roots for a few days.
- Afternoon: Check-in was surprisingly smooth, bless the hotel gods. Room's alright. Clean enough. The AC, oh sweet AC, is blasting like a blizzard, which is exactly what I need after the Florida humidity hit me like a wet, hairy sock. Took a nap. A glorious, jet-lagged nap. Woke up disoriented, slightly drooling, happy.
- Late Afternoon: Okay, must. Get. Food. Walked a whole five minutes to a nearby place. It was… a chain restaurant. I know, I know, I'm a travel blogger cliché. But the burger was solid, and the fries were crispy. Fed my soul. Strolled back, vaguely annoyed at the traffic, but mostly just appreciating the warmth on my skin. Oh, and I saw a ridiculously overdressed chihuahua in a tiny car seat. Tampa, you are already delivering.
- Evening: Managed to stay awake long enough to scroll through some emails and plan my "real" day. Also, I drank way too much soda and currently feeling the urge to sing karaoke. This is how the trip is going to go: good food and bad decisions.
Day 2: Ybor City Shakedown (and a Bit of a Meltdown)
- Morning: Okay, tried to get up early. Failed. My body still thinks it's on Chicago time. Finally dragged myself out of bed around 10 am. Ubering to Ybor City. I'm already feeling the heat, and I haven't even stepped out of the car completely.
- Late morning: Ybor City! Holy moly, this place is… intense. Cobblestone streets, cigar smoke wafting through the air, ancient buildings screaming history. Started with a Cuban sandwich from a random vendor. It was, in a word, perfect. Absolutely, ridiculously perfect. Then, I decided to try a cigar because… well, when in Rome, smoke a cigar, right? Wrong. I choked, coughed, and felt my lungs trying to escape my throat. I looked like a beached whale trying to avoid dying. I can't even begin to tell you how many people looked at me. I swear I saw judgement and mockery. I ended up giving it to a friendly stranger.
- Lunch: Found a little place with a balcony overlooking the street. Ordered some tapas (because I clearly hadn't learned my lesson about food and risky activities). Ate the tapas. It was good, but the whole cigar incident left me a little nauseous, and I was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed by the crowds and the, frankly, suffocating heat.
- Afternoon: Meltdown in a Museum (or Trying to Find Peace in a Chaotic World): I decided to try to visit the Ybor City Museum State Park and, honestly? It was a mistake. Don't get me wrong, it was interesting – lots of history about the cigar industry and the immigrants who built the place. But it was also hot, crowded, and I was still feeling the lingering effects of that blasted cigar and the general noise of the place. Everything hit a breaking point. And I started to become overwhelmed by all the chaos. And I just wanted to scream and run away. I ended up needing to sit in the quiet of the gift shop for a good 20 minutes just to calm down. (Turns out, I'm not good with intense, chaotic energy.) I feel like I'm going through some weird identity crisis but this is the messy part of traveling, and I'm here for it.
- Evening: I decided to just go back to the hotel. Ordered overpriced room service (pizza, because comfort food). Watched some brain-numbing TV and just basically unwound. Sometimes, you just need a day to lick your wounds and remember that real life doesn't always match the Instagram feed.
Day 3: Beach Bliss (and a Near-Death Experience with a Coconut)
- Morning: Sunscreen. Check. Sunglasses. Check. Towel. Check. Heading to Clearwater Beach! Okay, finally the beach! The anticipation was making my skin crawl.
- Midday: Clearwater is beautiful. The sand is white, the water is turquoise, and the sun is… well, it's the sun. Pretty darn strong. Spent hours just swimming in the waves, letting the salt water wash away the remnants of my Ybor City meltdown. I nearly fell asleep on the beach.
- Afternoon: Coconut Apocalypse: I decided to get myself a coconut. You know, the whole “sipping out of a fresh coconut” thing. Romantic, right? Wrong! I'm pretty sure the guy who hacked it open was using a rusty machete. The coconut was fine, but it was way too much work for a little bit of coconut water. I was already pretty over it. And then… it happened. I was walking, feeling content, when a rogue coconut, high on its own branches, did a gravity check and almost took me out! I swear I dodged it by about an hair. Heart attack material. Thankfully, I lived to tell the tale.
- Evening: Found a random beach bar. Had a margarita (or two). Watched the sunset. It was stunning. Finally, some peace and quiet. Florida is a beautiful mess, and I am here for all of it.
Day 4: Departure (and a Vow to Return, Eventually)
- Morning: Last breakfast at the hotel. It was… fine. Checked out. Uber to the airport. Ugh, airports, again.
- Afternoon: Flight's delayed (surprise!). Sitting here, writing this, feeling a little wistful. Tampa was a rollercoaster of emotions. It was hot, it was chaotic, and it was, at times, completely overwhelming. But it was also beautiful, delicious, and full of surprises. I'll be back, probably. But maybe next time, I'll bring my own machete and a better attitude. And maybe, maybe, I'll skip the cigars.
Okay, seriously, is this Hyatt Place *really* Westshore Luxury? Because the name kinda screams "airport hotel," right?
Alright, let's be real. "Luxury" and "airport hotel" are usually sworn enemies, like cats and water. But! I gotta say, I was pleasantly surprised with the Hyatt Place Westshore. It's… *elevated* airport hotel. Not Versailles, mind you. More like, a really, really nice condo in a decent neighborhood. Think polished, modern, a little generic, but hey, after a flight from hell with a screaming baby and a guy clipping his toenails (true story, by the way!), *anything* feels luxurious. The lobby is welcoming, the staff are genuinely friendly (a HUGE plus, trust me), and the rooms? Surprisingly spacious and well-designed. So, "luxury"? Maybe a stretch. "Comfortable, convenient, and a serious step up from your average airport purgatory"? Absolutely.
What's the deal with the free breakfast? Is it the usual sad continental thing, or... what?
Oh, the free breakfast! The most important question! Okay, deep breath… It's better than the sad continental, thankfully. We're talking hot options! Think scrambled eggs (sometimes fluffy, sometimes… not), sausage or bacon (usually cooked, which is a win!), the usual pastries, and… a waffle maker! Yes, people, Waffles! That's where things get messy and utterly fascinating to observe.
Seriously… the waffle machine is a microcosm of humanity. You'll witness folks getting *way* too ambitious (three waffles! Really?!), kids dripping batter everywhere, and a general sense of hopeful chaos. I spent a solid five minutes strategizing the perfect waffle-to-syrup ratio one morning. Success! But... It's not gourmet brunch. It's free hotel breakfast. Manage your expectations, and you'll be happy.
How close *is* it to the airport, actually? Because "close" can mean anything these days...
Okay, the proximity to Tampa International Airport is *gold*. We're talking like, a five-minute shuttle ride. Five minutes! No sweaty, crowded airport shuttle drama. No agonizing taxi ride with a chatty cabbie. FIVE MINUTES and you're either at the hotel or at the airport. It’s glorious. Absolutely glorious. I’ve used the shuttle a few times, and it's always been quick and efficient. You know, when you're running late and every minute counts? This is your saving grace. Trust me on this.
What's the deal with the pool? Is it worth it? Because sometimes hotel pools are just… disappointing.
The pool! Okay, let's be honest: I spent a solid chunk of one afternoon camped out by the pool, which wasn't my intention, but I was *exhausted* and it was gorgeous. It's not a massive resort-style pool, mind you. It's more of a perfectly functional, good-sized rectangular pool. Clean, well-maintained, and it gets ample sunshine.
I saw a couple of families, a few business travelers, and a lady who was determined to perfect her backstroke (she was *really* committed, bless her heart). There's a small hot tub, too, if you're into that. I didn't get in, my brain was already mush.
So, is it worth it? Absolutely. It's a lovely place to unwind after a long day of travel, or even just to kill some time. You can get a drink from the bar, and I found it a great place to people-watch. It’s a little oasis from the crazy of the airport. My personal tip: Grab a book and go for it.
Are there restaurants nearby? I get hangry, and I don't want to be stuck eating vending machine snacks all weekend.
Food, glorious food! This is important. The hotel *does* have a small bar and restaurant, but let's just say it's not known for its culinary masterpieces. The good news is, you're super close to a bunch of great restaurants. Seriously, Westshore is a dining mecca! From casual to upscale, you've got options. I suggest checking out Google Maps beforehand. Depends on what you're feeling. There's everything from chains to local gems nearby. I'd personally suggest a quick trip to Waffle House (I know, right?!) to get it out of your system, and move on. Then, find yourself something a little more sophisticated.
Is there parking? And is it a nightmare, like at some airport hotels?
Yes, thank goodness, there is parking, and it's not a complete nightmare. It's free, and you can usually find a spot without too much circling. I say *usually*. During peak travel times, things might get a little tight, but overall, it's pretty manageable. This is a major win. I hate parking dramas, especially when you're tired.
The rooms - good size? Quiet? Clean? Tell me the truth!
Alright, the rooms. This is where the Hyatt Place Westshore really shines. They are surprisingly spacious! You know, you expect shoeboxes at airport hotels, but these actually feel comfortable. Clean? Absolutely. I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge!), and I didn't find anything to freak out about.
Quiet? Generally, yes. The walls aren't paper-thin. Now, you might hear some occasional airport noise, but it's not overwhelming. I had one night where some inconsiderate people were having an early morning chat right outside my door, it happens. Overall, yes, they're clean, quiet, and comfy. The beds are decent, too, which is crucial!
Would you recommend this hotel, or would you go somewhere else? Be honest!
Okay, the million-dollar question: Would I recommend it? For the value, absolutely. Given its proximity to the airport, it's a no-brainer for a quick layover or a pre-flight stay. It's a good choice and I would stay there again. It serves its purpose admirably. The staff are great, the rooms are comfortable, and the location is perfect. It's not the ultimate luxury experience, but for what it is, it's a winner. But if you're looking for something romantic, or planning a destination vacation instead of a sleep-stop, you might want something a little more special. But for the airport, yep. I'm on board.
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