I was in Tampa, Florida, and all checked into my hotel by noon. My Tampa visit was just the first leg of the trip, and the real excitement was going to start the next morning. However, I arrived early to make sure I wouldn’t miss my flight to the primary destination. Except, there was nothing to do around the hotel. There wasn’t even a decent restaurant within walking distance. Welcome to suburban hell without a car.

I picked a Hampton Inn near the airport for my early flight out. And looking around at the facility and outside, this dining area was the most visually attractive thing I could find. This is no knock against Hampton. I stay at this modest chain hotel often on my regular trips, and they’ve done a solid job decorating the free-breakfast space.

Searching for old, architecturally-significant hotels and other tourist attractions in Tampa, I zeroed in on a destination. I took an Uber, something that I don’t do often. I jettisoned all my gear and suitcase except for my primary camera and lens, the Sony A7C II and Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II. That was more than adequate to document whatever I may find, including this dining room.

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