We usually review business-class and premium hotels, but let’s face it–sometimes you wind up having to, or wanting to, spend a night near an airport that wasn’t in the budget. So when I find something that’s better than its bargain price would indicate, I like to share. I recently wound up at the La Quinta Inn Tampa Bay Airport under such circumstances, and I wasn’t expecting much. The rack rate was $89, and we got a better deal than that. And it does look pretty much like an average roadside motel from the street, albeit with an entry portico and circular drive at the front. The lobby was bright and spacious, and the front desk clerks were quick and efficient, if not overly friendly. We got the key and then drove to the spot in front of the room; the property is sort of T-shaped, and the vertical leg of the T is the most motel-y, facing the parking lot. The rooms at the “top of the T” surround the outdoor swimming pool, and I’d suggest requesting one of those, or at least one on the second floor, if you’re in need of peace and quiet. The room itself was a pleasant surprise, newly renovated and, well, roomy. It had the typical two double beds, but there was also a large work area with oversized desk, and an arched entrance to a vanity area that was separate from the brand-new bath/shower/toilet area. The beds were comfortable, and there was adequate lighting to work by. The free wireless Internet access in each room worked easily and readily, and there was also the full LodgeNet service on the TV, including new movies, games, and music. The “24-hour restaurant onsite” turned out to be the IHop next door, but they do share a parking lot and it is handy. There’s no room service, but if you really don’t want to go out, there’s a flyer for the local pizza place, which delivers. The LaQuinta is also directly across the street from the International Plaza, a mall that has about 20 restaurants (including some nice ones, and a sports bar) plus shopping and entertainment options. The free continental breakfast was substantial, and there were not only dining tables in the breakfast room, but in a quiet ell off the lobby as well. Besides the usual bagels, fruit, pastries, muffins and cereal (almost all individually wrapped, which is a sanitary consideration I appreciated as I watched small children pawing through the piles), there were individual yogurts and microwaveable egg-and-cheese sandwiches, waffles and French toast, plus of course coffee, tea and juices. The LaQuinta also offers a free airport shuttle, starting at 4:45 in the morning and continuing to after midnight (if you’re coming from the airport, there’s a courtesy phone at baggage claim). There are off-airport car rental locations immediately on either side of the property – Dollar and Enterprise – which could be useful if you have a car to drop off for an early flight (drop it the night before and then take the La Quinta shuttle), or if you’re arriving late and don’t want to have to drive right away. The inn is less than a mile from TPA, and while you can occasionally hear airplane engines on takeoff, the flight path doesn’t seem to go over the property, so there’s not a lot of airport noise. All in all, it was a pleasant surprise, with pretty decent business amenities, and for a tight budget or a short stay, I can recommend it. –Mary Hunt, editor, eFlyer