If you’re looking for a Tampa airport hotel there are many good and economical options from which to choose, including several other Hampton Inn locations. During the time I stayed, this location was the least expensive Hilton property in the area. Can it deliver value or should the buyer beware? Let’s find out.
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I stayed 3 nights in this hotel from Tue-Fri August 26-29 while in Tampa on personal business.
Those nights totaled $116.29 each after taxes.The Hampton Inn Tampa Airport North has an Expedia rating of 8.4 from 1009 reviews. Check the Expedia rates for your dates.
I chose this hotel because on this visit location was not important at all but free parking was. While some other area Hamptons have free parking, this location was the least expensive by about $25 a night on average.
Hampton Inn Tampa Airport North Location
This hotel is close to the airport in the sense that you can drive there easily and hear jets landing continuously throughout the day (quiet at night). But it’s also not close to the airport in the sense that it’s a few miles as the crow flies and that’s just to the airfield.
To access the terminal you have to enter from the south, so the area around Cypress Street and Westshore Blvd is actually “close to the airport.”
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That area is also closer to downtown Tampa. The Location of the Hampton Inn Tampa Airport North is purely suburban and you need a car to get around here. There’s also no airport shuttle so you’ll need to hail an Uber to reach the terminal.
Hampton Inn Tampa Airport North Property
The property here is a pretty standard Hampton Inn offering that’s starting to show its age. Hilton’s website doesn’t specify laundry, although there is a laundry room here for guests.
I enjoyed the breakfast area more than other locations because it was decidedly uncrowded during my stay even at the peak hours. The fitness center is also a highlight with more space than average.
The indoor atmosphere here is a little dank. The hallways are downright musty and it often felt like they used the minimum amount of A/C possible in the hallways. Trash collects near the cans at the elevators.
I had to ask for the check-in amenities that are standard with Hampton Inn, but received them right away. The mini-market in the lobby is well stocked and attractive. The pool could be improved with the addition of some sun loungers and landscaping to separate it visually from the parking lots. I don’t think the pool here gets much use by guests.
Hampton Inn Tampa Airport North Guest Rooms
My 1-king room featured a pullout sofa bed so naturally it had a lot of space and was quite comfortable to hang around in. The only noticeable oversight was the lack of a microwave, although there is one available in the lobby.
The room had a bit of wear and tear noticeable but was in good condition overall. I had a problem with the sink being clogged and for various reasons went out to get my own bottle of Drano to clear it out.
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Overall I liked this room better than the one I tried at the Hampton Inn Tampa Airport Westshore (review). Those rooms were significantly smaller with a bit of awkward interior design, but that hotel is overall better.
About The Area
While the hotel is in Tampa it’s deep in suburbia and not close to downtown, Channelview, Ybor City or anything else. There’s a few things you can walk to including a Wawa but nothing very exciting. About a 3 minute drive away there’s a shopping center with a Publix and Planet Fitness along with Chinese, Pizza, liquors and more.
BOOK EARLY: Browse Attractions and Tour Opportunities on Viator.
This is one of those in-between locations that’s not city and not the middle of nowhere. It’s not a bad area but it hasn’t got any distinctive or high-dollar amenities like a Whole Foods or a fancy coffee shop. I’d only recommend this area if location is extremely unimportant to your stay.
Bottom Line
The location is a disadvantage but if you’ve got a car you can save $30-40 dollars a night over similar hotels in the Hilton portfolio.
If you’re not married to Hilton the Comfort Suites and La Quinta nearby will give this hotel a run for its money. Or you can just pick a better location entirely.
Bottom line is I’d choose a lot of other Tampa hotels before booking here again.
