Tampa holds a spot in the top 5 US cities where people want to live in, as well as being top 5 among the best outdoor US cities. No wonder, as it enjoys lovely sunny Florida weather, lots of waterfront areas and a good mix of entertainment and tourist attractions, as well as a university and professional & industrial job and business opportunities. Tampa has a busy port and sits where the Hillsborough river meets the Gulf of Mexico. A colorful and historic past means interesting neighborhoods to visit and the area offers plenty of fun activities. Best of all, our hotel suggestions place you in close proximity to most points of interest. For the best Tampa hotel deals in these unique neighborhoods, take a look at our list below.
Downtown Tampa
Museums, theaters, arenas and waterfront parks can all be found in downtown Tampa as well as the convention center and the port of Tampa where cruise ships depart. Check out Channelside Bay Plaza for some shopping & dining, take in an exhibit at the Tampa Museum of Art or enjoy the outdoors at the Tampa Riverwalk.
The Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk
Located within walking distance to Straz Center for Perfoming Arts and by the Riverwalk and other downtown attractions. Many rooms with views. Restaurant and bar/lounge. Free WiFi in lobby area and free area shuttle. Breakfast is available at a charge. Hotel has an outdoor pool, fitness center and 24 hour business center as well as personal watercraft available on site. Room amenities include blackout drapes, desks, free local calls and microwave and fridge on request. Nightly rates from $89. Click to find out more about the Barrymore hotel and to check availability.
Residence Inn Tampa Downtown
Studios and one bedroom suites with full fridge, stove, dishwasher and fully equipped kitchens and separate sitting areas make this hotel a very comfortable choice. Free buffet breakfast served daily. Pool, spa tub, fitness facility and tennis on site. Less than a mile from Tampa Museum of Art and the Convention center. Rates from $95/night. Click for availability and to find out more about the Residence Inn Downtown Tampa.
Aloft Tampa Downtown
Hip and trendy hotel with stylish European flair often hosts parties and lively events. Rooms have modern decor, rainfall shower heads, black out drapes and 42″ led TV. Free WiFi and complimentary bottled water and designer toiletries. Hotel has an outdoor pool, bar and lounge, conference room and laundry facilities. Rates from $101/night. Click to check availability at the Aloft Tampa and to see more info and photos.
Downtown Splurge:
Le Meridien
For a unique Tampa splurge why not stay at the courthouse? Yes you heard that right, at Le Meridien, you can enjoy the classical architecture of an old federal court house now transformed into a luxurious modern boutique hotel. Best of all we found rates as low as $109/night! Rooms have groovy amenities such as espresso makers, free bottled water and bathrobes. Outdoor pool, restaurant and lounge. “Unlock Art”, a partnership by Le Meridien with local museums gives you free admission to the Tampa Museum of Art when you show your artist designed room key. Click for more info or to book a room at Le Meridien Tampa
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Hyde Park, Soho & Tampa University
Historic neighborhood with charming architecture, the world longest sidewalk – which curves for 4.5 miles along the water front and is a popular spot for joggers, pedestrians and cyclists – and a shopping and entertainment district with fine dining and eclectic boutiques. The neighborhood is also close to Tampa University.
Hyde Park Hotel
Adults only property with 24 smoke free rooms. Walking distance to shops, restaurants and nightlife. Rooms have small kitchenettes and although small, are well appointed. Computer station, self service laundry and picnic area. Free parking and WiFi. Nightly rates start at $79. Check availability and find out more about the Hyde Park hotel.
Tahitian Inn
Caribbean style tropical vibe meets 50’s motel at the Tahitian Inn where a fun pool area with Tiki bar and a full service spa and health club on site are some of the amenities. Located between Hyde Park and the Tampa airport the property offers free parking and free airport shuttle. Restaurant and bar/lounge. Free WiFi, some rooms have fridge and microwave. Nightly rates from $57. Click to find more info about the Tahitian Inn or to book a room.
Ybor City
Named after the cigar manufacturer that founded it, Ybor City combines its rich immigrant history, with a splash of Southern charm/decadence a la New Orleans, plus a dose of landmark buildings. It offers visitors good eats and a boisterous nightlife as well as eclectic shopping. You can visit Ybor City via the streetcar that runs from downtown Tampa or stay in the neighborhood at one of the hotels suggested below:
Hampton Inn and Suites Ybor City

This Ybor City property is also conveniently located less than 1.5 miles to Florida Aquarium, the port and Tampa Museum of Art. Amenities in common areas include an outdoor pool, 24 hour fitness center and free area shuttle. Free hot/cold breakfast is included i the rate. Rooms have free WiFi, some have microwaves and fridge. Rates from $98/night. Click for more info and to book a room at the Hampton Inn Ybor City.
Hilton Garden Inn Ybor City
95 room property located just a couple of blocks from the restaurants and nightclubs in Ybor City. Health club on site as well as free access to nearby fitness center. Outdoor pool and spa tub. Restaurant and bar/lounge. Complimentary area shuttle. Free WiFi in rooms, fridge and microwave as well as coffee/tea maker. Rates from $79/night. Click for availability and more info at the Hilton Garden Inn.
Busch Gardens
If safaris and crazy roller coasters are your thing then staying near this fun and wild adventure park is key. Check out available discounts to park admission and other Tampa attractions with the Central Florida Go Card and then save even more by booking one of the budget hotel suggestions listed below.
La Quinta Inn Busch Gardens
Right on the edge of Busch Gardens this property offers free continental breakfast and parking as well as complimentary in-room WiFi. Outdoor pool and arcade room. Rooms have blackout drapes and coffee/tea maker. Nightly rates from $59. Find out more and book a room at La Quinta Inn Busch Gardens.
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Busch Gardens
2 Miles from Busch gardens and close to Adventure Island and the Botanical Gardens. Free Paring and WiFi, breakfast available with a surcharge. Outdoor pool, fitness and business centers and computer station. Restaurant and laundry facilities on site. Nightly rates from $71. Get more info and check availability at the Holiday Inn Busch Gardens.
Tampa Airport
The Tampa airport is near the Raymond James stadium and International Plaza shopping center and also convenient to downtown Tampa.
Tampa Stadium Hotel
As the name implies this hotel is conveniently located near Raymond James Stadium as well as the Tampa airport. Free airport shuttle and cruise terminal shuttle. Outdoor pool, spa tub, fitness and business centers and laundry service. Free buffet breakfast and complimentary WiFi. Rates from $66/night. Check availability and get more info at the Tampa Stadium Hotel.
We pick hotels based on several criteria, looking for hotels that have mostly positive ratings and range in the level of good to excellent while also offering good value. We search for the lowest rates available at the time of publication but as is common with hotels, rates fluctuate based on the season and whether there are any special events or conventions in town.
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