You’re staring at the map, trying to figure out where to park yourself in Tampa without the noise of Ybor City or the eye-watering price tag of a downtown high-rise. Honestly, it’s a bit of a puzzle. Most people see the Residence Inn Tampa Sabal Park Brandon on a booking site and think it’s just another corporate pitstop.
But it’s actually a weirdly strategic spot.
If you’ve stayed in a Residence Inn lately, you know the drill: suites that feel more like apartments and that specific "home away from home" vibe Marriott tries so hard to cultivate. This specific property at 9719 Princess Palm Avenue serves a very particular niche. It’s tucked into the Sabal Park corporate area, which sounds boring until you realize you’re basically five minutes from the Florida State Fairgrounds and the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre.
Why the Location is Kinda Genius (And Kinda Quiet)
Let's be real. If you want to walk out of your hotel and be in the middle of a rowdy bar scene, this isn't it. But if you want to avoid the 7:00 AM sirens of downtown Tampa, you’re in the right place. The hotel sits in a business park. On weekends? It’s ghost-town quiet.
That’s a win.
You’re literally a stone’s throw from I-4 and I-75. This means you can get to Busch Gardens in about 15 minutes, or hit the Hard Rock Casino before your first cup of coffee is cold. Most travelers mistake "Brandon area" for being "far away." It’s not. It’s just... accessible.
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The "New" Factor
The property went through a significant refresh recently. We aren't talking just new pillows. We’re talking a full-scale overhaul. The most noticeable change for 2026? They finally ditched those old-school bathtubs in many rooms for sleek walk-in showers with glass doors.
It feels modern now.
The Suite Life: More Than a Tiny Desk
The rooms here are massive compared to a standard hotel. You’ve got three main choices: studios, one-bedroom suites, and the elusive two-bedroom suites that families fight over. Every single one has a full kitchen.
We’re talking:
- Full-sized refrigerators (no tiny mini-fridges that can't hold a carton of milk).
- Two-burner stovetops.
- Dishwashers (because who wants to do dishes on vacation?).
- Actual silverware and plates.
If you’re staying for a week, being able to cook a box of pasta instead of spending $60 on Uber Eats is a game changer. The studio king suites are roughly 500 square feet. That’s bigger than some apartments in New York.
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What People Actually Complain About
It’s not all sunshine and free breakfast. While the 4.3-star rating on Marriott’s site is solid, some guests have pointed out that the breakfast options can get a bit repetitive. If you don't eat turkey sausage or quiche, you might find yourself staring at the oatmeal bar for three days straight.
Also, the "quiet" location means you’re driving for dinner. There is a Subway and a Five Guys within half a mile, but for anything fancy like Bonefish Grill or The Cheesecake Factory, you’re looking at a 4-mile trek toward the Brandon Town Center.
The Secret "Pet Whisperer" and Other Perks
Traveling with a dog? This is one of the more pet-friendly spots in East Tampa. They have a $100 flat fee per stay, which is better than those hotels that charge $50 per night and bankrupt you by Tuesday.
They even mention a "pet whisperer" on-site sometimes to help stressed-out pups. That might be a bit of marketing flair, but the grassy relief areas and waste bags are very real.
Parking and Logistics
Parking is free. In 2026, finding a Marriott property that doesn't charge $25 a day for the privilege of leaving your car in a lot is like finding a unicorn.
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- Check-in: 3:00 PM.
- Check-out: 12:00 PM.
- Gym: It’s small but has a hydration station and decent treadmills.
- Pool: Outdoor and heated, though it’s Florida, so "heated" is often redundant.
Is It Worth the Points?
For Bonvoy members, this is often a "Category 3 or 4" level of value. If you’re looking to burn some points for a Tampa trip, the Residence Inn Tampa Sabal Park Brandon usually offers a better "point-to-dollar" ratio than the properties closer to the airport or the cruise port.
The staff here gets high marks for service. A lot of the reviews specifically mention the housekeeping crew being "on it" every single day, which isn't always a guarantee in the post-pandemic hospitality world.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you’re booking a stay here, do these three things to make sure you don't end up disappointed:
- Request a "Fountain View": Some of the rooms face a small fountain area. It’s significantly more relaxing than looking at the parking lot or the adjacent office buildings.
- Hit the Publix First: There is a Publix Super Market at Lake Brandon Village about 10 minutes away. Since you have a full kitchen, grab some actual groceries. The hotel's "Market" is fine for a late-night bag of chips, but it’ll cost you.
- Check the Amphitheatre Schedule: If there’s a massive country concert or a rock show at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre, traffic on US-301 can become a nightmare. Plan your arrival for before 4:00 PM on concert nights to avoid the gridlock.
The reality is that this hotel isn't trying to be a luxury resort. It’s a functional, clean, and surprisingly spacious base camp for people who have business in Sabal Park or families who want to hit the Florida State Fair without the stress of downtown.
Plan your transit around the I-4/I-75 interchange peak hours (8 AM and 5 PM), and you'll find it's one of the most convenient spots in the county. Just don't forget to bring your own coffee if you're picky—the in-room stuff is okay, but there's a Starbucks just a few minutes down the road for the serious caffeine addicts.