Introduction: Short Trip to The Big Guava

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Introduction: Short Trip to The Big Guava
Review: The Club at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
Review: KLM Royal Crown Lounge at Houston Intercontinental Airport
Review: Residence Inn Tampa Westshore/Airport
Review: Indian Rocks Beach
Review: Keegan’s Seafood Grille – Indian Rocks
Review: Tampa Marriott Westshore
Review: Lemon Grass Thai Kitchen – Tampa

Hi, welcome to my next trip report. I planned this short trip so that I could try United Airlines 737 MAX from Houston to Tampa Bay. In the end, I did not get to fly on the aircraft due to a rolling delay. It was hell of a lesson to be learned since I booked the trip through Singapore Airlines. I was still able to enjoy Tampa for a few days before returning to north Texas.

All was not lost because of the delayed flights.  The extra time meant that I could check out The Club at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and the KLM Royal Crown Lounge at Houston International Airport (IAH).  The Club is in a temporary location at DFW. It is currently located near gate D15 which is a few steps away from the old American Express Centurion Lounge.

The Club DFWThe Club DFW

After landing in Houston, I made my way to the KLM Royal Crown Lounge located near gate D8.  I usually visit the American Express Centurion Lounge, but wanted to give this one a try since I have never visited before.

KLM Royal Crown LoungeKLM Royal Crown Lounge

After maximizing my hotel reviews in Panama by staying at two properties, I figured that I would do the same in Tampa Bay.  I stayed at the Residence Inn by Marriott on Westshore and the Tampa Bay Marriott, a few minutes away, also on Westshore.  I paid for both hotels with Marriott Rewards points.

The Residence Inn was the typical property for this brand.  It was comfortable enough.

Resident Inn by Marriott Tampa WestshoreResident Inn by Marriott Tampa Westshore

The Tampa Marriott was way different than the previous hotel.  I appreciate that I was upgraded to a corner suite.

Tampa Marriott Westshore

Tampa Marriott Westshore
Corner King Suite at Tampa Marriott Westshore

To relax, we visited Indian Rocks Beach. It was a short $45 minute from the hotel.  The beach was fine, except it was a construction zone.

Indian Rocks BeachIndian Rocks BeachDSC02844

We decided to try out a few restaurants while in the area as well. One of those was Keegan’s Seafood Grille (featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives) and the other was Lemon Grass Thai Kitchen.

Keegan’s was only minutes from Indian Rocks Beach.  The food and price were reasonable.

Keegan's Seafood Grille

Keegan's Seafood Grille
Grilled Grouper at Keegan’s Seafood Grille

Lemon Grass Thai Kitchen was approximately 10 minutes from the Tampa Marriott.  I enjoyed the restaurant so much that I ate a fisheye for the first time.  😂

Lemon Grass Thai Kitchen

Lemon Grass Thai Kitchen
Red Snapper at Lemon Grass Thai Kitchen

 

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Final Word

This is the introduction to the Tampa Bay trip report.  Please follow along for more in depth reviews of the places that I visited. Thanks again for reading.

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