Last Updated on July 4, 2023 by Katrina

Photo credit: Staybridge Suites St. Petersburg Downtown

If you want to plan a getaway around watching a Tampa Bay Rays game, your best bet is to stay a little outside Tampa itself. Tropicana Field, the Rays’ home field, is in St. Petersburg, a little more than 20 miles from Tampa. The city of St. Petersburg is also home to a nice waterfront, The Dali Museum, and The Chihuly Collection—plus, it’s just 20 minutes away from St. Pete’s Beach. Here are the best hotels near Tropicana Field.

Tru by Hilton St. Petersburg Downtown Central Ave (1650 Central Ave.; 727-550-2200) Downtown St. Petersburg

This 312-room, boutique-style member of the Hilton family sits along Central Avenue, home to various local craft breweries, but a Google reviewer loves that it’s so close to the stadium. “The hotel is only about a 10-minute walk to Tropicana Field,” says one reviewer, while another says the “room had a great view of Tropicana Field—and the room was nice and quiet.” Some online users bemoan the valet-only parking, and some point out to expect a basic stay, given the Tru band’s minimalistic ambience. “This is not a hotel you can really relax in, nor geared toward long stays,” says one Tripadvisor user. “No comfy chair, no dressers … two hangers, and some pegs for clothes.”    >> Book this hotel for less

Staybridge Suites St. Petersburg Downtown, an IHG Hotel (940 5th Ave. S.; 727) 821-0777) Downtown St. Petersburg

 “Tropicana is within walking distance of the hotel via a walking bridge over the interstate,” one Yelper says of this 119-room hotel that’s also near the Dali Museum and the Chihuly. “It might seem like there’s not much around the hotel, but a short walk north is an amazing strip with restaurants, bars, and shops that extends all the way into downtown St. Pete.” A Google reviewer, meanwhile, appreciates the amenities: “Free parking is a huge plus. Breakfast was included—fresh fruit, waffles, a wide variety of breakfast dishes. They even have a happy hour Monday thru Thursday.”    >> Book this hotel for less

The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club (501 5th Ave. NE; 727-894-1000) St. Petersburg Waterfront

Turn your game-day trip into a luxury vacation by staying at this 360-room member of Historic Hotels of America, less than two miles from Tropicana Field. Afar notes that the 1923 Mediterranean Revival property overlooking Tampa Bay “was designed for America’s elite.” Today the magazine likes the updated grand dame for its two swimming pools, “spacious tennis complex, elegant spa, and culinary standout, Paul’s Landing.” A Google reviewer likes that the “hotel provides excellent service and is close to many great restaurants and Tropicana Field.”    >> Book this hotel for less

Hollander Boutique Hotel St. Petersburg / Downtown (421 4th Ave. N; 727-873-7900) Downtown St. Petersburg

Forbes calls this renovated 1933 hotel an “affordable gem” while Fodor’s calls it “charming” with its “original hardwood floors, bathtubs and a trendy restaurant and taproom.” A Tripadvisor reviewer appreciates the “free shuttle that will take you anywhere within five blocks of the hotel—down to Tropicana Field, or down to the shops and restaurants on the bay. It was great value for the money!”   >> Book this hotel for less

Hyatt Place St. Petersburg/Downtown (25 2nd St N; 727-220-0950) Downtown St. Petersburg

“Hotel location is great—close to shops, restaurants and bars,” says a Tripadvisor user who stayed at the Hyatt Place to see the Rays. “Walking to Tropicana Field was easy, about a 30-minute walk and the Pier is close by as well.” A Google reviewer appreciates that it’s also close to the live entertainment of Jannus Landing. “Jannus is across the street, so catch some live music if you can! Overall a great place to stay for doing things in St. Pete.”   >> Book this hotel for less

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