One of my favorite value hotels ever is back in top form. Other than two of the slowest elevators on the planet, the rest of the hotel has been upgraded, especially rooms. Friendly and helpful staff; new public areas including a pier onto Tampa Bay. Most rooms face the bay, and the sunsets are some of the most beautiful on the planet. (Watch for the Green Flash!) Causeway-end rooms can be a bit noisy due to the traffic and jet-skis who like to buzz the beach otherwise it's perfect.
My sister and I enjoyed cocktails on the terrace then walked down to Crabby Bill's for a great simple but fresh seafood dinner overlooking the bay and beach volleyball.
Nice vibe, nice pool, nice amenities in an older value-type hotel. Be sure to look up in the morning and check out the seagulls sitting cheek to cheek along the roof.