BED BUGS - STAY AWAY!!! Stayed at Embassy Suites Convention Center July 29-Aug. 1, 2018. Now, my husband's neck is covered in bed bug bites. From past reviews, it looks like bed bugs are a reoccurring issue. BE WARNED! Before publicly posting this review, I called the Embassy Suites THREE times in an effort to talk to the manager to 1) alert them of the bed bugs and 2) rectify the issue. The Embassy Suites has many issues (check-in time, elevators, cleanliness, etc.), but bed bugs is not one I'm willing to let slide. I'd strongly discourage anyone from staying at this hotel, despite its convenience to the Convention Center, but if you already have your reservations... definitely do not stay in room 1804.
UPDATE: The manager called me and let me know that an eco-pest company would be coming out to survey/check-out the room and that there had be no reported complaints of bed bugs for THAT room. He said that following the survey, he'd give me a call back. While I appreciate his call, I still expect more to be done. The bites are still visible on my husband's neck.
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Rooms were very spacious and clean, happy hour and breakfast were awesome pool / patio area had plenty of chairs and was very comfortable if I had to say something negative it would be that it is a valet only parking but anywhere in downtown Tampa is going to be pay to park anyway so this really isn't a bad thing it just is an inconvenience when you forget something in the car but would definitely look into staying there again for sure
The room was great and the breakfast was delicious. The evening reception left something to be desired in regards to the food. The drinks were pretty good.
Lobby and courtyard under renovation was not advised before checkin. Made to order breakfast not made to order. Prepared buffet. Only stayed one night. Rooms dated with musty smell.
If you are attending a concert or any type of event near this area, DO IT!! It's within walking distance of the concert venue, restaurants, shops, and water front views. We went to see a 21 Pilots concert and it was literally a 3 minute walk thru a tunnel from the hotel front door to the front doors of the venue.
The hotel had a great location and looked fantastic. The glass elevator let you take in views of downtown Tampa and the water. Our room looked great and had a nice view. Breakfast was complimentary and delicious. Only complaint were a couple small issues with the bathroom (a dying exhaust fan and a tub spout that needed to be caulked again). I'm sure they'll have them fixed for the next guest, I only stayed one night.
A huge Hilton fan, have stayed at several Embassy Suites. Not this one though. Only actually write reviews when they rock or absolutely tank. This one is the latter especially since it was by far the most expensive one we've ever stayed with and would have rated it a lot higher if it were a Hampton Inn, just not Embassy for $600 a night. Expectation management comes into play a bit. To the point now, the facility itself was typical of other Embassy Suites. No shuttle available to and from the airport, which I suppose is just something I have become accustomed to. The evening happy hour didn't have the normal fruit, finger foods, and mini sandwiches. Again, just expectation management really. Have become accustomed to that, not the chips and salsa and Guacamole only bar. The bartenders were very nice though. We had called for extra towels, only because you normally get three but there are four in our family. Didn't mind that of course, but called , never got them. Again, no big deal. So a few hours later, called again. Still nothing and wanted a dry towel to shower with. Went to the front desk to get one, told they have to bring it to us. They did so that time. The coffee machine didn't work in the room and the coffee wasn't available until the morning breakfast. Really just a big difference in the expectations from other Embassy Suites experiences and the large price difference.
Tastic. So fun with family well lit so I can see family,banquet looking in front area. Small room clean ,bed appears good extra size closet, baby refrig.coffee , great amenities.
The room was huge, and furnishings were more than adequate. The decor was a little dated, and there was moisture damage in the bathroom and peeling wallpaper. Also, the wall light switches didn't work. There was a loud compressor going on outside the window of my room all night, the hotel staff was kind and provided a room reimbursement, free valet parking, and some bottles of water. The free breakfast was great!
Great hotel and stay! The staff was nice, the room was great, and the area was close to everything. Only complaint would be that it got pretty humid in there...I think that was due to the large water fountain they have.
Good location. Rooms are in good shape and large. They do have some have minor annoyances to them. Like the mirror being mounted too low so that faucet wouldn't go all the way back. Happy hour downstairs is nice. The gym is modern but a bit small and needs more equipment. Breakfast is pretty standard and nothing that will surprise. 4 elevators that are generally quick except at peak traffic times. The price feels just a bit high all things considered but that's driven by the location.
It's hard to understand all the positive reviews given the experience everyone has there who stayed this weekend.....
We arrived at 1:30PM, (which is before check-in time) and were told to wait for a text message telling us our room was ready. At 5:45PM we still had not received a message, so we called and were told the hotel is overbooked. We had all of our stuff stored with the hotel staff and had a concert to get to (6:30PM). So, we visited the hotel again to investigate in person, to find a COMPLETELY PACKED lobby everyone in line waiting for a room. Mind you, we as well as everyone else, had a confirmed reservation. Also keep in mind, we were in town for a concert and had to change clothes and freshen up for concert.
While waiting in line @ 6:00 PM trying to get our room along with everyone else, we noticed on the Hilton website they are STILL SELLING ROOMS for that night. So not only is the hotel overbooked and is turning away people who has already paid, they are still taking ADDITIONAL RESERVATIONS. Stunning!!!! Luckily, we were given a room. We spoke to others who had to wait until 11PM the previous night to get a room. And, even these people were not the least fortunate. Some were told (not until 11PM) no rooms existed and they would be bused to another Hilton property. So after waiting for 9 hours, they were finally told they would not receive the room they had paid for. Imagine the frustration.
The managers reception (Hilton advertises free drinks for happy hour) is absolute chaos. One bartender is handling a line of over 100 people trying to get their promised free drink. Breakfast is a similar catastrophe - long lines and no seats are there anyway. People are in the elevators carrying their food upstairs..... Some elevators are "out of order" further adding to the confusion. The hotel literally needs double the elevators (which there is not room for anyway).
The hotel is 18+ stories high and simply doesn t have the foot print to handle all the people. The hotel is terribly designed and cannot handle as many rooms as it holds. Not to mention, they sell double the rooms the hotel has. It s sad because the hotel has just gone on a renovation and cosmetically looks great. The hotel simply lacks any kind of management. It s not bad management (this would be a compliment). There is NO MANAGEMENT.
If you value your time at all, book elsewhere. The Marriott a block away is great.
My husband and I stayed here this past weekend with our two daughters for a small Spring Break vacation. We had pretty high hopes that the hotel could help make the vacation a relaxing time. Unfortunately it was anything but. It started from day 1. We pulled into the front of the hotel and were told that we couldn't self park because the parking garage had been closed down for a Tampa Bay Lightning Hockey game that weekend. So we had to pay pretty much $30 a day for valet the entire stay. It's not just $30 though. You have to include the tipping and also the bellhop that has to be tipped as well. That first night, my husband put the thermostat in the room on the lowest setting. We both woke up around 11pm profusely sweating. Figuring it was something we did, we tried staying in the room another night after requesting a fan. The same occurred and we had to ask to move to another room which was thankfully cooler. There was a volleyball tournament at the convention center that weekend. Let's just say breakfast was beyond stressful. People acted like animals fighting for scraps and it was near impossible to find a seat. Also, you can forget trying to get Starbucks. The line would wrap around the street if they let it. Due to having valet parking, we felt pretty trapped in the room. I can't just grab my car when I want without paying money. Also, one day we handed our valet ticket over and the guy pulled up with a Honda Pilot that did not belong to us and attempted to give us the keys. I hope they didn't do the same with our vehicle to someone else. Overall I would highly suggest you stay somewhere else unless you have something going on at the convention and don't mind chaos at breakfast. I can't tell you how many times I looked longingly at the Marriott across the street and I don't even know what it looks like inside. Just stay away!
BUYER BEWARE!!!!!!! THEY CHARGE YOU TWICE!!!!! Hotel wasn't bad to stay at. Rooms were pretty clean. Stayed Tuesday Wednesday Thursday and checked out Friday morning. Tuesday they put a pending charge (655) on my account. That's the 505 for my rooms and 150 for incidentals. Friday when I check out, the pending charge of 655 drops down to 505 and clears. A few hours later that card gets declined. They've now charged me another 505. Now one charge is cleared and one is pending. So I still have no access to that money....all weekend...on vacation. I call Embassy Monday and they say call my financial institution and then three way Embassy in. I do that, now it's the three of us on the phone. I ask Embassy a pretty simple question: Why was I charged twice? Embassy actually tells me that I wasn't... I ask my financial institution how many times I was charged...they say twice. My back says to clear the pending charge they would need an authorization code from embassy. Embassy has two codes...one for the cleared charge and one for the pending charge... I ask again...Why was I charged twice?
Long story short, Tyra from Embassy accounting is completely inept as a person and cant answer simple questions. Never talked to anyone who's that hard to talk to. You ask a question she answers you with a different question. Shelly at the front desk is no better. Portrays a manager until you have you bank backing up what you say and informing you that they're lying.
In conclusion, the hotel itself was nice, but staff is dumb and will charge you twice then basically call you a liar and say in the if you get your money back for the extra charge then it's ok. Never mind the means of how it happened. I approved them to take out initially 655 and they took 1010. That's not right. No explanation from them.
The tub was dirty when I checked in, and when I asked for it to be cleaned it took a while for the housekeeper to come. The manager had an attitude with me and acted if she was doing me a favor when she moved me to another room. She did nothing for me being inconvience of packing up my stuff, and having to go back downstairs to get another key. This hotel could care less about the guests if you have a problem. She told me the only thing she could do is give me Hilton points to use at a later time, and that pissed me off because I did not pay my money at a later time. I feel if I can pay my money now then Hilton should be able to admit their mistake now. A very disappointed Hilton member that do not feel good about staying with at a brand that do not care about the customers. I've always had a good experience with any Hilton hotel, but not this weekend.
Was not informed this hotel was under loud construction that started from 9 am to 7:30 pm. We were checked in to a suite with faulty wiring so most of the lights were not working and construction on our floor that was very loud in our room. We called the operator and asked to upgrade and volunteered to pay extra to be put in the presidential suite to avoid the sounds and get proper lighting. Was told over the phone in the room it would be $150 upgrade fee. We then went downstairs after we agreed and were told only the manager could approve someone booking the room. Manager came and told us we were misinformed and it was actually $200 because of the nightly rate for that night (it was a check in on a Monday) and no explanation as to why different than what was told 10 min prior besides we were misinformed. Final total after tax because she forgot to mention : $230. VERY RUDE manager. Not accommodating and snarky when asked to explain the confusion.
Always enjoy staying at this location although this time it was a bit crowded at check-in with unhappy wedding and bachelor party guests. Still the online check-in process they offer worked flawlessly. Many others waited for rooms to become available but mine was waiting for me. Staf was great especially considering the grumpy guests they were having to attend to. Room accommodations were great ad always.
The location was nice. It was under construction so it was a little hard to get a feeling for the full experience. Staff was very helpful and friendly and the facilities were kept clean and fucntional despite the construction. The location is good if you want to explore what tampa has to offer your a fifteen minute uber from anywhere you'd really want to go.
Stayed for the Saint Pablo Tour, have previously stayed for Florida State Thespian Festival. Truly a lovely hotel in a lovely location. Would definitely recommend.
The vallet person Chris is AWESOME he helped my family as much as he could. The staff is very friendly and helpful. I would reccomend this hotel to everyone.
The hotel staff are friendly and helpful. The rooms are very spacious and appear to be clean upon first glance, but beware. Be sure to check your sheets if you are staying at this hotel as they aren t consistent with cleaning the top cover. The cover on the bed in my room had clearly not been washed, as there were multiple stains, both from food and makeup, on the underside of the cover. I m actually writing this review as I wait for a clean cover (It has been 20 mins since I alerted the staff). There s also grease from food on the night stand. Just be sure to make sure your room is clean before getting comfy. For the prices they charge, this is unacceptable.
I had the best sleep ever !!! On top of eating an incredible OMELETTE from the newbie Gio Dude. Steve was the karaoke guy. He has an outstanding personality. The breakfast is worth coming for alone. Did I mention that the 3rd floor has a POOL.
Perfect location for sports events and conventions. No wifi which could ruin your vacation or data plan, and 2 of the elevators were broken. We required towels at one point and it took hours waiting around for them. They have a cool outdoor pool on the second floor and great breakfasts!
Had a fine stay, location was convenient. Overall the service was a bit hit or miss, some people wholly unhelpful and others very much so. The property is under major renovation at the time of this review, but the work seemed to be paused as we stayed the weekend. The room was great, pool was great, breakfast and happy hour mostly meh.
I stayed here 4 nights spending over $1,000 in room and food/drinks. I have never written a bad review for anything if this tells you something. There was a man next to my room with an adjoining door who told me my second night there that he could get into my room. I realized my lock to the adjoining room was broken. I went to the front desk EVERY SINGLE day around my super busy/crazy conference schedule, and they always promised "an engineer will be right up". As well as my sheets changed. I put the change sheets sign on the bed every day - never changed, not once! One of the evenings I talked to the front desk about both issues, they said housekeeping would come right up to change the bedding, and a man just handed me sheets LOL! It was comical. Sheets were never changed, and my lock was finally fixed the last night I was there. I am a young woman who stayed by myself so I was a bit frightened each night and locked myself in the bedroom when I was in my room. They really need corporate to come and do a lot of work correcting these kinds of things. My entire group and I will now be staying across the street at the marriot for our yearly conference.
Clean comfortable rooms and pleasant staff. The bathtub drained slowly but no major complaints. (Room 721) we were told there was no self parking at the hotel so we valet parked $28 p/n. The valet was great and the bellman was courteous and friendly as well.
Beautiful hotel with a great view and great Tampa location! Right next to the convention center and just a short walk from Amalie Arena or Jackson's restaurant. The room I stayed in was very clean and didn't have any obvious issues, I had no problems and was very comfortable. Front desk staff were great, the staff member that brought lunch into our business meeting was very professional. Highly recommend. Embassy suites happy hour is awesome nightly and they always have the best complementary breakfast! Only gripe is the mandatory Valet parking.
The Embassy Suites here at the Tampa Convention Center was a good place to stay for the local convention. My room was a cozy suite with a mini-fridge and a microwave (Among other things...), and the room service is impeccable. Flourless chocolate cake is one of their specialties, and eating it is a transcendent experience. Not to mention the hotel has a Starbucks on-site, and a little gift shop where you can buy snacks and toiletries. I would definitely come here again.
