2 nights in Tampa

Question

After a busy time at Disney/Universal in October we are going to have 2 nights in Tampa before flying home. Kids want to do Busch Gardens in the day but would you stay downtown or I’ve been looking at the Hyatt Tampa Bay? We will just want to be able to have a nice meal and relax for the two evenings.

Answer

For a short 2-night stay in Tampa with kids, balancing convenience for Busch Gardens with options to relax and enjoy some good dining is key. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Location Options:

Hyatt Regency Tampa Bay / Tampa Bay area hotels: These hotels are closer to Busch Gardens (roughly 10–15 minutes by car), making mornings and evenings easier if you want to maximize your park time. They often offer resort-style amenities, nice pools, and on-site dining, which is convenient after a long day at the park.
Downtown Tampa: Staying downtown gives you access to a vibrant dining and nightlife scene, riverwalk strolls, and cultural attractions. You’ll have a wider selection of evening restaurants and easy access to casual or fine dining. However, it’s a 20–25 minute drive to Busch Gardens, so mornings will involve more travel.

Meal and Relaxation Options:

Near Busch Gardens and the Hyatt Tampa Bay area, there are several casual seafood and American restaurants, plus the hotel itself may have quality dining and poolside relaxation.
Downtown Tampa has excellent options for diverse cuisine including Italian, Latin, seafood, and contemporary American. You could enjoy dinner on the Riverwalk or at a rooftop bar/restaurant with views of the city.

Recommendation:

If your priority is convenience and minimal driving after a long theme park day, staying near Busch Gardens or along the Tampa Bay hotels corridor is ideal. If you value more evening dining options and a walkable urban environment, downtown Tampa offers that, but be prepared for a short drive to the park each day.

For two nights, either choice works, but with kids in tow and a single theme park visit, the Hyatt Tampa Bay area may give the best balance of ease and relaxation.