Here in Tampa, choosing the perfect hotel can be difficult with so many options across the bay! Luckily, the Tampa area is home to plenty of great hotel options with a smaller, boutique feel that will set your stay apart from the big chains and their hundreds of rooms. Typically, boutique hotels are hotels with 10-100 rooms with a unique atmosphere. All of these hotels below are classified as “boutique” and are a part of what makes the Tampa area so great.
Another way to enjoy some of the best Tampa hotels and resorts is booking a day pass to enjoy awesome resort pools.
Updated August 2023, by Zoë Joiner.
Boutique Hotels in Tampa
Hotel Haya
Hotel Haya is a newer boutique hotel celebrating the old and the new of Ybor City. The architects sought out local artist collaborators to bring elements of the city into the heart of the hotel. Stay in a suite with a wraparound balcony or peer from a lush room at the radiating street below.
Flor Fina, located within the hotel, provides a culinary experience with international flare, highlighting flavors from Cuba, Italy and Spain, while Café Quiquiriquí is its own neighborhood café for quick grab-and-go Cuban flavors.
Hotel Haya is also home to regular events like their Haya Lounge Latin Sundays where you can dance to the best salsa music from 3-8pm, pop-up fitness classes, local art shows, live music and comedy, and more. Check their events calendar to plan a true staycation during an event or performance – you’ll never even have to leave the hotel!
Le Méridien Tampa
Le Méridien is a gorgeous hotel in the heart of downtown Tampa with a ton of history that does not skimp on decadence. Before Le Méridien was what it is today it served as a century-old federal courthouse, recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel is also a AAA 4-Diamond hotel that makes for a perfect escape from the bustle of downtown.
Although Le Méridien is home to 130 rooms, the hotel is considered to be a boutique with its architecture, history, contemporary rooms, and restaurant.
The coolest part about Le Méridien is the rooms. A majority of the rooms there are renovated judge’s chambers or offices that have been incredibly renovated into the charming guest rooms and suites that the Le Meridien is proud to book out to guests. Make reservations to enjoy a French-inspired meal at the onsite Bizou Brasserie.
Also check out: The Floridan Palace Hotel for a similar, historic downtown feel. It’s bigger, with just over 200 rooms, but it’s included in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, and its recently-transformed lounge, The Dan (originally, The Sapphire Room) has a cool history dating back to World War II. Sip on prohibition-era cocktails while enjoying a delicious meal listening to live jazz.
The Current Hotel
Located at Rocky Point right past the airport, The Current Hotel is a relatively new boutique hotel included in the Marriott Autograph Collection. The Current features a contemporary atmosphere and stunning panoramic views of the Bay, which are best enjoyed at their rooftop bar, Rox Rooftop Bar, which happens to be the tallest in Tampa Bay.
Enjoy luxurious beds, stylish rooms, a smoke-free atmosphere, and relaxation as you unwind at The Current Hotel.
Epicurean Hotel
The Epicurean Hotel is one of the most popular boutique hotels the Tampa area has to offer. Located in the heart of South Tampa on Howard Ave, the Epicurean Hotel is also part of the Autograph Collection with gorgeous guest suites, delicious culinary experiences, and so much more.
Not to mention, it’s centrally located with tons of great shops, restaurants and night life just steps away. Check out our article all about the Epicurean here.
Clearwater & Dunedin
Fenway Hotel
Another great Autograph Collection hotel, the Fenway, has been renovated and is ready to host your next staycation just north of Clearwater in Dunedin. The hotel features a beautiful restaurant, a rooftop bar with nightly sunset celebrations and a killer view, the coziest rooms, plenty of events, and so much charm.
The Fenway building itself has a rich history. Originally built to be the county’s first radio station back in 1927, it has since been home to multiple schools and even the Taoist Tai Chi Society. You’ll find touches of the past paying homage to its roots in music and radio plus a vintage-inspired design, all adding to the hotel’s unique character.
The Belleview Inn
If you’re familiar with historic hotels in Florida, there’s a good chance you’re familiar with the Belleview Inn. The original Queen Anne–style Victorian hotel was built by Henry Plant and was once a popular spot for royalty, presidents, celebrities, authors, and more. The amount of history at the Belleview is innumerable and so rich. The hotel has gone through a lot of changes over the years and underwent a restoration several years ago to return to its former charm.
Enjoy 35 resplendent guest rooms that will transport you back to the glamorous modern age when the Belleview earned her nickname, the “White Queen on the Gulf.” You can also check out Belleair Country Club, right next door, which is considered Florida’s first course!
St. Petersburg
The Karol Hotel
The Karol Hotel opened its doors to guests in 2019, making it the newest boutique hotel to open in St. Pete. Located just across the Howard Frankland Bridge near the St. Pete airport, it’s perfectly located for those wanting to explore all of Tampa Bay with its easy access to Tampa, St. Pete, and Clearwater.
A true gem (named after a gem of a lady!), The Karol invites you to celebrate serendipity in the stylish lobby restaurant, their resort-style pool, and welcoming guest rooms. Dining options include the artsy and serene K Club Bar and Bistro, and the lively 12th floor Vantage Rooftop Bar with stunning views of Feather Sound.
As an added bonus, The Karol offers a generous 20% Florida Resident deal that includes 2 complimentary cocktails at Vantage to make your stay even sweeter. Check out the article we wrote when it first opened for more details!
The Cordova Inn
Check into The Cordova Inn the next time you’re staying in St. Pete and enjoy the heart of downtown as well as all of the charms The Cordova has to offer. Previously The Pier Hotel, the now award-winning Cordova offers a stunning historic Inn updated with all the modern amenities you could want.
Just steps from the St. Pete Saturday Morning Market and down the street from the Pier, there are tons of attractions in the area to keep the fun flowing. Soak in a leisurely bath in one of their original clawfoot ladies’ soaking tubs before getting dressed for a night on the town.
Since opening in 1921, the hotel has been a historic spot for 7 decades. Check out their website for a full list of the hotel’s timeline as a historic spot. It’s truly one of the most interesting spots to stay!
The Birchwood
The Birchwood was originally built in 1924 as the Lantern Lane Apartments, which were the only apartments to face the water in Tampa Bay. The building is now listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and has been fully renovated to provide historically accurate dimensions and style.
Forbes considers it to be “the place to stay” when you visit the area—so cool!
The beautiful hotel offers 18 rooms with a modern take on the 1920’s charm the building holds. Enjoy the feel of a bed and breakfast with world-class dining at the Birch and Vine restaurant and afterwards, soak in the views from the lively Canopy rooftop bar. Shopping and entertainment are just steps away when you stay at this prime location in downtown St. Pete.
The Hotel Zamora
Check into the quaint Hotel Zamora and enjoy the stunning cultures of both Spain and the Mediterranean. Hotel Zamora was the first 50-room boutique hotel to open in St. Pete Beach for decades.
Escape the hustle of crowded hotels and get off the beaten path at the beach. With Spanish-style architecture that screams luxury, you’ll bask in beautiful Mediterranean charm with a modern twist while taking in gorgeous views of the Intracoastal Waterway.
The “stay well” rooms at Hotel Zamora are beyond stylish. Besides the incredible king-size, double, or queen-size beds, guest rooms feature air purification systems, aromatherapy, dawn simulator alarm clocks, and more. Indulge yourself with spacious suites (many with balconies), walk-in spa showers, plush bath robes, and a spa-like stay.
Hotel Zamora offers Florida residents a 5% discount, plus a $25 food and beverage credit as an added perk.
The Hollander Hotel
Take a trip to Downtown St. Pete and book your room at The Hollander Hotel! Just a half-mile north of Central Avenue’s main drag, the spot is a short distance from all of the best spots the area has to offer.
Boasting beautiful rooms, a stunning outdoor terrace, a full-service spa, plus a lively pool with cabanas for rent and its own bar, The Hollander is a hot spot for hotel guests and locals alike. When hunger strikes, you can satisfy cravings at The Tap Room or at the lobby coffee shop, Common Grounds. For all of the details on the Hollander, check out our article with information on rooms, amenities, food, and more!
The Avalon
Just steps away from The Hollander is its sister hotel, The Avalon. Another trendy spot to stay, it has incredible art deco details including neon lights and retro decor to set the stage for a unique stay.
As an added perk, guests at The Avalon can use all of the amenities of the Hollander. There truly is no other hotel like The Avalon if you’re looking for a vibrant, hip spot to rest your head.
No matter where you choose to stay, these boutique hotels will blow you away. Every single hotel has something different to offer and will truly inspire you to return, explore, and relax.
Feature image credit: Belleview Inn
