You're landing at TPA. It’s humid. You’ve got a week of meetings or maybe you’re just in between apartments, and you need a spot that doesn't feel like a sterile, overpriced box. That’s usually when people start looking at the Extended Stay America Tampa Airport N Westshore Blvd. But here is the thing about this specific property: it isn't a luxury resort, and it doesn't pretend to be. If you go in expecting the Ritz, you’re gonna have a bad time.
If you go in expecting a functional, budget-friendly home base with a full fridge and a stovetop, it actually hits the mark.
Located right in the heart of the Westshore business district, this place is basically a magnet for consultants, digital nomads, and families caught in the middle of a relocation. It’s tucked away on N Westshore Blvd, which is both a blessing and a curse. You’re close to everything, but you’re also dealing with Tampa’s infamous traffic patterns. Honestly, Westshore at 5:00 PM is a special kind of headache. But if you’re working nearby or need quick access to the terminals, the location is hard to beat.
The Reality of the Room Setup
Let's talk about the "studio" vibe. Every room at the Extended Stay America Tampa Airport N Westshore Blvd is designed for living, not just sleeping. You get a kitchen. This includes a full-size refrigerator, a microwave, and a two-burner stovetop.
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Wait.
Before you get excited about whipping up a five-course meal, remember that "fully equipped" is a loose term here. You usually have to ask the front desk for your "kitchen kit"—the pots, pans, and plates. They do this to keep things clean and accounted for, but it can be a bit of a surprise if you arrive late at night hoping to boil some pasta and realize you have no pot.
The workspace is decent. It’s a standard desk setup. If you’re a developer or someone with a three-monitor rig, it’ll be tight. But for a laptop and a coffee, it works. The Wi-Fi is... well, it’s hotel Wi-Fi. It’s fine for emails. If you’re trying to stream 4K video while running a Zoom call, you might want to look into their "enhanced" Wi-Fi tier. It’s a few bucks extra, but for some, it’s a non-negotiable.
Location, Logistics, and the TPA Connection
Distance matters. You are roughly two to three miles from the actual airport terminals. In a perfect world, that’s a five-minute drive. In Tampa, that can be fifteen.
The hotel offers a shuttle. It’s convenient, but don't just walk outside and expect it to be idling there like a city bus. You need to coordinate. Call ahead. Talk to the front desk. People often vent about shuttle wait times in reviews, but usually, it’s because they didn't realize the shuttle runs on a specific schedule or requires a heads-up.
What's actually nearby?
- International Plaza and Bay Street: This is the high-end mall. It’s literally right down the road. If you need a decent meal that isn't fast food, go to Bay Street. Capital Grille, Whiskey Cake, and Rocco’s Tacos are all there.
- Westshore Plaza: Another mall, slightly more "everyday" vibes. There’s an AMC theater there if you’re bored on a Tuesday night.
- Raymond James Stadium: Home of the Bucs. If you’re staying here during a home game or a massive concert, expect the rates to spike and the traffic on N Westshore Blvd to become a standstill.
The "Free Breakfast" Misconception
We need to address the "Grab-and-Go" breakfast. This is a point of contention for many travelers. If you are picturing a buffet with a waffle maker and scrambled eggs, stop. Just stop.
The breakfast at Extended Stay America Tampa Airport N Westshore Blvd is very basic. We are talking muffins, instant oatmeal, granola bars, and coffee. It’s designed to get you out the door. It is not a brunch. Most regulars here end up hitting the Publix nearby and stocking their own fridge. Honestly, that’s the whole point of having a kitchen, right?
Pet Friendly (With a Catch)
Yes, you can bring your dog. This is a huge win for people relocating to Florida. However, there are fees. Always check the current pet policy because "pet friendly" doesn't mean "pet free." There’s usually a daily weight-capped fee that maxes out after a certain number of nights. Also, there aren't massive sprawling fields for your dog to run in right on the property, but there are enough grassy patches for the essentials.
Housekeeping Isn't What You Think
This is the biggest shock for people used to standard hotels. Because this is an extended stay model, they don't come in and flip your sheets every morning.
Typically, you get a full service cleaning once a week.
If you need fresh towels or want your trash taken out daily, you either do it yourself at the designated exchange area or you pay a small fee for more frequent service. It feels weird at first, but it actually keeps the nightly rate significantly lower than the Marriott or the Hilton down the street. It’s a trade-off. Privacy for less pampering.
Why This Property Specifically?
There are several Extended Stay Americas in Tampa. There’s one in Brandon, one near USF, and another near the Fairgrounds. Why choose the N Westshore Blvd one?
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It’s the proximity to the Westshore Business District. If you are in town for a contract with one of the big accounting firms or insurance companies in those glass towers, you can almost walk to work. (Though I wouldn't recommend walking in July—you'll be drenched in sweat before you hit the lobby.)
It’s also surprisingly quiet for being so close to an airport. The flight paths don't usually roar directly over the roof at a level that’ll shake your windows. You'll hear the hum of the city, but it's not like sleeping on the runway.
Common Pain Points to Avoid
Look, no hotel is perfect. This property has been around for a while. You might see some wear and tear. A carpet stain here, a slightly noisy A/C unit there.
The key to a good stay at Extended Stay America Tampa Airport N Westshore Blvd is communication with the staff. If your room smells like smoke (even though it's a non-smoking hotel) or if something is broken, tell them immediately. Don't wait until checkout to complain on TripAdvisor. The front desk team is usually pretty good about swapping rooms if they have the inventory.
Also, parking. It’s generally free and plentiful, which is a massive perk in a city where most hotels are starting to charge $20+ a night for the privilege of leaving your car in a lot.
Actionable Advice for Your Stay
If you’ve decided to book, here is how you make the most of it:
- Join the Extended Plus Program: It’s free. If you’re staying more than a few nights, the discounts actually start to matter.
- Bring your own coffee: The grab-and-go coffee is... fine. But you have a kitchen. Buy a cheap pack of filters and your favorite ground beans. It makes the mornings much better.
- Request a room away from the elevators: Like any hotel, the rooms right next to the elevator bank get the most foot traffic and noise.
- Check the "Kitchen Kit" immediately: Don't wait until you're hungry to realize you're missing a can opener.
- Use the Laundry: They have on-site laundry facilities. It beats packing fourteen days' worth of clothes. Bring your own pods so you don't have to buy the expensive tiny boxes from the vending machine.
This hotel serves a specific purpose. It’s a tool for travelers who need a bridge between a house and a hotel room. It isn't flashy, and it isn't trying to be. But for a week-long stint in Tampa, having a freezer for your ice cream and a stove for your eggs makes a world of difference compared to living out of a suitcase in a cramped double-queen room.
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Plan for the traffic, manage your breakfast expectations, and enjoy the fact that you’re saving a significant amount of money while staying in one of the most expensive zip codes in the city.
The next step is simple. Verify your dates on their official site—don't rely solely on third-party booking engines, as the "Extended Plus" rates are often exclusive to their direct portal. Check the shuttle schedule 24 hours before you land to ensure your arrival is seamless. Once you're settled, take the five-minute Uber over to Bay Street for a "welcome to Tampa" dinner. It beats sitting in your room with a microwave burrito on your first night.