Downtown Tampa Hotel Offers Families the Best of Summer

TAMPA, FL--(Marketwired - Jul 31, 2014) - All-inclusive can certainly offer convenience, but when it comes to truly experiencing a destination, it takes an adventurous spirit willing to explore. At the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina, visitors have access to many resort-like amenities, from a full-service spa to fine dining, but with a convenient downtown location that makes it easy to tackle top attractions.

Families staying at the downtown Tampa hotel can celebrate the final days of summer with special events at the city's best-known sights. For example, Channelside Bay Plaza puts on a fireworks show every night through August 31, which is viewable from the hotel's balcony rooms.

With 300 acres, Busch Gardens Tampa is a playground for kids, with attractions that encourage discovery. While the day can be filled with thrill rides, live shows and encounters with animals, Summer Nights offers a different take on the theme park. Through August 17^th, Summer Nights features live entertainment, summer-food favorites, craft beers and a nightly fireworks show. Every Saturday, the night hosts some of the biggest names in entertainment, with a musical lineup that includes Cher Lloyd, Taking Back Sunday and The All-American Rejects.

The hotel near Tampa Bay also offers convenient access to the Lowry Park Zoo, voted the best zoo in the country by Parents and Child magazines. With 1,500 animals, including koalas, elephants, penguins and tigers, the 60-acre zoo offers a fun day for the entire family. Those more fascinated with underwater creatures shouldn't miss The Florida Aquarium, where interactive experiences allow visitors to dive with sharks or get a closer look at penguins. Celebrate the start of Shark Week on August 9^th and 10^th with themed activities. The aquarium is only five minutes away by Trolley, which stops directly in front of the hotel.

To savor the final days of summer with some extra savings, explore these Tampa luxury hotel packages:

Florida Aquarium Package: Explore the underwater world with two adult tickets to the Florida Aquarium, and get a birds-eye perspective with a water-view room upgrade. Additional tickets are available for purchase at the concierge desk. Available through December 31, 2014; promotional code ARN.

Family Movie Night Package: Enjoy a relaxing night in with an upgrade to a water-view room, one in-room movie per night, and two large traditional pizzas and eight canned beverages from room service. Available through December 31, 2014; promotional code ZE2.

Kids Eat Free: Bring the entire family for a fun-filled vacation, and enjoy a guest room with one king or two double beds, and free meals (breakfast, lunch or dinner) for up to four kids (ages 12 and under) when accompanied by a paying adult. Meals must be ordered from the kids menu. Available through December 31, 2014; promotional code MAJ.

To book any of the above packages, visit www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-deals/tpamc-tampa-marriott-waterside-hotel-and-marina/, or call 1-800-228-9290 in the US. Be sure to have the promotional code available when making a reservation.

About the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina
Offering breathtaking views of the city and bay, the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina is the ideal destination for business and leisure travelers. Set in the heart of downtown, the hotel is only steps from the Tampa Convention Center and Tampa Bay Times Forum, and can host weddings, meetings and special events in its 50,000 square feet of function space. Tampa is also a tempting city for those who want to relax and explore. Family favorites including Busch Gardens and the Florida Aquarium are easily accessible, and outdoor activities, from biking and golfing to sailing and snorkeling, can be arranged. On property, visitors can enjoy a pampering treatment at the Spa Waterside, a lazy swim in the rooftop pool, an invigorating workout in the fitness center or a boat ride from the 32 slip full-service marina. Celebrating the nearly year-round sun, the hotel features an outdoor patio and rooftop garden, used to source produce for Waterside Grill. Guests can also enjoy lively meal at Champions Sports Bar, featuring big-screen TVs and tennis court flooring. If location is everything, this hotel has it all, including Tampa waterfront suites and guest rooms with great views, a comfortable workspace, Wi-Fi, room service, 32-inch LCD TV and coffee/tea maker.