36 Best Hotels in The Tampa Bay Area, Florida

The Pink Palace, as it's called thanks to its paint job, is a storied resort and Gulf Coast architectural landmark, with exterior and public areas exuding turn-of-the-20th-century elegance. Ditto for the rooms. The staff is known for friendly old-world service. The Don once was a favorite of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Babe Ruth, and Clarence Darrow. Maritana Grille is the hotel's deservedly popular restaurant, which specializes in Florida seafood and is lined with huge fish tanks. The new Society Table restaurant serves coastal fare all day, offering both indoor and outdoor seating. Ghost hunters may be interested in knowing that Thomas Rowe, who built this Roaring '20s–era hotel, is said to have come back after death to meet his beloved; some guests and staff swear they see the couple occasionally having a rendezvous in the garden (more romantic than spooky); others say Rowe appears in corridors and rooms.

Brought to you in part by the people behind Bern's Steak House across the street, this vibrant, cuisine-centric installment of Marriott's Autograph Collection hotels is an absolute must for foodies. Food and wine inspire everything—butcher-block tables line walls in the rooms, minibars are stocked with high-end snacks and beverages (mind the prices!), and guests can take part in world-class cooking and cocktail-making courses at the Epicurean Theatre. The Élevage restaurant serves classic dishes reimagined with a modern twist, and the Edge rooftop bar offers intelligent beverage options. Little Midway, an ice-cream parlor and pastry shop, and a wineshop courtesy of Bern's are also on-site.

On the edge of downtown, a short walk (or free shuttle ride) from all the excitement, this chicly renovated 1933 property doesn't skimp on vintage charm. Many of the rooms have their original hardwood floors and bathtubs (refurbished, of course). Other big draws include its trendy restaurant and taproom, which features live music and a popular Sunday trivia night (arrive early to sign up—hotel guests get five free points), and its courtyard pool deck/bar, which hops on weekends.

Set in the heart of Ybor City, this boutique hotel blends contemporary styling and comforts with traditional elements that acknowledge the area's Spanish, Italian, and Cuban roots. Nods to history include exposed brick, preserved reproductions of works by Spanish painter Francisco Goya that were uncovered during construction, and lighting that evokes the district’s streetlights. The upscale Flor Fina Mediterranean restaurant and the casual Café Quiquiriqui are among the on-site dining options. You can also order boozy ice-pops and cocktails by the pool, or venture into the neighborhood to experience nearby J.C. Newman Cigar Company or the Ybor City Saturday Market.

Many of the cottages at this warm, affordable, pet-friendly resort—named for the sea-turtle nesting site across the street along Sarasota Bay—date from the 1940s, a romantic plus for yesteryear lovers. Some units have courtyards, and those on the bay side have the best view; only 10 of the cottages allow children and pets. The grounds are private, shielded by high wooden fences and palms, bougainvilleas, and other tropical foliage. If you really want to escape, use one of the resort's canoes or kayaks to paddle a short distance south to a beach dotted with sand dunes and sea oats.

Thoughtful renovations throughout have preserved the glamour of yesteryear at the luxurious Vinoy, which opened in 1925 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. A stay here includes access to an expansive marina, pool attendants who can keep you well-fed and hydrated while you sunbathe, and a Ron Garl–designed golf course with a stunning clubhouse. Although the beaches are 15 or 20 minutes away, the Vinoy is within walking distance of Beach Drive and attractions such as the Museum of Fine Arts and the Dalí Museum, as well as shops and restaurants. It's worth spending a little more to enjoy fantastic views from a bayside room.

This carefully designed eight-story hotel brings much-needed additional accommodations to the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. The rooftop bar offers stunning waterfront views and a look at city life down below. The hotel is also home to the popular modern Italian restaurant, OLIVIA. Pet parents will be excited to know their furry friends are welcome to join them for a fee. Overnight valet parking can be pricey—the only option at the hotel—but parking is at a premium downtown, and overnight options are difficult to find.

Right on the Hillsborough River and close to some of Tampa's best restaurants and entertainment venues, this high-rise used to be a bank but is now a boutique chain hotel with sweeping Downtown and water views, local art in the lobby, and a homeyness that makes it seem more like a locally owned property. Business travelers appreciate the generous workspaces and gadget-friendly furnishings, but the pool, access to the Riverwalk, and closeness to nightlife make it a good choice for leisure travelers, too. There are also kid-friendly amenities here, and the whole hotel is pet-friendly; dogs up to 40 pounds are given a bed, bowl, treats, and toys.

Part hotel, part art gallery, Art Ovation stands out among the city’s luxury hotels with several rotating exhibits and a location in the heart of downtown. The hotel showcases a variety of styles, genres, and artistic experiences for guests and visitors. You’ll often find musical acts and other performances entertaining in the lobby, as well, and the artist’s studio features visiting creatives who share their process and their passion. The year-round rooftop pool and bar offers gorgeous panoramic downtown views.

Set in an updated 1930s building and featuring colorful, Art Deco–inspired decor, the artsy Avalon is a good fit for this creative city. Although it's within walking distance of everything—from the waterfront and chic Beach Drive to the vibrant Pier District and Downtown bars, restaurants, and shops—the hotel's free transfer service will take you just about anywhere you want to go.

Few things are as emblematic of Beach Drive's renaissance as this boutique hotel, which, like many of Downtown's best attractions, seamlessly blends old and new. The former apartment building's 1924 facade was lovingly restored by developer Chuck Prather, who also dramatically renovated its interior with eclectic decor and furnishings—guest bathrooms, for instance, have both European claw-foot bathtubs and modern, glass-door rain-head showers. Most rooms also have stately canopy beds, and some rooms overlook Beach Drive and Downtown's banyan-dotted waterfront parks. Everyone can enjoy fantastic views from Canopy, the überhip nightspot, and the ground-floor Birch & Vine restaurant has had local foodies buzzing since it opened.

This circa-1947, Caribbean colonial–style property—more of a condominium property than a hotel—is across from the beach and is a community within itself. Three buildings accommodate guests: The Royal Palm, the Sabal Palm Building, and the Queen Palm offer a range of options, from townhomes to studio suites and "apartos." Part of the charm is the brick walkway to the long, historic pier to various restaurants and quaint attractions.

Near the airport and overlooking the Courtney Campbell Causeway, the Grand Hyatt has a lot to offer, including a peaceful trail through surrounding mangroves, a fantastic fitness center, and a shuttle to the airport and the nearby upscale mall. The decor is understated and classy, and, since the hotel caters to business travelers, rooms are equipped to accommodate gadgets. Amenities also include stellar dining options such as Oystercatchers, a waterfront seafood eatery, and the lobby-level 1823 Kitchen & Bar, which serves locally inspired dishes.

This marquee property has a look that is clean and modern yet still has a Clearwater Beach vibe, and staying here is a little less pricey than you might expect. The casual-chic lobby and bar offer excellent views of the beach and pool, and the rooms have a crisp, tailored feel. One of the on-site restaurants, Spotted Donkey Cantina, is a good bet for Mexican fare. This hotel is also right next to Clearwater Beach's revered Pier 60, which offers nightly sunset celebrations replete with performers and local artisans. Parking is ample.

Staying at this chain hotel across from Centro Ybor means you can walk to the historic district's many restaurants, attractions, and nightspots. There is an on-site restaurant that serves breakfast, but be sure to have at least one morning meal—perhaps with a café cubano or café con leche and a slice of Cuban bread slathered in butter—at a local spot.

An excellent choice for a romantic getaway, this relative newcomer offers modern rooms with a flamenco twist—you may think you've been swept away to a luxurious Spanish villa. It's just across Gulf Boulevard, so not directly on the beach, but you can still catch the sunset from your room (from the balcony of your room if you are lucky enough to have one), or you can head up to the rooftop bar. Furnishings in both the rooms and common areas have a clean Mediterranean feel, but painted flamenco dancers adorn the wall throughout. Amenities include a fitness center and a chic poolside lounge. The restaurant, Castile, is also a big draw here.

One of the more recent additions to the Clearwater Beach skyline, this upscale resort towers above almost everything else in the immediate area, both in terms of height and luxury. Suites have marble countertops, balconies offering sweeping views (of the Gulf or Intracoastal Waterway), and stylish furnishings. The eighth-floor pool deck, which has a bar, is a popular spot for locals and guests alike when the sun sets. The enormous full-service spa is also notable.

A massive pool complex with a 15-foot waterfall, two winding waterslides, and a sandy waterfront are part of the allure of this sprawling resort, but it may be the 72 holes of golf, including the challenging Copperhead course, that are the real draw. Bald eagles and herons are sometimes seen on the grounds, which are beautifully maintained. Guest suites are in 24 two- and three-story lodges tucked among the trees between golf courses. Some of the roomy suites have balconies or patios. Innisbrook has enough restaurants and lounges to make it self-contained, though there are other dining options in the area.

Opened in 2020, this luxurious business-oriented hotel calls busy downtown Tampa home, putting its sophisticated and modern accommodations just steps away from a number of popular destinations, including the Tampa Convention Center, Tampa Riverwalk, and Amalie Arena. The hotel is also connected to its sister property, the nearby Tampa Marriott Water Street; between the two, they offer more than 150,000 square feet of meeting space that can accommodate any event. Additionally, its stunning cityscape and riverfront views are to-die-for. Other amenities include several dining options, two sparkling swimming pools, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

A meticulous renovation transformed a marble-adorned, circa-1905 federal courthouse into a boutique hotel where your sleek room might have formerly been a holding cell or a prosecutor's office. The on-site restaurant, Sal Rosa, offers Caribbean-inspired fare. Other amenities include a pool and a fitness center. 

In addition to superb Gulf views from many of its rooms and suites, this stylish resort has two free-form pools and three hot tubs, all facing a beautiful stretch of beach. The smallest rooms in the Tiki Tower have a kitchenette with microwave, mini-fridge, and sink, while Palm Tower rooms have more elaborate kitchens with cooktops, dishwashers, and full-size refrigerators. There are two restaurants and a bar on-site. While the resort is pet-friendly, the per-night add-on is expensive. Rates are fairly expensive for a property that is nice but not nearly as luxurious as other resorts that give you access to more amenities such as a golf course or spa.

If you're looking for upscale digs on low-key Anna Maria Island, you'll find them at this small, amenity-laden complex. Half the units here have two bedrooms, the others have three, and all have full kitchens with granite countertops as well as the latest appliances. The complex wraps around a large courtyard with a pool and a hot tub. All rooms have a balcony; all are also just steps from the beach. Beach Bistro is just across the parking lot. And though the shopping and dining on Pine Avenue isn't exactly a quick walk (it's a couple of miles north), a free beach trolley will get you where you need to go. Vacancies are scarce during high season, so book early.

Exuding true old Florida charm, this resort on the Homosassa River has a marina with boat and scuba-equipment rentals, a restaurant and bar that overlook the water, and an island where monkeys cavort in the trees (don't go near them, they bite!). Resort grounds cover 9 acres of semitropical forest along the riverfront, where ducks and other waterfowl are common.

Located in the vibrant Edge District, just blocks from downtown St. Petersburg, this stylish new hotel offers bold, modern accommodations for visitors to the city, though the minimalist aesthetic may not be to everyone's taste. Don’t miss the views from the Sparrow rooftop bar, and be sure to grab a drink at Bar Moxy, located in the heart of the hotel. Live music plays in the lobby every Friday and Saturday night.

There is debate about what attracts more guests to this spectacularly landscaped property—the 45 holes of challenging golf, the 20-court Tennis Gardens facility, or the 291-slip marina. It could also be the Island House Spa or the delicious dinner in the resort's Sand's Pointe, one of six on-site restaurants. Water is the test on both golf courses, which have excellent pro shops. Stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and bicycles are available. All rooms have balconies overlooking the golf course, the beach, or the private lagoon where manatees and dolphins are occasionally spotted. Golf and dining facilities are for guests and members only.

Marble-floor hallways are softened by plush Asian rugs; public areas are adorned with fine art and fresh flowers; and rooms have luxurious bathrooms and private balconies with views of the bay, the marina, or the downtown skyline. This urban property has resort amenities, too, with a private, 18-hole Tom Fazio–designed golf course 12 miles northeast on the Braden River and a Victorian-style spa and exclusive beach facility on Lido Key, about 4 miles away. The Jack Dusty restaurant serves creative local seafood dishes and handcrafted cocktails; Bayview Burger Bar offers all-American favorites as well as unforgettable Gulf panoramas.

You’ll be hard pressed to leave the grounds of this high-rise beachfront property, where amenities include two pools—one for adults and one for children—lots of hammocks, a surf simulator, a play area, fire pits that are perfect for making s'mores, and a poolside tiki bar. Rooms aren't overly fancy, but they have mini-refrigerators and microwaves so you can heat up simple meals when you want to eat in. The on-site RumFish Grill is a popular seafood restaurant with a gigantic aquarium stocked with local sea life (in the off hours, you can suit up for a tank swim for $25).

This resort sits over mineral springs—which feed its pools and water coolers—and has been drawing visitors since 1927, though accommodations are continuously being upgraded, so expect to find high-end mattresses and luxurious linens, as well as the latest treatments and therapies in the 50,000-square-foot spa. Request a treatment room overlooking Tampa Bay and plan to spend some downtime in the tranquil garden. 

Deep local ties set this expansive resort apart from the area's other luxurious accommodations—it was built on the site formerly occupied by the Clearwater Beach Hotel, and its coastal-chic spaces exude history. All rooms have a water view (of the Gulf or the Intracoastal Waterway), and there are amenities to spare. The spa is a destination unto itself, and on-site restaurants include Caretta on the Gulf, known for its cooking classes, weekend brunches, creative locavore cuisine, and impressive wine pairings. Camp Ridley is a good option for kids if it's raining or if they get bored with swimming and beachcombing.

Rooms at this modern, nine-story resort, which is set amid 10 well-manicured acres along a lovely, private stretch of beach, have excellent views of the Gulf or the nearby Sand Key Park. Most rooms also have balconies or patios. It's one of the region's top convention hotels, but its many amenities—pools, a fitness center, tennis courts—make it ideal for leisure travelers, too.