I've been checking hotels in Tampa for the upcoming Swarovski Crystal cruise -
Anchors Away.
Here is the best deal I have found. I booked my room and I hope others will
join me. I've never stayed in a Howard Johnson Hotel before, so I hope it's OK.
The rooms are advertised as newly renovated.

Howard Johnson Plaza Tampa-downtown
111 W. Fortune St.
Tampa, FL
Phone: 813-223-1351

Their regular rate is $99 for the night of Nov. 1, but if you go to
www.howardjohnson.com you can find better rates. If you have AAA or AARP, the
rates start at $90, but if you are willing to pre-pay, you can get a discounted
"best rate" for $64.35 (total with tax is $72.07.
The pre-paid reservation can NOT be cancelled, so you want to be sure before
booking.
This hotel has airport shuttle for $13 for one person or $11 each for more.
They have a restaurant on the premises and a free shuttle to the ship.

For those of you who are new to our cruises, we often try to find a reasonable
hotel for the bulk of our group. That way, we can start partying a day before
and go to the ship together the next morning.

Judi