Our research is editorially independent but we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

7 Weekend Getaways in Tampa

If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, it’s hard to beat Tampa with its pristine white beaches and wealth of attractions. Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, it’s home to the Lowry Park Zoo, Busch Gardens Tampa, museums, art galleries and much more. For the perfect escape, choose one of these hotels or resorts to base your stay, enjoy a wealth of amenities on site while being close to all the action.

Saddlebrook Resort and Spa Aerial view Saddlebrook Resort and Spa, Tampa
Credit: Aerial view Saddlebrook Resort and Spa, Tampa by saddlebrook.com

Saddlebrook Resort and Spa

Situated about a half hour north of downtown, Saddlebrook is one of the top resorts in West Florida. It offers a luxurious stay for those who want to have plenty to do right on site. There are three heated swimming pools, including a huge 500,000 gallon SuperPool, two Arnold Palmer-designed golf courses, 45 tennis courts in every surface available, a five-acre ropes course and a fitness center. There’s also a European spa for relaxing after all that play along with seven restaurants. You’ll find plenty to do nearby as well, with easy access to the city’s attractions whether you’re looking for culture, sports or shopping experiences. Varied accommodations include one, two and three-bedroom suites, all with private balconies or patios, set around courtyards for a lovely village feel.

Sailport Waterfront Suites Sailport Waterfront Suites
Credit: Sailport Waterfront Suites by Sailport Waterfront Suites

Sailport Waterfront Suites

Located near the airport on Rocky Island in Tampa Bay, all the suites at Sailport Waterfront Suites come with spectacular waterfront views and private balconies. Ideal for a family weekend getaway, the one and two-bedroom suites are extra spacious and come with full-size kitchens. There are lots of amenities on site to keep everyone happy, including a rocky beach for sunbathing, a heated swimming pool that overlooks the water, beach volleyball and games area, and a sundeck with tiki torches and fire pits. If you want to fish off the pier, free fishing supplies are provided too.

Aloft Tampa Downtown, Tampa Aloft Tampa Downtown
Credit: Aloft Tampa Downtown by marriott.com

Aloft Tampa Downtown, Tampa

Aloft Tampa Downtown is one of the city’s best boutique hotels, close to many of Tampa’s great restaurants, parks and museums, overlooking the Hillsborough River. It’s pet-friendly if you want to bring Fido along, and it also hosts a beautiful outdoor swimming pool and the WXYZ Bar which offers specialty cocktails and music. When you want to do some exploring, the Tampa Riverwalk can be reached in just seven minutes on foot. Rooms come with comfy signature beds, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs and Bliss spa amenities. By booking one of the High Floor Suites you can look forward to a fabulous view of the area too.

Le Meridien Tampa Le Meridien Tampa
Credit: Le Meridien Tampa by marriott.com

Le Meridien Tampa

Le Meridien Tampa sits within a 1905 federal courthouse that was transformed into this luxurious boutique hotel. On the National Register of Historic Places, it offers an especially memorable stay where you can spend the night in a famed courtroom, in one of the extra-comfortable holding cells or a judge’s private office. There’s plenty of historic character and modern amenities in rooms like the elegant Studio Suite which comes with a separate living room area and 24-hour room service. Enjoy swimming in the outdoor pool, dining on French-inspired fare in the onsite restaurant and sipping drinks in the cool cocktail lounge. There are lots of top downtown attractions nearby to enjoy, including the Tampa Theatre which is just a two-minute walk away, along with restaurants, museums, art galleries, shopping and entertainment.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Credit: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel

This rock ‘n roll chain hosts a casino if you want to enjoy the excitement of the sounds of the slot machines and buzzing casino floor. You’ll have 24 hours of casino access just steps from your room, which includes a flat-screen TV, fully-stocked minibar, Keurig coffeemaker and iPod docking station. Some even come with butler service, floor-to-ceiling windows, wet bars and Bose speakers. Fender guitars are available by request. The property has a gorgeous outdoor pool and large hot tub as well as a full-service spa and salon. Plus there are multiple restaurants serving Asian, Classic American and Cuban cuisines along with lounges for enjoying live entertainment.

Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
Credit: Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay by hyatt.com

Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay

Set along a nature preserve on the upper shores of the bay, the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay offers a magnificent setting on 35-acres of pristine natural beauty. It sets a perfect scene for relaxing and unwinding while watching the herons and egrets go by. It has two outdoor pools and an award-winning Italian eatery where you can dine while listening to live jazz and enjoying beautiful bay views. There’s also an artificial beach with a fire pit, lounge chairs and picnic tables. You’ll find a number of golf courses and the Florida Aquarium nearby as well. Choose from rooms, suites with wet bars, DVD players, and even baby grand pianos, or Casita Suites, which are more like a little house than a room.

Tampa Marriott Water Street Tampa Marriott Water Street
Credit: Tampa Marriott Water Street by marriott.com

Tampa Marriott Water Street

The Tampa Marriott Water Street is just minutes from downtown Tampa, as well as the Tampa Riverwalk, the waterfront, convention center and airport. It offers lots of amenities onsite in a classic high-rise hotel, including pampering spa services, a tranquil rooftop pool and restaurants with bay views. The spacious guest rooms and suites include fridges, coffeemakers and bottled water. For a wellness stay, book one of the Stay Well rooms which come with extras like a lighting menu that can be adjusted for circadian rhythms, energy, and relaxation, in-room aromatherapy, air purifiers and vitamin C infusions in the shower.

Travel Deals

Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall All-Inclusive Resort | Jamaica

$197+ pp/pn

All-Inclusive Beaches Turks & Caicos

$424+ pp/pn

15% Off Last Minute Ireland Guided Tours & Vacations

$1495+

7-Day Italy Guided Tour: Rome, Spoleto & Florence

$1919+

5-Day Taste of Ireland Tour | BOGO 50% Off Airfare

$1356+

Alaska Cruise Adventures up to 15% Off w/ LeapAK15

$3750+

7-Day Guided Tour of Italy: Rome to Venice

$2299+

Air & 8-Day Ireland Tour w/ Your Choice of Excursions

$2999+

Hotel Zena Washington DC w/ Tea Ceremony Cocktail

$237+

7-Nt Celebrity Alaska Cruise: Balcony & Ship Credit

$599+

$125 Off | Air & 6+ Nt Ireland Custom B&B Getaways

$1274+

$1500 Air Credit at BRAND NEW Sandals Saint Vincent

$489+ pp/pn

6-Nt Halloween Spectacular Escorted Tour of Ireland

$1959+

Select Europe Train Tours w/ Flights | Up to $200 Off

$999+

Med Cruises | Up to 45% Off, Ship Credit up to $300

$779+