Tampa's BEST Hotel? IHG's Hidden Gem: Wesley Chapel Surprise!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving deep into the supposed "BEST Hotel in Tampa," specifically IHG's… well, let's just say it, the "Wesley Chapel Surprise!" Because honestly, that's what it felt like. You're expecting Tampa, sun, beaches, maybe a fancy hotel downtown. And instead? Wesley Chapel. Which, let's be real, might as well be Narnia. But hey, surprises can be good, right? Let's see…
First Impressions (and the Existential Dread of Wesley Chapel):
Okay, so the drive. Forget the city lights, instead it’s strip malls, and more strip malls. But hey, the parking? Free! And a good thing too, because my GPS, bless its digital heart, seemed to think I was in a Bermuda Triangle of roundabouts. Once I finally wrestled my chariot into the (thankfully) well-lit lot, I was greeted by the standard IHG exterior. Nothing flashy, nothing offensive. Just… a hotel. And let me tell you, after the GPS drama, the simple predictability was comforting.
Accessibility? Mostly, Yeah, Probably! (With Caveats…):
Now, the accessibility stuff. This is important, real talk. They say they've got facilities for disabled guests, a lift, and all that jazz. But I'm not a wheelchair user, so I can’t give you a definitive “yes, it’s perfect!” I did see ramps, and elevators, but if you need specifics, call ahead and ASK, alright? Don't take my word for it. But from what I saw? Pretty decent.
Rooms: Clean, Comfy…and a Tiny Moment of Panic:
The room itself? Clean. Really clean. Like, they were clearly taking those “Anti-viral cleaning products” seriously, which is a huge win. The bed? Sigh… that bed. Cloud-like. Seriously, I sunk into it like a cartoon character into a marshmallow pit. And the blackout curtains? Glorious. Seriously, best sleep I’ve had in months! The soundproofing was also top-notch. I didn't hear a peep from the hallway.
*But then… the bathroom. Oh, the bathroom.*
It had everything! Separate shower/bathtub? You betcha! The water pressure was amazing! Plenty of fluffy towels, and the toiletries…actually pretty decent, which is a win over the usual generic small bottles that barely lather. BUT, AND IT’S A BIG BUT: the scale… It taunted me. That cold, hard metal slab, staring me down. I looked away. I refused to validate its existence. It was a bad feeling.
Internet, Glorious Internet! (And Some Minor Frustrations):
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, baby! Yes! And it actually worked. I could stream movies (on-demand movies, what a luxury!), surf the web, and pretend to be productive. The signal was solid, which is more than I can say for some hotels. However, there were those moments when the connection wavered. I think I let out one or two frustrated sighs as I tried to upload a video of my breakfast. The Internet access – LAN felt a bit dated. Who uses a LAN cable these days? Well, maybe some super-nerdy, hardcore gamers. (No judgment, but I wasn't one).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Hotel’s Struggle Bus:
Okay, here’s where things get… interesting. The on-site restaurants and lounges… they were present. There was a bar, a coffee shop, "restaurants", with international cuisine. However, and this is a big “however”, they didn’t exactly scream culinary paradise. I went for breakfast (buffet, naturally), and it was… well, buffet-y. A slightly sad collection of scrambled eggs, bacon that had seen better days, and lukewarm coffee. They did have an "Asian breakfast" option, which I was too scared to try. I opted for the Western breakfast. They did, however, have a poolside bar. I thought this was nice, but I didn't try it; the weather wasn't very cooperative on the day I was there.
I did hear that the room service was 24-hour, which is a total lifesaver for late-night snack attacks. But I didn't try that either. My mistake perhaps?
Relaxation and Recreation: Pool with View, Gym/Fitness…and Massages! (Maybe?)
The Swimming pool [outdoor] looked amazing, I did think. The weather wasn’t great on the day I was there, so I elected to skip on the swim. They also have a Fitness center and Gym/fitness. Again, I did not partake. I have no idea about a sauna, spa, or steamroom. I’m starting to think I chose the wrong time to visit this hotel!
Cleanliness and safety: Very Important
Hand sanitizer? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Check. The hotel was clearly trying hard to keep things safe, with the Daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. The individually-wrapped food options were also a nice touch. But it was the professional-grade sanitizing services that really got my attention.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag:
They had everything. Daily housekeeping? Check. Concierge? Yep. Laundry? Absolutely! A convenience store (but not the one you want). I found the facilities for disabled guests to be very important. The Car park [free of charge] was an important touch (saved on that parking fee). Cash withdrawal or an ATM was essential. A Terrace was a nice addition.
For the Kids, Babysitting Service…Maybe!
I don’t have kids, but I did see Family/child friendly options mentioned. A Babysitting service was advertised.
Getting Around…By Car, Mostly:
The Airport transfer was a great touch. But, you’re in Wesley Chapel. You need that Car park [free of charge].
The “Hidden Gem” Pitch (My Sales Pitch):
Okay, so here’s the deal. This IHG hotel in Wesley Chapel? It's not perfect. It's not the Ritz. It’s not what I’d initially wanted. But it surprised me. It's clean, the staff is friendly, and the bed is a dream. And for the price? It's a solid option.
Here’s what you do:
Book it right now if you're visiting Tampa area! Book it for two nights or more! Book it if you value a good night's sleep, and a safe, clean place to crash after a long day. Book the heck out of the hotel because it’s a hidden gem.
Here’s what you don't do:
Don't expect five-star dining. Don't expect world-class nightlife nearby (you’ll need to drive). Don’t judge it too harshly. It's trying.
The Verdict?
It’s a good base of operations. It's got its quirks (and a slightly depressing view out the window), but it's got heart. It's a "Wesley Chapel Surprise!" that you might actually enjoy. Now if you’ll excuse me, I'm going to go eat some ice cream.
Unbelievable Netflix & WiFi at Seven Studio 6! (Empire Damansara)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. We're going on a wild, messy, and probably slightly caffeinated adventure at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa North - Wesley Chapel By IHG. Consider this less a schedule and more a… vibe check for what's likely to unfold.
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (Plus Pool Time!)
14:00 - 15:00: The Great Descent (And the Luggage Tango)
- Alright, so the flight was delayed, naturally. Which meant a frantic dash from the airport, desperately hoping I hadn’t forgotten my toothbrush (spoiler alert: I have). Finding the hotel wasn't the problem, it's the endless loop of "Do I park here? No, that's the other lobby. Wait, is this even the right Holiday Inn? Ugh, I should have called ahead…" Eventually, I wrestled my suitcase – which seems to have multiplied in weight overnight – through the revolving door, narrowly avoiding knocking over a bewildered elderly couple. The receptionist, bless her weary soul, just gave me the look. You know the one. The "I've seen things" look.
15:00 - 16:00: Check-In Chaos & Room Reconnaissance (Oh, the Sweet, Sweet Air Conditioning)
- Check-in was surprisingly smooth, a small miracle. The room? Standard-issue hotel room, but clean. And the air conditioning! HALLELUJAH. Immediately dove onto the blissfully cool bed, letting the hum of the AC wash over me. This is what heaven must feel like after the sweaty purgatory of travel. The view? Well, it’s a highway. But hey, at least it’s my highway view.
16:00 - 18:00: Poolside Existential Crisis (And Possibly a Mild Sunburn)
- Okay, the pool. This is where things escalated. Armed with a questionable SPF 15, I bravely ventured into the Florida sun. The pool was… well, it was a pool. Mostly kids splashing, which, let's be honest, is both adorable and slightly terrifying. I attempted to read my book (a gripping thriller about the socio-economic ramifications of competitive cheese sculpting), but my brain kept short-circuiting. Like, why are we all here? What is the meaning of chlorine? Did I remember to pack a comfortable swimsuit? Basically, I spent two hours alternating between staring vacantly at the water and applying more sunscreen (which I clearly needed). The sunburn? It's already beginning. I call it "the holiday glow."
18:00 - 19:00: Shower & Regret
- A quick shower, because I got my head wet. The shower pressure, a bit weak, but hey, it’s water. Then the slow realization that I'd forgotten to pack the other bottle of shampoo. It’s now time to face the dry, straw-like hair future.
19:00 - 20:00: Dinner at [Local Restaurant, TBD] - The Food Orgy
- Planning to ditch the hotel and find a local Tampa joint. Right, gotta find some kind of place - maybe a greasy spoon, a taco truck, or something. I'm hungry now. I'll just see what the internet pulls up, and cross my fingers the food and beer is not terrible.
21:00 - Bedtime Story: Episode of "Forensic Files"
- Okay, maybe I'm a bit of a weirdo. But I love me some true crime documentaries. Usually "Forensic Files" is my go-to. It's like a soothing lullaby of murder and forensics.
Day 2: Delusional Optimism & The Quest for Decent Coffee
- 07:00 - 08:00: The Free Breakfast Debacle (And the Battle for Caffeine)
- Oh, the free breakfast. Pray for me. I'm picturing the usual: lukewarm scrambled eggs, rubbery bacon, and industrial-strength coffee that tastes like motor oil. Trying to be positive! Maybe they have waffles…or at least decent orange juice. The real battle is going to be getting enough caffeine to function before the world starts feeling like a fever dream. Honestly, the thought of facing that tiny, plastic-cup-only coffee dispenser is sending shivers down my spine.
- 08:00 - 09:00: Gym-ish Time (Probably Just the Treadmill)
- I might try the hotel gym…emphasis on "might." I'm not a gym person, by any stretch of the imagination. The plan is to put on some exercise clothes, and then…well, maybe just walk on the treadmill for twenty minutes while watching the news. Okay, maybe I'll do more, but I'm not making any promises. And if the treadmill is broken, I'm blaming it on the hotel ghosts.
- 09:00 - 12:00: [Random Activity, TBD]: Exploring the Area (Or Getting Lost)
- I actually have some vague ideas for seeing the sights. Busch Gardens? Maybe. A stroll around a local market? Possibly. Realistically? I'll probably get sidetracked by a cute coffee shop and spend the entire morning people-watching. Or, even better, get completely and hopelessly lost in a giant shopping center.
- 12:00 - 13:00: Lunch Adventure (The Search for Something Edible)
- Lunch… the cornerstone of any well-spent day. Gonna find something local, something delicious, and not something that leaves me feeling like I should be apologizing to my digestive system. Again, I'll consult the internet. Yelp? TripAdvisor? Google Maps? The possibilities, and the potential disappointment, are endless.
- 13:00 - 15:00: The Great Work Struggle (Or, The Attempt to Appear Productive)
- Work emails. The bane of my existence. The joy of a vacation (even a short one) is always somewhat tainted by the creeping dread of things piling up back home. I’ll try to get some stuff done. Attempt to be productive. Maybe I'll actually succeed. Or maybe I'll just zone out and read the comments on some random blog.
- 15:00 - 16:00: Pool Recap and Sunburn Check
- A revisit to the pool, if I can muster the courage. Primarily to check on the sunburn situation. At this point, I'm a walking lobster. Possibly a crispy lobster.
- 16:00 - 18:00: Local Brewery or Bar Hopping (If I'm Feeling it)
- The evening? Well, if I'm feeling social, I'll find a brewery or a bar. Get to meet the locals. If not, well, it's fine. The Netflix gods are always watching.
- 18:00 - 19:00: Dinner (Hopefully Somewhere Different)
- Another attempt at a local restaurant, or perhaps a new discovery of some kind.
- 20:00 - Bedtime Story: "Forensic Files" Part Dos
- The grand finale of "Forensic Files".
Day 3: Departure & The Aftermath
07:00 - 08:00: The Free Breakfast Debacle: The Rematch
- Again, I am bracing myself for the lukewarm eggs, but this time, I will be prepared. I'm bringing my own coffee.
08:00 - 09:00: Packing and Last-Minute Scramble (Where Did I Put My Charger?!?)
- The dreaded packing. Where do I put my luggage? Check-out time is coming, time to find my stuff.
09:00 - 10:00: Check-Out & The Long Goodbye (Or, "I'm Never Staying Here Again" - Just Kidding, Probably)
- Check-out. Pray the system works. The last chance to soak up the non-highway view.
10:00 Onward: The Journey Home (With a Side of Post-Vacation Meltdown)
- On to the airport, hopefully, I didn't leave any of my clothes behind. The journey home!
Post-Trip Evaluation:
- Did I enjoy it? Who knows! It’s too early to say. Mostly, I'll be exhausted. And maybe slightly sunburnt.
- Will I return? Maybe. But next time, I'm bringing my own coffee maker.
- Oh, and maybe a slightly better sunscreen. And extra shampoo. Definitely extra shampoo.
Okay, so is this place *actually* Tampa's BEST hotel, like, period? Don’t lie to me!
Alright, alright, hold your horses. Best? That's a big claim. It ain't the Four Seasons. It ain't got a private beach. And let's be honest, Wesley Chapel isn't exactly *Miami*. But... and this is a BIG but... for what it *is*? For the price? For the sheer **unexpected charm**? Yeah. I’m leaning towards maybe. Hear me out. Look, I've stayed in places that cost three times as much and felt *less* welcome. Less comfortable. Less... real. This place, it's got a certain something. A genuine vibe. More on that later.
Wesley Chapel? Isn't that, like, a black hole of strip malls and chain restaurants?
Bingo. You've been to Wesley Chapel, haven't you? Look, the location *is* a bit…practical. Let's call it that. You get your Costco, your Olive Garden, your…well, you get the picture. It's hardly postcard-worthy, but if you're in the area for business, visiting family, or just…well, *any* reason that puts you in this quadrant of Florida, the hotel itself can be a sanctuary. Think of it as a green oasis of calm, surrounded by a desert of…commerce. Which, on a bad day, can actually be comforting. Kind of a "comfortably predictable" kind of practical.
What about the rooms? Spilled coffee stains and noisy aircon, or what?
Okay, so here's where the "Hidden Gem" part really starts to shine. The rooms are...well, they're good. They're genuinely *nice*. Clean. Modern. And, bless their hearts, they *actually* maintain the bathrooms - a huge win. Now, I did have one minor issue on my last stay, though, where the air conditioning sounded like a disgruntled walrus. I called down to the front desk (super nice people, by the way) and they fixed it within twenty minutes. Seriously. Impressed. And, phew, no coffee stains. A+ on that one.
The breakfast? Tell me about the Breakfast! Crucial details here!
Okay, buckle up. Because the breakfast at this place? It deserves its own epic poem. Forget the sad, pre-packaged pastries and lukewarm scrambled eggs of your average hotel buffet. This is… *better*. It's got the usual suspects, sure: cereals, yogurt, the dreaded breakfast potatoes. But then… *bam*… there's a waffle station! And not just any waffle station. A *good* waffle station, where you can craft your own masterpiece. And, and, and, I swear, one time, they had *banana cream* for your waffle. BANANA CREAM. I'm not kidding, it was a religious experience. This breakfast alone is reason enough to check in! I probably got carried away. But still, the breakfast is A++. Especially when the juice dispenser *isn't* sputtering. Which sometimes it does. But again, mostly, it's heaven.
What about the pool? Is it, like, a swamp of chlorine and regret, or a tropical paradise?
The pool is...okay. It's not a resort-style, Instagram-worthy infinity pool. It's a perfectly serviceable pool. Clean, well-maintained, and has a few loungers. It’s a good place to unwind after a long, hot day of...well, whatever it is you're doing in Wesley Chapel. Does it have a swim-up bar? Nope. Does it have a waterfall? Also, no. But does it have a nice, clean place to cool off and maybe read a book? Absolutely. And, the BEST part, is that because it isn't the fanciest pool, you can usually find a chair. Bliss.
I've heard some people say the staff are super friendly. True? Or just, like, forced hotel-speak friendly?
This is where the 'Surprise' really kicks in. The staff? They're *genuinely* friendly. Like, "I'm genuinely happy you're here" friendly. Not the robotic, overly-enthusiastic type. They actually seem to *care*. I remember one time, I was having a truly awful day – things had just gone wrong, and I was in a terrible mood. I checked in, and the front desk person, a lovely woman named Maria, saw my face and literally asked if I was okay and offered me (wait for it) a free cookie. A *cookie*! And she wasn't faking it! That may seem small, she knew how to turn a frown upside down - and it worked! That's the kind of genuine hospitality you don't always find. Huge thumbs up.
So is there anything you didn’t like? Give me the dirt!
Okay, okay, I’m not completely blind to imperfections. One time the elevator felt like it was going to fall to the ground, but I never died of something happening. Sometimes the breakfast lines can get a bit crowded. And, as mentioned, the location can't be helped. It's Wesley Chapel, people, not the French Riviera. Honestly, that's about it. The gym could maybe use more equipment and maybe the pool could be open 24/7? Look, the parking lot isn't exactly beautiful, and the hallways felt a bit bare, but is it a dealbreaker? No. They're working on it, I hope!
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Absolutely. Without a doubt. I actually look forward to it. Seriously. It's not perfect, sure, but it's… comfortable. It's reliable. It’s friendly. It's got that "home away from home" vibe, which is a huge win when you're traveling, especially these days. And that breakfast...always gets me. I'd say yes, I'm a fan. And, honestly, if you’re in Wesley Chapel, and you're looking for a good hotel, I can't recommend it enough. Just maybe pack your own pillow, in case the ones they have aren't quite your style. And give Maria a hug when you see her. She deserves it.
