Hotel near Busch Gardens

[LaraB]

We're planning on driving to Clearwater for the day, then staying over somewhere near Busch Gardens, to go there the following day.

Any recommendations please?

[archibald]

We've just booked the Country Inn & Suites about half an hour from Busch. There's loads of cheap motels really close to though it if you just need a bed.

[Big Jim]

I would opt to stay in Clearwater then drive across to Busch ready for opening in the morning. That way you maximise your time there and can enjoy the evening by the pier.

[Katnic1]

We stayed at the holiday inn Express just opposite Busch Gardens. They provide a mini bus to the park. It’s also right next to an Olive Garden for evening meal.

[speedygonzales]

We also stayed at the Holiday Inn Express just across the road. The room was good and the complimentary breakfast was very decent.
As Katnic1 says above, there's an Olive Garden within a few minutes walk and there's also a Red Lobster in the other direction.
When we went we booked through Expedia as they offered the best rate at the time.