Where to stay in Tampa Florida
The Best Places to Stay in Tampa Bay
Tampa is a city with a vibe that mixes historic Latin roots, trendy food scenes, and modern waterfront energy. As one of the top destinations in Florida, figuring out where to stay in Tampa sets the tone for your entire trip. But before you book your hotel, it helps to know that Tampa has five main neighborhoods, and each area has its own distinct personality. Choosing the right spot depends on the kind of vacation you want, whether that’s a walkable family getaway along the waterfront, a historic weekend out on the town, or a chic boutique escape, Tampa has amazing properties for everyone. One thing that’s important to know is that Tampa is not a beach destination, so if you are traveling to Florida to put your toes in the sand, you’ll want to check out St. Pete, Clearwater Beach, or Sarasota!
Where to Stay in Tampa
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The 5 Neighborhoods in Tampa
| Area | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown | Active, central, waterfront | First time visitors, families & easy transit |
| Ybor City | Historic, vibrant, gritty | History, nightlife & friend groups |
| Hyde Park | Upscale, posh, manicured | Luxury travelers, shoppers, & couples |
| Westshore | Commercial, convenient | Business travelers, short stays/layovers |
| Temple Terrace | Suburban, quiet, scenic | Staying near Busch Gardens or USF |
Top Hotels in the Tampa Bay Area
Tampa’s best attractions are not designated to a single area, so the best hotel for your trip depends on what brought you to town. Families heading to the theme parks should gravitate toward North towards Temple Terrace, while visitors who want to be near walkable waterfront attractions, dining, and cruise ports should stay in the Downtown district. If you want luxury boutique hotels and trendy dining, choose Hyde Park. For short stays, Westshore offers a highly convenient, budget friendly neighborhood next to the airport and stadiums.
If you want a fast starting point, here are the top hotel picks based on different trips:
- Best for First Time Visitors: JW Marriott Tampa Water Street (Downtown/Riverwalk)
- Best for Families: Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center (Downtown/Riverwalk)
- Best for Luxury Travelers: The Tampa EDITION (Downtown/Water Street)
- Best for History Buffs & Culture: Hotel Haya (Ybor City)
- Best for Nightlife & Partying: Hotel Haya (Ybor City)
- Best for Foodies: Tampa ROOST (Downtown near The Heights)
- Best Nearby Busch Gardens: Hyatt Place Tampa Busch Gardens (North Tampa/Temple Terrace)
- Best Nearby Raymond James Stadium: Hotel Alba Tampa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (Westshore)
- Best Nearby Amalie Arena: Tampa Marriott Water Street (Downtown)
- Best Nearby Port of Tampa: Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center (Downtown)
- Best Nearby Tampa Airport: Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay (Westshore)
- Best Boutique Hotel: Palihouse Hyde Park Village (Hyde Park)
Downtown Tampa & Riverwalk
The Vibe
Central, active, family friendly, and scenic
Best For
First time visitors, families, and car free travelers
Price Range
Mid-range to Luxury
Best Hotels in Downtown Tampa (Near Riverwalk)
These are the hotels most visitors looking for walkability, dining, events, Riverwalk access, and Water Street will enjoy.
JW Marriott Tampa Water Street
Best for: Luxury travelers, business travelers, first time visitors
One of Tampa’s most polished luxury hotels, the JW Marriott sits in the heart of the Water Street district near Amalie Arena and the Riverwalk. Guests enjoy upscale dining, a rooftop pool, modern rooms, and easy access to many of the city’s top attractions without needing a car.
Tampa Marriott Water Street
Best for: Event attendees, cruise passengers, sports fans
Located directly on the waterfront, this popular hotel places visitors steps from Amalie Arena, Sparkman Wharf, and the Port of Tampa. Its central location and extensive amenities make it a convenient choice for both leisure and business travelers.
The Tampa EDITION
Best for: Luxury travelers, couples, special occasions
The Tampa EDITION brings five star style to Water Street with designer interiors, upscale restaurants, a rooftop pool, and sophisticated nightlife. Travelers looking for Tampa’s most luxurious hotel experience will feel right at home here.
ROOST Tampa
Best for: Extended stays, families, digital nomads
Offering apartment style accommodations with full kitchens and extra living space, ROOST is ideal for travelers planning longer visits. Guests enjoy all the benefits of Downtown Tampa while having the comfort of a residential style stay.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center
Best for: Families, cruise passengers, value conscious travelers
This all suite hotel offers extra space, complimentary breakfast, and a prime location next to the convention center. It’s a practical choice for families and travelers wanting to stay downtown without paying luxury hotel rates.
Hilton Tampa Downtown
Best for: Business travelers, convention attendees
Conveniently located in the city center, Hilton Tampa Downtown provides easy access to corporate offices, entertainment venues, and the Riverwalk. Modern amenities and reliable service make it a popular downtown option.
Le Meridien Tampa, The Courthouse
Best for: History lovers, boutique hotel fans
Housed inside a beautifully restored federal courthouse, Le Méridien offers a unique blend of historic architecture and contemporary design. Travelers looking for something more distinctive than a traditional chain hotel will appreciate its character.
Hotel Tampa Riverwalk
Best for: Sightseeing, Riverwalk visitors
Situated directly along Tampa’s famous Riverwalk, this hotel offers easy access to museums, restaurants, parks, and waterfront attractions. It’s a convenient base for visitors who plan to spend most of their time exploring downtown.
Aloft Tampa Downtown
Best for: Younger travelers, couples, weekend getaways
Aloft combines a modern vibe with a walkable downtown location. Its stylish design, social atmosphere, and waterfront setting appeal to travelers seeking a contemporary hotel experience.
Planning a trip to the Tampa Aquarium?
Ybor City
The Vibe
Historic charm meets high energy nightlife
Best For
Partygoers, culture buffs, and foodies
Price Range
Mid-range to Upscale
Best Hotels near Ybor City
These is our top pick for an accommodation in Ybor City. Ybor is a place to go out, eat and drink, so it has less hotels and more restaurants and bars. For travelers seeking rich cultural history, unique architecture, walkable streetscapes, and a vibrant evening entertainment scene to enjoy, Hotel Haya is the way to go.
Hotel Haya
Best for: Nightlife, history, cigar culture, entertainment
Located directly on Ybor City’s historic 7th Avenue, this chic boutique hotel blends mid-century design with nods to the neighborhood’s deep Cuban cigar heritage. Enjoy local art, a vibrant courtyard pool, and Latin inspired dining at the acclaimed restaurant, Flor Fina.
Hyde Park Village & SoHo
The Vibe
Posh, upscale, residential, and manicured
Best For
Luxury travelers, shoppers, and couples
Price Range
Upscale (Luxury)
Best Hotels near Hyde Park
Hyde Park Village is a beautiful, walkable outdoor luxury shopping district, a bit more affluent than South Tampa. It’s adjacent area, SoHo (South Howard), offers great food, high-end dining and a lively, upscale bar scene.
Palihouse Hyde Park Village
Best for: Nightlife, history, cigar culture, entertainment
Situated in the middle of premier shopping and dining. This stylish, boutique lodge offers bespoke, residential inspired suites. Enjoy Palihouse’s immediate walkability, oversized guest rooms equipped with kitchenettes, and a cozy, eclectic lobby cocktail bar.
Westshore and Tampa Bay
The Vibe
Commercial, convenient, and transit focused
Best For
Business travelers, short layovers, and budget conscious road trippers
Price Range
Budget to Mid-range business hotels
Best Hotels in Westshore and Tampa Bay Area
These are the hotels most visitors looking for airport access, business travel, waterfront views, and generally lower rates than Downtown.
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
Best for: Airport travelers, luxury seekers, business travelers
Set on a scenic waterfront nature preserve, the Grand Hyatt offers resort like amenities while remaining close to Tampa International Airport. Guests enjoy bay views, walking trails, multiple pools, and a peaceful setting.
The Westin Tampa Bay
Best for: Couples, waterfront stays, business travelers
Featuring waterfront views and a quieter atmosphere, The Westin offers a relaxing alternative to downtown hotels. Its location near the airport and major highways makes it convenient for both work and leisure trips.
DoubleTree by Hilton Tampa Rocky Point Waterfront
Best for: Families, airport travelers, value seekers
Located on Rocky Point, this waterfront hotel provides beautiful bay views and easy access to both Downtown Tampa and Clearwater Beach. It offers a comfortable stay at a more approachable price point.
Marriott Tampa Westshore
Best for: Business travelers, stadium visitors
Positioned in Tampa’s business district, this hotel offers convenient access to Raymond James Stadium, Tampa International Airport, and nearby shopping and dining. It’s a practical choice for visitors with packed itineraries.
Hotel Alba Tampa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Best for: Couples, leisure travelers, stadium visitors
Known for its stylish design and vibrant atmosphere, Hotel Alba offers a boutique inspired experience in the Westshore area. Its location near the airport and stadium makes it especially convenient for weekend travelers.
Temple Terrace (near Busch Gardens)
The Vibe
Quiet, convenient, cozy mix of family fun and adventure
Best For
Theme park enthusiasts, families, and university (USF) affiliates
Price Range
Budget to mid-range (nothing luxury)
Best Hotels near Busch Gardens in Temple Terrace (North Tampa)
These two hotels are the hotels are suited for visitors who are traveling to Tampa for the sole purpose of going to Busch Gardens. Rather than staying downtown or by Tampa Bay, Temple Terrace caters to families and theme park goers.
Hyatt Place Tampa Busch Gardens
Best for: Families visiting Busch Gardens
Just minutes from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, this hotel offers spacious rooms and family friendly amenities. Its location makes it one of the most convenient options for theme park visitors. Enjoy free breakfast before hitting the park!
Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Busch Gardens Area
Best for: Families, budget conscious travelers
Offering complimentary breakfast and easy access to Busch Gardens, this hotel is a dependable choice for visitors focused on affordability and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Stay in Tampa
What is the best area to stay in Tampa for first time visitors?
For most travelers, Downtown Tampa is the best area to stay in Tampa for first time visitors. It puts you within walking distance of popular attractions like the Tampa Riverwalk, the Tampa Aquarium, top restaurants, Water Street, Amalie Arena, and Port Tampa Bay. Downtown also offers the widest selection of hotels, from luxury waterfront properties to family friendly options. If you’re visiting Tampa for sightseeing, sporting events, or a cruise, Downtown provides the most convenient and well rounded base for exploring the city.
Is Downtown Tampa the best place to stay?
For many visitors, Downtown Tampa is the best place to stay thanks to its walkable waterfront, excellent dining, and easy access to many of the city’s top attractions. You’ll be close to the Tampa Riverwalk, Water Street, museums, Amalie Arena, and Port Tampa Bay, making it an ideal choice for first time visitors, couples, families, and cruise passengers. If you want to spend most of your trip exploring the city without constantly driving, Downtown is one of the most convenient neighborhoods.
Where should I stay in Tampa before a cruise?
If you’re looking for where to stay in Tampa before a cruise, Downtown is the most convenient choice. Hotels near the Tampa Riverwalk and Water Street are just minutes from Port Tampa Bay, making embarkation day quick and stress free. Staying downtown also gives you easy access to restaurants, bars, museums, and waterfront attractions, allowing you to enjoy an extra day in the city before boarding your cruise.
What is the best area to stay in Tampa with family?
The best area to stay in Tampa with family depends on your itinerary. Downtown is ideal for families who want to explore the Tampa Riverwalk, museums, parks, and family friendly attractions on foot. If visiting Busch Gardens is your top priority, staying near Temple Terrace or North Tampa can reduce travel time while still providing easy access to restaurants and other attractions. Both areas offer a variety of family friendly hotels at different price points.
Is Ybor City a good place to stay?
Yes, Ybor City is a great place to stay if you’re interested in history, nightlife, and local culture. Tampa’s historic Latin Quarter is known for its brick streets, cigar making heritage, lively entertainment, and diverse dining scene. Boutique hotels like Hotel Haya place visitors within walking distance of many restaurants, bars, and historic landmarks. While Ybor City has a more energetic atmosphere than other neighborhoods, it’s an excellent choice for travelers looking for a unique Tampa experience.
Is Downtown Tampa walkable?
Yes, Downtown Tampa is one of the city’s most walkable neighborhoods. Visitors can easily explore the Tampa Riverwalk, Water Street, Sparkman Wharf, museums, restaurants, parks, and Amalie Arena without needing to drive. Many of Tampa’s best hotels are also located downtown, making it easy to enjoy the area on foot. If you plan to visit beaches, Busch Gardens, or neighborhoods farther from downtown, however, a car or rideshare service will still be helpful.
Do you need a car when visiting Tampa?
Whether you need a car depends on where you stay and what you plan to do. If you stay in Downtown Tampa, you can comfortably walk to many attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues. However, if your itinerary includes Busch Gardens, ZooTampa, Raymond James Stadium, or nearby beaches like Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach, having a rental car or using rideshare services will make getting around much easier.
Is Tampa a beach destination?
While Tampa sits on beautiful Tampa Bay, it is not a traditional beach destination. Instead, the city is known for its waterfront attractions, Riverwalk, museums, sports venues, and vibrant dining scene. If you’re hoping to spend your vacation relaxing on white sand beaches, you’ll want to visit nearby destinations like Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, or Anna Maria Island, all of which are within driving distance of Tampa.
What are the best areas to stay in Tampa?
Popular visitor neighborhoods like Downtown Tampa, Hyde Park, Westshore, and the area around the Riverwalk are all well established places where many travelers choose to stay. The best area for you depends more on your travel style than on safety alone. Downtown is ideal for sightseeing, Hyde Park offers an upscale boutique atmosphere, Westshore is convenient for the airport and stadiums, while Ybor City is best for visitors looking to experience Tampa’s nightlife and historic character.
How many days do you need in Tampa?
Most visitors find that 2 to 4 days is enough to experience Tampa’s highlights. A weekend is perfect for exploring Downtown, the Tampa Riverwalk, Ybor City, and the city’s restaurants and museums. If you also plan to visit Busch Gardens, spend time at nearby beaches, or attend a sporting event, consider staying three or four nights to enjoy a more relaxed pace.
Can you walk to the Tampa Aquarium if you stay Downtown?
Yes! You can absolutely walk to the Tampa Aquarium if you are staying in the Downtown area. It is located at the edge of the Channel District at 701 Channelside Dr, putting it about 1 mile (a 20 minute walk) from the heart of downtown. If that sounds far, hop on the TECO Line Streetcar. It is completely free and connects downtown to the Channel District, with a dedicated stop right across the street from the aquarium.
Deciding Where to Stay in Tampa
Choosing where to stay in Tampa ultimately comes down to the type of trip you’re planning. If it’s your first visit, Downtown offers the best mix of walkability, waterfront attractions, restaurants, and entertainment. Hyde Park is perfect for travelers seeking boutique luxury and a charming neighborhood atmosphere, while Ybor City delivers history, culture, and some of Tampa’s best nightlife. Westshore is an excellent choice for convenient airport access and sporting events, and Temple Terrace is ideal for families planning to spend time at Busch Gardens.
No matter which neighborhood you choose, Tampa makes an excellent home base for exploring Florida’s Gulf Coast. From scenic waterfront parks and world class museums to professional sports, incredible dining, and nearby white sand beaches, there’s something here for every type of traveler. Book your hotel early (especially during peak travel seasons) to get the best rates and enjoy everything Tampa has to offer.
