where to start....grams place is one of a kind. We heard about it through the lonely planet and the review prepared us for a quirky hostel......but quirky does not begin to describe this one of a kind experience. I would urge anyone, whether on a budget or not, to swing by grams place.

The over all theme is music, but within each corner of this eccentric connection of structures are many themes...from the 1950's 'i love lucy' kitchen (complete with antique stove and features), to the hawaiian kitsch, fairy lit, pink flamingo lined garden decking with jacuzzi. We stayed in the rock and roll room in the main house, complete with en suite, wifi and tv. Cheap enough for those on a budget and a comfortable and sociable lodging experience for those more luxurious travellers. There are also dorm rooms for those on a shoestring budget.

On the other side of the house there is an alternative modern shared kitchen and t.v lounge with all the expected amenities and comforts of a home from home. Laundry facilities are also available.

The place was packed out when we were there, people from all over the world chatted over beers in the jacuzzi, swapping travelling stories and advice. The owner was on hand to dish out beers, keep the music playing and help organise kayaking trips and outings to the beautiful beaches nearby, and if you need a timeout from the chat, you can escape to adventurous roof decking for a quiet moment.

Grams place is ideal for travellers looking for something more sociable and homely than the hotel/motel downtown...........enjoy!

Wonderful place to stay in Tampa. When you first drive up, it does not look like too much, but when you get through the front door a whole other world opens up. The rooms are fun and quirky and the conversation was great over beers and wine. Bruce is a gracious host and seems to truly care about his guests and Gram's place.
The location of Grams place is in a residential area but not far from Busch Gardens, downtown Tampa, Ybor City and other places you may want to visit.
We really enjoyed ourselves at Grams place and ended up staying an extra night. We felt safe, cared for and had a lot of fun sitting outside and talking with Bruce and other visitors while listening to music.

the hostel located not public spot, house look little old BUT the place is nice and quiet. Good service.

This place is all you can ask for in an American hostel. It's not spotless, but it's definitely clean enough. American hostels as a whole are terrible, but this place feels like an actual hostel. You really feel like you are experiencing Tampa. Bruce, who now runs the place (the brother of the original owner), has put a lot of work into renovating/cleaning the place. He is a Tampa native, knows everything about the area, and gives excellent travel advice. It is true that there are some cooky older men that hang there sometimes, but my impression was that they were just that--cooky, and nothing more.

The old owner was in a rock band and apparently decided to open a European style hostel while traveling in Europe. For this reason the place feels like a cross between a hostel and your friends-in-a-band's house. funky, like everyone else said. I would stay here again.