In a bind - Tampa trip spring break air done accommodations impossible

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So we have tickets but no accommodation the reason it was left to last minute because there was a possibility we would have to cancel flight (family member health situation). I have spent about 5-6 hrs today looking at all possible 1 bedroom condos for $160 or less. We are traveling with a toddler with food allergies etc. so need a kitchen and a bedroom. Some with open calendars ended up being booked and the host/manager had not updated
Found a suite hotel by the airport but it has mixed reviews so not sure I want to risk that for one week. What would you do?

Hi OP, I lived in Tampa for over 20 years, and I lived in the South Tampa neighborhood (Westshore Blvd area). If you name the suite hotel, I can tell you whether it is okay or not, and overall that area is very safe, although there are some strip clubs as you get closer to International Drive (on the way to the airport). If you are going to rent a car, you should also check out areas not as close to the water, like Brandon or New Tampa.

But again, if you post the hotel I will try to give you specifics.

[Anonymous]

PP here - also, if you are trying to stay on or near the beach, or if there are things you want to do in Tampa, that would be helpful to know. I just found a condo in Redington Beach for $118 and I am looking at Indian Rocks and other areas, but if you want to be nearer Hyde Park, Davis Islands, Busch Gardens, etc. that would all be helpful.

Here's the beach one: https://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p162295vb

[Anonymous]

OP, did you find something?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, did you find something?

+1 Yes, please tell us.

[Anonymous]

Homeaway.com try Tampa, Largo, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach etc. I found one bedroom for 114 / night easter week on Homeaway.

[Anonymous]

OP. I went up to $199 and again though properties showed availability the host just hadn't gotten around to updating their calendar. We travel frequently (hence the lower budget) but it's been hard last few months due to a family member health situation. We did a beach vacation in south Florida in December so this one the week of 21 was Just stuff...because our toddler other than needing nap in a quiet room is pretty easygoing and like us loves travel. I did check vrbo, flip key, Airbnb and ended up getting a hotel in Brandon for about $200 a night including parking and breakfast.

Just that now I think we will just do Busch gardens for the most part ( though may do zoo, children's museum etc) . Any suggestions doing that with a toddler? I hear it's mainly for older kids....

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Homeaway.com try Tampa, Largo, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach etc. I found one bedroom for 114 / night easter week on Homeaway.

Home away and vrbo have the same stock mostly. I think I wrote to that one but it was either not available or something.

[Anonymous]

$160 for spring break? Good luck with that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:$160 for spring break? Good luck with that.

She already updated. She found something for $200.

[Anonymous]

For a toddler, consider the Lowry Park Zoo. Much better sized for a young kid than Busch Gardens. There's also the Tampa Aquarium. For beaches, head to ST. Pete or Clearwater.

The children's museum wasn't there when I was growing up, but it sounds great.

Brandon is sort of in the middle of nowhere. You'll need to drive to get to things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

For a toddler, consider the Lowry Park Zoo. Much better sized for a young kid than Busch Gardens. There's also the Tampa Aquarium. For beaches, head to ST. Pete or Clearwater.

The children's museum wasn't there when I was growing up, but it sounds great.

Brandon is sort of in the middle of nowhere. You'll need to drive to get to things.

Truth. Seems like an odd Spring Break destination. My parents live somewhat near there, and I would agree with pp's attraction suggestions. I would also suggest Dinosaur World in Plant City for a cheesy good time, and there are some strawberry farms and southern restaurants nearby that are interesting. My kids liked MOSI in Tampa too.