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And for an extensive guide on where to stay in Tampa, including my top hotel picks, read my detailed article.
Where to Stay in Tampa: My Selection of the Best Accommodations
Wondering where to stay in Tampa? Looking for the best areas and districts?
You’re at the right place!
As I know Tampa very well, I have created this guide of:
- Tampa’s best areas for your stay (with details about the best places to visit and nearby attractions)
- For each area and district, the best hotels depending on your budget
Let’s find your dream hotel now!
My favorite hotels in Tampa
Here’s a quick summary of my favorite hotels in Tampa, in case you don’t have time to read my detailed article.
Simply click on the hotel names in orange to access details and rates:
- Where to stay in Tampa for the first time: Hyatt Place Tampa Downtown, located in the city center.
- Where to stay in Tampa close to the beach: Opal Sands, in Clearwater Beach (30 mins from Tampa)
- Best 5-star hotel in Tampa: The Tampa EDITION, in the Downtown area.
- Where to stay in Tampa on a budget: Hotel South Tampa & Suites or The Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk (more expensive but downtown district!)
- Where to stay in Tampa with family: Home2 Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Channel District
- Where to stay in Tampa near the airport: Hyatt House Tampa Airport/Westshore
- My favorite hotel in Tampa for a romantic stay: Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection or Opal Sands if you want a beach holiday.
In Downtown Tampa
Downtown district, the heart of Tampa, blends modern skyscrapers with cultural venues and beautiful green spaces along the waterfront.
There, you can find museums, theaters, and a fantastic dining scene, all connected by the Tampa Riverwalk.
It’s the best area for a first time stay, as you will be able to easily discover most of the city’s must-see attractions on foot.
You should stay in this district if you want:
- To be right in the heart of the city
- To explore many top attractions easily on foot or by the streetcar.
- If you love a lively atmosphere, with a great selection of restaurants, rooftop bars, and parks.
- For a culture-filled trip.
This is the perfect area to see:
- Tampa Riverwalk, a 2.6-mile pedestrian path along the Hillsborough River connecting parks, restaurants, and museums.
- The Florida Aquarium, a large-scale aquarium featuring thousands of sea creatures and aquatic life.
- Sparkman Wharf, an outdoor food hall with live music and views of the channel.
- Amalie Arena, home to the Tampa Bay Lightning NHL team
- Tampa Museum of Art and Glazer Children’s Museum, located in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
- Straz Center for the Performing Arts, offering a wide range of performances from Broadway shows to opera.
- Tampa Bay History Center
Where to Stay in Downtown Tampa?
- Hampton Inn Tampa Downtown Channel District: In the heart of the Channel District. Modern and clean double rooms from 160€, breakfast included. Strong points: rooftop pool, location close to the cruise port and Amalie Arena, friendly staff.
- Hyatt Place Tampa Downtown: Centrally located. Modern, spacious double rooms starting at 240€, breakfast included. Strong points: outdoor pool, excellent location for exploring, and very friendly staff. A great choice for its excellent value for money in Downtown Tampa.
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center: Connected to the convention center. Large suites from 250€, with complimentary breakfast and evening reception. Strong points: beautiful views, an outdoor pool, and direct access to the Riverwalk.
- JW Marriott Tampa Water Street: This 5-star hotel offers luxury and sophistication. Stylish rooms with water views from 480€. Strong points: multiple rooftop pools with cabanas, a world-class spa, several dining options, and impeccable service.
- The Tampa EDITION: Located in the new Water Street neighborhood. Sophisticated, chic rooms starting from 550€, breakfast at 30€. Strong points: luxurious design, a stunning rooftop pool, and seven unique restaurants and bars. This is simply the best luxury hotel in Tampa!
In Ybor City District
Ybor City, a National Historic Landmark District just northeast of downtown, is known for its rich history as the “Cigar Capital of the World”.
Founded by immigrants from Cuba, Spain, and Italy, the district’s brick streets and historic buildings now house a mix of restaurants, bars, and shops with a unique, eclectic atmosphere.
You should really stay in Ybor City if you want:
- If you’re looking for a genuine local experience, with a strong cultural identity.
- If you love enjoying the nightlife, as 7th Avenue is the epicenter of bars and clubs in Tampa.
This district is perfect to discover:
- 7th Avenue, recognized as one of the “Great Streets in America,” famous for its nightlife, cigar shops, and restaurants.
- Columbia Restaurant, Florida’s oldest restaurant, serving Spanish and Cuban cuisine since 1905.
- Ybor City Museum State Park, where you can learn about the history of the cigar industry
- The TECO Line Streetcar System, a fun and convenient way to travel between Ybor City, the Channel District, and Downtown.
- The free-roaming chickens, descendants of the flocks kept by the area’s earliest residents.
Here are my favorite hotels in Ybor City district
- Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa/Ybor City/Downtown: Just steps from 7th Avenue. Comfortable double room from 150€, breakfast included. Strong points: outdoor pool, free parking, perfect location for nightlife.
- Hotel Haya: In the heart of Ybor. Stylish and modern double rooms from 220€, breakfast for a fee. Strong points: a vibrant courtyard pool, excellent on-site restaurant, and beautiful design. Excellent value for money!
Clearwater Beach, the Best Beach near Tampa
While not exactly in Tampa, Clearwater Beach is the city’s go-to seaside destination, famous for its white sand and calm, shallow waters.
Just a 30-40 minute drive from downtown, it’s the perfect spot to combine a city holiday with a beach getaway!
You can stay in Clearwater Beach:
- If you want to enjoy the beach during your stay, and still be able to visit Tampa’s attractions.
- For a family holiday, as the beach and its calm surf are ideal for children.
- For a relaxing vacation, with a laid-back beach town vibe.
- If you’re active or love water sports, Clearwater Beach is perfect for parasailing, jet skiing, or dolphin-watching tours.
Best things to see and do around Clearwater Beach:
- Clearwater Beach, consistently ranked among the best beaches in the U.S.
- Pier 60, a fishing pier that hosts a nightly sunset festival with street performers and artisans.
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a rescue and rehabilitation center for marine life.
- Sand Key Park, a quieter park and beach area with nature trails just south of the main beach.
- Dolphin-watching cruises, one of the most popular activities in the area.
The Best Hotels to Stay Near Tampa’s Best Beach
- Devon Shores: Located just a minute’s walk from Clearwater Beach. Double rooms from 160€, studio with kitchen from 200€. Strong points: outdoor pool, excellent location near the beach. A perfect choice for a budget stay in Clearwater!
- Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach: Overlooking the beach and marina. Modern double rooms from 300€. Strong points: beautiful pool, full-service spa, excellent location near Pier 60.
- Opal Sands: A modern luxury resort directly on the beach. Spacious, beautifully decorated double rooms from 450€, all with private balconies and Gulf views. Strong points: the beautiful swimming pool, on-site spa, and incredible views from every room. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay near the beach!
Where to Stay in Tampa on a Budget
If you’re traveling on a budget, here are a few great hotels for a stay in Tampa without spending too much:
- Hotel South Tampa & Suites: Just a 10-minute drive from downtown. Simple, clean double rooms from 80€, with breakfast included. Strong points: outdoor pool, free parking, convenient location for the airport and stadium. A great budget-friendly option for those traveling by car.
- Quality Inn & Suites Tampa-Ybor City: Located between Ybor City and the casino. Double room from 90€, breakfast included. Strong points: outdoor pool, free parking, very good value. This is definitely a great choice if you want to stay in Tampa for cheap.
- La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Tampa Near Busch Gardens: Close to the theme parks. Clean double room from 100€, breakfast included. Strong points: outdoor pool, pet-friendly, good for families visiting Busch Gardens or those looking for a budget stay in Tampa.
- The Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk: On the north end of the Riverwalk. Comfortable room from 135€. Strong points: Excellent location for the price, outdoor pool, shuttle service to nearby attractions. Simply the best place to stay in Tampa city center on a budget!
Where to Stay in Tampa with Family
- The Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk The Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk: The same hotel I mentioned just above also offers family rooms with two queen-size double beds are available from 160€. Strong points: outdoor pool, excellent location for exploring the city center on foot, spacious rooms. Perfect to visit Tampa with your family without breaking the bank!
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Channel District: Located in the Channel District. Modern suites with kitchenettes from 200€, breakfast included. Strong points: rooftop pool, spacious rooms for families, close to the aquarium and Sparkman Wharf.
- Hyatt House Tampa Airport/Westshore: Near the airport and Westshore Plaza. Family suites with separate living areas from 180€, breakfast included. Strong points: outdoor pool, free airport shuttle, full kitchens in rooms.
- Le Méridien Tampa: Housed in a beautifully restored historic federal courthouse downtown. Elegant rooms with two queen-size beds start from 310€. Strong points: unique and historic building, indoor pool, central location perfect for sightseeing, helpful staff. My favorite hotel for a high-end family stay in Tampa!
What is the best hotel in Tampa?
If you are looking for the best hotel in Tampa, I recommend you the The Tampa EDITION, or the Opal Sands if you’re looking for a beach holiday.
And if you’re looking for something a little more affordable but still luxurious, you should book a night or more at JW Marriott Tampa Water Street.
Where to stay in Tampa: The best hotels
To give you a better overview of the best hotels in Tampa, whether in the city center or elsewhere, I’ve prepared a table summarizing all the ones I talk about in this article.
You can sort them by price or by district!
