City center stay.A stay at this Forest Hills vacation home places you within 3 miles (5 km) of ZooTampa at Lowry Park and 6 miles (10 km) of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. University of South Florida and Raymond James Stadium are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Seminole Hard Rock Casino Tampa - 21 min drive - 22.4 km
Getting around
Tampa Union Station - 13 min drive
Tampa Intl. Airport (TPA) - 19 min drive
Restaurants
7-Eleven - 3 min drive
Lowry Parcade & Tavern - 3 min drive
China Yuan - 2 min drive
Mamas Kitchen - 3 min drive
Gino's Restaurant & Bar - 17 min walk
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Cozy, Pet-Friendly Tampa Home with Heated & Screened Pool - 4 miles to Adventure Island/Busch Garden
Looking for a great deal? Discounts are automatically applied based on your length of stay—whether it’s 5 nights, 7 nights, 28 nights, or more! No need for promo codes or requests. The total price you see includes your savings, so you can book with confidence. Discounts may display differently across booking platforms, but rest assured, they’re built into your final price!
⇛ DESCRIPTION
Welcome to Shells of Paradise! This Cozy 3 bed, 2 bath, heated saltwater pool home in N. Tampa is the relaxing retreat that you have been looking for. Relax by the pool or grill up some dinner in the covered outdoor kitchen area in the fully fenced backyard with your favorite people. This home is in the middle of everything that you need to see and do in Tampa, & the perfect place to come back to after a day filled with adventures!
⇛ THE SPACE
Shells of Paradise caters to both your relaxation and entertaining needs, this inviting space features:
⁜ Primary - 1 King Bed with 50" Smart TV
⁜ Bedroom 2 - Queen Bed with 43" Smart TV
⁜ Bedroom 3 - Twin over Full Bunk Bed with 43" Smart TV
⁜ Living Room - 1 Full Futon with 50" Smart TV
⁜ Fully equipped kitchen for your culinary needs
⁜ Private heated saltwater pool (pool heating fee applies) in screened lanai
⁜ Covered outdoor gas grill area with barstool seating
⁜ Parking for 2 to 3 vehicles in the driveway
⁜ Flatware and utensils for entertaining
⁜ Coffee and fixings provided for your morning jolt
⁜ An initial supply of paper products is provided
⁜ Cleaning products are available to help you throughout your stay
⁜ Flat screen Smart TV's in living room and 2 of the bedrooms for your streaming adventures
⇛ NEIGHBORHOOD
This property is located just at the north end of Seminole Heights, where you will find delicious options for the most discerning foodies, and fun craft cocktails if that's your thing. You are just minutes from downtown Tampa, the Riverwalk, and the areas most notable attractions like Busch Gardens and Adventure Island.
BEAUTIFICATION OF TAMPA: The city of Tampa and local home buyers are working hard on the gentrification and preservation of the historical Tampa streets and homes. You may see a mix of residences nearby this home, we thank you for your consideration of the process as Tampa continues to make the city, and its neighborhoods more beautiful.
⇛ GUEST ACCESS
As our guest, you'll enjoy:
⁜ Full access to the entire home and amenities
⁜ Contactless entry with personalized door code
⁜ Complimentary WiFi to stay connected
⁜ Washer and Dryer onsite for your use
⁜ Fresh linens provided for your stay
⁜ Check-in: After 4:00 PM | Checkout: 10:00 AM
⇛ Other things to note:
⁜ No smoking inside the unit
⁜ No parties or events
⁜ There is a $50 p/day fee for pool heating to 85 degrees - during the months of October to April. While the pool can be heated, the heater will not turn on when outside temps fall below 50 degrees so please take this into consideration when requesting the pool to be heated during colder months.
⁜ Additional cleaning fees may apply for stays over 7 days, this fee is added after booking.
⁜ Dogs (well-behaved, house-trained, max 2, medium size) allowed with prior host approval; no cats. Approval based on size, breed & number. Requests for additional pets may be submitted but are not guaranteed. Pet fee $20/night (max $200/stay). *This fee is added after reservation confirmation for AirBNB bookings.
**The pet fee does not cover pet waste or destruction of the property. By booking this property, you agree to be responsible for any damage done by any pets you decide to bring with you, and will promptly reimburse in full for any such damage.
***Security cameras are present at the property. Security cameras are solely for visual monitoring outside the property and are not present inside the property. Tenant agrees that in outside areas there is no reasonable expectation of privacy and accepts the monitoring of the outside by security camera. Tenant agrees not to tamper with the security cameras. 2 cameras onsite - Ring camera at door, back patio near pool.
⇛ Guest Guidelines
1—PLEASE no parties, we want you to enjoy each other and have a great time but disruptive parties are not permitted. Observation of quiet hours (10p – 8a) must be observed. Loud music and outdoor entertainment are prohibited. This is a residential neighborhood and the authorities will be called if you cause a disturbance. Please be respectful.
2- Tenant and any guest of Tenant shall obey all laws of the state of Florida, as well as local laws, at all times while they are on the premises. Failure to abide by the laws of FL or the above rules may cause tenant to be asked to vacate the premises and forfeit all rents and deposits.
3—Pets are permitted. Please let us know if you have pets.
4 - Please only park in the location designated in your check in procedures, failure to park in the designated location could result in your car being towed.
5—Treat this home as if it were your own, please report damages to your host immediately. If damages are determined to be caused by tenant misuse, it may result in fees to make repairs.
6—Smoking of any kind is not allowed in the unit and if detected there will be a $500 charge.
7—Tenant agrees to leave the premises and its contents in the same condition, neat, clean, and tidy, as Tenant found the premises to be upon move-in. Normal wear and tear is expected however excessive dirt on floors, rugs or furniture may require additional cleaning and charges will apply.
8- Please only flush toilet paper in the toilets, flushing anything like feminine products, wet wipes, plastic, etc... could result in a back up and potential fees charged at the end of your stay, please report plumbing issues to your host immediately.
9—Please use black makeup towels provided. If towels are stained, there will be a charge of $5 per towel charged upon checkout.
10—Furnishings are not to be removed from the premises for use outside or in other properties.
11- Reservations are not made by or for a minor, defined as any person under 25 years.
12- Tenant hereby acknowledges that the premises they have reserved includes a pool & the undersigned agrees / acknowledges that the pool & patio/deck can b
✦✦Depending on the booking site, Cleaning fee may include a Limited Damage Waiver fee which covers damages reported to the host in writing BEFORE checkout. This fee is included with the cleaning fee. Specifics of coverage will be laid out in the rental agreement sent once reservation is confirmed.
Reservations may require further guest verification to prevent credit card fraud for both you and the host! Your booking platform does not share your personal information with your Host. Because of this, we do require the responsible party who is physically staying in the home to provide a valid photo ID after booking is confirmed. Your personal identification is not stored and is protected from distribution or use for any other purpose than identification, in accordance with Federal information security guidelines.
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
Housekeeping (on request)
Unit size: 1,404 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets are welcome
Service animals are exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome.
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.
Property is also known as
12161
Frequently asked questions
How close is Cozy, Pet-Friendly Tampa Home with Heated & Screened Pool - 4 miles to Adventure Island/Busch Garden to the airport?
This vacation home is 14.2 mi (19-min drive) away from the Tampa Intl. Airport (TPA) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.
Does Cozy, Pet-Friendly Tampa Home with Heated & Screened Pool - 4 miles to Adventure Island/Busch Garden have an airport shuttle?
Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.
How close is Cozy, Pet-Friendly Tampa Home with Heated & Screened Pool - 4 miles to Adventure Island/Busch Garden to the beach?
This vacation home is 10.9 mi (16-min drive) from Ben T. Davis Beach.
Does Cozy, Pet-Friendly Tampa Home with Heated & Screened Pool - 4 miles to Adventure Island/Busch Garden offer free breakfast?
This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.
Is there a casino at Cozy, Pet-Friendly Tampa Home with Heated & Screened Pool - 4 miles to Adventure Island/Busch Garden?
No, there is no casino at this vacation home, but Seminole Hard Rock Casino Tampa (14-min drive) and Tampa Bay Downs (20-min drive) are nearby.
What time is check-in at Cozy, Pet-Friendly Tampa Home with Heated & Screened Pool - 4 miles to Adventure Island/Busch Garden?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
Is there free parking at Cozy, Pet-Friendly Tampa Home with Heated & Screened Pool - 4 miles to Adventure Island/Busch Garden?
Free parking is not available at this vacation home.
Does Cozy, Pet-Friendly Tampa Home with Heated & Screened Pool - 4 miles to Adventure Island/Busch Garden have a pool?
Yes, there's a private pool.
Does Cozy, Pet-Friendly Tampa Home with Heated & Screened Pool - 4 miles to Adventure Island/Busch Garden have a spa?
There are no spa services available at this vacation home.
How close is Cozy, Pet-Friendly Tampa Home with Heated & Screened Pool - 4 miles to Adventure Island/Busch Garden to downtown Tampa?
This vacation home is 6.2 mi away from Tampa.
Cozy, Pet-Friendly Tampa Home with Heated & Screened Pool - 4 miles to Adventure Island/Busch Garden Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 33 out of 36 reviews
10 - Excellent
33
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 36 reviews
8 - Good
3
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 36 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 36 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 36 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
Reviews
8/10 Good
Jethro S.
Mar 20, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Nice place. Would stay again.
Jethro S.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2026
10/10 Excellent
Nick B.
Mar 16, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
A group of friends came to see a few spring training games, and the stay was perfect for our needs. Thank you so much for a clean and welcoming stay!
Nick B.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
10/10 Excellent
Jim J.
Feb 25, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
The house and pool were great. Seems recently renovated. We were in town for an event at USF so location was good. Very relaxing to just hang out by the pool and watch movies.
Jim J.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
10/10 Excellent
Shari K.
Jan 24, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
Nice layout and the outdoor space was great! Kitchen was well appointed. Appreciated body wash, shampoo, and other amenities. Neighborhood was okay—is that property next door abandoned? But location was central to all that we wanted to see. Would stay again
Shari K.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
10/10 Excellent
Angela H.
Dec 8, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
home was very clean and any "home" items like blender ect were available. Back yard was amazing great area to hang out and relax. Home is very cozy and host provided lots of entertainment for toddlers; toys, books, and no excessive decorations for little hands to get ahold of. Great communication with the host and easy check out process.
Angela H.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jonathan D.
Dec 2, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great time, the heated pool is a game changer with 2 very active boys. House is well equipped and very clean. Will book again in the future for sure.
Jonathan D.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Cody L.
Oct 14, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Very clean and maintained!
Cody L.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
8/10 Good
Stanley K.
Sep 23, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Stanley K.
Stayed 21 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Anna M.
Aug 12, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Anna M.
Stayed 18 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Andrea B.
Aug 6, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
House was clean and bright. The kitchen has everything needed to cook and grill. The pool was large and clean. Good location with quick access to major roads to get in and out of Tampa.
Andrea B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Bridgit B.
Jun 15, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great pool house for a family!!
Had everything we needed at our fingertips
Bridgit B.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2025
8/10 Good
Alicia R.
Apr 27, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Conveniently located. Great for families.
The house is lovely. There is a great little coffee shop down the street. Our family enjoyed the pool after daily outings. It’s a small cozy living/kitchen space.
Alicia R.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Robert O., Salado, USA
Apr 26, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Spring retreat
Great house, close to Busch gardens. Nice backyard set up with pool and grilling area.
Robert O.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Liliana J.
Jan 16, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Family Fun
My family enjoyed staying in this cozy house. The rooms were spacious and very clean. We enjoyed very much the pool and lanai. Every room had clean and fresch linens and towels. The kitchen had almost everything that would be needed to prepare lunches. I am very grateful to have found a family home away from our house.
Liliana J.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jay H.
Jan 13, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Nice quaint space
We had a great time while we came down for our team. Everything was as advertised. Thank you.
Jay H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Ibrahim A.
Dec 25, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Convenient and clean
My family enjoyed the house and the kids enjoyed the pool.. thank you
Ibrahim A.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Norma Z.
Dec 18, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
A breath of fresh air.
Easy and comfortable. Will be back for sure.
Norma Z.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Dean R.
Dec 10, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect location
everything was great.
Dean R.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Brian K., Chicago
Dec 7, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Nice Property
Interior was new and well maintained.
Area was centrally located.
Brian K.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Chris I.
Nov 22, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great week
Great home in a quiet neighborhood. We stayed here a week while looking for a home and would definitely stay again.
Chris I.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Ed W.
Nov 21, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great Stay
Everything was perfect for our needs. Comfy couches & bed. New fridge. Nice TVs in every room. Great outdoor space and pool. Plenty of pool towels and a Keurig coffee maker. Host was responsive. Safe neighborhood for walks. I didn’t want to leave.
Ed W.
Stayed 10 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Angela H.
Oct 20, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great place for UTampa visit
We were visiting for UTampa’s family weekend and wanted a place that we could make a home away from home for our freshman and this place was absolutely perfect!! Plenty of comfy hang out space, great kitchen to cook in and a quick 15 minute ride to campus. Heated pool with an outdoor TV was a huge plus. And the host is amazing - responsive communications and so accommodating. We’ll be back!
Angela H.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jon H.
Oct 14, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Nice place, sketchy situation
Couldn’t really enjoy the trip due to a sketchy situation. A man and woman returned to the property around 1am the first night we were there beat on the door for a children’s book. (Weird i know) We called cops and reported it to the host. Host informed us next morning it was a passport and previous guests and asked if she (the host) could come by the house to look for it. We left downtown and what we were doing to come back to the property to put our dogs away. (Last thing we wanted was for someone to be stuck without their passport). She (the host) did not find anything. So we (my wife and I) decided to go back and look since we knew where the host was looking. Again all we know up to this point is this previous guest left their passport well… it turns out there was 2 grand of US and foreign money (NOT a passport) in the back bunk bedroom (that was not used during our stay) in a children’s book. We immediately reached back out to the host ( that just left) and she wanted us to give her the money. We informed her we wanted to give the previous guests (one who beat on our door at 1am) the money in person so that they DO NOT return to the property while we was there.. so our host set up a meeting at Starbucks so we could give the money to the previous guest in person. Very strange situation, no clue what’s going on but i will say it is a nice place. Just something strange going on.
Jon H.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Eric B.
Oct 6, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Great clean property!!!
Property was exactly as pictured. Very nice older home that was remodeled perfectly. Plenty of room for my family of four, but could accomodate more. The house was stocked with all necessities (cookware, toiletries, towels, etc..) needed for my stay. The outdoor area was amazing with the pool and television that can be viewed while swimming. The covered grill area was relaxing and provided shade while cooking. The entire property was very well maintained and very clean. Communication with the management company was polite, consistant, and easy with rapid responces.When I visit the area again, I will definitely be staying here.
Eric B.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
carolyn w.
Oct 5, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Shells of Paradise
Nice, cozy home. Everything was supplied to get started for our short stay. If we had had the maximum guests stay in the house we would have needed more wash cloths but were fine as there were only 3 of us staying.
Would stay here again, but suggest they sand/paint the picnic table as it’s peeling/splintering and wipe down counters in cabana grill area before guests arrive. You will enjoy this home.