3 Days, 3 Hotels in and around Tampa, Florida: Which Stay Is Actually Worth It?

Some trips are all about the destination. Others become a real-world test of everything around them—flights, hotels, and even rental cars.

This Florida weekend ended up being all three.

From a budget-friendly flight to three very different hotel stays around Tampa Bay—all booked on points—here’s what worked, what didn’t, and what I’d absolutely do again.

Getting There: A Surprisingly Good Experience on Breeze Airways

For this trip, I flew Breeze Airways—and came away pretty impressed. It was actually my second trip on Breeze. I’d flown them to Tampa in December.

The aircraft was an Airbus A220, and that’s a big part of the experience. It’s clean, modern, and noticeably more comfortable than what you’d expect at this price point.

The flight itself was short, about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes, but still, comfort matters.

Seating Tip

When you’re booking your seat, look at:

• Rows 4–12, or
• Exit rows (usually 11 or 12)

It costs a little more, but the extra legroom is worth it—even on a quick flight.

The crew was friendly and professional, boarding was easy, and the whole experience felt streamlined.

And the price?
Just over $250 (all in) for the weekend.

Bottom line: For quick Florida trips, this is a really solid option—and one I’d book again.

Stop #1: Hyatt Place Tampa Airport / Westshore

Best for: Space and comfort (with one caveat)

This first stop checked a lot of boxes right away. Plenty of room, a comfortable sofa, and a bed that made it easy to settle in after a travel day. Here is the room tour.

The stand-up shower was a nice upgrade from the usual setup, and breakfast here was genuinely good—solid variety and a smooth start to the day.

The one drawback?
The AC unit was loud. Not a dealbreaker for everyone, but definitely noticeable overnight.

Takeaway: Great layout and comfort, but light sleepers may want to take note.

Stop #2: Homewood Suites by Hilton Port Richey

Best for: Space and longer stays

This one had more of that extended-stay feel—and that’s not a bad thing.

The room was spacious, recently renovated, and had a King bed. There was even a ceiling fan, which was a nice touch… though it didn’t actually work. Here is the room tour.

Breakfast here was also a win, consistent with what you’d hope for from a Homewood stay.

Takeaway: Comfortable, roomy, and practical—especially if you’re staying more than a night or two.

Stop #3 (Winner): Tampa Airport Marriott

Best for: Convenience and stress-free travel

This one takes the top spot—and it really comes down to location. I have stayed here multiple times. Here is the room tour.

The Tampa Airport Marriott is connected directly to the airport, which completely changes your departure day. No early wake-up buffer, no shuttle timing—just a short walk to the terminal.

From Room 519 on the concierge level, everything felt quiet, comfortable, and well laid out:

• Comfortable bed
• Large TV
• Clean, modern feel
• Stand-up shower

Breakfast can be had in the concierge lounge.

Takeaway: If you’ve got an early flight out of Tampa, this is the easiest decision you’ll make all trip.

Rental Car Lesson (Don’t Skip This Part)

A quick but important travel lesson from this trip—learn from me on this one.

I rented through Hertz and picked up a car in the Presidential Circle area. Plenty of options, easy process.

But the car I chose had a noticeable odor.

And I didn’t say anything.

Didn’t swap it. Didn’t mention it at exit. Just rolled with it.

That came back to bite me.

When I returned the car, I ended up with an unexpected charge tied to the vehicle’s condition. I had to go back, speak with the manager, Lisa, and spend about 20 minutes getting it sorted out (which, to their credit, they handled professionally and refunded).

Still—completely avoidable.

Takeaway:
If something feels off with a rental car—smell, cleanliness, damage—say something immediately and switch it out. It’s much easier to fix upfront than after the fact.

Why Booking Hotels on Points Changes the Game

One of the biggest advantages of this weekend? Every hotel stay was booked using points.

That changes the equation. Cancellation is usually possible up to the time of stay.

Instead of choosing just one hotel, you can experience multiple properties, locations, and brands—without stacking nightly costs.

Why it works so well:

• Let’s you try different hotels in one trip
• Maximizes value (especially with breakfast-included brands)
• Makes premium locations (like airport hotels) more accessible
• Gives you flexibility to prioritize convenience over price

Simple takeaway:
If you’re not using hotel points, you’re leaving flexibility—and value—on the table.

Final Verdict: Which One Would I Book Again?

Each place had its strengths, but one clearly stood out.

• Best overall convenience: Tampa Airport Marriott
• Best for space + breakfast: Hyatt Place Tampa Airport / Westshore
• Best for longer stays: Homewood Suites by Hilton Port Richey

And as for getting there?
Breeze Airways made the whole trip easier—and more affordable—than expected.

Hertz was professional, and the manager listened to the issue and resolved it.

Last Thoughts

Sometimes the best travel insights don’t come from planning—they come from stacking experiences back-to-back and seeing what actually works.

This trip delivered a little bit of everything: a great flight option, a clear hotel winner, a surprisingly good pot roast at Bob Evans in Port Richey, and a reminder that small travel decisions (like a rental car swap) can make a big difference.

You can find more travel content at RRJ and on my YouTube Channel.

Want more content like this? See RRJ and my YouTube channel.

Bob Evans Breeze Airways Hertz Homewood Suites Hyatt Place Port RIchey Tampa