My recent travels took me to Tampa Bay, Florida where I was able to visit both the Grand Hyatt near the airport as well as the Hyatt Regency downtown.  I can tell you that both are excellent options for any length of stay.  The Grand Hyatt is very much like a resort with over 35 acres of land with grand views of the bay, walking trails, and multiple pools. This is a pet friendly hotel too.  The Hyatt Regency is more updated than the Grand Hyatt and is walking distance to the trolley car system.   The bartenders are very friendly here.

While visiting the Grand Hyatt I was able to dine at Oyster Catchers, one of the best restaurants in the area.  They have a very interesting pomegranate iced tea and their bread is soft and chewy served with butter and sea salt.  I had the blue crabs, sushi grade seared tuna, and the best key lime pie I’ve ever eaten.    

Tampa Bay is also home to Columbia Restaurant, the oldest and largest Spanish restaurant in the United States.  It is located in Ybor City, the Latin Quarter, which is a must see for anyone visiting the area.  Dinning at the Columbia Restaurant will include Flamenco Dancers and some of the best sangria I’ve ever had.  The Latin Quarter is filled with restaurants, pubs, live music venues, and smoke (cigar) shops.