Tampa offers sports, culture, and chic urban life on Florida’s gulf shores with white sand beach not far away. Catch NFL, MLB, and NHL games, check out the Waterfront Arts District, visit the Tampa Museum of Art or Tampa Bay History Center, stroll along the Riverwalk. In Ybor City, there is the Tampa Baseball Museum or hit Gasworx redevelopment anchoring downtown. The top suites of Tampa are the subject of this week’s issue.
1. The Tampa Edition
2. Epicurean
3. JW Marriott Tampa Water Street
4. Grand Hyatt Tampa
5. Le Meridien Tampa
6. The Don CeSar
1. The Tampa Edition
Forbes Travel Guide writes, “A new hot spot arrived in Tampa with the opening of The Tampa Edition, a welcome addition to the Gulf Coast city. The new-build luxury hotel debuted in October 2022 in Water Street Tampa, the world’s first WELL-certified community that embraces wellbeing and sustainability. The $3.5 billion, 56-acre urban development project is a game changer for the city — it doubles downtown’s footprint with offices, shops, cultural attractions, entertainment venues, residences and restaurants near the waterfront. The 26-story building houses 172 guest rooms and suites, 38 exclusive residences, restaurants overseen by a well-regarded chef and nearly 6,000 flexible square feet of meeting space. There’s also an expansive rooftop terrace and pool deck, the first of its kind in the city.
The Penthouse
Apart from its large private bedroom, the 1,800-sq.ft. residential Penthouse Suite features a spacious separate living room and half-bath, a dining room with an oak table, and a full kitchenette with its own service entrance. Unparalleled 180 degree views of Tampa Bay, Channelside, and the city skyline can be seen from every corner of this suite.
More suites at The Tampa Edition.
2. Epicurean
The Telegraph reports, “In a city with a major foodie culture, The Epicurean is a true culinary haven. The boutique hotel celebrates indulgence, from check-in at your car door to food-and-wine themed décor, in-room ‘pantries’ of selected goodies and a unique celebrity-chef style show kitchen featuring demonstrations, classes and more. In the heart of Tampa’s trendy South Howard – or SoHo – district, it is within walking distance of shops, bars, nightclubs and restaurants, including the city’s headline steakhouse, Bern’s, which is right across the road. It is just a few blocks from America’s longest continuous pavement, Bayshore Boulevard, with its four and a half miles of historic homes, marina and great waterfront views of the city.
Historic Suite
The 858-sq.ft. Historic Suite is the largest at the hotel.
More suites at Epicurean.
3. JW Marriott Tampa Water Street
Forbes Travel Guide says, “Soaring 27 stories into the Florida sky, it serves as an anchor of Water Street Tampa, the world’s first WELL-certified community that embraces well-being and sustainability. The opening of JW Marriott Tampa Water Street in 2021 marked the 100th JW Marriott property worldwide. Inside the stunningly designed building that is simultaneously chic, warm and inviting, each of the 519 guest rooms features floor-to-ceiling windows that provide uninterrupted views of the city skyline, Tampa Bay and Amalie Arena, home to the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning and a host of concerts and other events. Once settled, take advantage of the hotel’s myriad amenities, like two sixth-floor resort-style pools with cabanas, Spa by JW, six dining options and 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, including the awe-inspiring Skybox, a glass-enclosed floating conference room suspended over the atrium lobby. The pièce de resistance is the hotel’s new rooftop bar, opened in the fall of 2023 as the second-highest rooftop bar in Florida.”
Presidential Suite
The Presidential Suite spans 2,230-sq.ft. features a full dining area, living parlor, private 1,000-sq.ft. balcony, and more.
More suites at JW Marriott Tampa Water Street.
4. Grand Hyatt Tampa
The Telegraph reports, “One of Tampa’s flagship hotels, with a strong focus on business travelers but with plenty for holidaymakers to enjoy. Surrounded by wetlands recognised by the Audubon Society it is supremely serene, yet also convenient for access to Tampa’s many attractions. The tower building in this split-facilities resort is office-like at first glance, but the interior gives way to a refined ambience. The lobby’s contemporary styling provides dozens of intimate seating areas, plus a communal table with power points for business meetups. A popular lobby bar adds to the gathering space. Further into the preserve are laid-back Casitas, with single-story suites and two-story mini villas.”
Bay View Presidential Suite
The 1,300-sq.ft. suite features panoramic views of the bay through expansive windows, separate living and dining spaces, a wet bar with a half-size refrigerator, and a large bedroom with a king bed, and a bathroom with a separate tub, double sinks and a glass-enclosed shower. This suite can connect to a bay view room with two double beds.
More suites at Grand Hyatt Tampa.
5. Le Meridien Tampa
Le Méridien began life as a federal courthouse over 100 years ago. Now it’s a modern hotel with a Four-Diamond rating, set amid Tampa’s bustling city centre. Spend the night in a judge’s private office, a famed courtroom or in one of the world’s most comfortable holding cells. Each room has its own quirky character. Located in the heart of downtown Tampa, five blocks from the Riverwalk, close to the Arts District and the historic Henry Plant Museum. Ybor City, just two miles (3km) away, highlights the area’s cigar-making history and proud Cuban heritage. The hotel is just one mile from Tampa Cruise Port for pre- or post-cruise stays, nine miles (14km) from Tampa Airport and one from the popular Florida Aquarium.
Studio Suites
The Studio Suites span 656-sq.ft.
More suites at Le Meridien Tampa.
6. The Don CeSar
Five Star Alliance writes, “Known as the Pink Palace for its distinct color and magnificent architecture, The Don CeSar was named the Best Historic Hotel of America for 2015. This world-class hotel with charming history was built in 1928 and is designed to provide both comfort and value. St Pete Beach’s only Four-Diamond hotel, a repeat winner for over 30 years. Located directly on award-winning powder white sand beach, this iconic resort offers barefoot elegance for families, honeymooners and everyone who wishes to spend their vacations being treated like royalty. Find your bliss in the 11,000-square-foot Spa Oceana or indulge in award-winning cuisine at The Maritana Grille.”
Bayside Penthouse
The penthouse features three bedrooms — a primary suite with king bed, a second bedroom with queen bed, and a third bedroom with two double beds — and 3.5 bathrooms (one with roll-in shower). The spacious living room is great for relaxing, and meals are made easy with a dining table and kitchenette with fridge, stove, and microwave.
More suites at The Don Cesar.
