HotelWedding VenueBusiness Meeting LocationsHoliday Inn Express
Kick back and relax in beautiful Tampa at the Holiday Inn Express Tampa Fairgrounds. We are home to the Florida State Fair, Spring Training Baseball, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Busch Gardens, and the Hard Rock Casino. Our features include a convenient business center, free wireless internet, pool, and fitness center.
The hotel's central location makes us a great stopping off point for cruise passengers going out of the Port of Tampa, beach visitors, and corporate clients from businesses like Coca-Cola, Cummins, and Siemens.
We are directly across the street from the Mid Florida Amphitheatre where many come to enjoy a variety of great concerts. Try your luck - the Holiday Inn Express Tampa Fairgrounds is only ½ mile from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
Location
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa-Fairgrounds-Casino by IHG
Many customers praised the friendly and helpful staff, particularly mentioning individuals like Bascom and Vanessa for their exceptional service.
Breakfast Quality
The breakfast received high marks for variety and quality, with several guests calling it the best they've experienced at a hotel.
Cleanliness Issues
While many reviews noted clean rooms, there were significant complaints about mold, odors, and unclean bathrooms in some rooms.
Noise Concerns
Several guests reported issues with noise from thin walls and loud guests, impacting their sleep quality.
Location Benefits
The hotel is conveniently located near the amphitheater and other attractions, making it a popular choice for concert-goers.
GE
George Eapen
Jan 1, 2026
1.0
I booked this hotel based on the many positive reviews online, but my experience did not match those expectations. Unfortunately, it appears that many of the reviews may not be genuine. The rooms are quite small, and there is a strong mold smell throughout the property. To mask this odor, it seems that heavy perfumes or air fresheners have been used, which made the environment even more uncomfortable.
The breakfast experience was also disappointing. Breakfast is scheduled to end at 9:30 a.m. on weekdays, and we arrived around 9:00 a.m. At that time, there was no bread available. When I asked an employee, I was told that the bread was frozen and would take time to prepare. Despite there being nearly 30 minutes left before closing, staff began removing food items around 9:15 a.m., leaving very limited options for guests. At exactly 9:30 a.m., the breakfast area was closed.
If breakfast is advertised as being available until 9:30 a.m., food should not be removed before that time. This experience was extremely frustrating and further reinforced my concern that the high ratings for this hotel do not accurately reflect the reality.
HP
Henry Pniewski
Dec 17, 2025
5.0
Great place to stay for attending anything in the area.
JL
Jkc fox lake
Dec 14, 2025
5.0
Quick polite check in. Clean nice room. Good location.
RD
Renee Delgado
Dec 14, 2025
5.0
This is a really nice stay. The place is clean, staff is friendly, and everything has a little extra touch. The breakfast is the best I've ever seen in a hotel. There are so many choices, really good food, and it is kept clean and beautifully presented the whole time. The Attendant, Bascom, was a really nice man, obviously takes great pride in the whole breakfast room, and the personal touches were so welcoming. ❤️
TT
talkdty
Dec 12, 2025
4.0
VeryBusy hwy 301 noise on front, book on the back side of building if you need to get any quiet rest or quality sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa-Fairgrounds-Casino by IHG
Is there free parking available at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa-Fairgrounds-Casino?
Yes, parking is available for free at the hotel.
What are the check-in and check-out times at the hotel?
Check-in time is at 3:00 PM and check-out time is at 11:00 AM.
Does the hotel offer free breakfast?
Yes, the hotel provides a free buffet breakfast for guests.
Are pets allowed at the Holiday Inn Express Tampa Fairgrounds?
Yes, the hotel welcomes pets including dogs; cats are not allowed.
Does the hotel have fitness facilities?
Yes, a fitness center with equipment such as elliptical machines and treadmills is available for free.
Are there accessibility features at the hotel for guests with mobility needs?
Yes, the hotel provides accessible parking and is mobility accessible with elevator access available.
What sanitation and cleaning measures does the hotel follow?
The hotel uses commercial grade disinfectants, employees are trained in cleaning and hand washing procedures, common areas and guest rooms have enhanced cleaning protocols, and high-touch items are removed from common areas and guest rooms.
Are there any nearby dining options close to the hotel?
Yes, nearby dining options include Five Guys, Krispy Krunchy Chicken, The WingHouse Bar & Grill, Kerr's Winghouse 301 Fairgrounds, and Dickey's Barbecue Pit.
Which entertainment venues are located close to the Holiday Inn Express Tampa-Fairgrounds-Casino?
Nearby entertainment venues include the 1 800 Ask Gary Amphitheatre, Live Nation Tampa Season Seats, and the Slamfest Car & Truck Show providing concerts and events.
How can guests travel conveniently from the hotel to local points of interest?
Guests can find nearby gas stations such as BP America, Exxon, and BP for fueling, and the hotel is centrally located near the Florida State Fairgrounds and the Mid Florida Amphitheatre for easy access to events and concerts.