Tampa's BEST Extended Stay? Brandon Suites Steal the Show!
Brandon Suites: Tampa's Extended Stay Champion? Buckle Up, Buttercups! (A Review That's Seen Some Stuff)
Okay, so, y'all. I've stayed in my fair share of extended stays. Let's just say I've seen more threadbare towels and questionable stains than I care to admit. But Brandon Suites in Tampa? Brandon Suites…they actually surprised me. And not in the "oh, the fridge works!" kind of way. More like, "Whoa, maybe extended stays can be decent" kind of way.
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- Meta Description: Unfiltered review of Brandon Suites in Tampa! Is it the best extended stay? Dive into accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, and the overall vibe. From Wi-Fi woes to pool party possibilities, get the real scoop!
Accessibility (First Impressions Count…and Matter!)
Right off the bat, I gave them bonus points. Seriously. Accessibility: I need it, folks. It's a non-negotiable. And, Brandon Suites GETS IT. The website promises it, and the reality delivers. Wide doorways, easy ramp access, and the staff seemed genuinely prepared to help, not just going through the motions. I noticed a few things right away including Wheelchair Accessible rooms and common areas. No fumbling with keycards and jammed doors, just easy access. This is huge! It's often overlooked, and Brandon Suites clearly makes it a priority. Bravo!
On-Site & Nearby Delights (The Stuff That Makes Life Bearable)
Listen, extended stays can get… monotonous. So, what's around? What's in?
- Restaurants & Lounges: Okay, so the on-site food game wasn't Michelin-star material. But. And this is a big but. There was a casual bar, and a decent restaurant with A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, and they offered Breakfast [buffet]. The buffet was basic, but it filled a hole. More importantly, the staff seemed genuinely friendly, not just going through the motions.
- Poolside Bar A big plus, a refreshing dip and a cold drink after a long day.
- Coffee Shop Always a win, made sure I had the fuel to keep going! And for those who loved coffee, they offered Coffee/tea in restaurant.
- Convenience Store for those late night snack runs or when you forgotten something you need.
"Things to Do" (aka, How to Avoid Staring at a Wall For Weeks)
- Swimming pool: The outdoor Swimming pool [outdoor] wasn't Olympic-sized, but it was clean, and the view was pretty decent. Honestly, splashing around in the pool made life far more bearable.
- Fitness center: A decent Gym/fitness center, not the most cutting-edge, but it had enough to get my heart rate up and keep me from turning into a total blob.
- Spa/sauna While I didn't personally indulge, the Spa, Sauna, and Steamroom were available, which is a serious step up for an extended stay (and great for those looking to relax and unwind.)
Cleanliness and Safety (Because Nobody Wants Bed Bugs… or Worse)
This is where Brandon Suites really upped their game. Seriously, I'm a cleanliness snob. And I was actually impressed.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: The scent of "clean" was very obvious, a good sign.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Regularly wiped down and looked clean, a plus!
- Rooms sanitized between stays: This is crucial. I felt genuinely safe.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: I saw them following the protocols (and wearing their masks, which, in this current climate, is a huge deal!).
- Hand sanitizer: Was everywhere!
- Smoke alarms & Fire extinguisher are a must!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fueling the Extended Stay Survival)
So, the Breakfast [buffet] was a solid start. Nothing fancy, but enough to get me going. They offered Breakfast service and Breakfast takeaway service. The coffee was drinkable (a major plus, let's be honest).
- Bottle of water: Provided in the rooms.
- Happy hour: Was available at the bar.
- Room service [24-hour]: A life-saver when you're working late and the munchies hit!
Services and Conveniences (Making Life Easier)
- Daily housekeeping: The housekeepers were incredibly friendly and efficient. My room always felt fresh and clean. The Daily housekeeping really helped here.
- Laundry service: I didn't use it, but the option was there.
- Wi-Fi for special events: They offered this, which is cool for business conferences.
- Concierge, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], all great conveniences.
- Cash withdrawal: Added bonus!
Available In-Room Goodies & the Nitty-Gritty Details
Okay, the rooms. Were they luxurious? No. Functional? Absolutely.
- Free Wi-Fi: Yes! And it actually worked! (This is a huge win, believe me.) Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN are also available.
- Air conditioning: Obviously.
- Blackout curtains: Hallelujah! Sleeping in a dark room is a must.
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential for me.
- Desk: Necessary for working.
- Refrigerator: Crucial for keeping drinks cold and leftovers fresh.
- Microwave: Also available, a crucial amenity.
- Safe box: Peace of mind for valuables.
- Satellite/cable channels: Basic, but hey, there's something to watch.
- Wake-up service: Worked flawlessly.
- Non-smoking rooms: A blessing!
- On-demand movies: A bonus for those late nights.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and the Real Deal
Alright, here's where it gets real. No hotel is perfect.
- The Internet: While the free Wi-Fi mostly worked, there were a few times it buffered or dropped. I had to restart my laptop one day. Not a huge deal, but worth noting.
- Bathroom Phone: I, personally, find them a bit creepy, who uses them?
- The Buffet: The food was good, not incredible, but perfect for an extended stay.
- The lack of Pets allowed: I did hear some others missed having pets on-site for a long term stay.
Overall Verdict: Brandon Suites - Worth the Stay!
Look, I'm not going to lie. Going into this extended stay, my expectations were set low. But Brandon Suites surprised me. It's clean, safe, accessible, and actually has a decent range of amenities. It's far from perfect, but for a long-term stay, it's a solid choice! It's not the most glamorous place, but the staff is friendly, and it actually feels like they care.
Final score: 4.2 out of 5 stars. I'd stay there again. And that's saying something!
Luxury Courtyard Escape: St. Louis' Hidden Gem (St. Peters, MO)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's itinerary. We're going Extended Stay America Select Suites - Tampa - Brandon, Florida. Which, let's be honest, isn't exactly the Seychelles, but hey, we're making memories, right? And potentially regretting some of them. Here's the unvarnished truth, the raw and the real:
Travel Itinerary: Brandon, Florida - Expect the Unexpected (and Possibly the Mildly Disappointing)
Day 1: Arrival, Regret, and Questionable Pizza
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Touchdown! Tampa International Airport (TPA). Okay, I'm not gonna lie, the Tampa airport is actually pretty decent. Clean, efficient. But the existential dread of "vacation has begun" always hits a little hard at this point.
- 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Rental car pickup. Pray to the rental car gods you managed to avoid the upselling on the "premium tires" and "sunscreen package". (I once ended up with a car with a broken AC in July. Never again.)
- 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Drive to Extended Stay America Select Suites - Tampa - Brandon. Hopefully, Google Maps isn't feeling particularly sadistic today. (Side note: I LOVE Google Maps, it has saved me on countless occasions.)
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Check-in. Pray the room doesn't smell faintly of sadness and outdated cleaning products. Inspect the room. Check for bed bugs. (You HAVE to, it's a rule, right?) Unpack. Immediate assessment of the "kitchenette." Contemplate whether instant coffee at 3 PM is acceptable or a sign of a deeper problem.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Explore the immediate surroundings. This is where I get into the "real" Brandon. It's probably gonna be a strip mall bonanza. Gotta scope out the local grocery store. Need the essentials: chocolate, chips and something to wash it all down.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. Resist the urge to just order a pizza from the nearest place with three-star reviews. (I've made this mistake before. The pizza was… well, let's just say it wasn't a highlight.) Decided to try that place "Gino’s Pizza” and the pizza was surprisingly good.
- 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Netflix and chill/stare at the ceiling. Depending on the day's events, it could be one or the other, or a chaotic mix of both. Also, attempt to find the remote that's definitely lurking somewhere.
Day 2: Swimming and More Regrets
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Wake up, bleary-eyed. Instant coffee it is, then.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Pool time! This is where the Extended Stay hopefully redeems itself. Pray the chlorine doesn't eat away at my hair. Observe the other guests. (The art of people-watching is crucial, especially in places like these).
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Lunch. Probably leftovers or something I grabbed from the grocery store. Or an impulsive decision to eat fast food again.
- 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Visit a local attraction… or just spend a few more hours at the pool. Maybe a local park, (I'm leaning towards the pool, truth be told).
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Rest. Recharge. Contemplate life choices. (Am I eating too many chips?)
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. Okay, tonight we're going out. Looking at a casual American casual dining restaurant, where the drinks are plentiful, and the food is… well, generally adequate.
- 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Back to the room. Decompress. Watch some more Netflix. Maybe write in my little travel journal, or I might just fall asleep. No judgement.
Day 3: Outlet Mall Madness and Early Departure?
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Outlet mall run. This is what some people call "shopping." I call it a test of my sanity and budget. Bargain hunting is a contact sport, y'all. Prepare to encounter aggressive sales associates and people with very strong opinions on clearance items.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Lunch at the Food Court. Because, let's be real, I’ll probably have exhausted all my willpower.
- 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM: More outlet mall. And potential regrets about purchases. (Do I really need another pair of jeans?)
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Return to the Extended Stay. Final packing. Panic about forgetting something important.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Check out. Say goodbye to the room. (Honestly, it wasn't that bad, was it?).
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Drive back to the airport. Reflect on the trip. Consider whether I should book a flight for the next week. Decide against it.
- 6:00 PM onward: Goodbye, Brandon! Hello, real life. On the flight, I’ll look back at this vacation, hoping that I’ll remember the funny moments.
Observations, Musings, and Ramblings:
- The "Kitchenette": Oh, the kitchenette. A land of potential, yet often reduced to an arena for instant coffee and microwaved leftovers. I'm always hopeful, but let's be honest, I always overpack.
- The Bed: The bed is probably the most important part. It better be comfy so I can sleep well.
- The Wi-Fi: Pray for good Wi-Fi. Without it, I'm basically a caveman.
- The Other Guests: Some people are friendly. Some people look like they haven't slept in days. Some people are constantly on the phone. It's a social experiment, I tell ya.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: This whole trip is probably going to be an emotional rollercoaster. Excitement, boredom, mild disappointment, sudden bursts of joy (maybe from a good meal), and a healthy dose of self-loathing. Bring it on.
There you have it. My Brandon, Florida adventure. It might not be a masterpiece, but it will be mine. And hey, maybe I'll even have a good time. Or… maybe not. But either way, I'll have a story to tell.
Lake George Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Super 8!
So, what *is* this bizarre "FAQ" thing anyway?
Good question! Honestly, I have no idea what I'm doing. Supposedly, this is a place to answer questions people *might* have about… (checks notes) … everything? Life, the universe, and your questionable choice in socks this morning. It's meant to be helpful, but let's be real, I'm probably more likely to accidentally start a philosophical debate about the meaning of toast. Expect rambles. Expect tangents. Expect me to completely forget what the question was halfway through the answer. Welcome to the chaos.
Okay, fine. But *why* are you doing this? Are you some sort of... robot?
Robot? Nah. I'm a full-blown, human (mostly). And why am I doing this? Because I can't *not* share my thoughts, even if they're messy, illogical, and riddled with existential angst. Plus, I'm hoping someone, somewhere, gets a chuckle out of this. Maybe even a tiny bit of comfort knowing they're not the only ones stumbling through life like a confused puppy. It's therapeutic, okay? Don't judge.
What's the best way to deal with... *gestures vaguely at everything*... all of this?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Look, if I had a foolproof answer to THAT, I'd be sitting on a beach somewhere, sipping something fruity and not, you know, writing this FAQ. My go-to? Honestly? Chocolate. Seriously. Dark chocolate. It's a temporary escape, a fleeting moment of bliss, and sometimes, that's all you can ask for. (Side note: avoid double-dipping; it's just bad manners.)
But okay, more realistically? Find something that makes you… *un-sad*. For me, it's reading, writing (obviously!), and spending time in nature, even if it's just staring at a tree. It's about finding those little pockets of joy amidst the general mess.
And, oh man, this is crucial - *lower your expectations*. Life is not a highlight reel. It's bloopers, awkward silences, and the occasional spectacular faceplant. Embrace the mess. The imperfections. The utter absurdity of it all. It’s all a part of the experience!
Let's talk about Failure. How do you *handle* it?
*Sigh*. Failure. My old nemesis. I'm intimately acquainted with it. I've failed at things I gave my all, things I didn't care about, and things I *knew* I'd fail at from the start (just to prove a point, you know?). Used to? I'd wallow. Years of wallowing. Hours of crying. Days (and sometimes, let’s be honest, *weeks*) spent replaying the humiliation on repeat. Then I started a whole new pattern cycle (and I might still revert). Now? Okay, it’s still not amazing, but the chocolate helps. The key, I've found, is to detach. To remind myself that a single failure doesn't define me. It’s one *moment*. A blip. And (this is important), sometimes, I just let myself feel it. Embrace the suck. It’s cathartic. Yesterday, I totally botched a presentation at work – like, the words just wouldn't come out, the slides were all jumbled, the whole thing was a disaster. Afterward, I went home, ate an entire bag of chips (don't judge) and watched a trashy reality show. And you know what? I felt… better. Because sometimes, you just need a little bit of junk to get through the junk. Don't be afraid of the junk.
What's your biggest regret? (Go on, get personal!)
Oof, the big one. Regret. The one that stings the most? Probably not saying “I love you” more often. I mean, yeah, I have a bunch of other "shoulda, woulda, coulda" moments. But, The biggest one? It’s the missed opportunities to tell someone how much they meant to me, those unsaid words that now hang in the air like a ghost. There was… well, never mind. It’s a long, messy story. In a nutshell, though, there was this person… and I held back. Fear, stupid fear, as always. That fear of vulnerability that chokes you like a bad burrito, that the fear of rejection… the fear to share. It’s a lesson I *think* I’ve learned, after a very hard way, finally, and that’s to say the words. Don't let fear win, folks. Just… don’t. It's a horrible taste to swallow later.
Okay, let's talk about... social interaction. I hate people. How do you do it?
Oh geez, I hear you. People. Bless their little hearts, and the utter mind-numbing things they say and do. Honestly? Sometimes I just… don't. Social battery on *zero*? Nope. Not today. I have my trusty introvert shields.
But when I *have to*? I've got a few strategies. First, I cultivate my tolerance for awkwardness. Because let's face it, there's a LOT of awkwardness out there. Second, I find common ground. Ask questions. Listen (really listen) to the answers… even if they bore you to tears. Find the little threads of connection. Finally, I have a healthy supply of mental escape routes. It's called "zoning out" and it's a powerful skill. "Oh, that's nice," I say, staring off into the distance. (Do not try this at formal events).
What's something you're *genuinely* passionate about?
Reading. Hands down. It's my happy place, my escape, my everything. I fall utterly in love with stories and characters. It's the ultimate form of empathy, really... walking in other peoples' shoes, feeling their joys and sorrows. I cry. I laugh. I yell at fictional characters. I'm an absolute mess. But I love it. I could spend all day, every day, lost in a good book, and often, I do. I'm the type of person who'll sneak a book into places they're definitely not allowedSnooze And Stay
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