If you’re wondering where to stay in Tampa, Florida, then you’ve come to the right place! I’ve lived in Florida all my life and Terrence has lived in Florida most of his life too! So, we know all the best parts of Tampa to stay in. No matter what kind of vacation to Tampa you’re interested in, there are plenty of hotels that will fit your needs.
We’ll help you find the best place to stay in Tampa that fits exactly what you’re looking for. We’ve also made sure to cover the city as well as the entire Tampa Bay Area! So you’ll find accommodations in places like Clearwater Beach and St. Pete as well.
On this list, we’ve organized where to stay in Tampa based on what each neighborhood has to offer. From there, we’ll give you a few options for the best hotels in Tampa in that area!
We’ve made sure to include at least one budget-friendly option and one more luxurious option. So, let’s dive into where to stay in Tampa Florida for every budget and vacation style!
Understanding Tampa Areas And Neighborhoods
On this list of where to stay in Tampa, we’ve made sure to include all of the most popular neighborhoods in Tampa. Each neighborhood has something different to offer. So, it’s important to know what you’re looking to get out of your lodging in Tampa.
While Tampa is a large bustling city, its neighborhoods are all distinct and entirely unique! Before you decide where you want to stay, you need to decide what you’re looking for.
Are you looking to explore all the sites of the city? Do you want to relax on the beach all day? Or do you want to be able to do a little bit of everything? All of these are important questions to ask before you decide where to stay in Tampa.
For example, if you want to experience the nightlife, you may want to stay in downtown St. Pete. However, that may not be the best place to stay in Tampa if you’re looking for a more family-friendly vacation. For that, you’ll want to stay somewhere like Clearwater Beach.
Figuring all of this out takes a lot of research. Research you probably don’t have time for. That’s where we come in!
Downtown Tampa Where To Stay For First Timers
Downtown Tampa FL is the perfect place to stay if it’s your first time visiting the city. When you stay here, you’ll find plenty of Tampa accommodations. It’s a pretty active area for tourists to stay, so downtown Tampa is full of some awesome hotels.
In downtown Tampa, you’ll be close to all of the most popular things to do in Tampa. Like the Ybor Historic District, The Tampa Riverwalk, the Florida Aquarium, and the Tampa Museum of Art.
Some of the best hotels in Tampa are just minutes away from these attractions in downtown Tampa. This is what makes it the best place to stay in Tampa for first-timers!
Best Places To Stay In Downtown Tampa
Le Meridien
If you’re not too concerned with budget, we highly suggest staying at the Le Meridien. The Le Meridien is a beautiful hotel in Tampa. However, the average nightly rate for a room at the Le Meridien is about $400. So, it’s definitely on the pricier side.
However, Le Meridien is well worth the price. The hotel itself is inside a historic building, the old city courthouse. Inside, you’ll find a beautifully decorated hotel full of modern furnishings. It’s a really unique pairing, considering the exterior of the hotel still looks like an old courthouse.
The Le Meridien is just steps away from the Tampa Museum of Art, the Henry B. Plant Museum, and tons of other popular city sites. The hotel also has its own restaurant, bar, and an on-site fitness center. If you’re looking for a more luxurious place to stay in Tampa FL, then consider staying at the Le Meridien.
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Hyatt House Tampa Downtown
For those wondering where to stay in Tampa on a budget, the Hyatt House Tampa Downtown is a great option. Typically, a night at this Tampa accommodation starts at around $200 a night. Not only is it pretty budget-friendly, but it’s also right in the heart of downtown Tampa!
Every room at the Hyatt House Tampa Downtown includes stunning views of the city, as well as access to the hotel restaurant and bar. Each room also has its own sitting area, and some also have a small fully-equipped kitchen.
On the roof of the hotel, there is a pool surrounded by loungers and a bright mural. Nearby, you’ll find the Florida Aquarium, the Museum of Science of Industry, and the Tampa Museum of Art. The downtown area is one of the best vacation spots in Tampa, and the Hyatt House Tampa is an excellent place to stay in Tampa!
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ROOST
Another one of the best hotels in downtown Tampa Florida is ROOST. ROOST is perfect if you’re wondering where to stay in Tampa with kids. There are a few different reasons for that. The first is that each of the rooms at ROOST comes with a fully equipped kitchen. Sometimes it can be hard finding something for kids to eat at restaurants.
But, at ROOST, you have your own kitchen. So, you can cook meals for the whole family before heading out to explore the city. It’s also great to have your own kitchen if you have food allergies, dietary preferences, or you just want to keep your food budget tight.
Along with the fully equipped kitchen, ROOST has an outdoor swimming pool, city views, and a fitness center with a hot tub. ROOST is also right by several of the best parks in the area. Plus, it’s just a short drive away from the Mosi Science Museum, a hands-on kid’s museum, and other family-friendly attractions. If you’re wondering where to stay in Tampa with family, ROOST is a great option.
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Downtown St. Pete Is The Best Tampa Bay Area For Nightlife
Downtown St. Pete is hands down the best place to stay in the Tampa Bay area if you want to experience Florida’s nightlife. There are several cities in Florida that are known for their thriving nightlife. One of those is downtown St. Pete! St. Pete is in the Tampa Bay area, about an hour outside of the city, depending on the traffic.
St. Pete has some stunning beaches, a thriving nightlife, and museums like the Dali Museum. It has a mixture of fine-dining restaurants and happening nightclubs and bars. So, if you’re looking for nights out on the town during your Tampa vacation, then St. Pete is the best place to stay in Tampa.
Best Places To Stay In Tampa Bay For Nightlife
Inn On The Beach
If you’re looking for one of the best places to stay in Tampa on the beach, then look no further. The Inn on the Beach is a charming hotel right across the street from the white sand beaches of St. Pete Beach. This hotel in Tampa is right in the heart of the Pass-a-Grille neighborhood, just a few minutes walk away from the popular 8th Avenue.
Each of the rooms at this Tampa accommodation includes either a full kitchen or a kitchenette. Many of the rooms also have a balcony or patio with a view of the Gulf of Mexico. On the grounds, there is also a bbq facility that guests are free to use.
This is really a simple hotel in Tampa since the main attraction of the St. Pete area is the ample nightlife. But, it’s a great place to stay if you want close access to the beach and St. Pete’s popular 8th Avenue!
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The Don CeSar
Are you interested in finding where to stay in Tampa FL’s bay area which also has a unique history? Then you may want to check out The Don CeSar. The Don CeSar is also known as ‘The Pink Palace’ thanks to its charming pink facade. This iconic place to stay in Tampa on the beach has been open and welcoming guests since 1928.
This is definitely one of the pricier vacation spots in Tampa, but it’s well worth it. The hotel is right on the beach and has two heated pools, three lounges, and so much more. You can enjoy in-room dining or you can head to the hotel’s restaurant and bar for a meal.
There is also a spa, a 24-hour fitness center, weekday dry cleaning, and a bunch of other amenities at this best hotel in Tampa FL. If it’s within your budget, The Don CeSar is a beautiful and historic hotel that everyone should stay at!
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Clearwater Beach Is The Best Area In Tampa For Families
If you’re wondering where to stay in the Tampa area that is great for families, you want to check out Clearwater Beach. Clearwater Beach is known for its laid-back atmosphere. That’s one of the reasons it’s perfect for families. The city is named for the beautiful white sand beach that draws visitors year-round.
In Clearwater Beach, you’ll find tons of things to do and see. The beachfront is full of parks, restaurants, and cafes. If your family loves water sports, that’s another great reason to stay in Clearwater Beach. The Bay area is a great place for watersports, especially kayaking.
You can also go paddleboarding, jet skiing, and parasailing. In fact, a lot of hotels in Clearwater Beach offer watersports packages. Or, you can just relax with the family on the beautiful beach. There are tons of different things to do in Tampa with kids, and Clearwater Beach is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Tampa!
Best Places To Stay In Clearwater Beach
The Avalon Club
For four-star Tampa accommodations in Clearwater Beach, head to The Avalon Club. The Avalon Club faces the ocean, so almost every room has an ocean or Gulf Bay view. A few of the rooms have views of the city. Most of the rooms also have a private balcony. On-site, there is an outdoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and a nice shared lounge.
The rooms are pretty spacious. In fact, most of the suites can comfortably sleep six people. While there are smaller suites, this is really where to stay in Tampa Florida if you’re traveling with a big group. Many of the suites have two and three separate bedrooms, sitting areas, and some even have kitchenettes.
When you stay at The Avalon Club, you’ll be just steps away from the beach. One of the best state parks in Florida, the Caladesi Island State Park Beach is under two miles away. It’s easy to see why this is one of the best areas to stay in Tampa if you want to enjoy the outdoors!
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Edge Hotel Clearwater Beach
Another great place to stay in Clearwater Beach is the Edge Hotel Clearwater Beach. The Edge Hotel is perfectly suited for small families looking to spend sunny days on the beach. All of the rooms at this hotel can accommodate at least three people. But a few of them can accommodate groups of four or five.
At the Edge Hotel, you can choose a room with a city view, a pool view, or a Gulf view. On-site, there are two pools, two restaurants, and a fitness center. You’ll also be right on the beach, making this one of the best places to stay in Tampa on the beach!
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New Hotel Collection Harbourside
If you’re wondering where to stay in Tampa with kids, then look no further. The New Hotel Collection Harbourside is perfect for travelers with kids! On-site, there is a full waterpark with a lazy river, waterslides, and more. There is also a restaurant, a bar, a garden, and tons of other amenities available. Plus, you’ll be just steps away from the beach.
Because this is a family-friendly hotel, most of the suites are fairly large. The apartment suites come with several bedrooms, a kitchenette, and many of them come with a balcony. You’ll get a variety of views depending on your suite. There are views of the waterpark, the ocean, and the city.
They do have smaller suites if you’re traveling with a smaller group. Those suites have access to the same amenities, but they come with either two full-sized beds or two queen-sized beds. So, you have options if your family doesn’t need something as big as an entire apartment!
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Hyde Park/SOHO: The Romantic Area In Tampa
The best part of Tampa to stay in if you’re looking for a romantic vacation is the Hyde Park neighborhood and SoHo. SoHo is shorthand for South Howard Avenue, a popular spot for bars and nightclubs in Tampa. Hyde Park is just a little southwest of downtown, so you’ll still have easy access to all of the cities fun amenities.
This neighborhood is also home to several amazing restaurants. So, it’s the perfect spot in Tampa for a date night, or even a date weekend! Throughout Hyde Park and SoHo, you’ll find boutiques, international chain stores, and everything in between. You can easily spend a romantic day hanging out in Hyde Park with your partner, and never leave the neighborhood!
Best Hyde Park Tampa Hotels
Hotel Alba
The Hotel Alba is one of the best romantic hotels in the Hyde Park neighborhood. There is a shared lounge in the hotel that connects to the onsite restaurant, The Spaniard Restaurant. It’s a great place to grab a nightcap or enjoy a romantic dinner. The hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and other amenities.
Hotel Alba’s suites are elegantly decorated. You’ll find marble countertops, slate-looking floors, and a large walk-in shower in the bathroom. Most of the suites feature several floor-to-ceiling windows. From them, you can enjoy the view of the city while you relax on the cozy bed.
Hyde Park is one of the best areas to stay in Tampa, so the hotel’s nightly fee is a bit more expensive than other areas within the city. However, if you’re looking for a romantic vacation, the Hotel Alba is a great option!
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The Current Hotel
Another pricier option for lodging in Tampa is The Current Hotel. But, we think if you’re going to splurge a little, it should be on a romantic vacation! The Current Hotel is a modern upscale hotel that is perfect for a couple looking to explore the Hyde Park neighborhood.
It is a 4-star hotel with tons of amenities. There is a large outdoor pool, ocean-view rooms, and a large fitness center. On the roof, you’ll find a bar that has beautiful views of the city and a great selection of appetizers and drinks. If you’re looking for a classy, simple, and luxurious hotel in Hyde Park, then look no further!
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Epicurean Hotel
For a unique boutique hotel experience for you and your partner, we suggest staying at the Epicurean Hotel. The Epicurean Hotel is a perfect romantic hotel in Tampa full of incredible amenities. There is a full-service spa, two on-site restaurants, and a beautiful outdoor pool.
Each of the suites comes with a private balcony and a minibar. It is outfitted with a luxurious en-suite bathroom and cozy bed where you can relax after your spa treatment. At the rooftop bar, you can admire the view and enjoy a wide variety of incredible drinks. In the hotel lobby, you can take classes with the hotel’s chef and mixologist.
They’ll show you how to mix incredible cocktails, how to pair the perfect wine with any meal, and even chef-level cooking techniques. This hotel is also close to tons of city attractions, parks, and beautiful beaches. It’s a great place for a romantic weekend getaway in Tampa!
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Tampa Heights Is Where To Stay In Tampa On A Budget
If you’re looking for where to stay in Tampa Florida on a budget, then you’ll want to check out Tampa Heights. Tampa Heights is actually the city’s oldest suburbs and it’s full of charming homes. From this neighborhood in Tampa, you can easily get to all of the popular sites in the area.
You’ll be close to Busch Gardens, the Ybor City neighborhood which has a happening nightlife, and the downtown area. Everything is easy to reach by car or ride share. The best part is the area is super budget-friendly. It’s a quiet neighborhood where you’ll find more bungalows than hotels to stay in. So it’s also great if you’re traveling with a big group on a budget.
Best Hotels In Tampa Heights
Grand Oaks Bungalow
The Grand Oaks Bungalow is actually a home that you can rent in the Tampa Heights neighborhood. Inside the home, you’ll find three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen. For all that space, the bungalow comes at a very reasonable price per night.
On the property, you’ll also find a quiet garden in the backyard and a terrace. Out front, there is a porch where you can sit and relax. This home is in one of the best neighborhoods in Tampa if you’re on a budget, and it’s a great deal!
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The Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk
Because Tampa Heights is still very much a suburb of the city, there aren’t a ton of hotels there. Again, most of what you’ll find is homes and apartments. But, The Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk is just on the outskirts of Tampa Heights and is still budget-friendly.
You’ll find the hotel next to the Starz Center for the Performing Arts and the Hillsborough River. In the hotel, they have rooms with two queen-sized beds or a king-sized bed. The rooms are fairly spacious and have a small kitchenette area and a large work desk.
On-site, the hotel has an outdoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and they offer a full-service continental breakfast. When you stay at the Barrymore, you’ll be super close to tons of attractions. Plus, you’ll get the budget-friendly stay that the Tampa Heights neighborhood is known for!
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Dunedin Is The Best Neighborhood For Food
If you’re wondering where to stay near Tampa, check out Dunedin. Dunedin is a neighborhood about 30 minutes away from Tampa. It’s on Florida’s Gulf Coast, so it’s got some beautiful beaches. However, that’s not all this charming small town has to offer. Dunedin has a strong Scottish history and they host a pretty famous Scottish festival every year.
But Dunedin is also a great place to explore if you’re a foodie! In fact, the city is known for having some of the best dining options in the Tampa Bay area. You’ll find a wide variety of restaurants in Dunedin, from homemade ice cream, seafood, to a classic southern smokehouse, and more.
Dunedin also has the number one Florida State Park, Honeymoon Island, and tons of other attractions. There are cute boutiques, art galleries, and even a major league baseball team calls the town home. So, there’s something for everyone in Dunedin.
Best Hotels In Dunedin
Fenway Hotel
The Fenway Hotel is a beautiful hotel in Dunedin, Florida. It’s right by the Dunedin Marina, a popular brewery, and the Florida Auto Exchange Stadium. But the hotel still feels quiet and tucked away along the shore of the Florida Gulf Coast. Many of the rooms have views of the Gulf and come with a small sitting area.
Fenway Hotel also has a rooftop bar, which offers beautiful views of the Tampa Bay area! There is also a resort-style pool and an on-site restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On the front lawn, you can play badminton, bocce, or croquet. The Fenway Hotel is one of the best hotels in Tampa’s Bay area!
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Beyond The Wall B&B
Beyond the Wall B&B is a super cute Dunedin bed and breakfast. Instead of one large building, the suites in this B&B are actually little cabanas. Most of the cabanas each have two suites of varying sizes. However, there are two larger buildings that have several suites inside.
This charming B&B is fairly new but full of retro charm. Inside the suites, you’ll find a queen-sized bed, a bathroom, and a kitchenette. Some of the larger suites also have their own sitting room! On the property, there is also a shared lounge, an outdoor pool, and a hot tub. If you’re looking for something quiet, spacious, and full of charm, head to Beyond the Wall B&B!
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We hope this list has helped you figure out where to stay in Tampa Florida for your next vacation! As you can see, the Tampa Bay area has a ton to offer.
Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a best part of Tampa to stay in no matter what kind of vacation you’re planning. If you end up staying at one of these Tampa accommodations, we’d love to hear about your trip in the comments!
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