Tampa is a great place to be if you enjoy watersports, family-friendly attractions, exciting nightlife, and some of the best shopping in Florida. While you’re in the area, it’s also fun to check out what different local neighborhoods have to offer in terms of restaurants, bars, shops, and popular attractions. The neighborhoods here each have something unique to offer and accommodations in the area to make your stay comfortable. Here are some of the best places to stay in the Tampa area for your next trip to Florida.
Downtown Tampa
Why Stay Here: Be in the middle of all the action with easy access to attractions and other Tampa neighborhoods.
Top Hotels: The Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk | Tampa Marriott Water Street | Hilton Tampa Downtown
If it’s your first time in Tampa, make a point to stay in the downtown area for convenience and to be in the middle of the action. This is the heart of the city where the museums, aquarium, and many restaurants are located. It’s easy to immerse yourself into the energy of the city when you stay here and have easy access to everything you want to see and do. Business travelers stay here too because it is the central business district. When you’re in downtown Tampa, you can explore the foodie scene, learn about history, and access many other neighborhoods in the city as well. Other top downtown attractions are the Riverwalk and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
Ybor City
Why Stay Here: Enjoy an exciting nightlife scene and learn about local history at the neighborhood’s museums.
Top Hotels: Quality Inn & Suites Near Fairgrounds Ybor City| Hilton Garden Inn Tampa Ybor Historic District
Many people plan to spend time in Tampa because of the fun nightlife scene, and if this describes you, then Ybor City is a great option. Ybor City is a historic neighborhood that was once home to cigar factories and a haven for immigrants. This is a prime spot for tourism today with lots of bars and clubs to keep locals and tourists entertained. During the day, you can check out museums and art galleries in Ybor City when you stay in this neighborhood. Don’t miss out on the Ybor City Cigar Museum and the Ybor City State Museum.
Hyde Park
Why Stay Here: Have a hip and trendy stay in Tampa as you immerse yourself into the local foodie scene.
Top Hotels: Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel
Hyde Park is a hip place to stay in Tampa and a favorite local area that’s upscale and trendy. It is southwest of the center of Tampa and known for its young and energetic population. This beautiful area of Tampa has many historic buildings and restaurants that are popular among foodies who live locally and who are traveling. Many young professionals live here and also in the chic SoHo neighborhood next to it. Expect to find plenty of shops, movie theaters, restaurants, and fitness centers here.
North Tampa
Why Stay Here: North Tampa offers endless entertainment and attractions for families, including the zoo and Busch Gardens.
Top Hotels: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Tampa Central | Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa USF-Busch Gardens
Families love staying in North Tampa neighborhoods while visiting the area because of all the family-friendly attractions in this part of town. This is where Tampa’s zoo is located, as well as local theme parks and museums. There’s definitely no shortage of things to do when you stay here. Many families choose to stay here because it’s close to Busch Gardens and all its awesome water rides and rollercoasters. The Museum of Science & Industry, Adventure Island, and University of South Florida Botanical Gardens are in this area too.
Tampa Heights
Why Stay Here: Save money on accommodations so you can spend more on things to do when you stay in this budget-friendly neighborhood.
Top Hotels: Home2 Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Channel District| The Westin Tampa Waterside
Tampa Heights is a good neighborhood to be in if you are looking to visit the area on a budget. This is an older neighborhood of Tampa has a nice location where you can easily access downtown, North Tampa, and Ybor City too. When you’re here you can find budget accommodations that allow you to spend more on food and activities instead of a bed to sleep in.
West Tampa
Why Stay Here: West Tampa has a diverse mix of people and a wide variety of restaurants to try as you explore the city.
Top Hotels: AC Hotel by Marriott Tampa Airport | Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Tampa Westshore/Airport
Located west of downtown, this neighborhood used to be home to many local cigar factories and is near cultural centers and hospitals today. Popular attractions in this area include the International Plaza and Bay Street. You can find some delicious food in this neighborhood and enjoy a diverse area with a little bit of everyone in the mix.
Near the Airport
Why Stay Here: Be conveniently located near the airport for your business travels or quick trip to Tampa.
Top Hotels: Chase Suite Hotel- Tampa | Tampa Airport Marriott
If you only have a short amount of time to spend in Tampa or have an early flight to catch, you might consider staying near the airport. The Westshore area is near the airport and has a business and commercial district. This is around where the Westshore Shopping Mall is located too. It’s within about a 15-minute cab ride from downtown and also near Steinbrenner Field where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play home games.
Tampa Bay Harbor
Why Stay Here: You’ll love the harbor views and easy access to the water for recreation from this neighborhood.
Top Hotels: The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas Tampa| The Westin Tampa Waterside
For awesome views and plenty of fresh air next to the bay, plan to stay in the Tampa Bay Harbor area. You’ll find restaurants and hotels near the pier and have a prime spot to enjoy cocktails with a view. Travelers who stay in this part of town love being close to the pedestrian promenade known as the Riverwalk. Shopping centers and the Amalie Arena hockey stadium are located in this area too.
Channelside
Why Stay Here: Channelside offers a relaxing residential-type atmosphere and location where you can walk to local attractions.
Top Hotels: Hampton Inn Tampa Downtown Channel District | Le Meridien Tampa
You’ll enjoy the urban feel of the city with easy access to local events when you stay in the Channelside area of Tampa. There are many high-rise condos and lofts here to give the area a suburban and residential vibe. When you stay here, you can walk to lots of local hotspots, including the Amalie Arena and Florida Aquarium.
