2506 N Rocky Point Dr, Tampa, Florida, United States | (888) 635-3814
On Tampa bay, with a fishing pier and a modest -- and rocky -- bay beach nearby
Spacious rooms have attractive beachy decor, full kitchens, and balconies
Outdoor swimming pool overlooks the water
The sunset deck has fire pits and tiki torches
Less than 10 minutes away from the airport; hotel provides a free shuttle
On-site amenities include laundry facilities, a mini-mart, barbecue grills, and beach volleyball
Free fishing supplies for the pier
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Poolside cafe and bar serves a buffet breakfast (for a fee)
Housekeeping is not daily
Not within walking distance of restaurants and convenience stores
No pool umbrellas for shade
Fitness facility is located outside in the hot sun
Half-hour drive to gulf beaches
Slow elevators
Sailport Waterfront Suites is a 191-room mid-range hotel located near the airport on Tampa bay. There's a modest and rocky bay beach, but the gulf beaches are about a half-hour's drive away. Rooms are clean, comfortable and modern, with full kitchens, and many offer views of the water. Overall, it offers a solid value with amenities such as a small pool, a sunset deck, and barbecue grills, but the fitness facilities are located outside. A poolside cafe with full bar service opened after our visit.
Scene
Mid-range hotel with lots of outdoor activities, but not near the gulf beaches
The Sailport Waterfront Suites is a four-story mid-range hotel, and each floor is open air. Parking is available on the first floor and there is also additional parking surrounding the building. The second-floor lobby has large floor-to-ceiling windows, dark-wood floors, and a front desk with granite counters and a stone back splash.There are plenty of other hotels in the area, including the Bay Harbor Hotel, which is closer to the north entrance of the island, and it costs less. This property, however, appeals particularly to families who appreciate the condo-style rooms.
Location
An isolated bayside hotel close to the airport
Just 10 minutes away from the Tampa International Airport, the hotel is on Rocky Point Island and accessible via the West Courtney Campbell Causeway. Shuttles to and from the airport are free. A small patch of beach is a 10-minute walk north on the island and the hotel has its own small rocky stretch of sand. Convenience stores and grocery stores are off the island. Nearby hotels include the Best Western, also on the island, and the Westin Tampa Bay.
Rooms
Comfortable, modern units with full kitchens get mixed views
Each suite has a full kitchen with a stove and oven, microwave, full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, sink, and laminate countertops. The drawers are stocked with everyday items such as toasters, plates, and silverware. The living area is carpeted in some units, while others are a continuation of tile from the kitchen. All are furnished with sofas, coffee tables, and a small table with two chairs. Opposite the couch is an entertainment center consisting of a flat-screen TV and DVD player. The bedrooms are separate, with simple beds with white linens and palm-frond decor above the headboards, and a second flat-screen TV mounted to the wall. Bathrooms are simple with bathtubs or standing showers, and a single sink. Some larger suites have two bathrooms. On the balcony there are two chairs and a side table, and the view is of the bay -- and the parking lot.
Features
Relaxing spaces with great views of the sunset; exercise equipment is oddly located outside in the hot sun
The hotel works with the nearby Laser Spine Institute, providing transportation to and from the center and also to Walmart and other stops. Downstairs, the swimming pool overlooks the bay, separated by a fence, and the sunset deck is stocked with Adirondack chairs and table-and-chair sets. Outside is the Fitness Island, with park-style workout equipment such as pull up bars and a manual elliptical. On the beach, there is a sand volleyball court, and the pier is open for fishing -- the staff has gear available for guests to use. Housekeeping comes only once every three days; towels, toilet paper, and other items are available at the front desk. The lobby is also home to a shop with snacks, toiletries, drinks, wine, ice cream, and other everyday items, as well as an ATM and microwave. Pearly's Beach Eats Poolside Cafe and Bar opened in 2016, and serves casual fare for lunch and dinner, as well as a buffet breakfast (for a fee).