We recommend flying into Tampa Bay Airport or Orlando Airport (MCO)

We won't be offended if you don't want to spend too much time in Tampa when there's so much else to do in the rest of Florida.

Just a warning: Hotels in Downtown Tampa that weekend do not appear to be cheap as it's Spring Break. It may be a better idea to checkout AirBnB.com or discuss sharing a larger place with other guests. Below, however, are some local hotels.

We are staying in the Westin Tampa Waterside as it's on the river and not far from the venue. If you're after something a little more 'Florida', however, we recommend the hotels at the bottom of the list at Rocky Point. They are a little more affordable, have access to a beach and means you're free from city life. That part of Tampa is about 9 miles from Downtown but it's a fairly short cab journey.

Opened in 1927, this Tampa landmark is everything you'd expect from an old hotel... a little dated but perfectly serviceable. It's also, crucially, pretty much the cheapest option in Downtown Tampa and is just 0.8 miles from our wedding venue.

Imagine a Travelodge but with a better agent. It's a fairly sad budget hotel with a small pool on the roof but it should be cheaper than other places.
It's also 1.5 miles from our wedding venue.

The city's former courthouse is now a lovely looking hotel that still has some of its original features as well as contemporary art from local creative types.
The first actually nice hotel on this list is only a mile from the wedding venue.

It's a Hilton so it's a clean, modern hotel that ticks all the boxes. It also has a rooftop bar, which looks pretty damn good.
It's also just 1.1 miles from the wedding venue.

Pros: It's on the beautiful riverwalk and is an exceptionally pretty 15-minute walk to the wedding venue.
Cons: It's an average hotel that has an inflated daily rate as it's on the beautiful riverwalk.

Located where the Hillsborough River meets the Garrison Channel, this hotel is in a lovely spot and the wedding venue is scenic walk along the river.
It's also another of Hilton's cheaper options so inside is soulless and efficient but everything you'll probably need for a busy weekend.

Do you like money? That's a shame as you won't have any left if you opt to stay here for a weekend during Spring Break. It's a lovely hotel overlooking the water with a pool, various bars and overall la-di-da-ness. They're also jacking up the prices the weekend we're all in town. Marriott owns a ridiculous number of the hotels in this area, seconded only by Hilton. Those hoping to find a quirky boutique option or charming B'n'B in the city may be out of luck as those two corporate giants have sucked the soul out of short stays in the area.

Finally, a hotel that isn't a Marriott or Hilton. Think again, loser. Sheraton is owned by Marriott.
This hotel is on the riverwalk, so is in walking distance* of the wedding venue and in a lovely area. The hotel itself is absolutely fine.

*Fun Fact: British walking distance is actually three times longer than U.S. walking distance.

This is where we are staying, I'm not sure whether that encourages you to look into this place or not. The hotel is on Harbour Island, just over the bridge from Downtown. It's in a nice location and appears to have a lovely view of the city, Hillsborough River, Garrison Channel and Seddon Channel. It's about a 30 min walk to the venue along the water.

The first of our suggestions on Old Tampa Bay and with access to a beach. The rooms are larger, it overlooks the water and has a pool. It's slightly more affordable than some of the overpriced city options.

Seemingly the best value for money hotel on the list as it has access to a beach, pool, cabanas and a bar. One warning, however, we are a little concerned it may be a little lively during Spring Break.

A fairly new hotel right on Rocky Point with its own beach area. It seems like a lovely place with a fantastic rooftop bar and an infinity pool. It was on our shortlist and is nine miles from the venue.