What a dump....I had blood stains on my mattress down the sides, the blankets dont fit the beds and neither do the sheets and the front desk manager was a witch but with a B!! The only redeeming quality was the inground pool open 24 hours that the kids enjoyed! The bathrooms had mold growing in the grout and it was a dump....to say the least. It was cheap 97.00 per night but worth about 40.00.
Be warned....
Another hotel to avoid in Tampa is the Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport. Just stayed there and was totally disgusted by the room. The staff, except for the dining room, was rude. When I complained, they gave me a voucher for two free nights. WOW, like I'll ever stay there again.
I have also been in the hotel business and you should contact the General Manager at the hotel plus write a letter to the owners. They should refund your money. Just my opinion!
Sad to hear nothing has changed at that HI Express since my first and last stay in early 2000. It was less than desirable then. I think I slept two hours during my one-night stay as the mattress just dropped right onto the box springs as soon I sat down, and it just ‘felt’ dirty. I don't recall the rate back in 2000 but it wasn't cheap like it should have been. And, I don't recall any specifics (too many years ago) but I do remember there was a problem with the first room I was assigned so I had to change rooms during the first hour of being on the property.