Where to Stay in Tampa, Florida: 4 Best Areas & Hotels

Heading to Tampa soon but have no clue where to stay? You’re in the right place! 

We absolutely love Tampa, but figuring out where to stay can take a little work. The city is more spread out than you might expect, and a hotel that looks perfect could put you farther from your plans than you’d like.

To help you find the perfect place to call home on your trip, we’ve put together this guide to the four best areas to stay in Tampa, explaining what we love about each and sharing our favorite hotels at different price points. Ready? Let’s get to it!

Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Tampa

Tampa is a big city, so it’s worth thinking about what you want to do before choosing a hotel. We love Downtown and Water Street for a first visit because you can walk between many of the main sights, restaurants, and waterfront spots. Ybor City is nearby and easy to reach by streetcar, but it has a personality all its own, especially once the bars get going in the evening!

Getting around these central areas is fairly easy thanks to the free TECO Line Streetcar, which links Downtown with the Channel District and Ybor City. If most of your plans are around here, you may not need a car every day. However, a rental car or rideshare will come in handy for trips to Westshore, the airport, Busch Gardens, or the University of South Florida.

Before you book a place to stay, check what’s happening during your visit. Conventions, hockey games, concerts, and festivals can drive up hotel prices, especially Downtown. Westshore and the Busch Gardens area often have more affordable options, but make sure to check parking fees, too. That cheaper room might not feel like such a bargain once you add the daily parking cost!

Before we get into the details, here’s a quick overview of our top four areas to stay: 

• Downtown Tampa / Water Street – Best for first-time visitors – Stay here for easy access to the Tampa Riverwalk, museums, Sparkman Wharf, waterfront dining, and major event venues. Hyatt Place Tampa Downtown is our top pick for its central location, spacious rooms, and rooftop pool.

• Ybor City – Best for history, culture, and nightlife – This character-filled neighborhood is known for its cigar-making history, Cuban and Spanish influences, restaurants, and late-night bars. We love Hotel Haya for its stylish rooms and fantastic location on 7th Avenue.

• Westshore & Tampa Airport – Best for business trips, shopping, and early flights – Choose Westshore for easy airport access, large shopping centers, business-friendly hotels, and simpler drives around the city. Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Airport Avion Park Westshore is our favorite here thanks to its free breakfast, airport shuttle, and outdoor pool.

• Busch Gardens & USF – Best for families and theme-park visits – Staying in North Tampa cuts down the journey to Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, USF, and the Museum of Science & Innovation. OASIS BAY SUITES is our top choice for its family-friendly suites, free parking, and Busch Gardens shuttle.

Where to Stay in Tampa

Downtown Tampa / Water Street

BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS

Pros

• The Tampa Riverwalk, museums, Sparkman Wharf, the Florida Aquarium, and major event venues are close by
• Downtown and Water Street have some of Tampa’s most walkable streets and widest dining selection
• The free TECO streetcar makes it easy to visit the Channel District and Ybor City without driving

Cons

• Hotel rates and parking fees are often among the highest in Tampa
• Prices can rise sharply during conventions, games, concerts, and festivals
• Water Street feels newer and more polished, so it lacks Ybor City’s historic atmosphere

If this is your first time in Tampa, we definitely recommend starting with Downtown and Water Street. This part of the city makes sightseeing refreshingly easy, with the Riverwalk, museums, restaurants, and waterfront attractions packed into a relatively compact area.

You can start the morning with a walk along the Hillsborough River, visit the Tampa Museum of Art, and continue to Sparkman Wharf or the Florida Aquarium. Benchmark International Arena and the Tampa Convention Center are also nearby, making this the obvious base for many concerts, hockey games, and conventions.

Water Street is Downtown’s sleekest section, with modern hotels, landscaped streets, and plenty of polished places to eat and drink. The wider downtown area feels more mixed, with office towers, older buildings, theaters, museums, and the northern end of the Riverwalk. We like both, but Water Street is especially appealing for a short weekend when you want to walk to most things.

Downtown convenience does come at a price, though. Rooms and parking are typically more expensive here, especially during big events. Still, walking to dinner, hopping on the free streetcar, or returning to your hotel between activities can be well worth the extra cost.

Tampa Marriott Water Street – $$$

For a waterfront splurge in the heart of Tampa, we absolutely love Tampa Marriott Water Street! It sits beside the convention center and Riverwalk, so you’ll have Water Street’s restaurants, Sparkman Wharf, and Benchmark International Arena all within walking distance.

The rooftop pool is a definite highlight here. It also has a hot tub, fitness center, and six on-site places to eat and drink. Many rooms overlook the water or city, so it’s worth checking the view when choosing yours.

Rates typically range from about $200 to $800+ USD per night, depending on events, room type, and travel dates. 

For something with a little more history, Hotel Flor Tampa Downtown is another option we love. You’ll be around 0.4 miles (0.6 kilometers) from the Riverwalk, and the complimentary shuttle is a handy perk for exploring beyond the hotel.

If you’re visiting for an event, Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center is also worth a look. A skybridge connects it to the convention center, and there’s a TECO streetcar stop right outside, making it easy to head to Ybor City for a change of scenery.

Hyatt Place Tampa Downtown – $$

For our top overall pick in Downtown Tampa, it has to be Hyatt Place Tampa Downtown! The Riverwalk is about a 10-minute walk away, and you’ll also be close to the convention center, Water Street, and plenty of downtown restaurants.

We especially love the spacious rooms here, which include a separate seating area with a sofa bed. That extra room to spread out is always appreciated when you’re traveling with family or friends! There’s also a heated rooftop pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and an on-site restaurant and bar for those evenings you’d rather stay in! 

Price-wise, you can expect to pay around $160 to $300+ USD per night, which is excellent value for the area. 

If you’re coming to Tampa for a show, The Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk is a fantastic alternative. It sits at the Riverwalk’s northern end, directly across from the Straz Center, so you won’t have far to go after the final curtain!

For a livelier stay, we’d also check out Aloft Tampa Downtown. The outdoor pool and on-site bar make it a fun option if you enjoy a more sociable hotel atmosphere, and Benchmark International Arena is only around half a mile (800 meters) away.

Residence Inn Tampa Downtown – $

For a family trip or a longer stay, we love Residence Inn Tampa Downtown. You can choose between studios and one- or two-bedroom suites, all with full kitchens and separate living areas. 

Breakfast is included, so you have one less thing to organize each morning. The property also has an outdoor pool, fitness center, and pet-friendly accommodations if your four-legged travel buddy is coming along. 

Location-wise, you’ll be close to the Tampa Museum of Art and the northern stretch of the Riverwalk. For pricing, expect to pay around $120 to $300+ USD per night, which is very reasonable for downtown Tampa. 

For another apartment-style option downtown, we also recommend Mint House Tampa Downtown by Kasa. The full kitchens and in-room washers and dryers are especially handy for longer trips, and the outdoor plunge pool is a real bonus! 

Ybor City

BEST FOR HISTORY, CULTURE, AND NIGHTLIFE

Pros

• Brick streets, former cigar factories, and Cuban and Spanish influences give the area genuine historic character
• Restaurants, breweries, music venues, and late-night bars are concentrated around a walkable core
• The free TECO streetcar connects Ybor City with Downtown, Water Street, and the Channel District

Cons

• Weekend nightlife can make the streets and nearby hotel rooms noisy
• Ybor has fewer hotels than Downtown or Westshore, so the best options fill quickly
• The atmosphere may feel too lively for families with young children or light sleepers

Ybor City is Tampa at its finest. The neighborhood grew around the cigar industry in the late 1800s, and its old factory buildings, wrought-iron balconies, and brick streets create an atmosphere that you simply will not find in the city’s newer districts. If you love staying somewhere with plenty of character, this area should definitely be on your radar!

During the day, you can visit Ybor City Museum State Park, browse independent shops, look out for the neighborhood’s famous chickens, and stop for a Cuban sandwich. At night, the focus moves toward breweries, live music, restaurants, and the bars around 7th Avenue, so you won’t have to go far for an evening out.

We love Ybor for couples, groups of friends, solo travelers, and anyone who wants the neighborhood itself to be part of the experience. The free streetcar is another huge advantage, as you can ride into the Channel District and Downtown instead of dealing with parking each time. 

The main drawback is noise. Ybor can become very lively on Friday and Saturday nights, especially around 7th Avenue. If you’re a light sleeper, check recent hotel reviews and ask about a room away from the street. Families may prefer a quieter base, but culture lovers and nightlife fans will definitely find a lot to enjoy here.

Hotel Haya – $$

Our absolute favorite stay in Ybor City is Hotel Haya. It’s right on 7th Avenue and makes a beautiful base for exploring Ybor’s historic streets, restaurants, and bars. 

The courtyard pool is another perk here, especially when you need to cool off in the Florida heat! We also love that many of the rooms and suites have private balconies, so check the room details closely if you’d like your own outdoor space. 

Getting Downtown is easy, too, with a streetcar stop just a short walk away. Just keep Ybor’s lively nightlife in mind when choosing your room, especially if you’re visiting over a weekend.

Price-wise, you can expect rates to typically range from $160 to $400+ USD per night. 

If Hotel Haya is fully booked on your dates, we’d also check out Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa/Ybor City/Downtown. We love this mid-range hotel because it has a lovely pool, and Streetcar Society Station is also only two blocks away. 

Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Ybor Historic District – $

For our budget-friendly pick in Ybor City, we always recommend Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Ybor Historic District. You’ll be around 250 feet (75 meters) from Ybor City Museum State Park, with Centennial Park a little farther away, so you can start exploring the neighborhood almost as soon as you drop off your bags!

We love that there’s an outdoor pool and hot tub for relaxing after a day out, plus a fitness center and the on-site Garden Grille & Bar. Each room also has a microwave and refrigerator, which are super handy for keeping drinks cold or heating up leftovers when you fancy an easy evening in.

As for pricing, you can expect nightly rates from around $120 to $300+ USD depending on the room type and season. 

Westshore & Tampa Airport

BEST FOR BUSINESS TRIPS, SHOPPING, AND EARLY FLIGHTS

Pros

• Tampa International Airport, major shopping centers, offices, and Raymond James Stadium are close by
• Many hotels include airport shuttles, breakfast, parking, or kitchen-equipped suites
• Driving to different parts of Tampa is generally easier than it is from the downtown core

Cons

• The area feels commercial and lacks the waterfront scenery or historic streets found elsewhere
• Most restaurants, shops, and attractions require driving or a rideshare
• Airport and road noise can be noticeable at some properties

Our next favorite area is Westshore. It sits close to Tampa International Airport and has plenty of familiar chain hotels, along with shopping and dining at International Plaza and Bay Street.

We always recommend Westshore for business travelers, shopping trips, early flights, and late arrivals. It’s also a handy base if you’re coming to town for an event at Raymond James Stadium. Many hotels offer complimentary airport shuttles, which is always appreciated when you’ve got luggage in tow! You’ll also find plenty of suites and extended-stay rooms if you want a little more space to settle in.

The main trade-off is the setting. Much of Westshore is made up of busy roads, offices, shopping centers, and parking lots, so it doesn’t have the waterfront appeal of Downtown or the historic charm of Ybor City. You’ll usually need a car or rideshare for sightseeing and trips around Tampa. However, if you’re planning to drive anyway, staying near the airport can make the travel days much easier.

Westshore can also be easier on the budget than staying Downtown, especially when your hotel includes parking, breakfast, or airport transportation. Before you book, compare those extras alongside the nightly rate. A slightly more expensive room could work out cheaper overall if it saves you paying for all three!

Hotel Alba Tampa – $$$

For a stay with a little more personality than your typical airport hotel, we love Hotel Alba Tampa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton! The outdoor pool area has the cutest little tiki bar, and there are also two on-site restaurants. 

Location-wise, Tampa International Airport is roughly 2 to 3 miles (3.2 to 4.8 kilometers) away, so you won’t have a long journey after landing. The complimentary airport shuttle runs between 7 am and 11 pm, which is super handy as long as your flight fits within those hours. 

You can expect nightly rates around $150 to $450+ USD depending on the room type and what’s going on in Tampa. 

If you’d like more space to spread out, we’d also check out Residence Inn by Marriott Tampa Westshore/Airport. It sits across from International Plaza and offers free daily breakfast, suites with kitchenettes, an outdoor pool, and easy access to the airport.

Another great option is AC Hotel by Marriott Tampa Airport, especially if you prefer a modern, stylish stay! We love its sleek rooms, outdoor pool, on-site bar, and convenient location near International Plaza, just a short drive from the airport.

Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Airport Avion Park Westshore – $$

For our top overall choice in Westshore, you can’t go wrong with Hampton Inn & Suites. It handles the airport-hotel basics very well, with free hot breakfast, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a complimentary airport shuttle that runs every 30 minutes.

You can choose between standard rooms and studio suites, so it works for quick business trips and longer stays. Tampa International Airport is around 1.2 to 2 miles (1.9 to 3.2 kilometers) away, and Westshore Plaza is approximately 1.4 miles (2.3 kilometers) from the hotel.

As for pricing, you can expect to pay anywhere between $150 and $350+ USD per night, depending on the season and room type. 

If you’re planning on staying in Tampa for more than a couple of nights, Hyatt House Tampa Airport / Westshore is one of our favorite alternatives. Its studios and suites have kitchens, and breakfast, an outdoor pool, and an airport shuttle make the property especially convenient for anyone flying into Tampa. 

SpringHill Suites Tampa Westshore Airport is another strong option for families or colleagues sharing. Rooms have separate sleeping and living areas, and there’s also an outdoor pool and hot tub! 

Mi Casa Es Tu Casa – $

If you prefer a small, apartment-style stay over a conventional airport hotel, you’ll want to check out Mi Casa Es Tu Casa, Airport Suites. The rooms here have kitchen areas with a refrigerator, microwave, and toaster, plus private patios, air conditioning, and free parking.

The property itself is in West Tampa near Westshore, around 1.2 miles (1.9 kilometers) from the airport. There’s no full-service hotel setup, but if you’re happy doing your own thing, it’s a comfortable base with everything you need for a short stay. 

As for pricing, expect to pay around $80 to $115+ USD per night, which is a steal for the area. 

For a more traditional budget-friendly airport hotel, Hampton Inn Tampa-International Airport/Westshore is another option. It offers everything you’d want from a basic airport hotel, including free breakfast, parking, and an airport shuttle. 

Holiday Inn Tampa Westshore – Airport Area is also handy for a short stay. It has a heated pool, two restaurants, and a free airport shuttle, and Tampa International Airport is only about a 5-minute drive away.

Busch Gardens & USF

BEST FOR FAMILIES AND THEME-PARK VISITS

Pros

• Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, USF, and the Museum of Science & Innovation are nearby
• Family suites, free breakfast, parking, and theme-park shuttles are common
• Hotel rates are often lower than comparable stays in Downtown Tampa

Cons

• Downtown, the Riverwalk, and Ybor City are usually a 20- to 30-minute drive away
• The area is spread out and designed around cars rather than walking
• Restaurant choices are plentiful but tend to be more casual and chain-focused

If Busch Gardens is the main reason for your trip to Tampa, staying nearby can make family mornings so much easier. Instead of a long drive before you even reach the park, you can eat breakfast, take a short drive, and get to the gates while everyone is still excited for the day. Some hotels offer park shuttles, too, which is super convenient! 

Adventure Island is also close, while the University of South Florida and the Museum of Science & Innovation make this area useful for campus visits and educational trips. Hotels here are generally practical rather than glamorous, but many offer family favorites like breakfast, pools, parking, kitchenettes, and larger rooms. 

The only major trade-off is the distance to other parts of Tampa. Downtown and Ybor City are about a 20- to 30-minute drive away, and traffic can make the journey even longer. The neighborhood is also built around busy roads, so you’ll probably rely on a car, rideshare, or hotel shuttle.

That said, if the parks or USF are your top priority, this area makes a super convenient base. But if you’re picturing waterfront dinners and days exploring Tampa’s city sights, we’d recommend staying Downtown.

OASIS BAY SUITES – $$

For our top family pick near Busch Gardens, we absolutely love OASIS BAY SUITES! The all-suite setup gives everyone a little more room to settle in, which is always appreciated when you’re traveling with kids. 

You can choose between king and double suites, with kitchenettes, mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffee makers. Free breakfast, complimentary parking, and a free Busch Gardens shuttle are also welcome perks, leaving you with fewer things to organize each morning. 

Best of all, the park is only about 0.6 miles (one kilometer) away, so your first ride is just a short trip! As for pricing, expect rates around $120 to $250+ USD per night, which is more than reasonable for the area. 

If you’re keen to stay even closer to the action, Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa Busch Gardens Area is another family-friendly option right across from the park. We love this hotel because it includes breakfast and parking, plus a decent-sized outdoor pool. 

Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa USF Near Busch Gardens is another mid-range option we love! The two-room suites give you a separate living area to relax in, and you just can’t beat a legendary Embassy Suites breakfast! 

Hyatt Place Tampa Busch Gardens – $

For a budget-friendly pick near Busch Gardens, you can’t go wrong with Hyatt Place Tampa/Busch Gardens. The rooms here have separate sitting areas, so everyone has plenty of space to relax after a busy day at the parks. Breakfast is also included, making it easy to fuel up before heading out. 

The park is about 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) away, and USF is about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from the hotel, so it’s also a handy option for campus visits.

As for pricing, you can expect rates between $110 and $150+ USD per night. We recommend booking early for school vacations and special park events, though, as rooms can become much more expensive.

If the Hyatt is all booked up on your dates, we also recommend Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa USF-Busch Gardens. It’s across the street from Busch Gardens, with breakfast and parking included, plus a complimentary shuttle to Busch Gardens and Adventure Island. 

Related Read: Not sure what to do during your stay? Our 3-day Tampa itinerary covers the best activities, attractions, and places to eat!

Top Activities in Tampa

Tampa has so much more to offer than sunny weather and waterfront views! From cruising around the city to spotting dolphins in the bay, there are plenty of fun ways to explore. If you’re still planning your trip, here are five of our favorite activities in Tampa that we think you’ll love!

• Explore Tampa on a golf cart tour – This sightseeing golf cart tour is one of our favorite ways to get to know Tampa without walking in the heat! You’ll cruise past famous landmarks, colorful murals, and historic neighborhoods like Ybor City while learning fun facts from a local guide.

• Cruise through Tampa’s harbors – See a different side of the city on this relaxing history cruise! You’ll pass waterfront mansions, the historic Plant Hotel, and even a pirate ship while hearing fascinating stories about Tampa’s past.

• Spot dolphins in Tampa Bay – We absolutely loved this dolphin sightseeing cruise! We spotted dolphins swimming right alongside the boat, and the beautiful waterfront views made the experience even better.

• Visit the Florida Aquarium – Get up close to some incredible marine life at the Florida Aquarium! From touching stingrays to watching sharks and sea turtles swim through a massive coral reef habitat, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained.

• Discover historic Ybor City – If you love history and food, don’t miss this guided walking tour! You’ll learn about Tampa’s Cuban heritage, its famous cigar-making past, and the origins of the Cuban sandwich while exploring one of the city’s most interesting neighborhoods.

Thanks for reading!

Tampa is such a fun city to explore, and choosing the right area to stay can make your trip even better! Whether you want to be close to the waterfront, enjoy Ybor City’s lively nightlife, or stay near the airport or Busch Gardens, there’s a great spot for every type of traveler. We hope this guide helps you narrow your options and find the perfect place to stay!

Before you go, be sure to check out our other USA blogs! We’ve explored so much of the Sunshine State and beyond and have plenty of firsthand tips, fun activities, and itineraries to help you plan your next adventure. Or, keep reading with a few of our favorite guides below. Happy travels!

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