Renaissance Tampa International Plaza HotelvsShephard's Beach Resort
Both hotels are endorsed by those who travel for a living. Overall, Shephard's Beach Resort ranks marginally higher than Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel. Shephard's Beach Resort is ranked #15 in Tampa Bay Area with recommendations from 3 publications including Lonely Planet, oyster.com and Gayot.
Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel
 Gayot
 Zagat
 The Telegraph
4200 Jim Walter Blvd., Tampa, FL 33607
From $172/night
- Bar/Lounge
 - Hot Tub
 - Free Internet
 - Room Service
 - Shuttle Bus
 - Laundry Service
 
 "Guests can enjoy the amenities of a high-class hotel with the convenient proximity of the airport, fine dining and shopping. The smoke-free rooms are comfy." 
4.0
 "Shopaholics praise this "beautiful" hotel's "perfect" location next to Tampa's "upscale" International Plaza mall, but the "friendly" staff here treats all visitors with "special care"." 
7.0
 "This four-star, Four-Diamond Renaissance brand 'lifestyle' hotel combines understated opulence with an informal setting." Full review
Shephard's Beach Resort
 Lonely Planet
 Gayot
 Oyster
601-619 South Gulfview Boulevard, Clearwater, FL 33767
From $209/night
- Bar/Lounge
 - Hot Tub
 - Free Internet
 - Room Service
 - Free Breakfast
 - Laundry Service
 
 Top Choice
 "A very popular resort that keeps the beat with a lounge, nightclub and two tiki bars, all with live music and DJs... The rooms are quite nice." 
 "There is usually a crowd partying it up at this hotel... Guest rooms are stocked with a full collection of basic amenities." 
 Upper-middle-range
 "Located on the southern end of Clearwater Beach, the 140-room Shephard’s Beach Resort is an upper-mid-range hotel located directly on the sand and famous for its entertainment and nightlife." Full review