Pros

  • Budget-friendly hotel in a central location
  • Across from the University of South Florida and close to Busch Gardens
  • Free shuttle service to local attractions
  • Rooms with flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers; some with microwaves
  • Small kidney-shaped outdoor pool
  • Indoor hot tub and gym open 24 hours
  • Business center with computer stations and printers
  • Free breakfast
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
See More Pros

Cons

  • Rooms facing the road can get street noise
  • Decor is generic and chain-like
See More Cons

Bottom Line

This budget chain hotel is one of a few that are directly across the street from the University of South Florida campus. It’s a five-minute drive to Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, and the hotel runs a free shuttle service to local attractions. The 85 rooms are large, and some include microwaves and mini-fridges, though decor is a bit dated. There's also a small outdoor pool, and a gym and hot tub. It’s a well-run, budget-friendly choice for university visitors, theme park guests, and those who need access to nearby hospitals. Rooms at the nearby Hyatt Place Busch Gardens are more modern but rates are higher.

See More Bottom Line

Oyster Hotel Review

Wingate by Wyndham Tampa/At USF

Scene

Welcoming lobby but somewhat dated decor

This Wyndham chain hotel is clean and welcoming but somewhat dated and generic. A spacious, high-ceilinged lobby has gleaming beige tile floors, but the patterned couches, white-paneled ceilings, and standard wall art look passé and a bit drab. The adjoining breakfast area, is large and bright. The small kidney-shaped outdoor pool, surrounded by sun loungers, tables and chairs with umbrellas, and palm trees, is possibly the property's most inviting space. As expected with a location near the University of South Florida, Busch Gardens, and Adventure Island, this hotel's main clientele are families.

See More Scene

Location

Across from U.S.F., with a free shuttle to Busch Gardens and other nearby attractions

The hotel sits across from the University of South Florida, on a street lined with office buildings and chain restaurants. It’s a 20-minute walk or a five-minute drive to the U.S.F. Sun Dome, and a five-minute drive to both Busch Gardens and Adventure Island. The hotel runs a free shuttle to the theme parks, as well as to the Museum of Science and Industry, the Moffitt Cancer Center, the Shriners Hospital for Children, and the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital. It’s a 25-minute drive to Tampa International Airport. 

See More Location

Rooms

Large rooms with generic chain hotel decor

The 85 rooms are spacious and comfortable, but decor feels a bit generic and bland, from the green-and-gold patterned carpeting to the rust-colored bed coverings. The bathrooms have long granite vanities and curtained shower/tub combos with newer fixtures. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers with paper to-go cups, safes, irons and ironing boards, and hairdryers. Some rooms come with microwaves and mini-fridges. Rooms facing the main road can pick up street noise. Light sleepers should request rooms at the back of the hotel.

See More Rooms

Features

Free breakfast, small outdoor pool, and 24-hour gym, hot tub, and business center

The hotel serves a free breakfast, which includes eggs, in a large area with plenty of seating. There’s a small kidney-shaped outdoor pool surrounded by sun loungers. The hot tub and small carpeted gym with cardio and weight machines is open 24 hours, as is the business center with desktop computers and printers. There’s a small meeting room that seats up to 60 people, and a separate board room. Coin-operated laundry machines and dry cleaning services are available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. 

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Wingate by Wyndham Tampa/At USF

Scene

Welcoming lobby but somewhat dated decor

This Wyndham chain hotel is clean and welcoming but somewhat dated and generic. A spacious, high-ceilinged lobby has gleaming beige tile floors, but the patterned couches, white-paneled ceilings, and standard wall art look passé and a bit drab. The adjoining breakfast area, is large and bright. The small kidney-shaped outdoor pool, surrounded by sun loungers, tables and chairs with umbrellas, and palm trees, is possibly the property's most inviting space. As expected with a location near the University of South Florida, Busch Gardens, and Adventure Island, this hotel's main clientele are families.

See More Scene

Location

Across from U.S.F., with a free shuttle to Busch Gardens and other nearby attractions

The hotel sits across from the University of South Florida, on a street lined with office buildings and chain restaurants. It’s a 20-minute walk or a five-minute drive to the U.S.F. Sun Dome, and a five-minute drive to both Busch Gardens and Adventure Island. The hotel runs a free shuttle to the theme parks, as well as to the Museum of Science and Industry, the Moffitt Cancer Center, the Shriners Hospital for Children, and the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital. It’s a 25-minute drive to Tampa International Airport. 

See More Location

Rooms

Large rooms with generic chain hotel decor

The 85 rooms are spacious and comfortable, but decor feels a bit generic and bland, from the green-and-gold patterned carpeting to the rust-colored bed coverings. The bathrooms have long granite vanities and curtained shower/tub combos with newer fixtures. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers with paper to-go cups, safes, irons and ironing boards, and hairdryers. Some rooms come with microwaves and mini-fridges. Rooms facing the main road can pick up street noise. Light sleepers should request rooms at the back of the hotel.

See More Rooms

Features

Free breakfast, small outdoor pool, and 24-hour gym, hot tub, and business center

The hotel serves a free breakfast, which includes eggs, in a large area with plenty of seating. There’s a small kidney-shaped outdoor pool surrounded by sun loungers. The hot tub and small carpeted gym with cardio and weight machines is open 24 hours, as is the business center with desktop computers and printers. There’s a small meeting room that seats up to 60 people, and a separate board room. Coin-operated laundry machines and dry cleaning services are available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. 

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Free Breakfast

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Pool

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.