airlink diva

Hi Ken!! It's getting very close to the 29th, that's when I flying into Tampa. I always go a day early for a peace of mind and also to check out a city (if I never been there before). I was reading your local paper on-line when I came across a review for a Brasa Grill Brazilian Buffet & Steakhouse. It's kind of close to my hotel (I have a car). The paper gave it a nice review.
Also, how's traffic going to the port on Sunday from the airport?? I managed a late checkout (12:30 p.m.). I want to stop a buy a large bottle of water and two six packs of soft drinks, take the car rental back to the airport and then head to the ship. I prefer boarding around 2 p.m. (fewer people checking in, also the rooms are often ready and it's a little easier going around the ship). Or do I need to check out at 11:00 a.m.?

Hello,

 

We just returned from our cruise aboard the Legend of the Seas. We flew in and out of Tampa. We stayed at the Holiday Inn- Rocky Point Island and LOVED it! We called from the airport to let them know that we had arrived, they sent a shuttle within 15 minutes. While we arrived early (12:30pm) we were allowed to store our luggage in a locked room until the rooms were available. There is an awesome restaurant right next store (Bahama Breeze). We went for lunch and when we returned our rooms were ready. The hotel was clean, the pool was nice, a nice view of the bay, and the service was great. They also had a wonderful complementary continental breakfast in the morning. We took a shuttle (The Blue One) for $10 per person to the port- 9 miles away. We would definitely stay here again! We stayed at the Best Western last year and HATED it.

Thanks for the great review!! I'm booked at this hotel at the end of April!!

mark1 - Now you've went and got me started! We must think alike. I never get tired of BBQ. I like various types. South Carolina style (like Maurice's Gormet BBQ in Columbia, SC) is great. Sonny's isn't shabby. Sometimes I plan road trips with Sonny's in mind. I'm sure my manager see's it on my expense accounts and laughs at it. I've had Memphis style too, lovely. As for Selmons, it's on the sweet side. It's very good though, and a really nice place.

 

If you want something different, where lots of locals go, try Jimbo's Real Pit BBQ at 4103 W. Kennedy Blvd, Tampa. It's sometimes hard to get a place to park at lunch. When our Tampa office was closer, we used to eat there every Friday. Some of the best sliced pork and ribs I've ever had. The sauce is very good, and kind of thin. It's not sweet. Just right for my taste. I've been eating at that place for many years, as well as it's sister location here in Lakeland, where I live.

 

On Dale Mabry Highway, S. of Kennedy Blvd (I don't know the street number, but it's not too far S.), is Fred Flemings Famous BBQ. This is great too.

 

Is there such a thing as BAD BBQ? I don't think so, unless it's burnt.

 

I know of another little BBQ joint out in the E side of Tampa on 40th St. just N. of Hillsborough Avenue - Big John's Alabama BBQ. It's ran by an African-American family. The patriarch, John Stevens, died years ago, and (as far as I know), the kids still run the place. It's a small place, nothing facing at all. The parking lot is dirt. But the pork, beef, and ribs are great. They make their own sauce. They have spicy sauce too. I remember a gentleman ordering the spicy sauce one day (he was ahead of me in line), Big John Stevens asked him twice if he really wanted the hot sauce. The man said yes. From the looks of things, I think he messed up. :) I haven't been there in hears. When I was in law enforcement, they gave us 50% off the price, and they loved police types. They would take a large 5" hamburger bun, get a big hunk of BBQ port off of the pit, slice off a big amount, then chop it up and pile it on the bun until it fell off the sides on the wrapping paper, put a big gob of sauce on top, then the top bun. We would have to hold it over the table to eat it, while little bits of meat would fall out. I just made myself awful hungry for this stuff!:rolleyes:

 

Enjoy.

 

Ken

Hi Ken!! I will try out your hometown BBQ. Since I'm from Memphis area and we are the kings of BBQ, I have to give my opinion.

As for the Sonny's BBQ, I wonder if it's the same BBQ place that I enjoyed in Jacksonville.

See you in April!!

airlink diva - I have stayed at this hotel a couple of times. It's nice and quiet out there. Safe too. The hotel sits right on the water. Continetal breakfast is very good (I love the hot cinnamon buns they have). Everything was clean and well kept there. You can walk across the parking lot to the Bahama Breeze Restaurant, which is a really good place to eat. They have an airport shuttle. You will probably have to take a taxi to the port, which could cost you $25-$30.

 

mommyto2girls - Nobody that responds to this thread has ever said anything bad about the Embassy Suites on Westshore. As noted just above, folks have actually liked it. I think some of the people who write critiques on Trip Advisor are just too picky. Some people are never satisfied with anything. People have also responded that they liked the Double Tree on W. Cypress, and that's covered up the thread a ways.

 

Ken

Thanks, Ken, I going to book right now!!

Can you tell me if the Holiday Inn Express--Rocky Point Island? I have a good rate for this hotel. At first, I was going to arrive at 11:00 p.m., but I changed my time to arrive at 12:30 p.m. Is this a good area (coming in solo, but use common sense), what about resturants? How close to the Port? Thanks!!

We are cruising out of Tampa on 4/2 and are coming in the night before at 11:15 p.m. I have read much of this thread and there are so many nice hotels that have been recommended. My thought is we are coming in so late, and then getting up and going straight to the port. I want a clean, decent place to stay, but don't want to pay deluxe bucs. Any recommendations?

 

I've been trying to find Airport shuttle, plus continental breakfast. I just hate to pay $150 for 10 hours of stay. Didn't know if anyone else had any suggestions....... Cracker Ken and all other Tampa residence that have helped, I just have to say a big "hats off" to you for all your help on this thread. You are greatly appreciated! :D

I agree with you on this, I'm arriving after 10 p.m. on Saturday night for my Sunday cruise (Miracle 4/30/06) and just want a safe, clean, hotel to stay until Sunday. However all the rates are over $100. I'm now going to attempt to change my arrival time to the first flight into Tampa (still wide open), rent a car and stay in one of the hotels that Cracker Ken suggested. :o

Have fun!!

I'm flying in around midnight for my 7 day trip at the end of April. What hotel can you recommend for me that either offer shuttle or short cab fare. I also prefer one that have service to the port or is close by where a high cab fare is not an issue. Thanks!!

Also can you suggest a hotel for my post trip? I will have a rental car (I'm staying until the next day). Also do Tampa have a Cheesecake Factory?

How's the temp in late April/early May?

Thanks for any info.