We booked this hotel through Hotwire for $100/night. Walking distance to Tampa Bay Times Forum for an NHL game. The front desk staff was extremely helpful and provided us with directions and suggestions for shopping and dining. A bonus for our kids was seeing the Philadelphia Flyers team who were at the same hotel. The beds were comfortable and the room was well cared for. The carpets in the halls and lobby were being replaced and the hotel was being updated. We opted for valet parking which cost a few dollars more. We would definitely stay here again.

We stayed at the Westin Harbour Island for Gasparilla weekend. Water view rooms are incredible, particularly on the convention center side. Breathtaking views of the convention center and downtown Tampa skyline. We enjoyed the breakfast buffet on a couple of occasions in their "725 South" restaurant, and also had the opportunity to have lunch on the patio at Jackson's the first day we arrived. Any time we needed anything, the hotel staff were super attentive and responsive. Management at this property seems very hands-on - they clearly want to ensure that all of their guests have a positive experience. The lobby appears to have been updated since my last visit in 2012. On our last night, we wanted to take a taxi over to Ybor City, and the hotel shuttle driver offered to take us. These little things go a long way. We will definitely stay here again, and can't wait until our next visit!

I just returned from a second trip to Tampa this month, stayed at Sheraton riverwalk this time ( see separate review).
Westin has a lot going for it. You may walk an extra block or two to reach restaurants, venues, streetcar, etc., but the quality service makes up for it. Maybe all staff just completed a workshop on customer care, but every single employee went out of their way to be nice, and anticipate our needs.
Arrival, an underground garage with self park, fee a little pricey, but can be added to your room account. Lobby areas beautiful; elevators & pool area need an upgrade. Carpet could be replaced. Paint. Great view of rowers on the river in morning. Rowing teams from university. Hotel quiet for most part. Partiers came in at 3 am & woke whole floor, but security came promptly once called. Great free coffee in lobby. Breakfast buffet is abundant with great service, but expensive. Tip: there is a little breakfast window outside, right by the bridge & Jackson's, good deal. Across the bridge is a neat outdoor bar by the convention center dock, live music- 5 min walk from hotel. Jackson's is an upscale nightspot attached to the hotel, open to wee hours.
No Starwood "club" breakfast room at this hotel. Bottom line, great service, ok location, save on parking if you can, and could use an upgrade, which they are working on.