I had really done my research before my Tampa visit, and although I would have preferred to stay a bit closer to its dining and entertainment districts, I figured that a new and modern hotel like the Westin Tampa Bay trumped the others. It's probably no more than 15 minutes to downtown and Ybor, unless traffic is horrible. And it's a piece of cake to get to the airport.

Things didn't begin so great, though. I arrived around 3:20, needing to get into my room to get ready for an appointment. The front desk clerk told me that housekeeping was running a little behind, and that it would be another half hour or so. I didn't have time to wait, so I asked for any available room, even if it wasn't the king that I had reserved. That request got me into a double right away, though it was adjacent to the elevator, and because of it, I heard a lot of hallway noise. Other reviews cite problems with their 3 pm check-in. I don't know how common this is in the industry, and I don't usually need to be in my room so early. But when I did, I wasn't thrilled with having to make compromises.

The room itself was very nice. Since the rooms are above the multi-level garage, the views across the bay are very good. The bathroom is well thought out, with both a walk-in shower as well as a tub for the bath lover. The bed is comfortable, and the flat-screen TV and iPod docking station add to the up-to-date feel. And there is no shortage of outlets when you need a re-charge. I'm not crazy about the Internet fee, but it is a few bucks cheaper per day than at other hotels. I'd stay there again.