The Sunshine State draws thousands of tourists each year, with many of them flocking to Tampa to spend some time on the Gulf Coast. There are plenty of activities for visitors in the Big Guava, from catching a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game and sipping cocktails beside the bay to watching professional rollers make handmade cigars in Ybor City.
Regardless of what you plan on doing when visiting the city, you will want to know that you’ll be arriving at one of the best hotels in Tampa. We want that for you, too, which is why we have curated a list of the best places to stay in Tampa. That way, you can spend more time packing and less time planning!
Related: 3 Days in Tampa: The Perfect Tampa Itinerary
The Best Hotels in Tampa, Florida
- Best Overall Hotel in Tampa:
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay - Best Luxury Hotel in Tampa:
Le Méridien Tampa, the Courthouse - Best Boutique Hotel in Tampa:
Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection - Best Budget Hotel in Tampa:
Hampton Inn Tampa Downtown Channel District - Best Hotel in Tampa for Families:
Sailport Waterfront Suites - Best Beach Hotel in Tampa Bay:
The Don CeSar
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
The Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay is one of the top oceanfront hotels in Tampa for those who have access to a car or who are looking for an upscale pet-friendly hotel.
The hotel is roughly a 15-minute drive from Downtown and less than a 10-minute drive from Tampa International Airport. It’s located directly on Old Tampa Bay beside the Courtney Campbell Causeway, providing fantastic access to the beaches and Clearwater. There are not any nearby transit stops, so this hotel is best for those who have a car or would like to use rideshare companies to get around.
Here you can spend a day relaxing in one of the on-site hammocks or go swimming in one of the two pools. There is also a hot tub and on-site pool bar. For those looking to stay in shape while on holiday, the hotel also boasts a fantastic fitness center with a sauna. Visitors can also opt to rent watersport equipment from the property or work on their swing at the tennis courts. In the evening, guests can enjoy dinner at one of the two restaurants in the hotel. The rooms have a sleek modern motif and come equipped with a minifridge and a coffee maker.
Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection
If you are looking for a hotel in Tampa that is a little more central, then the Epicurean Hotel is for you.
This boutique hotel in Tampa features a fantastic spa that is ready to pamper guests with massages, body wraps, manicures, and pedicures. Visitors can spend their days lounging poolside at the on-site pool and then, in the evening, dine at the on-site restaurant. Bern’s Steakhouse, one of Tampa’s most famous steak restaurants, is located less than a 10-minute walk down the street. Breakfast comes at an additional cost but can be delivered to the rooms, and guests can have their coffee on the balcony in select rooms. All of the rooms come with bathrobes, a minibar, and a coffee machine.
This fantastic hotel is located in the Historic Hyde Park North district within walking distance of many bars and restaurants. Hyde Park Village is about a 15-minute walk away, and Downtown Tampa is less than a 10-minute drive away. Guests will find the nearest bus stop a 10-minute walk north of the hotel.
Le Méridien Tampa, the Courthouse
Are you looking for a luxury hotel in Tampa that is within walking distance of top attractions? Then look no further, Le Méridien Tampa is for you.
This stunning four-star hotel boasts a sleek motif on the inside and Roman-inspired architecture on the outside. Guests can spend their days lounging by the on-site pool and their evenings sipping cocktails at the on-site bar and restaurant. Those planning on traveling with their furry friends will also be happy to know the hotel is pet-friendly. There is also an on-site fitness center. Each room comes equipped with a minifridge and a TV.
Le Méridien Tampa is located in the heart of Downtown, just one block from the Tampa Theater. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and the Tampa Firefighters Museum are only a five-minute walk away. Walking to the Straz Center for the Performing Arts or the Amalie Arena will take visitors about 15 minutes.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tampa
The Hard Rock Hotel is the perfect getaway for couples or business travelers who want to indulge in some on-site entertainment while visiting the city.
The Hard Rock is famous for decorating its hotels with musician outfits and rock and roll memorabilia that are sure to impress every music fan. When checking in, guests can download unique playlists to listen to in their room.
In the hotel, there are five restaurants and three bars where guests can enjoy live music or an elegant dinner. There are also three on-site pools and a wellness center that offers relaxing massages, hair services, and beauty services. Of course, one of the biggest appeals of the hotel is the massive on-site casino with over 5,000 slots, plenty of table games, and poker tables with tournament play. Inside the rooms, guests will find bathrobes, a coffee maker, and a TV.
This hotel is perfect for anyone planning on catching a show at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater, which is located just across the highway from the hotel. Downtown Tampa is roughly a 10-minute drive away, and Tampa International Airport is just under a 20-minute drive away.
JW Marriott Tampa Water Street
Enjoy the Florida sun from the comfort of the rooftop pool at this gorgeous hotel in Tampa.
The rooftop pool is surrounded by plenty of lounge chairs and palm trees, so guests can enjoy a classic Florida vibe. There is also an indoor bar area on the roof where guests can order their favorite cocktails and watch the sunset over Tampa Bay. Other amenities include a fitness center, a spa and wellness center, and an on-site coffee shop and restaurant.
All of the rooms are fitted with large picture windows, a lounge area, a TV, and a coffee maker. Breakfast is available for an additional fee and is served continental style in the lobby dining area. Parking is available as well for an additional cost.
This is a fantastic Tampa hotel for anyone who wants to be within a two-minute walk of the Amalie Arena, where the Tampa Bay Lightning plays. The Tampa Convention Center is also across the street, and Sparkman’s Wharf is less than a 10-minute walk away. The hotel is located right on the Tampa River Walk.
Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel
Stay and shop in Tampa’s best shopping area at this incredible four-star hotel in Tampa.
The Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel is located in Tampa’s largest mall, International Plaza and Bay Street. Guests will have incredible stores and restaurants like Louis Vuitton, Dillards, and the Cheesecake Factory right on their front step. The hotel is also very close to the Tampa International Airport and provides guests a complimentary airport shuttle. It’s also only a 10-minute drive from Downtown and a five-minute drive from Raymond James Stadium, where the University of South Florida Bulls and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play. Free parking is also provided.
Inside, the hotel boasts a mid-century modern motif, with each room coming equipped with luxury bedding, a coffee maker, and a 55-inch flatscreen TV. After a day of shopping, guests can go swimming in the heated outdoor pool or enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot tub. There is also an on-site restaurant, bar, and fitness center.
Sailport Waterfront Suites
This fantastic resort-style hotel located on Old Tampa Bay is perfect for those who want to stay in a hotel that offers more homey accommodation.
Each room is equipped with a private balcony, free Wi-Fi, a full kitchen, and separate rooms for added privacy. Guests can enjoy various on-site activities during their stay, such as playing volleyball at the beach volleyball court, fishing off the private pier, or working out at the outdoor fitness center. The heated pool is right beside Big Bamboo Bayside, a bar and grill where guests can enjoy tropical cocktails and lunch without stepping foot outside the pool area. The hotel also boasts a minimarket near reception, free on-site parking, and an outdoor picnic area with barbecues.
Sailport Waterfront Suites is located right beside the Courtney Campbell Causeway, about a 15-minute drive from Downtown Tampa and a 30-minute drive from Clearwater Beach. There are plenty of restaurants nearby that are within walking distance, and Jet Ski rentals can be found just down the road.
The Westin Tampa Waterside
Located across the street from the Tampa Convention Center Downtown, this chic modern hotel is perfect for anyone visiting for a conference or an event in the city.
The Westin Tampa Waterside is located across the water from Downtown Tampa, offering fantastic views of Tampa Bay. The Tampa Convention Center is about a five-minute walk away, and Amalie Arena is just under a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Guests can enjoy beautiful waterfront meals from one of the restaurants next door or opt to eat in the hotel’s on-site restaurant. Tampa International Airport is roughly a 15-minute drive away, and Jet Ski rentals can be found right next door.
Inside, the hotel has a minimarket where guests can purchase snacks and other goods at their convenience. There is also a heated outdoor pool and a fitness center. Guests coming home from a long day can also opt to order room service and enjoy their meals from the comfort of their room. Each room comes equipped with a safe, a TV, and a desk, perfect for anyone planning on working remotely while on holiday.
Hotel Alba Tampa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
This pet-friendly hotel is perfect for anyone planning on visiting St. Petersburg Beach and Downtown Tampa during their trip.
The Hotel Alba Tampa is located just off of highway 275 before the Howard Frankland Bridge, which leads over Old Tampa Bay in St. Petersburg. Downtown Tampa and Raymond James Stadium are roughly a 15-minute drive away, and Tampa International Airport is about a five-minute drive away. Right next door to the hotel is the Westshore Plaza shopping center, where guests can shop in familiar stores like Macy’s, H&M, and Foot Locker.
Inside, the hotel has a sleek contemporary feel, and each room comes equipped with large picture windows, free Wi-Fi, USB port plugs, a TV, and a coffee maker. After a day of swimming in the heated pool, guests can enjoy a drink at the poolside bar or have a Spanish meal at the on-site restaurant, the Spaniard Restaurant and Bar. In the morning, grab a cup of coffee from the hotel’s Buffalo Bayou Coffee Shop and Café, and then head to the fitness center to get in some early morning cardio. There is also a games room for kids, and the bar broadcasts live sports games.
The CURRENT Hotel, Autograph Collection
If you are on the hunt for a hotel that is away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then the CURRENT Hotel is for you.
This gorgeous hotel is ideally located right beside the Courtney Campbell Causeway, offering fantastic access to Clearwater and Tampa International Airport. Downtown Tampa is roughly a 15-minute drive away, and Raymond James Stadium is about a 10-minute drive away. There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance, and guests can easily rent boats or Jet Skis nearby. Ben T. Davis Beach is only a 20-minute walk away.
Inside, the hotel boasts an upscale modern motif, and each room comes equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows, a desk, a TV, and stunning views of Old Tampa Bay. Guests can spend their days tanning beside the outdoor heated pool then head to the rooftop bar and restaurant to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset over the water. There is also a fantastic fitness center and a paid parking garage with an EV charger for those who are arriving in electric vehicles.
Hotel Haya
This chic, pet-friendly hotel is ideally located in the historic Ybor City, offering access to some of the city’s top nightlife and attractions.
Ybor City is a small district known for its Latin American roots and cigar-rolling shops. The area also boasts a ton of bars and clubs that come alive at night with local college students and tourists. Guests can easily get to Downtown Tampa via the free TECO streetcar or by driving five minutes. Tampa International Airport and Busch Gardens are roughly a 20-minute drive away.
The hotel offers nightly entertainment along with yoga classes and access to an outdoor heated pool, courtyard, and gardens. There is also a fitness center. After a day of tanning poolside, guests can enjoy a meal from one of the two on-site restaurants or walk 10 minutes down E 7th Avenue to the most famous restaurant in the area, the Columbian Restaurant. Each room is fitted with a desk, a safety deposit box, and a TV, as well as free Wi-Fi.
Floridan Palace Hotel, BW Premier Collection
This historic hotel, built in 1926, offers guests a step back in time with its Victorian vintage furnishings and elegant dining room. Guests can dress their finest then head to the Sapphire Room for nightly entertainment and a cocktail before making their way to the on-site fine dining restaurant, the Crystal Dining Room. For those planning on bringing their furry friends on vacation with them, the hotel is also pet-friendly.
In the rooms, guests will find gorgeous vintage wood-framed beds, along with free Wi-Fi, a desk, a TV, and an en suite bathroom with marble countertops. Guests have access to a fitness center and paid on-site parking.
This nice hotel in Tampa is ideally located on the edge of Downtown, about a five-minute walk from the Tampa Theater and a 10-minute walk from the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. The Amalie Arena is 20 minutes away on foot, and Tampa International Airport is about a 15-minute drive away.
Hampton Inn Tampa Downtown Channel District
Stay steps away from the cruise terminal and Downtown attractions at this fantastic pet-friendly Tampa hotel.
The Hampton Inn Tampa Downtown Channel District is ideally located just a 10-minute walk from the Florida Aquarium and Sparkman’s Wharf. The Tampa Convention Center and Amalie Arena are a 20-minute walk or a short transit ride away. Ybor City is a five-minute drive or a 20-minute walk away.
The hotel boasts an incredible rooftop space complete with a heated infinity pool and sun loungers. Guests also have access to a fitness center, a minimarket, a barbecue area, and a paid parking garage with an EV charger. Each room comes equipped with a microwave, a TV, and built-in bedside tables. Free Wi-Fi is also available. In the morning, guests can head downstairs to the Starbucks and grab a cup of coffee before starting the day.
This Tampa hotel is also ideal for those with disabilities as it offers signs in braille, low bathroom sinks, and a toilet with grab rails, and is completely wheelchair accessible.
Hyatt House Tampa Downtown
If you are wondering where to stay in Tampa that offers a modern motif and fantastic access to top attractions and that is pet-friendly as well, then look no further.
The Hyatt House Tampa Downtown is ideally located in the heart of Downtown, just three blocks from the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts and a five-minute walk from the Tampa Theater. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and the Tampa Firefighters Museum are less than a 10-minute walk away, and Amalie Arena is just over a 10-minute walk away. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to discover right on the hotel’s doorstep.
This stunning modern hotel boasts an incredible rooftop pool area with sprawling views of the city. Guests have access to a fitness center, a business center, and an on-site minimarket. After a day of swimming and lounging in the sun, they can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant or head to the bar for a refreshing cocktail. All of the rooms come equipped with free Wi-Fi, a coffee maker, and a Smart TV with access to streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus. Some of the rooms are equipped with a kitchenette, and parking is available for an additional fee.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Channel District
The Home2 Suites in the Channelside District is one of the best hotels in Downtown Tampa for those planning on catching a cruise.
This beautiful hotel offers soundproof rooms that are equipped with a microwave, a refrigerator, and a TV. Complimentary breakfast is included in the stay, or visitors can opt to head to the Starbucks next door. Guests can spend their days soaking in the Florida sun from the spacious rooftop pool area while taking in fantastic city views. The hotel also features a fitness center, an on-site restaurant, a barbecue area, and outdoor firepits. Paid parking is available nearby for an additional fee.
For those who have planned a cruise, the Port Tampa Bay Cruise Terminal 3 is only a 10-minute walk away. Other attractions within a 20-minute walking radius include the Florida Aquarium, the Tampa Bay History Center, and the Tampa Convention Center. Tampa International Airport is about 20 minutes away by car or an hour by public transit.
That brings our list of the best hotels in Tampa to an end. All you have to do is pick one and remember to pack sunscreen!
Editor’s Note: If you are on the hunt for a beach resort in Tampa, you won’t find one. You can, however, find beach resorts and hotels with beach and ocean access in St. Petersburg or Clearwater, both of which are located just across the bay from Tampa.
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