My family was provided a complimentary stay at the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk as part of a press trip to Tampa to uncover the best things to do in Tampa With Kids.
The Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk, view from the river. Photo: Courtesy Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk .
We have been to Tampa attractions like Busch Gardens, the Lowry Park Zoo and the Florida Aquarium before but on this 3 day family vacation we really wanted to get to know the city of Tampa and everything it has to offer to families.
For me one of the most important things when planning a family vacation is to choose a hotel that has the right location. When you travel you either don’t have your own car and have to rely on public transportation, taxis, etc. or you have a car, either your own or a rental but do not know your way around the city so you do not want to stay in a hotel that is far away from everything and requires a lot of moving around.
View of the Hillsborough River and the University of Tampa from our room. Photo: Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz. All Rights Reserved.
The Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk has a location, that seriously can’t be beat. Resting on the shores of the Hillsborough river the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk is within walking distance, I’m talking a short walk with kids in tow here, of the Tampa Museum of Art, the Glazer Children’s Museum, the Curtis Hixton Park, Tampa Bay Times Forum, Tampa University and the Starz Center and a 5 minute drive (or less) from the Florida Aquarium, historic Ybor City and so many other places worth visiting. The Teco Streetcar station is just about a block away and you can get an 1-day Unlimited Ride fare card for only $5.00/person, $2.50-for kids. If you don’t feel like walking or taking the historic streetcar you can simply use the hotel’s free shuttle service anywhere within a 3 mile radius!
From the minute we arrived we notice how friendly everyone was, from the valet to the front desk staff everyone greeted us with a smile and seemed sincerely committed to making our stay a great one.
Our junior suite at the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel. We could see the river from both windows. Photo: Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz. All Rights Reserved.
On our first day in Tampa we took a cruise aboard the Tampa Water Taxi Co. right from the hotel dock, then we used the free shuttle service to take us to lunch a the Columbia Restaurant and after walking along La Septima in historic Ybor City we took the historic Teco Streetcar, which both my kids loved, back to the hotel. In the afternoon we walked to the Curtis Hixton Park, visited the Glazer Children’s Museum and finished the day with a delicious gelato from the Sono Café at the Tampa Museum of Art.
Glazer Children’s Museum just a short walk away from the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk.
Back at the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk we enjoyed a gorgeous sunset over the Hillsborough river from our own private balcony overlooking the water. Our jr. suite had a small refrigerator and microwave so we prepared a light dinner in our room, which saved us some money, and enjoyed it outside on the balcony as we watched the city skyline, the boats sailing by and an where even surprised by an occasional dolphin jumping in the water below!
The breathtaking view from our room. The sun setting behind the Tampa University with the Hillsborough river in the foreground. Photo Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz. All Rights Reserved.
Early the next morning my husband, who is a fitness addict went downstairs to the fitness center and then took a morning run along Tampa’s Riverwalk while I enjoyed the amazingly comfortable bed and got a my well deserved beauty rest.
Riverwalk along the Hillsborough River is only a short walk away from the hotel.
Before heading out for a fun day at Busch Gardens, just 15 minutes away, we took advantage of the complimentary breakfast at the Club Lounge located on the 6th floor. The Club Lounge has a big screen TV, coffee and a refrigerator with soft drinks, water, etc. available day and night. In the mornings breakfast is served and in the evenings there are hot hors d’oeuvres and discounted beer and wine available. The Club Lounge is available for Starwood Platinum members and can also be purchased by non-members for usually around $25 per day of the guests stay.
Free beakfast buffett at the Club Lounge. Photo: Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz. All Rights Reserved.
The Pros of staying at the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk:
- Awesome downtown location
- Clean and comfortable rooms with an amazing view of the river or the city skyline
- Great service and extremely friendly staff
- Private balconies
- Free shuttle service within a 3 mile radius
- Super comfortable Sheraton Sweet SleeperSM beds
- Four legged family members are welcomed
- Free 1 mbps high-speed internet connection, 5mps for just $4.95 per day
The super confortable bed, I wanted to take it home.
If I had to find something to improve I would say that the bathrooms are a bit on the small side and that the hotel is not that new but a complete renovation of guest rooms, corridors, restaurant and bar is scheduled to start June 2013.
We really felt at home at the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk and we would have loved to stay a couple more days as there where still so many great things to do in Tampa with the kids, but I am sure we will be coming back soon.
Relaxing in our room after a fun day out and about in Tampa. Photo: Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz. All Rights Reserved.
If you stay the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk opt for the Riverview rooms on the 4th or 5th floor to enjoy the best view and take advantage of their ongoing specials, which you can find on their website HERE. For more information you can visit the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk website, like their Facebook page and follow them on twitter @SheratonTampaDT.
Picture of the sun setting behind the Tampa University, view from our hotel room. Photo: Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz. All Rights Reserved.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary stay at the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk. However all opinions are sincere and are my own.
This is part of a series of articles: Tampa with Kids , you can read more articles in the series HERE. #TampaWithKids
Follow 365 Things to Do In Southwest Florida on Facebook for more recommendations, events and activities for the whole family.
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Wow beautiful! We actually have family in Tampa and are planning on visiting them this winter, will keep the Sheraton in mind!
This sounds like a great hotel. I love that it is amazing for the kids.
I never thought of Tampa as a place I would want to visit until now! I would stay at the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk despite the cons. I think the room looks lovely…like home. And who needs a big bathroom anyway! 🙂 Thanks so much!
Goodness gracious, every time you write about Tampa, I get so homesick! Fortunately, I’m planning a trip home soon and our travel agent is booking us at the Sheraton.
Thank you for sharing. I love hotels that are family friendly, and have children friendly attractions close.
Such a lovely place to be. Everything in the room looks soft and comfy.
Beautiful! We have family right outside of Tampa so I will be keeping this in mind next time we visit!
Looks like a fabulous place to stay. I have only visited Tampa once but have a brother in the area and most likely will be returning. I will keep this in mind. Love your pictures.
This looks just lovely!
What a conveniently located hotel!
Great spacious rooms and seems like the service has no rival
Ybor City! I want to go back, and now I know where I want to stay. Gracias & so glad you’re able to spend this wonderful time with your family. BB2U
Gracias! nosotros viajamos mucho, el Sheraton es una cadena muy bien reconocida.
Your pictures are fantastic. And that hotel room is so spacious. Space is so important when you have kids..
Beautiful pictures and it is tempting me to go to Florida on vacations.
Beautiful place! Me han dado ganas de visitar Tampa!
I love Tampa, but now I want to go to this Hotel, it seems to have it all and location is very important. Thank you!
Paula thank you for the information, we like Tampa a lot but we didn’t stay at the Sheraton, we might do it next time we visit Tampa.
Me encanta Tampa.. Creo que ya te había comentado que vivimos ahí algún tiempo.. Hay tanto que hacer.. Gracias por compartir.
i really love all these posts Pau! it feels like i know all of the great spots to check out in SWFL 😉
I stayed at the Sheraton once. We had no kid back them but we thought it was beautiful and the bed super comfy
The last time I was in Tampa was over 10 years ago!!! We drove from Miami and def experience some of the things you mention in this post. Nice to see it just keeps getting better.