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Shaw's Motel

Stay at Shaw's Motel, a 3-star LGBTQ+ friendly spot in Tampa near Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium, and ZooTampa. Enjoy convenient access to Tampa International Airport.

1509 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33610, United States View on map
6/10
Average Based on 105 recent guest reviews
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable and Clean with Great Value

Visitors highlight the clean rooms, affordable rates, and quiet atmosphere, making it a reliable choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking convenience and comfort near popular attractions.

Guests often praise

  • Cleanliness of rooms, bathrooms, and linens consistently noted.
  • Comfortable beds with fresh, quality bedding.
  • Helpful, polite, and attentive staff.
  • Reliable Wi-Fi and amenities like mini fridge and microwave in rooms.
  • Quiet environment with regular pest control measures.

Worth knowing

  • As a budget motel, facilities are basic but well-maintained.
  • Location provides easy access to local attractions and dining options within a couple of miles.
  • Some guests note it lacks luxury but appreciate the overall value.
  • Parking is ample and convenient for guests.
  • Not suitable for travelers seeking upscale hotel experiences.

Best for

  • Budget travelers and families looking for clean, affordable accommodation.
  • Visitors planning to explore nearby attractions like theme parks and the aquarium.
  • Guests who prioritize a quiet stay with essential amenities.
  • LGBTQ+ friendly travelers seeking welcoming lodging options.
  • Those needing short-term or extended stays with dependable daily maintenance.
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About this property

Welcome to Shaw's Motel

Located on E Hillsborough Avenue in Tampa, Shaw's Motel is a modest, three-star establishment that also holds status as a historical landmark. It operates primarily as a motel, offering straightforward accommodations with essential amenities such as cable TV, Wi-Fi, a mini fridge, and a microwave. Guest reviews frequently note the property's cleanliness and the quiet atmosphere, making it a practical choice for travelers seeking affordable, no-frills lodging.

The motel’s setting appeals to visitors interested in exploring nearby attractions such as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, and The Florida Aquarium, all within easy reach. Guests find the location convenient for sightseeing and recreation, with a rating suggesting solid potential for those focused on getting around the Tampa area. Tampa International Airport is accessible within a short drive, adding to the convenience for travelers arriving by air.

Shaw's Motel is known for being LGBTQ+ friendly and consistently maintains its property, with regular housekeeping and pest control reported by guests. Reviews highlight comfortable beds, clean bathrooms, and responsive staff, although some offer tempered praise regarding the overall quality and basic nature of the accommodations. It suits visitors who prioritize cleanliness, affordability, and a quiet place to rest over luxury or extensive facilities.

Nearby lodging options include Casa Loma Motel, Oaks Motel, and Swan Motel, providing alternatives within a mile of Shaw’s. The motel’s blend of historical significance and practical features makes it a reasonable option for budget-conscious travelers and those planning to explore Tampa’s theme parks and wildlife attractions.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

JM
Jonquel Meredith Mar 14, 2026
10

MY EXPERIENCE AT SHAW'S MOTEL This is one of the best, clean cheap motels by far! The room we stayed in was nice and clean. The tile floors are new & look nice, the bathroom shower, toilet and sink was super clean stocked with fresh, clean white towels. The bed was really comfortable and had fresh clean white sheets, pillows and covers. The AC provided great air, they have cable, the wifi works great and stays connected.....the rooms also come with a clean, good mini fridge and clean microwave. Also they stay on top of their daily maintenance.....we were there for a week and a half and every morning they stopped by to change out the towels and provide fresh new ones. They also stay on top of their pest control. This motel is 100% BED BUG FREE AND ROACH FREE! while we were there, the pest control people came and sprayed the entire motel. So if you're looking for a good clean, affordable motel where you'll also get peace and quiet, I would definitely recommend them. 5 stars all the way.

RP
Ronan Patel Feb 03, 2026
10

Amazing hotel. Very good value for money. Staff are very nice and inviting. The rooms are very clean and having visited Florida many times, it was the best experience. Easily the best motel in Florida.

GVA
Gregory Van Alst Feb 02, 2026
8.0

good location hard rock cafe same street less than 2 miles away

FW
Felicia Walters Jan 28, 2026
8.0

Rooms are okay, it's pretty clean and quiet. I'll stay again.

JL
John Lau Jan 26, 2026
8.0

Clean Quiet good parking nice people and a good place to stay at for the price because alot of the places around close by ar dumps but not this place

CB
Carl Berger Jan 19, 2026
10

The staff was polite and very helpful.the price is perfect for what it is.iv stayed at the shaw's motel several times,and will continue to do my business there thanks again to all the shaw's staff

JM
Jeremy Middleton Jan 17, 2026
8.0

It's not the best hotel, but the bed was comfortable, and the gig I was working was 5 minutes away.

KH
Kimberly Holmes Jan 13, 2026
10

Love this motel I have been here about 5yrs no craziness going on here quite if any thing happens here it is handle very quickly I love the owners of the property

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Shaw's Motel

Tampa, Florida, USA

Based on sightseeing, recreation, and getting around

  • Tampa Union Station 1 hr 17 Walk
  • 15th St @ Frierson Av 4 min Walk
  • 15th St @ Hillsborough Av 2 min Walk
  • Tampa International Airport 17 min Car · 56 min Transit
  • Sarasota Bradenton International Airport 1 hr 6 Car · 3 hr 21 Transit
  • St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport 26 min Car · 1 hr 20 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Florida. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay 97,653 reviews

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612, United States

4.4 · Theme Park
ZooTampa at Lowry Park 27,901 reviews

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604, United States

4.6 · Zoo
The Florida Aquarium 21,159 reviews

The Florida Aquarium

701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, United States

4.5 · Aquarium
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