Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best hotels in Tampa Bay, Florida, featuring detailed insights on location, rooms & suites, food & drink offerings, amenities, and proximity to Tampa International Airport (TPA).

Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection

Situated in South Tampa’s vibrant Hyde Park district (1207 S Howard Ave), steps from Bayshore, boutique shops, and dining, this Four-Diamond property is a foodie’s dream.

Rooms & Suites at Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection

188 contemporary rooms and suites feature butcher-block cabinetry, rain showers, artisan pantries stocked with premium liquors, local beers, wines, coffee, and snacks. Suites include kitchenettes and spacious living areas.

Food & Drinks

– Élevage: On-site restaurant offering elevated cuisine and global wine list.
– Edge Rooftop Bar: Panoramic city views, tapas, and cocktails.
– Chocolate Pi Pâtisserie: Pastries and coffee.
– Cooking classes and mixology experiences are offered in the hotel’s culinary theater.

Amenities

Outdoor pool, spa (appointment-only), fitness center, event space, concierge, bicycle rentals, EV charging, valet parking.

Distance to Airport

7.4 miles (~15 min) from TPA. Shuttle service via request; no direct airport shuttle.

JW Marriott Tampa Water Street

Location

Nestled within Water Street Tampa—a revitalized waterfront district with restaurants, art installations, and the Riverwalk—this 5-star property is steps from Amalie Arena & Tampa Convention Center.

Rooms & Suites

With 750 rooms in a 27-story tower, rooms are modern and well-appointed. Suites and corner rooms offer Tampa Bay or Riverwalk views. Bedside tables aren’t available, but guests praise their comfort .

Food & Drinks at JW Marriott Tampa Water Street

– Beacon Rooftop Bar: On the 27th floor with sweeping views of downtown.
– Multiple dining venues within the hotel and surrounding Water Street district, including Lona by Richard Sandoval and Lilac at the edition tower.

Amenities

Rooftop pool deck, spa services, fitness center, event space, valet parking. Connected to the wellness-focused Water Street neighborhood.

Distance to Airport

Approximately 7 miles (12–15 minutes) from TPA.

Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay

Situated on 35 acres alongside a mangrove preserve on Tampa Bay’s edge, it balances natural serenity with easy downtown access via causeway.

Rooms & Suites at Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay

Comfortable, nature-inspired rooms; many offer bay views. Cheaper than downtown; praised for value.

Food & Drinks

On-site dining includes Armani’s restaurant (not to be confused with the brand) alongside casual poolside and bayfront dining.

Amenities

Two outdoor pools, fitness center, spa services, nature trails, event space. Recognized for trading tranquility for resort-style ambience.

Distance to Airport

6 miles (~12 min) from TPA.

Le Méridien Tampa

Located in downtown Tampa, housed in a historic courthouse building near the Riverwalk and theatre district.

Rooms & Suites

Combines modern elegance with historic touches. Rooms are well-appointed; original high ceilings retained in some historic suites.

Food & Drinks at Le Méridien Tampa

– Bizou Brasserie: French-inspired cuisine.
– Lobby bar and occasional events in the courthouse’s restored spaces.

Amenities

Fitness center, meeting spaces, harnessing historic ambiance. Easter ceiling and courthouse aesthetics preserved.

Distance to Airport

Approximately 7 miles from TPA.

 Hotel Flor Tampa Downtown (Hilton Tapestry)

Location

Historic downtown gem at 905 N Florida Ave, originally built in 1926. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Rooms & Suites

213 rooms (originally 316 smaller ones), including 15 suites and 3 penthouses. Heritage architecture now features modern comforts.

Food & Drinks

– The Dan: Speakeasy-style bar.
– Cass Street Coffee: Grab-and-go.
– Crystal Dining Room: Restored and open for meals.

Amenities at Hotel Flor Tampa Downtown

Ballroom, bar, fitness center, free Wi-Fi—all wrapped in historic detail.

Distance to Airport

~7 miles from TPA.

The Tampa EDITION

Location

Also in Water Street Tampa, this is the city’s first true five-star experience, surrounded by river-side parks, nightlife, and public art.

Rooms & Suites

Sleek, modern rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, premium bedding, and high-end finishes. Suites offer separate living space and upgraded amenities.

Food & Drinks

– Punch Room: Jewel-toned cocktail lounge.
– Lilac: Michelin-starred Mediterranean restaurant by Chef John Fraser.
– Spa and dining experiences aligned with Edition brand luxury.

Amenities at Tampa EDITION

Rooftop pool, fitness & wellness programs, spa, signature nightlife venues, and curated local activities.

Distance to Airport

About 7 miles from TPA.

  Choosing Your Tampa Bay Stay

Experience

Luxury waterfront residences

Food-focused boutique

High‑end, city‑center living

Resort-style, natural setting

Historic downtown elegance

Meetings, conventions

Best Hotel(s)

Ritz‑Carlton Residences

Epicurean Hotel

JW Marriott Tampa Water Street & Tampa EDITION

Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay

Le Méridien & Hotel Flor (Tapestry)

Tampa Marriott Waterside

Each of these eight properties offers a distinct Tampa Bay experience—from boutique charcuterie-packed pantries and Michelin-starred Michelin moments, to serene bayfront greenery and historic urban architecture.