Tampa, Florida is a popular destination for both business and vacation. Your reason for visiting and what you want to do can determine the best hotel in Tampa for your stay. Do you want to experience the nightlife of Ybor City? Are you here for a concert or hockey game at Amalie Arena downtown? Or do you simply want to be near the airport?
This should help you decide where to stay in Tampa for your visit, and what I’ve found to be the best hotels in the area.
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The Best Area to Stay in Tampa
Determining where to stay in Tampa depends on what you are looking for. These are typically the best neighborhoods to stay that have the most hotels.
Downtown Tampa: Ideal for those who prefer a city atmosphere. The Riverwalk area is popular for its scenic views and recreational activities. It’s also the location of Amalie Arena, so downtown is the best place to stay for a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game. Downtown has the most hotels, some of them among the nicest and most expensive in Tampa. Channelside is on the western edge of downtown and is mostly new condo and rental buildings, and there are a couple mid-range hotels there.
Hyde Park / South Tampa: This is an upscale residential area great for families. The neighborhood is mostly single-family homes and is where you can find Bayshore Boulevard’s scenic waterfront, upscale shopping and dining at Hyde Park Village. But it also has a lively restaurant and bar scene along South Howard Ave, including the iconic Bern’s Steakhouse. But despite the residential feel, the Epicurean Hotel located here is a great place for business travelers and is quick ride into downtown.
Ybor City: This is the party area of Tampa. It has a rich cultural history and is the best area to stay for nightlife.
Westshore & Tampa Airport: While the airport hotels are mostly for convenience to the airport, there are some upscale hotels and restaurants just to the southwest of the airport. This is also the closest area within Tampa to the beach areas.
Best Hotels Overview
Best Hotel in Hyde Park
Epicurean Hotel
Epicurean at a Glance
Pros
- Excellent restaurant and rooftop bar
- Located in Tampa’s most desired residential area and just a short drive into downtown
- Near great restaurants, including the iconic Bern’s Steakhouse as well as nightlife
Cons
- You’ll have to drive or taxi to downtown
Check Prices
For those seeking an area that has great restaurants and nightlife but without the chaos of Ybor City or a downtown environment, the Epicurean Hotel is the perfect choice. Located right on South Howard Ave, it’s in a bustling district that also offers a peaceful stay. I lived two blocks away for nearly five months and this is the neighborhood I would move to if I returned long term.
This boutique hotel is run by the same family that owns Bern’s Steakhouse, one of the most iconic steakhouses in the United States. Thus, it is appropriate that food and dining is a focus here. Bern’s is located directly across the street, and you can make a reservation in advance to dine there or enjoy these without leaving the hotel.
- Dine at Élevage: From breakfast through dinner, this on-sire eatery serves up some of the best food in the neighborhood
- Sip at EDGE: The rooftop bar offering views over Tampa with craft cocktails made from locally sourced spirits.
- Cook at Epicurean Theatre: Guests get more than just fine-dining; there are occasional hands-on cooking classes led by seasoned professionals. Check the hotel website for these events.
Epicurean is certainly one of the best hotels in Tampa for people wanting to explore the area as well as those visiting for business.
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Best Hotel For Nightlife of Ybor City
#1 Hotel Haya
Hotel Haya at a Glance
Pros
- Located in the heart of Ybor City, a top area for nightlife
- Great cafe and restaurant
- New (opened in 2020) and very clean and modern
Cons
- Area can be loud at night
Check Prices
Nestled in Tampa’s exciting Ybor City, Hotel Haya is the best hotel for those seeking nightlife and history.
Ybor City is where Tampa’s cigar industry began in the late 1800s, attracting large numbers of Cuban, Italian, Spanish, and Jewish immigrants. The influence of these cultures is still seen in the area today. The most famous creation from these cultures of this neighborhood is the Cuban Sandwich (originally named “El Mixto” and made with ingredients from each of these cultures).
In addition to its proximity to museums and historical sites, Hotel Haya sits directly on 7th Ave, which is the main street for bars and restaurants in Ybor.
Furthermore, the hotel itself boasts a great coffeeshop, restaurant, pool, and gym.
Alternatives: Hampton Inn and Hilton Garden Inn are both nearby. Neither are as nice as Hotel Haya, but are more budget friendly choices.
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Best Hotels in Downtown Tampa
#1 JW Marriott
JW Marriott at a Glance
Pros
- Rooftop pools & bar
- Great downtown location
- Ideal hotel for both business and pleasure
Cons
- One of the most expensive hotels in Tampa
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For those in search of luxury plus a downtown location, then the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street is hard to beat. As is standard with this brand, you can expect to be treated with world-class service and experience amenities that will make your trip unforgettable.
The views are stunning, especially from the 27th floor rooftop bar where you can enjoy delicious cocktails and small bites like charcuterie, pork buns, and various desserts while taking in the city skyline.
But the 6th floor pool deck is likely where you’ll want to spend much of your time. Private cabanas are available to rent for the day, or you can lounge around the two pools and order drinks from the pool bar. This is also where Six, their onsite bistro is located.
The luxury of the hotel wouldn’t be complete without the on-site spa and fitness center.
JW Marriott is located right behind Amalie Arena, so it’s a great spot to stay if you’re planning to hit up a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game. Sparkman Wharf is also right across the street, as are several of Tampa’s best restaurants. There is even a free trolley to Ybor City if you want to explore the culture and nightlife of this historical neighborhood.
Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, this JW Marriott is perhaps the best luxury hotel in Tampa.
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#2 The Tampa EDITION
Tampa EDITION at a Glance
Pros
- Beautiful hotel and rooftop pool
- Great downtown location
- Best dining of any Tampa hotel
Cons
- Pool DJ and lively environment might not be for everyone
- Can be loud
Check Prices
If there is a hotel that matches the luxury of JW Marriott, then it’s the Tampa EDITION.
The hotel itself is beautiful, with greenery throughout, including around the stunning 9th floor pool. Both the pool bar and the marble spiral staircase leading up from the lobby have become mandatory photo spots.
The pool has cabanas that can be rented by hotel guests while resident DJs set a lively mood. The Tampa EDITION creates the most party-like scene of all Tampa hotels, as the pool turns into an evening cocktail lounge on the weekends and the DJs turn up the house music.
But what sets the Tampa EDITION apart from other hotels is the dining. The man behind the restaurants here is John Fraser, who has been awarded Michelin stars for his NYC restaurants Dovetail and vegetarian restaurant Nix (which closed during Covid). He often showcases his Greek heritage, as with IRIS, one of my favorite NYC Mediterranean restaurants.
- Market: Located on the first floor, this is the main dining option, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The focus is on Italian coastal food, including Neapolitan style pizzas.
- Azure: This 9th floor option behind the pool features Mediterranean cuisine with a Greek focus. Start with some of the mezze or octopus carpaccio for the table, and then branzino with pecan muhammara makes a great entree. The menu is also available for poolside dining.
- Lilac: This is the crown jewel at the EDITION. The most elevated Mediterranean dining at the hotel was awarded a Michelin Star for 2023, one of just three Tampa restaurants to receive this award. Open for dinner only, the meal is a four-course prix fixe menu currently at $140 plus optional wine pairing or a la carte cocktails.
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Other Hotels in Downtown Tampa
ROOST
Pros
- Boutique hotel with apartment style rooms that include kitchens
- Great location at a lower price than hotels nearby
- Offers co-living apartments with four or eight bedrooms and cowork space
Check Prices
Le Méridien Tampa
Pros
- 10+ year old converted Federal courthouse with a beautiful architecture
Cons
- While still an easy walk to everything downtown, it’s not my favorite area
- Doesn’t have the modern luxury of some of the hotels along Water St surrounding the arena
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Hampton Inn
Pros
- Great value for a downtown hotel
- One of the nicer Hampton Inns I’ve seen
- Located in Channelside, a nice area of downtown with lots of dining and bars
Cons
- No on-site bar or restaurant
Check Prices
Best Hotels Near the Tampa Airport
#1 Grand Hyatt
Grand Hyatt at a Glance
Pros
- Oystercatchers is an award-winning seafood restaurant with great sunset views
- Located near the airport so can be convenient for business travelers
- Closer to the beach areas of Clearwater
Cons
- Situated well outside downtown, so not ideal if that’s where you plan to spend your time
- Hotel is spread out and on-site restaurant is a 10-mintue walk from most guest rooms
Check Prices
The Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay offers a blend of luxury and convenience with a resort style feel. It was built as Tampa’s first five-star hotel and is nestled in a 35-acre nature preserve, bringing you closer to Florida’s rich wildlife. This makes it a peaceful place for sipping your morning coffee with herons as your company.
Oystercatchers is an award-winning seafood restaurant, and popular with guests and non-hotel guests as well. The west-facing view over the bay makes it an ideal spot for a sunset dinner and cocktails, or also a great place for a relaxing Sunday brunch.
For amenities, there are two outdoor pools, one near the main tower and the other near the villa-style rooms. Plus, tennis courts, a full fitness center, a small man-made beach, and kayak rentals offer plenty of things to do without leaving the hotel. But it is worth noting, that the large size of the property means it’s more spread out than other hotels, and it’s a 10-minute walk from the main guest tower to the restaurant and many of these amenities.
Since the Grand Hyatt is located on the western edge of the city near the causeway to Clearwater, it’s closer to beach areas than most other Tampa hotels. Rocky Point golf course is also just a short drive away.
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#2 The CURRENT Hotel
CURRENT Hotel at a Glance
Pros
- Rooftop pool & bar with bay views
- Minutes from the airport, but without the feel of an airport hotel
- Has small private beach
Cons
- A few dining options within walking distance, but generally you’d need a car or use taxis
Check Prices
The Current Hotel is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection and promises an upscale stay with waterfront views. Julian, the signature dining spot is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner while the rooftop bar offers the best view of the bay. The heated pool isn’t actually on the rooftop, but rather a floor above the small man-made beach.
The CURRENT sits in a small area called Rocky Point, which is home to several other hotels. It’s a quick walk to Rusty Pelican for nice dining and Whiskey Joe’s for a casual beach bar. And since it’s just off the causeway, it’s a short drive to Clearwater Beach.
Parking is valet only.
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Best Casino Hotel
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Hard Rock at a Glance
Pros
- The hotel itself is fantastic
- Great dining
- Casino and nightlife on premise
Cons
- It’s a distance from downtown Tampa
Check Prices
If you’re after a bit of rock ‘n’ roll flair, gambling, great restaurants, and nightlife, then the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is the place to stay.
The 5th largest casino the United States is only about a 15-minute drive to the northeast of downtown Tampa and is a full-service destination. But once there, you have everything you need for a great stay.
- Hotel: the Hard Rock is a Four Diamond rated hotel by AAA
- Dining: Council Oaks is one of the top steakhouses in Tampa
- Amenities: There are three outdoor pools with cabanas
- Nightlife: Several bars and a live music venue
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Best Budget Hostel
Gram's Place Bed & Hostel
Gram's Place at a Glance
Pros
- It is clean and spacious
- Priced well cheaper than hotels or short-term apartment rentals
- Offers large community rooms and also private rooms
Cons
- Located in a residential area, so would want a car
Check Prices
Gram’s Place is currently the only hostel in the area and the absolute best place to stay in Tampa on a budget. It’s tucked away in a residential neighborhood in Tampa Heights, and you will need a scooter, bike, or car to get around on your own. But it is clean, has a spacious outdoor area, and good WiFi. He offers both private rooms, small multi-bed rooms, and larger community rooms.
I stayed here just once but would absolutely consider it over the much more expensive hotels or short-term apartment rentals if I were staying in town for a week or two. I have only great things to say about this hostel.
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