Marriott Rewards (including Ritz-Carlton) - Centrally-located Marriott/Courtyard in Tampa/St. Pete

I'm making my first business trip to Tampa and I'll have appointments throughout the area (Tampa, St. Pete and down into Sarasota/Bradenton). It looks like my best bet will be staying in St. Pete for easiest access to both Tampa and Sarasota, but I'm not familiar with how the bridges work.

Any recommendations on areas? My business budget is in the Courtyard category, so unless I can find an outstanding LNF rate, Marriott/Ren is out.

Thanks!

I'm making my first business trip to Tampa and I'll have appointments throughout the area (Tampa, St. Pete and down into Sarasota/Bradenton). It looks like my best bet will be staying in St. Pete for easiest access to both Tampa and Sarasota, but I'm not familiar with how the bridges work.

Any recommendations on areas? My business budget is in the Courtyard category, so unless I can find an outstanding LNF rate, Marriott/Ren is out.

Thanks!

It's been two years, but when I did work in this area I stayed at the Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club. Great resort, nice views (right on the bay), 15-20 minute drive to the beach, free shoe shines, comp breakfast for plats, etc.

You can find Courtyards in all corners of the Tampa Bay area - downtown tampa, downtown st Pete and by the airport. By the airport would be central for the Tampa, St Pete, Clearwater area. Easy to get to Sarsota driving through St Pete over the Skyway Bridge (pay a toll). To drive the east code of the bay can be a little long to get to Sarsota since I4 heads east before you start to go south on I75. But that is doable to avoid the toll. But a great view over the Skyway

It's been two years, but when I did work in this area I stayed at the Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club. Great resort, nice views (right on the bay), 15-20 minute drive to the beach, free shoe shines, comp breakfast for plats, etc.

Guess you missed the part of his post that said his budget was CY & unless he could find a LNF, Marriott/Ren was out ;) :p :D

Cheers.

Heh, I appreciate the suggestion just the same. I'll shoot for a LNF rate on the Ren on my next trip - who knows! :D