Tampa International Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended…

Tampa International Airport is among the most convenient in the United States, with a hotel connected to the terminal by a covered walkway: the most practical choice for anyone flying at dawn or with only a few hours between flights. The Westshore area, a few minutes by car, offers more choice of price while staying close to the terminal. Downtown, along the Riverwalk and Water Street, and the historic district of Ybor City suit those who want to go out in the evening or visit the city, with a longer transfer. The Gulf beaches, such as Clearwater, are another area, half an hour or more by car.

At the airport

Connected to the main terminal by a covered, air-conditioned walkway, a few minutes on foot.

Best for: Travelers flying at dawn, with a tight connection, or who want the shortest possible transfer.

Pros

No transfer needed: reach check-in on foot in a few minutes
Runway views from many rooms, great for plane spotters

Cons

Rates generally higher than other parts of the city
No neighborhood life: you stay within the airport perimeter

Recommended hotels in this area

Tampa Airport Marriott: Connected to the main terminal by a covered walkway: check-in is reached on foot in a few minutes.

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Westshore

Airport area · About 10 minutes by car from the terminal; some hotels offer a free shuttle.

Best for: Travelers who want to stay close to the terminal but with more choice of price and a free shuttle at some hotels.

Pros

A few minutes from the terminal, with more hotels to choose from
Close to Raymond James Stadium and International Plaza for those with free time

Cons

Office and shopping mall area, little to see on foot in the evening
Heavy traffic at rush hour along Westshore Boulevard

Recommended hotels in this area

Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore: 10 minutes from the terminal, close to Raymond James Stadium and International Plaza.
Hampton Inn Tampa-International Airport/Westshore: Free shuttle to the terminal and buffet breakfast included; the more affordable option in the area.

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Downtown and Water Street

City centre · About 15-20 minutes by car or taxi from the terminal.

Best for: Travelers who want the Riverwalk, downtown restaurants, or are attending a convention.

Pros

Walking distance from the Riverwalk and the restaurants of Water Street
Connected to the Tampa Convention Center for those in town for an event

Cons

Transfer from the terminal longer than to Westshore
Hotel parking almost always paid

Recommended hotels in this area

JW Marriott Tampa Water Street: In the new Water Street district, a 10-minute walk from the Riverwalk and the Convention Center.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center: Connected by sky-bridge to the Tampa Convention Center, with breakfast and an evening reception included.

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Ybor City

Neighbourhood · About 20-25 minutes by car or taxi from the terminal.

Best for: Travelers who want to go out in the evening in the historic district, among bars, markets and street art.

Pros

In the historic district of Ybor, with bars and restaurants open late
An atmosphere different from the rest of Tampa, amid brick and period architecture

Cons

Transfer from the terminal the longest among the city's zones
Noisy area on weekend evenings, worth considering if you're looking for quiet

Recommended hotels in this area

Hotel Haya: In the heart of Ybor City, a boutique hotel with an outdoor pool and individually furnished rooms.
Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Ybor Historic District: A quieter alternative in the same district, with an outdoor pool and an in-house restaurant.

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