Brandon's history began when John Brandon arrived in the area that is now known as Tampa in 1857. He moved to the area with his wife, Martha, and six sons, purchasing his first 40 acres of land in an area called New Hope. He named his land Brandon. John Brandon went on to donate land to build the New Hope Church, which also served as the community's first school. When the Florida Central and Peninsular Railroad came through the area in 1890, a land surveyor named the community Brandon in honor of its founder.
Since its early days, Brandon has experienced numerous growth spurts. The 1950s saw real growth for the community, and by the early 1960s, it was estimated that one new family moved into town every day. Interstate 75 was finished in 1986, bringing more traffic through the community. Today, Brandon is a well-known bedroom community for Tampa. It's also the birthplace of the grill chain restaurant Beef O'Brady's.
Whatever your reason for coming to Brandon, it's important to find the right hotel that allows you to explore everything the Tampa Bay area has to offer.
When to Visit Brandon, FL
The best time to visit Brandon is from September to December after the tourist season ends. Vacant hotels offer rock-bottom rates during the off-season, helping you save big on your seaside getaway. The weather is also pleasant enough to enjoy the area's outdoor attractions, including Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and Oktoberfest Tampa.
Given Brandon's proximity to Tampa, it's no surprise that hotel rates increase during the winter months as snowbirds make their way south for a wintertime getaway. You can help offset increased costs by booking your room and flight well in advance and researching nearby communities for more budget-friendly accommodations. Key events occurring during the winter include Gasparilla Pirate Fest and Tampa Pride.
Summers in Brandon are hot and humid, so expect sticky temperatures in the high 80s if you're visiting from May through August. Thanks to summer break, you'll also see a lot of families with school-aged children at area attractions and theme parks. If you want to brave the crowds, you'll enjoy a variety of events throughout the Tampa area, including the Big Guava Music Festival, Sunset Music Festival, and WaZoo Craft Beer Festival.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Brandon, FL:
Brandon, FL: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. price trends by star rating class in Brandon, FL. Browse these line graphs to evaluate the most cost effective seasons to stay in Brandon for your upcoming travels.
Best Luxury Hotels in Brandon, FL
4 Star Average Prices: $149.11
If you prefer more upscale accommodations during your stay in the Tampa area, consider booking Homewood Suites by Hilton Tampa Brandon. This highly rated accommodation boasts a complimentary breakfast, 24-hour fitness facilities, an outdoor pool, barbecue grills, laundry facilities, a convenience store, a 24-hour business center, and designated smoking areas. Guest suites include kitchens with full-sized refrigerators, stovetops, and microwaves. You'll also love the 37-inch LCD TV with satellite programming, work desk, in-room safe, and free local calls.
Situated about 10 miles from Brandon, Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina offers some of the prettiest views in the area. The luxurious property features a 24-hour fitness center, an outdoor pool with poolside bar, a chic lounge, concierge services, event planning services, a safe deposit box, and event space. Grab a bite to eat at one of the property's two restaurants or order room service. You can also enjoy the daily breakfast buffet for an additional charge. Guest rooms include smart TVs, Wi-Fi internet access (for an extra surcharge), deep soaking tubs, and designer toiletries.
Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Ybor Historic District is an exceptional property in nearby Ybor City. Guests can take advantage of the beautiful outdoor pool, an on-site bar, room service, a cooked-to-order breakfast for an extra fee, a gift shop, and a comfortable common area. The spacious guest rooms include 36-inch LCD TVs, work desks, safes, hairdryers, complimentary toiletries, and phones with free local calls. You can also use the complimentary shuttle service, which operates within a 3-mile radius of the hotel.
Budget-Friendly Hotels in Brandon, FL
3 Star Average Prices: $111.25
Finding an affordable hotel in Brandon is easy if you're willing to plan ahead and remain flexible in your travel plans.
Motel 6 Tampa Fairgrounds is an affordable hotel offering an outdoor pool, free self-parking, laundry facilities, coffee and tea in the common areas, a 24-hour front desk, and smoke-free rooms. The guest rooms are small but modern with 32-inch LCD televisions, free Wi-Fi, and sitting areas. Some rooms feature microwaves and mini refrigerators.
Located in Tampa, Rodeway Inn Near Ybor City Casino is a pet-friendly property with an outdoor pool, a full-service business center with printing and fax services, an area shuttle service, a fitness room, and free coffee every morning in the lobby. Guest rooms feature LED TVs with cable programming, well-lit work desks, microwaves, and hairdryers.
Econo Lodge Busch Gardens is a great option for families on a budget. The property offers an outdoor pool, a complimentary breakfast, free coffee, and a coin laundry facility. Guest rooms have recently undergone renovations and include mini fridges, microwaves, complimentary toiletries, LCD TVs, and deep soaking bathtubs.
