Tampa's BEST Airport Hotel? Courtyard Westshore Review!
Courtyard Tampa Westshore: My Brain Dump (aka, a Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just spent a whirlwind few days at the Courtyard Tampa Westshore, and I've got thoughts. This isn't your polished, cookie-cutter review. This is me, unfiltered, after navigating TSA, delayed flights, and the relentless Florida sun. So, let's dive in, shall we?
First Impressions & Accessibility: Not Bad, Not Bad At All!
Right off the bat, getting to the hotel from the airport was a breeze. (Airport transfer? Check! That's already a win when you're battling jet lag.) The building itself? Pretty standard Courtyard, but clean and modern. Accessibility-wise, it seemed pretty decent. Elevators were plentiful (thank goodness!), and I spotted clearly marked ramps and accessible rooms. Accessibility: ✅ (though I'm not a wheelchair user, so I can't give a fully informed opinion there, but initial impressions were positive). Doorman: ✅ Always a nice touch after a long flight!
Rooms: Comfort vs. Character… Eh.
My room? Clean, functional, and… well, a bit generic. Think beige, neutral tones, and the kind of furniture that whispers, "I'm here for your convenience, not your inspiration." But hey, the Air Conditioning blasted like a blizzard (essential in Florida, trust me), and the bed was actually pretty comfy. Plus, free Wi-Fi (!!!!) in the room. Wi-Fi [free]: ✅ (praise the internet gods!). There was a desk for working, a coffee/tea maker (my caffeine lifeline), and you could even open the window! (though I didn't dare, fearing Florida mosquitos). Alarm clock, hair dryer, complimentary tea, all the usual suspects. One thing I LOVED was the built-in safety/security feature: ✅ a peep hole. The bathrobes were a nice touch, even though I am more of a towel person. And the bathtub! After a long flight, a hot bath is heavenly.
The Little Annoyances (and a couple of wins):
Okay, let's get real. Nothing's perfect. The carpet was a little…worn. The blackout curtains did their job, but there was a slight gap at the side, letting in a sliver of sunshine that woke me up before I wanted. Small potatoes, really. The shower pressure was a bit weak, a real let down given how ready I was to wash off the day. Also, let's be honest, the mini-bar was just boring, overpriced and no personality.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fuel for the Weary Traveler
The in-house restaurant? The Bistro, I believe it was called. Okay, here's the deal: I had breakfast there, and it was a buffet in restaurant…pretty standard fare. Eggs, bacon, some sad-looking fruit that had clearly been through a rough patch. But hey, they had coffee/tea ready and waiting, and I needed it. The breakfast takeaway service came in handy for those mornings when I was racing against time. I did see other folks enjoying burgers and whatnot at the bar! They had a poolside bar too, which looked inviting (didn't get a chance, sadly!). They also had a coffee shop where you could get a quick cup of joe.
Here's my BIG takeaway (and a small rant):
The food at the Bistro, it’s… fine. Nothing to write home about, but edible and convenient, especially after a long day. On the other hand, I went to Starbucks on the way out and it was better.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Mostly Practical, Little Pampering
The outdoor swimming pool was a nice touch. I didn't actually swim (busy, busy!), but it looked clean and inviting. There was a fitness center (I peeked in, but my workout routine that week consisted of airport terminal sprints). They did have a sauna but I did not feel like cooking myself. No spa, sadly. No body scrub or massage. If you're looking for a full-on pampering experience, this ain't it. But for a convenient airport hotel? Perfectly fine.
Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic-Proofed? I hope so!
I'm always a little paranoid about cleanliness, especially after everything that happened. I was relieved. Visible efforts were being made. Staff trained in safety protocol: ✅ (I saw them wiping down surfaces constantly). Hand sanitizer was readily available. Daily disinfection in common areas: ✅, and there were a lot of those things, I tell you. Rooms sanitized between stays: ✅, hopefully! It felt safe and well taken care of. Cashless payment service: ✅ was super convenient.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Useless
Free car park: ✅ is a win! Laundry service: ✅ was a lifesaver. I'm not a huge fan of the convenience store they had in the lobby – overpriced. This is where my ramblings start: meeting/banquet facilities: ✅! This place has a lot of these things. I saw someone having a meeting. They also had these facilities for disabled guests. Concierge? Yes, but I didn't actually use them much. I guess it depends on what you need. I was so tired that I felt too awkward to ask anything. Rooms sanitized between stays: ✅ Yes, good, makes me feel safer.
For the Kids (and their parents):
I didn't have any kids with me, but I spotted a few families. They had family-friendly stuff, and a kids meal. No babysitting service though, that I could see. No kids facilities!
Getting Around: Your Airport Escape Route
The airport transfer was truly a god-send (again!). Taxi service was readily available. They had a car park and there was car park [free of charge] (score!), but I don't think there was a car power charging station.
My Verdict: It's a Solid Choice (But Don't Expect Magic)
The Courtyard Tampa Westshore? It's a good, solid airport hotel. It's clean, convenient, and the staff are friendly. But if you're looking for a luxurious escape, a romantic getaway or a mind-blowing culinary experience, you might be disappointed. If you just need a comfortable, practical place to crash before or after a flight, it's a good bet. I'd stay there again, no doubt. Would I recommend it to everyone I know? Maybe not. But for the right person, at the right time, this Courtyard gets the job done. And in the world of travel, sometimes, that's all you need.
Escape to Barstow: Your Perfect Travelodge Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to wade knee-deep in the glorious, chaotic reality of travel in Tampa. Specifically, the dreaded (and surprisingly pleasant) shadow of the Westshore/Airport Courtyard. Prepare for a schedule that’s less "organized itinerary" and more "slightly panicked, possibly caffeinated, and definitely opinionated stream of consciousness."
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread in an Airport Hotel
1:00 PM: Touchdown at Tampa International (TPA). Okay, so the plane technically landed first, but I was too busy fighting the urge to scream into a pillow. Airport travel is officially a sport, and I’m already losing. Bag claim is a dance; everyone vying for that sweet, sweet luggage carousel spot. Managed to wrestle my suitcase without breaking a sweat (or crying). Victory!
1:45 PM: The Shuttle Shuffle. Finding the Courtyard shuttle. This is the first litmus test of my trip. Am I capable of adulting? Can I navigate a small, free bus? Surprisingly, yes! The driver, a guy named Earl, was a genuine ray of sunshine. He told me about a hurricane he lived through, made small talk with everyone, and actually smiled. I felt… hopeful.
2:15 PM: Check-in. The hotel lobby. Standard hotel lobby stuff. It smelled faintly of chlorine and regret (what is it about hotel lobbies?). Friendly enough staff, but I swear, the guy in front of me took ten minutes to negotiate his rewards points. By the time I got my key card my mood had soured. And they gave me a room with the elevator right outside. I’m doomed.
3:00 PM: The Room of Uncertainties. The room itself? Standard. Beige. Functional. The tiny window offered a bleak view of the parking lot. The comforter kind of looked liked it had seen some things. Deep breaths. I tell myself I'm only here to sleep and shower, not to fall in love with the décor.
3:30 PM: The Great Snack Quest. The vending machine beckoned. Always a bad idea. I managed to snag a bag of stale cheese puffs and a bottle of lukewarm water for the price of a small mortgage payment, and I start the day, with a frown.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Work. Or what passes for work when you're in a hotel room. I spent two hours staring at my laptop, managing to accomplish about 20 minutes of actual useful work. The rest of the time was spent battling the urge to order room service and contemplating the meaning of life. Should have brought an extension cord, too.
6:00 PM: The bar, the last bastion of hope. I wandered down to the hotel bar, which, to my surprise, was pretty lively. Local business folks, a couple of families, and of course, me, feeling a little lost, wishing I had someone to share a drink with. Had a surprisingly good margarita and chatted with a woman from Missouri who was in town for a conference on… something. We agreed that airplane food is basically the worst, and commiserated on the perils of small talk.
7:30 PM: Pre-Dinner Panic. I feel the first stirrings of panic. Where am I going to eat? Is this trip doomed? Am I going to eat room service every night? The local food scene in Tampa is amazing! I can't be doing this!
8:00 PM: Uber to Bern's Steak House. (yes, it's further out, it's going to be worth it). It's legendary, a Tampa institution. The building itself is quirky, like a Victorian mansion stuck in the middle of a city. Inside, the décor is, um, intense. Dark wood, heavy velvet, and a certain Old World charm. There's a palpable “vibe”.
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM: Bern's, my glorious. The steak? Incredible. Cooked perfectly. But the real experience? The dessert room. It's a separate room upstairs where you can enjoy dessert, and it's where my soul found peace. Live music, a vast selection of desserts, and a wine list longer than the Bible. It's a sensory overload in the best possible way. The experience was beyond perfect. It might have been the best meal I've had in years. I left feeling slightly drunk on happiness and sugar.
11:30 PM: Uber back feeling all warm and happy. It was a journey.
Day 2: Cultural Adventures (and a Desperate Plea for Caffeine)
- 7:00 AM: Alarm. Groan. Elevator noise. I should have known. The siren call of the hotel breakfast buffet is strong. I resist. Sort of.
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast (or "The Art of the Scavenge"). I succumb. The buffet. Beige bagels, rubbery eggs, and a coffee dispenser that claims to dispense coffee, but mostly dispenses disappointment. I force down some sustenance. I grab a coffee to go.
- 8:30 AM: The Tampa Museum of Art. The architecture is cool, but it's a lot of modern art, which occasionally feels like they are trying to trick you. The museum itself is lovely, filled with light, and I enjoyed the modern art.
- 11:00 AM: Ybor City: The Cuban Experience. This historic neighborhood is a must. The air smelled of cigars, and a certain spirit of joy. I had a Cuban sandwich that was, to be brutally honest, amazing.
- 1:00 PM: The Cigar Shop (and Emotional Turbulence). I ducked into a cigar shop. The guy behind the counter was a grizzled, charming character. He gave me a crash course in cigar selection and tried to sell me something that would have cost me my firstborn child. I bought a cheap one, just for the experience. Walking out into the humid air, the whole neighborhood was filled with color, sounds, and smells.
- 2:00 PM: The Tampa Riverwalk. A nice way to stretch your legs. I stroll along the Riverwalk, watching people fish, kayaking. I sat down and people-watched for a while.
- 3:30 PM: Hotel Re-Entry. Back to the Courtyard. This time, the elevators were extra noisy.
- 4:00 - 6:00 PM: Work/Procrastination/Existential Crisis, Part 2: Repeated the day one experience. I had a bad case of the 'I don't wanna's'.
- 6:30 PM: Dinner with regret. I ordered from a local delivery place - a mediocre pizza. Should have gone out. I will go out tomorrow.
Day 3: Departure (and a Vow to Never Stay in an Airport Hotel Again)
- Morning: Same as Day 2, but I swear, the coffee was even worse.
- 9:00 AM: Checkout. Smooth. No drama. Again, I'm surprised.
- 9:30 AM: Shuttle back to TPA. Earl, again! The world is good.
- 10:00 AM: Airport Chaos (again, but with slightly less dread).
- 12:00 PM: Flight. Freedom!!!
Final Thoughts:
This trip to Tampa was a rollercoaster. I did too much, didn't do enough, and spent more time wrestling with my own neuroses than enjoying the city. But hey, that's travel, right? The highs were high (Bern's!), the lows were low (that elevator), the coffee was consistently awful, and I learned something about myself. I learned that I crave adventure, good food, and the occasional nap. I'm officially done with Airport hotels.
Escape to Chicagoland: Luxurious Courtyard Hammond Getaway!
Courtyard Tampa Westshore Review: My Hotel Rollercoaster (and Maybe Yours Too!)
Okay, spill the tea: Is this Courtyard actually the *BEST* airport hotel in Tampa? Don't hold back.
The location: How's the proximity to the airport? Because I *hate* long shuttle rides after a flight, ugh.
Let's talk rooms. Are they…bearable? I've seen stuff, man.
The restaurant/breakfast situation. Is it worth it, or should I just Uber Eats some greasy goodness?
What about the pool? Is it Instagrammable, or just a glorified puddle?
Wi-Fi: Reliable? Or does it constantly drop me and make me want to scream?
Did anything *really* annoy you about this place? Be honest!
Would you stay there again? Seriously, give me the final verdict.
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