WHERE TO STAY IN TAMPA

If you are interested in where to stay in Tampa, you may also be interested in where to stay in Miami, where to stay in Orlando, where to stay in Ft. Lauderdale and where to stay in Key West.

Downtown, the best area to say in Tampa

First Time, sightseeing, Water Street, RiverWalk

If you want to experience all the sights and attractions that Tampa has to offer, a hotel based in the Downtown Tampa is the best place to stay. This area provides the gateway to the historical neighbourhoods of Ybor and Old Hyde Park, while also giving good access to public transport such as local buses, the streetcar and taxis. They will take you around the Downtown area and over to the historical neighbourhoods quickly and easily, making visiting all the different attractions a breeze. A renewal in Tampa’s historical and artistic scene has spurred a cultural revival throughout the area.

You can venture to the bottom of the ocean at the Florida Aquarium, which boasts more than 20,000 aquatic plants and animals from Florida and across the globe, and is one of Tampa’s top sights.

Dominating the Tampa skyline is the former Tampa Bay Hotel, a National Historic Landmark. This lavish Victorian palace with Moorish features was previously owned by business and railroad magnate Henry Plant and was turned into a museum in 1933 in order to tell the story of his life, his influence on the city and its role in the tourism industry.

You can also delve into Tampa’s compelling history at the Tampa Bay History Center and gain an insight into the area’s first native inhabitants, Spanish conquistadors and other historical figures who shaped the city’s history. There is also a reconstruction of a 1920s cigar store, in keeping with the city’s longstanding history of rolling cigars that ended during the Great Depression. The Cigar Factory is located in the Ybor area and at its height was rolling by hand more than 900,000 cigars per month.

A hip restaurant and bar scene has emerged in recent years, as well as a burgeoning craft beer scene that has come into its own, making it a perfect place to stay for foodies. You can taste it in Ybor and Old Hyde Park, the historical part of Downtown, which has both the first licensed brew-pub in Florida, the Tampa Bay Brewery Company and America’s oldest beer-brewer, the Yeungling Brewery.

As the sun sets, you’ll find that Tampa offers an intriguingly varied nightlife with no shortage of places to go for entertainment, whether you are searching for live music, performing arts, fine eateries or simply a movie, there is something for everyone. You can watch the sunset from the pier or Grand Hyatt rooftop, from where you can also admire the stunning feat of engineering that has gone into the Sunshine Skyway bridge. This sleek 12-mile long highway “on stilts” has its middle suspended by giant pylons in order to let enormous cargo ships pass through.

If you´re staying here, there are many restaurants in the area to go for dinner and post dinner activities could include hitting some of Tampa’s major hot spots to see a band at one of the many live music venues. Alternatively, you could catch a movie at the wonderfully atmospheric Tampa Theatre built in 1926.

Hotels in Downtown Tampa

Other areas to stay in Tampa

Ybor City

Nightlife

A National Historic Landmark District, Ybor City, once the home of Cuban immigrants who started up cigar manufacturing factories, is well-known for its rich culture and spectacular nightlife. Whatever after-hours scene you’re looking to find, this place will deliver. From dive bars to high-end clubs, Ybor City has it all!

Tampa is well-known for its craft beer, and if you are looking for a sample head to the Tampa Bay Brewing Company. This is a popular restaurant as well as a bar that has a great selection of in-house beers. If you want to dance into the early hours of the morning, then Filthy Richard in the Ritz is the place to be. Every Friday night they host the area's most popular dance party! Ybor City isn’t all clubs, pubs, and bars either, finish your epic night by getting a tattoo or enjoying some late-night pizza.

Hotels in Ybor City

Westshore

Buccaneers game, close to the airport, shopping

The Westshore area is located close to the airport centred around the Westshore Boulevard, so it´s a convenient place to stay. It is the main business and commercial district, and where the city’s best shopping can be found. You can satisfy any retail cravings at the Westshore Shopping Mall, International Plaza and Bay Street as you browse for homewares, fashion and accessories in upmarket boutiques and gleaming stores that will meet all your shopping needs.

The area is also the home to more than 200 restaurants and vast food courts. Westshore area is in a handy location for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Steinbrenner Field, the spring training home of the New York Yankees, and Downtown Tampa is a 15-minute cab ride from Westshore.

Hotels in Westshore

Temple Terrace

Busch Gardens, families with kids

Away from the pulse of downtown, lies the charming suburb of Temple Terrace, which is a great alternative area to stay in. The area is also known as Tampa’s most beautiful suburb. The Hillsborough River peacefully meanders through wide open park areas, while historical mansions that date back to the 1920s sit along tree-lined streets. This calm green oasis bestows a small laid-back town atmosphere, earning Tampa the accolade of fifth best outdoor city in the US.

It is the perfect jumping off point to immerse yourself in Africa at the Busch Gardens adventure park, a gargantuan African-themed family theme park that is home to more than 12,000 animals, award-winning roller coasters, world-class entertainment and live shows that are perfect for family entertainment.

Hotels in Temple Terrace

Tampa Bay Harbor/ Rocky Point

Sea views, close to the airport, Amalie Arena

Coastal lovers will be in their element in Tampa Bay Harbor! It really does epitomize Florida’s beautiful coastline and is the best place to stay for those who love a sea view. Indeed, there are many hotels and inns available all along this coastal stretch, with panoramic sea views and great facilities. Within Tampa Bay, Rocky point is a particularly ideal place to stay. It has some of Florida’s most pristine white-sanded beaches and is a very short distance for Tampa’s airport.

As well as swimming in the warm sea and sunbathing on the beaches in Tampa Bay, cultural travelers can find plenty to do here. There are museums and art galleries aplenty, and even an aquarium. After a day of sunbathing or sightseeing, you can enjoy a nice meal at one of the many seafront restaurants located here. Food and drink is great, and the sunsets are spectacular!

Hotels in Tampa Bay Harbor

Staying at the Beaches Near Tampa

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach is only 25 miles and a 40-minute drive from downtown Tampa. This beach has pure white sand and beautiful, turquoise, shallow waters, making it an ideal place to stay for families! There are plenty of hotels to choose from right on the sand, as well as some fantastic resorts like the Sheraton Sand Key Resort which has huge outdoor pools perfect for kids, or smaller more romantic places for couples.

When you’re finished lounging on the beach, head to Pier 60 for handcrafted souvenirs, delicious drinks and snacks, and nighttime entertainment!

Hotels in Clearwater Beach

St. Pete Beach

St. Pete Beach is 29 miles and 37 minutes away by car from downtown Tampa. This area has world-class beaches and is home to the historical and famous Don CeSar resort. With an average of 361 days of sunshine a year, spend your vacation on the sandy white beaches and azure blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Aside from the amazing beaches, another reason to visit St. Pete Beach is the Dali Museum which has an extensive collection of works by Salvador Dali. There is a range of great beach hotels and resorts here, including the Hilton Garden Inn and the Coconut Inn.

Hotels in St. Pete Beach