tampa beach area hotels

Hi
We're sailing on the Sensation April 28. When we return on the 5th of May we have decided to rent a car and stay one night at a hotel or motel on a beautiful sandy beach to rest and recover from the excitment of the cruise. Should we go directly to the airport to rent a car or are there rental agencies at the port? Any economical amazing beach hotels you could suggest?

FYI-Tampa does not have any beaches unless you want to go to the what is not a real beach area by the Gandy, Courtney Campbell or Howard Frankinstein bridges. If you want a beach you have a choice from St. Petersburg and Clearwater but you will have about 45-60 minute drive from Tampa depending on traffic or if you get lost. Really cheap(economical) hotels I don't think really exist anymore you can get one for under $100 or try priceline.com, etc.... Don't get me wrong I miss the beach so I am flying home during the same time to visit my parents. You will have a lot nicer beaches on your cruise in the islands take advantage of it cleaner sand and water. If you would like names of some decent hotels I would be more than happy to give you some. I lived there 27 years.