Where to Stay in Tampa: Local’s Guide to the Best Areas + Hotels
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If you’re trying to figure out where to stay in Tampa, I get it. It can feel a little overwhelming. There are a lot of options, and when you’re not familiar with the area, it’s hard to know what actually makes the most sense for your trip.
As a local, I wanted to make this really simple for you. I’m narrowing it down to three main areas that I think most visitors will enjoy, and sharing a few hotel options within each so you’re not sorting through endless lists.
Most people visiting Tampa will probably want to stay downtown or along the bay, since that’s where you’ll find the most to do, easy walkability, and some of the best views. But I also wanted to include a few options in Hyde Park, which is one of the cutest areas in the city and has a totally different feel.
I also know that the “best” place to stay really depends on your travel style, so I’ll break down what each area is best for as we go, to help you decide what fits your trip best.
Short on time? Here’s my top picks for each area ✨
| Downtown | Walkable, great for first-time visitors, close to lots of attractions | View Hotel |
| Waterfront | Bay views, quieter stay, easy airport access | View Hotel |
| Hyde Park | Cute, local feel, great shopping + food | View Hotel |
Where to Stay in Tampa
Downtown Tampa / Water Street / Riverwalk
If it’s your first time visiting Tampa, this is where I’d recommend staying. Downtown, Water Street, and the Riverwalk area are all super central, easy to get around, and have a lot going on.
You’re right on the water and within walking distance to so many restaurants, coffee shops, and things to do, which makes it really convenient.
Best For
- First-time visitors
- Couples, friends, and families
- Short weekend trips
- Anyone who wants to be able to walk everywhere
This area is especially nice because it works for so many different types of trips. There are plenty of family-friendly activities along the Riverwalk, but also great restaurants, bars, and nicer spots for a date night or girls’ trip.
What You’re Close To
- Tampa Riverwalk
- Water Street Tampa
- Amalie Arena
- Tons of restaurants + bars (check out this round-up of the top restaurants in Tampa!)
- Coffee shops and waterfront spots
- Tampa Aquarium
- Sparkman Wharf
Hotel Recommendations
- The Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk (Budget) — Not the most modern or design-forward hotel on this list, but it’s one of the more affordable options in the area and the location is great. If you’re planning to be out exploring most of the time and just need a place to sleep, this is a solid choice.
- Hyatt Place Tampa Downtown (Mid-Range / Budget-Friendly) — A really solid, no-frills option that still keeps you close to everything. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and it’s a good choice if you want to stay downtown without spending as much.
- Embassy Suites Downtown Tampa (Mid-Range) — A great option if you want more space, especially if you’re traveling with family or a group. The rooms are suite-style, and it’s located right along the Riverwalk, making it super convenient for getting around.
- Tampa Marriott Water Street (Mid-Range / Upscale) — One of my top recommendations! It’s right on the Riverwalk, so the location is hard to beat, and the rooms feel updated and comfortable. The pool area is great, and overall it just feels like a really solid, easy choice. All of the on-site restaurants are great too.
- JW Marriott Tampa Water Street (Upscale) — Another one of my top picks. This one feels a little more elevated. The rooms are beautiful, the pool is stunning, and the whole hotel just has a more luxe feel. It’s connected to the Tampa Marriott Water Street, so you really can’t go wrong with either.
Check out more hotels in downtown Tampa for your dates here!
Rocky Point / Tampa Bay Waterfront (Near the Airport)
This area is right along the water near Tampa International Airport, and it’s actually one of the only places in Tampa where you can stay directly on the bay. All of these hotels are within about 5 minutes of each other, so it really comes down to the vibe you want and how much you’re looking to spend.
It’s a quieter area compared to downtown, but you still get beautiful water views and easy access to everything.
Best For
- Families
- Anyone renting a car / planning to explore
- Trips split between Tampa + St. Pete
- People who want to stay on the water without paying downtown prices
What You’re Close To
- Tampa International Airport (5 mins)
- Ben T Davis Beach
- Courtney Campbell Causeway
- Whiskey Joe’s (fun waterfront restaurant in Tampa)
- Easy drive to St. Pete + Clearwater
- Westshore shopping + restaurants
There are a lot of great beaches near Tampa, but only a handful actually in Tampa, and this area puts you closest to one of the most popular local ones. That said, if you’re planning more of a true beach vacation, I’d recommend staying over on St. Pete Beach instead.
Hotel Recommendations
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa Airport – Rocky Point (Budget) — A great, straightforward option if you want to stay on the water without spending a ton. You still get bay views, plus perks like free breakfast and an airport shuttle, which makes it really convenient.
- Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay (Mid-Range) — One of the most elevated option in this area. It sits on a huge waterfront property with walking trails, multiple pools, and even opportunities to spot wildlife like manatees. It feels more like a resort while still being super close to the airport.
- The CURRENT Hotel (Mid-Range / Upscale) — This one feels a bit more boutique and design-forward. It has a really pretty rooftop pool and bar with views over the bay, and overall just feels a little more elevated and aesthetic compared to some of the other options in this area.
Check out all available options on the Tampa Bay waterfront with prices for your dates here.
Hyde Park / Soho
This isn’t the most common area visitors choose to stay in, but it’s actually one of my personal favorites. Hyde Park has such a cute, local feel and is one of those areas that’s just really enjoyable to spend time in.
It’s a little less central than downtown, but still close enough that you can easily Uber over when you want to be in the middle of everything.
Best For
- Couples
- Friends/girls trips
- Foodies
- Anyone who wants a more local, walkable feel
This area leans more toward a slower-paced stay. It’s not as packed with attractions as downtown, but that’s kind of the appeal.
What You’re Close To
- Hyde Park Village (shopping, coffee, restaurants)
- Soho (tons of restaurants + bars)
- Bayshore Boulevard
- Quick Uber to downtown
Hotel Recommendations
- Palihouse Hyde Park Village (Mid-Range) — A gorgeous boutique hotel right in Hyde Park Village, which is easily one of the cutest areas in Tampa. You can walk right outside to shops, coffee, and restaurants, and the whole place has such a cozy, design-forward feel.
- Epicurean Hotel (Mid-Range / Upscale) — Part of the Autograph Collection and one of the more elevated stays in the area. It’s located in Hyde Park near Soho and sits right across the street from Bern’s Steakhouse (same ownership), which is one of Tampa’s most iconic restaurants. The hotel is stunning and feels a bit more like a full-service experience while still being in a quieter area. Check out what I loved from our stay here!
Check out all available Hyde Park hotel options for your dates here.
How to Choose Where to Stay in Tampa
If you’re still deciding where to stay in Tampa, it really just comes down to the kind of trip you’re planning. If it’s your first time visiting, I’d stay in the Downtown/Riverwalk area. It’s the easiest area, super walkable, and you’ll be close to pretty much everything you’ll want to do.
If you want to be on the water and don’t mind driving or Ubering, the Rocky Point/Tampa Bay waterfront area is a great option. It’s quieter, has beautiful views, and is really convenient if you’re planning to explore both Tampa and St. Pete.
If you’re looking for something a little cuter, local, and slower-paced, go with Hyde Park. It’s perfect for walking around, grabbing coffee, shopping, and just enjoying the area without feeling like you need to rush around.
Where are you staying in Tampa?!
At the end of the day, you really can’t go wrong with any of these areas, it just depends on what kind of trip you’re planning. Whether you want to be right in the middle of everything downtown, stay on the water with easy access to both Tampa and St. Pete, or slow things down in a cute, local neighborhood like Hyde Park, each area gives you a slightly different experience.
I hope this helped make choosing where to stay in Tampa feel a little less overwhelming. Let me know which area you’re leaning toward!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Tampa blog posts!
