I have a short trip to Tampa next month, and would like some hotel recommendations. Prefer walking distance to beach with hotel pool.

If you are looking for something on the beach, look at Clearwater or St Pete Beach.  Opal Sands is gorgeous but expensive, $500/night.  There is a Hyatt Aqualea $300/night, both right on the beach.  St Pete Beach has the Don Cesar, classic usually crowded, hot women.

Close to the airport and close to the beach, with plenty to do around town!

I have never seen a nice tampa beach . If u want blue water beach goto key west n for nice beaches stay away from the gulf

Your kidding right?  Clearwater beach has been named best beach in America multiple times.  

Tampa itself has no beach that's why!! Har har har......