$103 Avg/night
Rate and special offer based on Check-in: May 24, 2013 Check-out: May 27, 2013

Howard Johnson Plaza Tampa-Downtown

3 stars
111 W Fortune St, Tampa, FL 33602
Hotel Overview
Reviewer score
3.3
out of 5
84 reviews
Great Location

Needed a hotel that was close to Channel Side so I wouldn't have to drive on New Yrs Eve. Shuttle... See full review

  • Melisa F
  • Jan 4, 2013
The staff.

The Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel staff went out of their way to help us. We appreciate the interest... See full review

  • Durraine
  • May 19, 2013
Hotel offers free Wi-Fi and Lifestyle Fitness in Tampa’s cultural mecca

The Howard Johnson Plaza is an ideal place to stay for travelers making a cultural visit to the Tampa Bay area. The property sits adjacent to the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and the Tampa Museum of Art. The Tampa Convention Center, Tampa Bay Historic Center, St. Pete Times Forum and Port of Tampa are located a mile from the hotel. Guests enjoy free shuttle service from the hotel to cruise terminals, complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access and use of the Lifestyle Fitness Center at no extra fee.

HIGHLIGHTS
  • Free shuttle service from the hotel to Port of Tampa Cruise Terminals with advance notice
  • Free high-speed wireless Internet access in rooms and public areas
  • Complimentary use of Lifestyle Fitness Center
ROOMS

All rooms feature single-cup coffee maker, iron with ironing board, programmable alarm clock, hairdryer, individual climate control and satellite TV featuring HBO. Microwaves and refrigerators are available in some rooms.

FEATURES

The Howard Johnson Plaza is two miles from Channelside Bay Plaza, a premier dining and entertainment complex, plus Florida Aquarium and Ybor City. The property is home to Tampa's famous Waterworks Bar & Grill. Try the meatloaf and mash specialty. The property is within walking distance to many other national restaurant chains. Guests enjoy free shuttle service from the hotel to cruise terminals, complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access and use of the Lifestyle Fitness Center at no extra fee.

TRANSPORTATION
  • Tampa International Airport (TPA) (20 minutes)
  • Tampa airport shuttle (fees apply)
  • Free shuttle service for The Port of Tampa Cruise Terminals and Tampa General Hospital with advance notice
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
  • Busch Gardens
  • Adventure Island
  • Museum of Science & Industry
  • Florida Aquarium
  • Tampa Bay Performing Art Center
  • Tampa Convention Center
  • Channelside Bay Plaza
  • Historic Ybor City
BUSINESS
  • 6,800 square feet of banquet and meeting space
  • Main ballroom has a capacity to hold 350 people
  • Breakout rooms can hold meetings for 20-60 people
POLICES & FEES
  • Pets Welcome, $75.00 US one time charge

This is not a comprehensive list of fees. Any amounts listed above may not include taxes and are subject to change.

Amenities

  • High-speed internet
  • Outdoor pool
  • No smoking rooms/facilities
General
Air conditioned
No smoking rooms/facilities
Pets allowed
Free local telephone calls
Elevators
Ice machine
Activities
Outdoor pool
Health club
Exercise gym
Dining
Restaurant
Coffee maker in room
Vending machines
Services
24 hour front desk
Business center
Guest laundromat
ATM/Cash machine
Wake-up service
Safe deposit box
Meeting/Banquet facilities
Porters
FAX
Conference facilities
Copy service
Overhead projector
Audio visual equipment
Internet
High-speed internet
Parking
Parking
Outdoor parking
RV or truck parking
Bus parking
Accessibility
Accessible facilities
Wheel chair access
Accessible parking
Room
AM/FM alarm clock
Desk with lamp
Microwave
Over sized rooms
TV remote control
Cribs available
Ironing board

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Hotel Map

27.9533 -82.4638
Area description
Business district

Nearby points of interest

  • The David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts: 0.1 mi
  • Tampa Museum of Art: 0.3 mi
  • Glazer Children's Museum: 0.3 mi
  • Florida Museum of Photographic Arts: 0.5 mi
  • Henry B. Plant Museum: 0.5 mi
  • Tampa Union Station: 0.8 mi
  • Tampa Convention Center: 1 mi
  • ST PETE TIMES FORUM: 1 mi
  • Tampa Bay Historical Center: 1.1 mi
  • Tampa Port Authority: 1.2 mi
  • Florida Aquarium: 1.3 mi
  • SS American Victory Mariners' Memorial and Museum Ship: 1.4 mi
  • Hyde Park: 1.4 mi
  • Ybor City State Museum: 1.6 mi
  • Ybor City: 1.8 mi
  • The David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts: 0.1 mi
  • Tampa Museum of Art: 0.3 mi
  • Glazer Children's Museum: 0.3 mi
  • Florida Museum of Photographic Arts: 0.5 mi
  • Henry B. Plant Museum: 0.5 mi
  • Tampa Union Station: 0.8 mi
  • Tampa Convention Center: 1 mi
  • ST PETE TIMES FORUM: 1 mi
  • Tampa Bay Historical Center: 1.1 mi
  • Tampa Port Authority: 1.2 mi
  • Florida Aquarium: 1.3 mi
  • SS American Victory Mariners' Memorial and Museum Ship: 1.4 mi
  • Hyde Park: 1.4 mi
  • Ybor City State Museum: 1.6 mi
  • Ybor City: 1.8 mi
  • Raymond James Stadium: 2.9 mi
  • Steinbrenner Field: 3.2 mi
  • Al Lopez Park: 3.3 mi
  • Tampa Lowry Park Zoo: 4 mi
  • Busch Gardens: 6.3 mi
  • Adventure Island: 6.9 mi
  • University of South Florida Botanical Gardens: 7.6 mi
  • Museum of Science and Industry: 7.8 mi
  • Tampa Theatre: 8.2 mi
  • Grand Prix Fun Center: 8.6 mi
  • The Upper Tampa Bay Trail: 9.3 mi
  • Lettuce Lake Park: 10.1 mi
  • Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center: 11.8 mi
  • Morris Bridge Park: 12.5 mi
  • Tampa Bay Downs: 13.1 mi
  • Sunshine Skyway Bridge: 21.8 mi

Hotel Policies

Check-in:
03:00 PM
Check-out:
11:00 AM

Terms and conditions

Rates quoted in currencies other than the hotel's base currency are subject to the rate of the international exchange. Rate may change throughout stay. Rate may reflect average nightly rate. Extra charges may apply. Incidental charges, such as room service, are not included in the rate.

The amenities and/or facilities may not be located at the hotel, but within a reasonable distance, and additional charges may apply for use.

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Guest Reviews (84)

Ratings and reviews for Howard Johnson Plaza Tampa-Downtown

Overall score

3.3 / 5
84 out of 84
Amenities:
3.2
Room cleanliness:
3.5
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
3.7
Location:
4.2
Value:
3.7

77% would recommend to a friend.

Sort by:
Review this hotel
Review of Howard Johnson Plaza Tampa-Downtown

Reviewer score

4
Boston Hockey Fan
Boston, MA
Apr 9, 2012

Very Good Value

There are more luxurious properties available in the area, but this hotel is definitely a very good value. The staff could not be more friendly and helpful. The location to downtown and several local attractions is great, and if you need to get somewhere a little outside of the immediate area, the shuttle system that they have in place is terrific. Next time I am in Tampa, i will stay at this property.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
2
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
4
Location:
3
Value:
5
Entertainment tip: Short walk from hotel

Great dining, shopping and entertainment in the Ocean Park area, which is a short walk fron the property.

Review of Howard Johnson Plaza Tampa-Downtown

Reviewer score

4
lovingFL
Business
San Jose, CA
Apr 2, 2012

Perfect for a Conference!

This hotel is just close enough to the convention center that you can easliy walk and enjoy the beautiful weather outside. The amenities of having a refridgerator and microwave made it nice to actually buy food and have snacks during the evening. The staff was friendly and I felt safe the entire time.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
5
Room cleanliness:
3
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
5
Location:
3
Value:
5
Trip purpose:

Business

Entertainment tip: Long walk from hotel

Ybor - entertainment and dining

Review of Howard Johnson Plaza Tampa-Downtown

Reviewer score

2
Mohammed Omar
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Mar 6, 2012

Room Service

I had some hard time dealing with room service. i couldn't call the room service directly, i had to call the front desk then tell them what i need, and some times i had to go downstairs to ask for extra towels. Air Conditioner was not cooling so good, The Gym was very small, actually it only has 2 treadmills and one wight lifting equipment. the location was somehow getto ! overall i give this hotel 6 out of 10

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
2
Room cleanliness:
3
Hotel staff:
2
Room comfort:
3
Location:
3
Value:
2
Review of Howard Johnson Plaza Tampa-Downtown

Reviewer score

3
AAABBA
Colorado, USA
Mar 3, 2012

average, in a good way.

Don't go expecting that this hotel will be anything better than a 3 star hotel. You won't be impressed by hardly anything but you won't leave feeling disappointed. It serves it's purpose of being a room that you can sleep in, and leave your belongings during the day while you're out exploring a new city. One thing I was not made aware of prior to my trip is that parking is $8 a night, so plan that extra money in to your budget. As far as a decent priced hotel goes in downtown Tampa it was a great location and generally in walking distance of all the attractions I wanted to see. Also just over 10 minutes from the Tampa International Airport.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
3
Hotel staff:
3
Room comfort:
3
Location:
4
Value:
3
Dining tip: Short drive from hotel

Hey Cafe was a great 3 minute drive to get coffee or breakfast!

Review of Howard Johnson Plaza Tampa-Downtown

Reviewer score

3
CBGH
Trinidad
Feb 23, 2012

As a parent of a UT student, perfect location and fairly good amenities. But not over the top

Staff is great and helpful but there are never enough of them. I always have to bring my own luggage up and down.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
3
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
3
Review of Howard Johnson Plaza Tampa-Downtown

Reviewer score

4
Dongya
Business
Seattle, WA, USA
Jan 25, 2012

Good value near downtown

Good rate for downtown location. Hotel has complimentary shuttle to convention center or other places near the 2-mile radius. Hotel is not close to any restaurant or convenience store, etc. Overall hotel is in good condition though I found dark water from bathroom faucet on the day of arrival, probably due to room not being occupied for some time. Staff is generally quite helpful.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
3
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
4
Location:
4
Value:
4
Trip purpose:

Business

Review of Howard Johnson Plaza Tampa-Downtown

Reviewer score

4
Anonymous
Sulphur, LA
Aug 1, 2011

VERY NICE

after we left a not so nice hotel, we stayed at this one. staff was very nice along with the hotel. the only thing was you had to pay for parking and your breakfast. but really nice otherwise, would definitely stay there again.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
4
Location:
4
Value:
4
Review of Howard Johnson Plaza Tampa-Downtown

Reviewer score

4
AlleyGaytorMan
Minneapolis, MN
Jul 15, 2011

Friendly staff, decent accommodations.

I used the hotel as my headquarters to look at properties to purchase. They need to update the guest directories in the rooms, they were outdated. I told them and they knew it and were already working on that project. That was my only complaint and it was very minor. I've only had one really bad experience with hotels. This place was about as good as they get for the price in a downtown area.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
4
Value:
5
Money-saving tip: Not Applicable

It is right in downtown Tampa. I wasn't there to check out the night life, but there were many more "upscale" hotels in the immediate area that I'm sure were much more expensive. It was a perfect deal for my needs.

Review of Howard Johnson Plaza Tampa-Downtown

Reviewer score

4
Anonymous
Business
Phoenix, AZ
Jun 6, 2011

As good as can be

Great location Downtown, amenities and rooms worthy the price. A little bitter taste: I forgot my favorite night T-shirt and it wasn't there next day when I called to ask for it and even drove back.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
4
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
3
Room comfort:
5
Location:
5
Value:
4
Trip purpose:

Business

Review of Howard Johnson Plaza Tampa-Downtown

Reviewer score

3
PoiseNivy
Holiday, FL
Jun 6, 2011

Good price for the location

It is a nice hotel, staff was very friendly and accomidating. I saw a play at the Straz across the street and walked along the river after. I had a wonderful evening and felt safe. I wish the room had a fridge, but overall it was a good experience.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
5
Location:
4
Value:
4
Entertainment tip: Short walk from hotel

It's a short walk to enjoy a play at the Straz Performing Arts Center. The hotel has a restaurant inside for added convience.

Review of Howard Johnson Plaza Tampa-Downtown

Reviewer score

4
Anonymous
Orlando, FL
May 30, 2011

Friendly staff, perfectly located.

The hotel is old but they keep it in nice and clean condition. The location is perfect in downtown Tampa. Good value for your money.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
5
Hotel staff:
5
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
4
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