The Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk

We confirmed the reservation was fine on check-in day, but when we arrived, the hotel said it was overbooked. The manager stayed in the office instead of coming out to apologize, leaving an employee to handle it. They sent us to another hotel and called it “free of charge,” even though we'd already booked this one. We tried to make the best of it, despite the extra 20 minutes from where we needed to be, but that room smelled of mold and the place smelled of Marijuana. My daughter's chest started to feel tight, so we had to leave. When we returned the keys, another family said they'd also been sent there by the Berrymore for the same reason. The hotel representative said they'd received about 8 other overbooked reservations from there. We couldn't find anywhere else to stay and ended up driving home in the middle of the night. We'd come for the All State Music conference, and it was awful having to tell our child they couldn't attend after all their hard work to qualify. This hotel couldn't keep track of its rooms. I don't recommend staying here.

The rooms were comfortable and nice, even though the hallways and building felt dated. Service was great, and being right by the Riverwalk made it easy to get around downtown. The free shuttle was a big plus, though it doesn't go to the airport. The first stay went so well that I booked a second one. I didn't try the restaurant downstairs.

For Thanksgiving weekend with my wife and daughter, I picked the Barrymore because the prices were clear upfront. My deposit was just $50, and self-parking cost $10 a day. Other hotels I considered only offered valet parking for $50 a day. For the price, we found this place magnificent. The rooms and decor are dated, but everything was very clean and well maintained. Everyone at the front desk was polite, professional, and quick to help, though I can't recall their names. The free shuttle takes you within a 2 mile radius, with pickup and dropoff, making it easier to explore nearby places without hunting for parking and paying everywhere. Our room had a fridge and microwave, so reheating my daughter's favorite leftovers was easy.

The location's a winner, within walking distance of several restaurants and cultural events, and I liked the room amenities. I was there December 25th-29th and checked out December 30th. The lobby seemed updated to me, but the rooms and hallways were dated, with carpet that looked straight out of the 1970s-80s. I'd gladly stay again. See the pictures.