The Tampa Marriott Westshore on the corner of North Westshore Boulevard and West Cypress Street is an older property. However, it has been renovated over the years and now it has three things that I absolutely love: 1) a business center with a door, 2) a crazy cool pool, and 3) event space galore for all my event planner friends.
The Business Center
In this era of Zoom calls, it is infuriating that every hotel refers to a counter in the lobby as a “business center.” Typically, it is near the breakfast buffet too, so you’ve got that noise overpowering you and your ability to be productive. This Marriott offers a small business center with two computers, a printer, and a little counter space for your own laptop. The most important feature, though, is the fact that there is a real door that closes. If you cannot work in your room (for whatever reason) you can have quiet, privacy, and productivity at the same time. It’s a miracle!
The Impressive Pool
Since this property is only 8 minutes from the Tampa International Airport, it hosts leisure and business travelers of all kinds, from all locales. One thing many visitors to Florida want, no matter where they are from, is water! This hotel boasts a crazy cool indoor/outdoor pool. Just hop in and swim from the inside, through the open wall, to the great outdoors. Start your day poolside under the Florida sun on the pool deck. When the sun gets too intense, don’t go to your room. You can continue lounging next to the indoor half of this giant pool.
The Event Space – For My Event Planner Colleagues
This property can offer you (and your organization) 22 event rooms totaling nearly 20,000 square feet of space. They can even accommodate a whopping 9 rooms that can seat over 100 people reception-style. Need to host a workshop that is set up classroom-style? No problem. Their Grand Ballroom will do that for 300 people! The options abound, planners!
Lastly, all of these terrific features for special events are wrapped up in a neat little gift. The bow on the gift includes comfy rooms and a concierge lounge on the top floor overlooking the city. Personally, I like the Executive Guest Room, which is larger than a traditional room, but isn’t a suite. The extra space is nice, especially if you will be in Tampa for several days. In addition, the executive guest rooms I’ve stayed in here, have always come with a HUGE balcony, so you can watch Tampa Bay’s bustling activity.
Both business travelers and leisure travelers should be careful about automatically discounting older properties. Some of them, like this one, have beautiful updates, enviable property features and convenient locations that you don’t find every day. Grab your laptop or your beach towel and hurry over to Tampa Bay.
Bonus Tip: The Tampa Marriott Westshore is only a 10-minute drive the from Tampa Firefighters Museum, which is free and a must-see when you’re in the area.
May 31, 2022 at 6:29 pm
The Tampa Marriott Westshore is a great property. My mom worked there years ago, but it has come a long way since then, especially the pool. The gym was nice too despite the equipment (cardio, free weights and a circuit of machines for full-body workout) being a little old.
May 31, 2022 at 7:11 pm
This is definitely one of the great classic hotels of Tampa Bay. I forgot to mention the gym, so thanks for adding that.