Originally Posted by
MoreMilesPlease
The car rental is inside the airport. If you stay off airport I am sure you can just hop on the hotel shuttle and go back to the airport to pick up the car the next day. Probably easiest if you are going to return the car to TPA.
This.
Pick one of the many hotels nearby that have an airport shuttle. Take that to the hotel upon arrival. Next morning, take the hotel shuttle back to the terminal by yourself (without luggage or family), get the rental car, then drive to the hotel to pick up brood & bags and be on your way.