Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa-fairgrounds-casino By Ihg

This hotel is a popular choice, particularly for its unbeatable proximity to the fairgrounds and amphitheater, making it an ideal base for concert-goers and event attendees. Guests frequently highlight the exceptional friendliness and helpfulness of the staff and the delicious, varied breakfast as major positives. While the hotel generally maintains a high standard of cleanliness, some guests have noted persistent issues with musty odors and noise disturbances from both external traffic and internal sources. It also serves as a convenient option for casino visitors and provides a sense of security for solo female travelers. For families, the spacious rooms are a plus. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to request a room away from the highway side and consider utilizing the in-room air conditioning fan as white noise to mitigate potential disturbances.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities and amenities designed to enhance guest convenience. Many rooms are equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker, providing useful in-room options. Guests generally find the Wi-Fi connectivity to be strong and reliable throughout the property. Parking is widely available and free, often described as ample and secure, though it can become crowded during large events at the nearby fairgrounds. Feedback on the elevator is consistently mixed to negative, with numerous reports of it being slow, noisy, and occasionally out of service, which can cause delays, especially since there is often only one. The outdoor pool receives varied comments; some guests find it a clean and relaxing spot for unwinding, while others have noted issues with its cleanliness or noise levels from other guests.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
While many guests commend the hotel for its overall cleanliness, noting spotless rooms and fresh-smelling lobbies, a significant number of reviews highlight persistent issues with room odors, frequently described as musty, damp, or moldy, with some mentioning strong air fresheners attempting to mask these smells. Reports of marijuana or cigarette odors in hallways are also present. Noise levels are a major concern for many, stemming from highway traffic, thin walls allowing sounds from neighbors and echoing hallways, and even barking dogs, making a restful night challenging for light sleepers. On the positive side, the beds are consistently praised for being very comfortable, and rooms are often described as spacious. However, some guests have reported issues with bathroom cleanliness, including stained tubs, low water pressure, and a lack of towels upon check-in. There are also concerning mentions of sticky carpets and the presence of ants or other bugs in rooms, alongside difficulties with temperature control and malfunctioning TV remotes.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast at the hotel consistently receives high praise from guests, often described as delicious, varied, and one of the best complimentary offerings experienced. Many appreciate the wide array of hot food options, including eggs, sausage, and the popular cinnamon rolls. The breakfast staff are frequently highlighted for their kindness, helpfulness, and diligence in keeping the dining area clean and items replenished. However, some guests have reported instances where the buffet was picked over or items were slow to be refilled, especially later in the morning. While the quality of the food is generally excellent, a few comments mention specific items like bagels being hard or omelets being burnt. For other dining options, guests note that immediate choices are limited, though a Five Guys restaurant is conveniently located next door, and a wider selection of restaurants requires a short drive.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage for many guests, particularly its unbeatable proximity to the fairgrounds and amphitheater, which are often within easy walking distance. This makes it an ideal choice for attending concerts and events without the hassle of parking. It is also conveniently located a short drive from the Hard Rock Casino, making it a popular base for casino visitors. While the hotel offers easy access to I-4, facilitating travel to other parts of the city, including downtown Tampa, some guests note that immediate restaurant and shopping options are somewhat limited, often requiring a short drive, though a Five Guys is right next door. Feedback on the surrounding area is mixed; some guests express concerns about people loitering outside, but the hotel itself is generally perceived as safe and secure, with measures like controlled lobby entry and surveillance.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism, with many guests highlighting their positive interactions from arrival to departure. The check-in process is frequently described as quick, easy, and welcoming, with staff often going above and beyond to accommodate requests, such as early check-ins or room changes due to issues. Guests appreciate the staff's responsiveness in addressing concerns like room odors, AC problems, or missing amenities. However, feedback on housekeeping is mixed; while some commend the staff for keeping rooms clean and well-maintained, others report infrequent room cleaning, sometimes only once during multi-day stays, requiring guests to request fresh towels or remove their own trash. Despite the overwhelmingly positive sentiment, a few isolated instances of unprofessional behavior or perceived rudeness from certain staff members have been noted.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of a deposit fee charged at check-in, which some find unnecessary despite its eventual return. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, accommodating dogs for a small fee, which was particularly appreciated by those evacuating during a hurricane. While many guests value their rewards program benefits, some loyal members have reported significant issues with their accounts, preventing them from earning or using points. The hotel's age and dated appearance are occasionally mentioned, with some guests feeling the price can be excessive given its condition, though others consider it a good value. A recurring point of feedback concerns the room cleaning policy, with some guests noting that daily cleaning is not standard, requiring specific requests for service or fresh towels. The hotel demonstrated notable adaptability during a hurricane evacuation, accommodating numerous families and their pets, though it was noted the property lacks a backup generator.