Pampered in Paradise: Unveiling the Most Hip Hotels in Tampa and St. Pete
A Tampa Bay Living Magazine Feature
From pink beaches to historic landmarks, Tampa and St. Pete have a variety of luxury and boutique hotels for area visitors. Here’s a roundup of our top picks.
A view of the Epicurean Hotel in Tampa’s South Howard District
A Foodies Paradise: The Epicurean Hotel
For foodies and wine enthusiasts, The Epicurean Hotel in Tampa is their spot. This Marriott Autograph Collection boutique hotel is located in Tampa's South Howard area and has 137 guest rooms and suites. Public areas feature a welcoming contrast of warm woods with cool concrete and stainless steel. An original artwork installation of wine and champagne corks and contemporary liquor bottle chandelier can be seen in the hotel’s lobby. The hotel began an expansion project in 2022, which will add 51 guest rooms and suites.
“Together, Bern’s Steak House, Haven and Epicurean Hotel have turned South Howard into a true culinary destination, and this new addition will elevate our streetscape to match it,” said Joe Collier, president and founder of Mainsail Lodging & Development, in a statement. “As a market leader in Tampa, demand for our rooms has consistently outstripped our supply, particularly for suite accommodations. This expansion will add another 11 high-demand suites to our inventory.”
The Epicurean Hotel is also a food and wine lover's paradise, with its culinary classroom, wine shop, rooftop bar and on-site bakery. Guests can also indulge in the hotel's signature restaurant, Élevage Soho Kitchen & Bar, which features locally sourced ingredients and a wine list with more than 300 selections.
The rooms and suites at The Epicurean are numerous. Guests can choose from king or queen bedrooms and suites.
But it's not just food and rooms that The Epicurean offers. The hotel also has a spa, rooftop bar and terrace with views of Tampa Bay, a private lobby and meeting space.
Élevage Soho Kitchen & Bar has locally sourced ingredients and a wine list with more than 300 selections.
A view of one of Tampa’s famous murals from outdoor seating at Élevage Soho Kitchen & Bar.
A view of the Don CeSar Hotel and its beaches from the air
“The Pink Palace”: The Don CeSar Hotel
The Don CeSar Hotel, also known as the "Pink Palace," is an iconic landmark in St. Pete Beach’s and part of its hospitality scene since 1928. The history of this hotel is as colorful and rich as its vibrant pink exterior.
In the early 20th century, Thomas Rowe, a young entrepreneur from Massachusetts, fell in love with the Gulf Coast of Florida. He envisioned a grand hotel that would rival the most luxurious resorts of Europe, and in 1928, his dream became a reality when the Don CeSar Hotel opened its doors.
The hotel quickly became a popular destination for the rich and famous, including celebrities like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Clarence Darrow. During World War II, the hotel served as a hospital for wounded soldiers, and after the war, it became a popular vacation spot for families.
Over the years, the Don CeSar has undergone several renovations and changes in ownership. In the 1960s, the hotel fell into disrepair and was nearly demolished, but a group of investors stepped in to save the historic landmark.
Today, the Don CeSar has been restored to its former glory, with modern amenities and luxurious accommodations that pay homage to its rich history. Guests can relax in one of the hotel's 277 guest rooms, each decorated in a classic, coastal style, or enjoy a drink at one of the hotel's bars or restaurants.
Foodies will appreciate the hotel's dining options, which range from casual bites to upscale meals. Savor fresh seafood at Maritana Grille, or indulge in a craft cocktail at Rowe Bar.
When it comes to activities, visitors can take a dip in the pool or the ocean, lounge on St. Pete Beach, which was named America’s number one beach in 2021, or rent a kayak or paddleboard for a day out on the Gulf of Mexico.
Throughout its history, the Don CeSar has been a beloved destination for travelers seeking sun, sea and luxury. Its iconic pink facade and rich history have made it a true Florida treasure, and it remains a popular destination for visitors worldwide.
A view of the entrace to The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club
A Mediterranean Revival: The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club
Located in downtown St. Pete, The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club offers an upscale waterfront oasis for travelers seeking a luxurious stay. The property boasts a rich history dating back to the 1920s and underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation to bring it to its current grandeur, which includes The Vinoy's Veranda, a refined grand lobby, the hotel’s guest rooms and historic ballrooms, meeting spaces, international dining experiences and a new spa and wellness area. According to a news release, “Every detail was carefully considered by a respected historic preservation expert, who advised throughout the design process.”
“Every property within Autograph Collection Hotels has a truly unique story, and The Vinoy Resort and Golf Club, Autograph Collection is one of those ‘Exactly Like Nothing Else’ experiences,” said Jennifer Connell, global brand leader, Autograph Collection Hotels, and vice president, Distinctive Premium Brands, Marriott International, in a statement. “The Vinoy has made its mark over the last 100 years, claiming an iconic status in Florida. With this comprehensive redesign rooted in its historic heritage, we look forward to celebrating a new, exciting chapter for the resort.”
With 361 guest rooms and 16 suites, The Vinoy has accommodations to suit every need. From classic rooms with beach views to spacious suites with separate living areas, every guest can expect to be comfortable.
The resort features a championship 18-hole golf course originally designed by Donald Ross in 1925, tennis courts, a full-service marina and an outdoor pool and hot tub. For those looking to relax and unwind, The Vinoy’s spa includes various health and wellness treatments, including massages, facials and body wraps.
Foodies may appreciate The Vinoy’s dining options, including the elegant Marchand’s Bar & Grill, serving modern American cuisine with a French twist, and the Alfresco restaurant, featuring seasonal seafood and an outdoor terrace overlooking the marina.
With its central location, The Vinoy provides easy access to St. Pete’s vibrant cultural scene, including the Salvador Dali Museum, the Chihuly Collection and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Hillsborough River Views:
The Tampa Marriott Water Street
The Tampa Marriott Water Street is located in downtown Tampa, just a stone's throw away from the Tampa Riverwalk. The hotel offers waterfront views and a sleek, modern design.
The hotel has 727 guest rooms and suites, which are spacious and feature plush bedding, high-speed internet and flat-screen TVs.
Guests at the Tampa Marriott Water Street have access to an outdoor pool and bar, a 24-hour fitness center and a full-service spa. Dining options include the Anchor & Brine seafood restaurant, the Pool Bar and Grill and a Starbucks.
The hotel offers 50,000 square feet of meeting and event space and its convenient location near the Tampa Convention Center.
Celebrating Tampa’s Cuban, Spanish and Italian Influences: Hotel Haya
Hotel Haya, located in Tampa's Ybor City neighborhood, blends modern luxury with rich cultural heritage. Initially built in 1900 as a cigar factory, the building is now a boutique hotel celebrating the area's Cuban, Spanish and Italian influences.
One of the features of Hotel Haya is its interior and outside designs. The property features four replica paintings by the Spanish artist Francisco Goya, a library, a courtyard pool and an exterior sign that reads "HAYA."
Despite its historical roots, Hotel Haya is focused on the present and future of hospitality. The hotel offers a range of modern amenities, including a courtyard pool and bar, a fitness center and various dining options, such as the Latin-inspired restaurant, Flor Fina, which serves wood-grilled coastal cuisine. Another café, Café Quiquiriqui, serves empanadas and Cuban sandwiches. Guests can purchase custom cigars at Newman Cigars, one of the country's oldest family-owned cigar companies.
The hotel offers 178 room types, including standard rooms, spacious suites and more. Guest rooms include plush bedding, high-end bath products and high-speed Wi-Fi. As finishing touches, rooms feature Chihuly-style glass globe light fixtures. The bathrooms are equipped with Grown Alchemist bath products and Frette robes, and Cuban musicians' records play on record players.
Beyond the hotel's walls, guests will find plenty to explore in the vibrant Ybor City neighborhood. Known for its rich cultural heritage and lively nightlife, Ybor City is home to various galleries, restaurants and clubs. Visitors can take a guided tour of the neighborhood's historic sites, shop for handmade cigars or stroll the streets and enjoy the colorful architecture and lively street performers.
A view of the Hotel Alba in Tampa’s Westshore district
Boutique Paradise: Hotel Alba
Hotel Alba, located in Tampa's Westshore business district, offers a contemporary boutique experience for leisure and business travelers. With its stylish design, modern amenities and convenient location, Hotel Alba has quickly become one of Tampa's most sought-after hotels for area visitors.
The hotel has 222 guest rooms and suites, each featuring plush bedding, high-speed internet and flat-screen TVs with premium cable channels. In addition to offering luxurious guest rooms and a reimagined lobby experience, Hotel Alba features an in-house art gallery that features original pieces by Southern artists. The hotel is part of Hilton's exclusive Tapestry Collection.
Hotel Alba also has various on-site amenities. The hotel's outdoor pool with cabanas and bar offer guests places to relax and unwind or have a poolside cocktail.
The hotel has more than 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space for business travelers, including a ballroom for 400 guests. The hotel's business center provides all the necessary equipment and services, including printing, copying and faxing.
Regarding dining, Hotel Alba has several options, including the hotel's signature restaurant, The Spaniard. This open-air restaurant offers culinary traditions drawn from Florida's coast and a chef-driven menu inspired by the state's culinary tradition.
And the hotel's location in the Westshore business district is convenient for travelers looking to conduct business in Tampa. The hotel is just minutes from Tampa International Airport and the city's top shopping and dining destinations.
