Where to Stay in Tampa – A Guide to “The Big Guava”
Tampa is located on an inlet reaching far into the west coast of Florida, it is the economic center of the state’s west coast and the main city in the state’s second-most populous metro area. It is famous for being the birthplace of Death Metal, and for being home to popular family-friendly tourist attractions such as Busch Gardens or Adventure Island. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Tampa.
Among its other attractions are Tampa Zoo, the city Aquarium, the popular shopping and entertainment area around its Riverwalk, or the Museum of Science and Industry.
Tampa has a humid subtropical climate. This means that winters (from December to February) are mild, while summers (from June to September) are super warm and rainy. The peak travel times in Tampa are around the Christmas holidays, Spring Break, and the months of July and August.
When it comes to public transport, the city offers a streetcar line providing a connection between historic Ybor City to Channelside Bay Plaza and several bus lines. However, the best way to get around Tampa and enjoy all of its city attractions and the outlying beach resorts is to rent a car. You can rent a cheap car in Tampa here.
With regards to the best areas to stay, Downtown is well-connected and houses many attractions and the best nightlife. See accommodation in Downtown Tampa.
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Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Tampa, Florida.
Best Location in Tampa, Florida: A Quick Guide
Below, you’ll find a list of the best areas to stay in Tampa depending on your travel style. Keep reading this post to find all the information you need about each particular area.
- Best location in Tampa for sightseeing: Downtown Tampa
- Best location in Tampa for nightlife: Tampa Bay Harbor | Downtown Tampa
- Best location in Tampa for first-time visitors: Tampa Bay Harbor
- Best location in Tampa for business travelers: Downtown Tampa
- Best location in Tampa for LGBTQ travelers: Downtown Tampa
Best Hotels in Tampa by Theme
Something more specific in mind? Here’s a list of some of the best hotels in Tampa. No matter your reason for visiting the city or style, you’ll find it here!
- Most unique hotel: Le Méridien Tampa
- Best mid-priced hotel: Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown Convention Center
- Best budget hotel: La Quinta by Wyndham Tampa Bay Area-Tampa South
- Best luxury hotel: Tampa Marriott Water Street
- Best boutique hotel: Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection
- Best hotel with a pool: Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
- Best inn / B&B: Beach More Worry Less
- Best resort: Sailport Waterfront Suites
The Best Areas to Stay in Tampa, Florida
1. Recommended area: Tampa Bay Harbor
Located a few miles west of Downtown Tampa, Bay Harbor offers a great location by the sea.
This neighborhood offers spectacular views, hotels near the piers, restaurants, and terraces where you can enjoy excellent dishes and cocktails and several entertainment options.
In Tampa Bay Harbor, you can enjoy shows, exquisite wines, craft beers, modern stores, museums, historical places and much more, making it one of the best areas to stay in Tampa.
Tampa Bay Harbor is home to Ben T Davis Beach, one of the most popular beaches in the Tampa metro area.
Tampa Bay Harbor offers top-notch hotels and the best accommodation option for those who want to enjoy the fresh air and open spaces next to the bay.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Tampa, FL:
- Tampa Riverwalk
- Good area to stay without a car
- Great views
- Great for outdoor activities
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Sailport Waterfront Suites
This all-suite hotel is located on the coast of Old Tampa Bay, Florida, and features a heated outdoor pool and a beach. It also has a private balcony, full kitchen and free WiFi. Tampa International Airport is 4 miles away.
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Luxury
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
This Tampa hotel is 1 mile from Tampa International Airport and 8 miles from the Amalie Arena. The property offers 2 outdoor swimming pools, 3 restaurants and a 24-hour fitness center.
2. Downtown Tampa
Downtown Tampa is home to the city’s historic area.
The area’s main cultural attraction is Ybor City, a historic neighborhood just northeast of downtown Tampa.
In the wake of the 20th century, Downtown Tampa in general, and Ybor City in particular, used to host several cigar factories that, nowadays, house art galleries, shops, restaurants, and museums such as the famous Cigar Museum.
The Downtown Tampa district is also popular with hipsters thanks to its alternative bars, skating areas, shops, quirky cafés, and restaurants.
The Downtown is recommended as the best area to stay in Tampa because it is easy to know the main attractions of the city.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Tampa, FL:
- Heart of the city
- Cigar Museum
- Alternative area
- Best area to stay without a car
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
The Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk
This Central Tampa hotel Located next to the Straz Center for the Performing Arts and the Hillsborough River. Features include a full-service restaurant and bar as well as rooms include free WiFi.
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Luxury
Le Méridien Tampa
Centrally located in Tampa, Florida, this hotel features an on-site fitness center. It is just 0.5 miles from The University of Tampa. A flat-screen cable TV and small refrigerator come standard in each room at Le Méridien Tampa hotel. An iPod docking station and CD player are also included. Guests can enjoy a private bathroom as well.
3. Westshore & Tampa International Airport
The Westshore area, near Tampa International Airport is another great area to stay, especially for travelers on a stopover or for short stays.
In this area, you can find the large shopping center Westshore Plaza, known for its variety of fashion stores and multiple food venues.
Near Westshore lies the Raymond James Stadium, so, those who stay here, can enjoy football games during the season of games in the city.
Near the airport, you’ll find a wide selection of restaurants.
In addition, this area allows the traveler to rent cars to move to other areas of the city or take a tram or bus at their stops.
Because it is close to the airport, Westshore is also one of the best places to stay in Tampa for business travelers.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Tampa, FL:
- Best area for a layover
- Good for shopping
- Near the airport
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