A few weeks ago I was in Tampa, Florida for my telecomm business’ national convention. From the airport, hotel to cab service, Tampa is very welcoming for anyone doing business.
While walking through the Tampa International Airport, you see a sign showing the airport ranked #3 in North America for the 2013 Airport Service Quality Awards of the Airports Council International. The other good thing about the airport is the quick arrival of the airport shuttles and indoor waiting area.
The next place was our hotel, Quality Inn & Suites at Ybor City. It is a quaint, modern hotel with plenty amenities. From free internet access, free breakfast each day and a conference room for companies to have onsite trainings.
If you want to go off site, you can pay $5 each way for the shuttle. If you want the shuttle to pick you up, just call the front desk and the driver arrives in about 15 minutes. The shuttle doesn’t go to the airport, but the van goes to local venues for conventions and colleges.
For hanging out after hours, you can always catch a cab. I used United Cab Company and they sent me a text when the cab is on the way. I also got a text when the cab arrived.
Since I was in town for a convention, the event was held at the Tampa Bay Convention Center. The venue is located in Downtown Tampa, where it’s near other local businesses and colleges. The great thing about the convention center is the large amount of rooms for a international convention. There were also about five different food stores in the venue, including chinese, cajun, tacos, and burgers. Most of the food venues had salads for vegetarians.
I really didn’t have time to check out the local sites. But the center is a short cab ride from the Florida Aquarium, Tampa Bay Lightning Hockey Team, or the Tampa Bay Devil Rays Baseball.
All in all, Tampa is good for business and fun. When I go back, it will definitely be for fun, and may be a little business.
If you’ve been to Tampa, what are some of your favorite spots?
