I've always stayed at the Hampton Inn on TampaGateway Boulevard, its only a mile or so from the lakes. Rooms were cheap and the continental breakfast was serviceable. The hotel is new and pretty darn nice. And if you split the room with someone its about the same price as staying on site at McCormick's, which IMO is not much better than a college dormitory. If you wanted to be close to bars and food you should look into staying somewhere in Ebor City, but the drive to McCormick's is alot longer... Be sure to go during Strawberry Festival!!!! You won't be sorry! http://www.ballofspray.com/vanillaforum/js/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-laughing.gif