The Best Hotels to Book Near Adventure Island, Florida

Need a peaceful hotel away from the action? The Hampton Inn & Suites should be on your radar. The 127-room property guarantees calm after a tough day at the water parks, with muted decor and comfortable king and queen beds. There’s a spacious sundeck, so you’ll always get a spot by the pool, and the adjacent picnic area and grill are great social spots. Fill up at the hot breakfast buffet bar before boarding the free shuttle bus, which serves Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, among the many nearby theme parks.

For a medium-sized hotel, the Residence Inn Tampa has impressive facilities, not to mention a great location – Lettuce Lake Conservation Park is on its doorstep. Other holiday faves – including Adventure Island and numerous museums – are just a 20-minute drive away. All studios and suites are clean and plain, with Mad Men-stylish furniture. Dip in the outdoor pool come morning, or hit the fitness center and tennis courts. If you miss the free buffet breakfast, fear not – there are restaurants aplenty within walking distance.

Are you an incurable spender? You’ll be in your element staying here – right next to upscale International Plaza and Bay Street shopping area. There’s a slight Spanish feel to the hotel, with avant-garde decor and an understated atmosphere. A neatly landscaped patio area surrounds the spacious pool and whirlpool – your spot for some much-needed rest after a tough day of retail therapy – order a wood-fired pizza from the pool bar. Breakfast and dinner are served at Gabriella’s restaurant, or you can pop into the laid-back lobby bar for handcrafted cocktails and coffee.

Right beside Adventure Island and Busch Gardens, this smart, functional property has all the expected creature comforts in spacious studios and one-bedroom suites. Kitchenettes make them practical for self-caterers – family-friendly, too – and dogs are very welcome. There’s a fitness center and a saline outdoor pool, while buffet breakfast comes free – never leave hungry when heading off on your adventures.

Bronzed by a day of Florida’s tropical sun, guests return to a relaxed and friendly vibe at Courtyard Tampa Downtown – join them on the enclosed terrace and socialize beside the outdoor pool. The lobby has plenty of seating, and crowds like to congregate there for a chat before heading out. If you’d rather stay in, take a table at the lively Bistro restaurant for burgers, wings and meat-free treats (or grab a latte from the in-house Starbucks). If you’re sporty, head for the 24-hour gym, and keep tabs on the national action, broadcast on the dedicated big screen.

Fairfield Inn at Fairgrounds/Casino is a classy affair, with businesslike rooms of mature tan, white and black shades. The place is a hit with those who fancy a flutter at neighboring Hard Rock Casino, and the vibe is young and friendly, with staff renowned for their happiness to help. Grab-and-go breakfast is complimentary, and dinner delivery from local restaurants is available. Whether you want to idle in the outdoor pool or discover the attractions of downtown Tampa, this is your perfect base.

Enjoy your last morning swim before jetting off at the TownePlace Suites Tampa Westshore/Airport. Its main appeal is, naturally, its proximity to the airport, and the self-contained accommodation is ideal for nights before an early flight home. With a free self-service breakfast to fill you up, and a shuttle bus service to take you to the terminals, there’s no danger of missing the plane. Of course, there are plenty of reasons to stay longer, especially if you have a car.