Residence Inn by Marriott Tampa at USF/Medical Center

I’d stayed at Residence Inn USF Medical Center before and had a great experience, so I booked there again for my son’s college visit to USF. Then my family started getting flu symptoms, and I cancelled because I didn’t want us making the trip to Tampa sick or putting other guests at risk. I called the hotel expecting some understanding. Katrina first told me she needed her manager’s approval, then came back to say they would still charge a cancellation penalty. I asked for the manager because that seemed unreasonable in the circumstances. Latisha Mince identified herself as the manager and was dismissive from the start. She wouldn’t waive the charge when I explained the health concerns. When I said I didn’t want to risk infecting other guests, she replied, “That’s on you.” I asked for her supervisor. She said she’d transfer me to his voicemail, but disconnected the call instead. When I contacted Marriott Bonvoy to complain, I learned the reservation had already been cancelled and the penalty charged, without confirming that I wasn’t still planning to arrive. I’ve trusted Marriott for years, so this was extremely disappointing. There was no empathy, partnership, or concern for guest well being, just dismissal. I won’t stay at this location again, and would caution others to reconsider if this management experience continues.

The staff were courteous and very helpful, and the room was spacious and clean. The kitchenette had plenty of useful supplies, including pants, cookware, flatware, and plates. The hotel is in a quiet spot, but everything you need is only minutes away.

Keep an eye on your bank account here. The property apparently charges for rooms even when they’ve been paid for with points. Marriott corporate confirmed that if I hadn’t caught it, I would have lost both my points and my money for the stay.

The staff made a tough month and a half for cancer treatment feel wonderful. People checked in on me, supported me, served breakfast each morning, and always smiled. Housekeeping showed extra kindness, sometimes without knowing I’d had a horrible day. The staff even sang the “residence inn” song in the mornings, and seeing Rosalind’s smiling face there was a bonus. I’d stay there every time. There were things I had to work around. I wish the room had an oven, the bathtub was extremely ruff and scraped my skin, and the bed was super hard and seemed much smaller than a queen. Breakfast wasn’t for health conscious eaters. I had no idea waffles could be so bad, but these tasted like sugar and ground cardboard. A bathtub mat fixed the tub issue, and I got used to eating out or making things in the microwave or on the stove top. I regret not bringing a mattress topper. I also brought fruit and special foods to breakfast, had a delicious cup of coffee, toasted my Ezekiel bread, and grabbed chocolate milk and yogurt.