Florida – You’ll Wish You Were Here!
As I posted a few weeks ago, I was selected to be a part of a blogger group to write about Marriott properties throughout Florida as part of the “Wish You Were Here – Florida” campaign. Just last week, I stayed a few nights at the Courtyard Tampa Westshore/Airport, just a few miles from my home, and had a nice little working staycation.
For those traveling to Tampa on business, the Courtyard Tampa Westshore/Airport is a terrific option as far as places to stay. Its location is ideal – just a few short miles from the airport, in the middle of the business-centric Westshore District, and just a few miles from downtown. It’s also close to I-275, making it easy to jump on the highway and quickly cross the bay to Pinellas County.
When I checked into the hotel, I was pleasantly surprised to see The Bistro, ready to serve breakfast and dinner, and even happy hour! Plenty of tables and seating areas made it comfortable and inviting, and a terrific place to meet with colleagues, or simply sit and watch the game.
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- The Bistro, just off of the Courtyard Tampa Westshore/Airport lobby.
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- A close look at the touches found in The Bistro.
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- Happy hour!
My room was plenty big, with a comfortable seating area so that I could work from the couch instead of at the desk (which I do at home), if I wished. One cool feature with the desk, though, was the sliding portion, which I could move and put in front of my sliding glass doors, giving me a window seat while getting work done.
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- Cozy bed!
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- Comfy couch!
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- This desk is ready to work!
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- Or, a desk, with a view.
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- The bedside lamps have outlets for charging overnight – perfect!
The view from my room was too inviting, though: the waving palm trees, lush landscapes and a glimpse of the shimmering pool just beyond. In no time, I changed into my bathing suit and was floating in the warm water under the sun… work could wait!
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- View from my room… the pool awaits!
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- The pool is so inviting!
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- Outdoor seating area off the lobby – perfect to enjoy a Florida evening!
But it wouldn’t wait too long. Back inside, I was pleased to find complimentary Internet access, which made it easy for me to meet deadlines and keep the wheels in motion. Though I didn’t need it, a printer in the business center just off the hotel’s lobby is handy, just in case.
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- Need to print your boarding pass? Do it in a snap!
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- Get a bit of work done in the lobby – the seashells will keep you company!
You know what they say, “all work and no play…” Well, there’s no lack of play near the Courtyard Tampa Westshore/Airport! Right next door to the hotel is popular Brickhouse Tavern & Tap, which is open for lunch and dinner, and cattycorner across the street, J. Alexander’s, also open for lunch and dinner and very popular itself. A quick drive will deliver you to loads more dining options on Westshore and Kennedy boulevards, not to mention two malls to stroll through – Westshore Plaza and International Plaza, both with even more restaurants from which to choose. And that’s just within a five-mile, if that, radius! Just a bit further, Hyde Park Village and Ybor City await!
A stay at the Courtyard Tampa Westshore/Airport will show that it’s easy to mix business with pleasure – the hotel does it effortlessly!
Want to know more about Florida Marriotts participating in the campaign? follow along with my fellow #FloridaWish bloggers and find out all the fun you can have at Marriotts throughout the Sunshine State. And be sure to check out the campaign’s Facebook and Twitter pages for even more fun!
Many thanks to the Courtyard Tampa Westshore/Airport for hosting my stay.
