HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS AND SUITES TAMPA I-75 AT BRUCE B. DOWNS BY IHG, Tampa

The hotel sits just off Interstate 75 in the New Tampa area, providing quick access to major roads. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island are a 15-minute drive away, while the University of South Florida and Ybor City are easily reachable. Tampa International Airport is about 35 km (35 minutes) west, and the nearest beach is over 40 km away. Within 2 km, you'll find a variety of dining options including Stonewood Grille, Panera Bread, TGIFridays, Chilis, and Via Italia. An AMC movie theater is across the street, and shopping at Tampa Premium Outlets is 15 minutes away. The area is safe and quiet, with ample street lighting and sidewalks for evening walks.

Standard double rooms are spacious and include a work desk, ironing facilities, and carpeted floors. Suites offer additional space: the Executive Suite has a separate living area with a sofa sleeper, and the Presidential Suite provides two private king bedrooms and a shared bathroom with a jetted tub and walk-in shower. Bed preference is subject to availability. Rooms are generally clean and comfortable, though humidity levels can occasionally be elevated; running the air conditioning continuously helps. Balconies are not available. If noise is a concern, request a room on a higher floor away from the road, as first-floor rooms and areas near housekeeping activity can be audible.

The breakfast buffet includes scrambled eggs, sausages, omelettes, pancakes, French toast, fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals, and a pancake machine. Specialty coffees are available from lobby machines. For dinner, the hotel does not have a restaurant or bar, but a snack bar and vending machines are on site. TGIFridays across the street offers a 20% discount to hotel guests with a room key. Several other restaurants are within walking distance, including Chipotle, Dunkin', Panera, and Stonewood Grille. The evening ice cream social (8-10 pm) is a popular perk for all ages.

The pool is heated and open daily, with a shallow end, sun loungers, and towels provided. It is surrounded by landscaped grounds and a picnic area. The fitness centre includes a treadmill, elliptical machine, set of free weights, and an exercise bike, with sanitizing wipes and towels supplied. An on-site putting green is available for guests. Board games and outdoor furniture add to the leisure options. The pool area is open until 10 pm, allowing for evening swims.

Parking is free and includes accessible spots and a side lot for trucks or trailers. The front desk operates 24/7 and can assist with early/late check-out requests, luggage storage, and local recommendations. A business centre offers fax and photocopying. Guest laundry (washers and dryers) is available for a fee. Shuttle service can be arranged for a charge within the local area; airport shuttle is not available. The hotel has a lift, but its availability has varied; if staying on an upper floor, confirm operation or request a lower floor for convenience. Safety features include key card access, CCTV, smoke alarms, and safety deposit boxes.