Tampa Recommendations
Oct 2, 2005, 8:37 am
#1
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Tampa Recommendations
I'm thinking about a trip to Tampa to recharge my batteries.
I plan to layout by the pool/or at a beach, shop, dine-out and sight-see.
I'm wondering if anyone can make any recommendations for:
Restaurants
Bars/Clubs (latin a plus)
Hotels in a happening area (hilton or starwood)
Beach to hangout on
anything else cool or fun to check out
Thanks.
I plan to layout by the pool/or at a beach, shop, dine-out and sight-see.
I'm wondering if anyone can make any recommendations for:
Restaurants
Bars/Clubs (latin a plus)
Hotels in a happening area (hilton or starwood)
Beach to hangout on
anything else cool or fun to check out
Thanks.
Oct 2, 2005, 9:38 pm
#2
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Why in world would you choose Tampa if you do not have to? I grew up there and can tell you it is devoid of any level of sophistication. Every beach community is packed with the cheapest of cheap pedestrian tourists. There are no major luxury brand hotels, worthwhile spas and the smelly red tide is still present (so says my mom who walks the beach each morning). If you are interested in connecting with the gay community, you will find them miles away (about 45-60min) in Tampa hiding in tacky gay bars with no windows.
Why not Miami or Ft. Lauderdale? So much more fun and worldly.
Why not Miami or Ft. Lauderdale? So much more fun and worldly.
Oct 3, 2005, 6:03 am
#3
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Originally Posted by cyber1k
Why not Miami or Ft. Lauderdale? So much more fun and worldly.
Personally, Miami is WAY overrated, segregated & racist (however that's whole different thread topic). I like visiting South Beach/Miami Beach, but I find Miami very dangerous. I rarely spend any time in Ft. Lauderdale proper as I usually go from the Ft. Lauderdale Airport to Miami Beach.
From what I've seen in Ft. Lauderdale, it felt very old and cheesy.
Oct 3, 2005, 6:33 am
#4
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: ATL
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While not Hilton or SPG, we always stay at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. The rooms are very comfortable, especially on the Regency Club level.
I'm not sure if it continues, but we use to always get it for $65 / nt on Priceline. Plus Hyatt provides full elite benefits even on PL rates.
Photos from March 03
There is a small wildlife estuary right behind the hotel. You can see birds, crabs, frogs, and sometimes horseshoe crabs along the pathway.
I'm not sure if it continues, but we use to always get it for $65 / nt on Priceline. Plus Hyatt provides full elite benefits even on PL rates.
Photos from March 03
There is a small wildlife estuary right behind the hotel. You can see birds, crabs, frogs, and sometimes horseshoe crabs along the pathway.
Oct 3, 2005, 1:07 pm
#5
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I had a business trip to Clearwater Beach last fall and stayed at the Hilton right there on the beach. I had a great time, since I could go for a quick swim in the gulf in the morning before my meetings, and drive in to Tampa in the evenings for dinner and to hang out at the gay coffee house and bookstore. Of course, I'm not very interested in bars, and certainly Clearwater was very touristy.
I'm told there's a gay beach somewhere not too far from Clearwater.
I'm told there's a gay beach somewhere not too far from Clearwater.
Oct 5, 2005, 1:30 pm
#6
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Originally Posted by anabolism
and to hang out at the gay coffee house and bookstore.
Oct 5, 2005, 1:39 pm
#8
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Originally Posted by Cheap Elite
[FONT=Tahoma][COLOR=Navy]I'm thinking about a trip to Tampa to recharge my batteries.
http://www.visittampabay.com/
http://www.cityvisitorsguide.com/tampa/
http://www.channelside.com/
Hope those help.
Oct 5, 2005, 2:35 pm
#9
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Originally Posted by crimguy1976
The coffeehouse in hyde park is no more. It closed earlier this year!! Everyone was going to Starbucks anyway (better coffee)...and much nicer management.
Oct 5, 2005, 3:39 pm
#10
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Originally Posted by Tummy
While not Hilton or SPG, we always stay at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. The rooms are very comfortable, especially on the Regency Club level.
I'm not sure if it continues, but we use to always get it for $65 / nt on Priceline. Plus Hyatt provides full elite benefits even on PL rates.
Photos from March 03
There is a small wildlife estuary right behind the hotel. You can see birds, crabs, frogs, and sometimes horseshoe crabs along the pathway.
I'm not sure if it continues, but we use to always get it for $65 / nt on Priceline. Plus Hyatt provides full elite benefits even on PL rates.
Photos from March 03
There is a small wildlife estuary right behind the hotel. You can see birds, crabs, frogs, and sometimes horseshoe crabs along the pathway.
From Tampa, Key West is an easy, direct plane ride.
Tampa has a good collection of clubs if you know where to look and there are younger guys if you search them out.....
Sarasota, to the south, can be fun for a break, as it does have some sophistication, but Fort lauderdale and key West are the real draws for the Florida visitor.
Check out www.pineapplepoint.com. www.theflamingoresort.com and islandhousekeywest.com for fun places to stay.
Last edited by apudme; Oct 5, 2005 at 3:41 pm
Oct 5, 2005, 4:05 pm
#11
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Originally Posted by anabolism
When I was there everyone at the bookstore/coffeehouse seemed very nice, and they had comfy seats (unlike Starbucks).
May 13, 2009, 6:12 am
#12
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This was the newest thread that I was able to find about Tampa. Blast from the past and half of the members suspended!
Anyway A semi MR will take me to Tampa. Never spent a night there before so decided to stay over Friday and Saturday nights.
Any updates on the bars/clubs on the greater Tampa area?
Anyway A semi MR will take me to Tampa. Never spent a night there before so decided to stay over Friday and Saturday nights.
Any updates on the bars/clubs on the greater Tampa area?