Tampa, Florida, has a rich history intertwined with luxury and hospitality, particularly reflected in its upscale hotels. From the late 19th century to the present, Tampa’s high-end accommodations have mirrored the city’s growth, economic fluctuations, and cultural evolution. This essay explores the history of upscale hotels in Tampa, highlighting key establishments and their significance to the city.
### Early Development: The Tampa Bay Hotel
The history of upscale hotels in Tampa begins with the Tampa Bay Hotel, a Gilded Age masterpiece that stands as a testament to the city’s early ambitions. In the late 19th century, Tampa was a small town with little recognition. However, the arrival of Henry B. Plant, a railroad tycoon, in the 1880s changed everything. Plant recognized Tampa’s strategic location as a transportation hub and sought to transform it into a premier tourist destination.
In 1891, Plant opened the Tampa Bay Hotel, a sprawling Moorish Revival-style palace that cost over $3 million (an enormous sum at the time). The hotel featured 511 rooms, electric lighting, telephones, and other modern conveniences that were rare in the era. It was designed to cater to the wealthy, offering luxuries such as a casino, a racetrack, and a golf course. The Tampa Bay Hotel quickly became a symbol of opulence and a magnet for affluent visitors, including celebrities, politicians, and European royalty.
The hotel’s success not only boosted Tampa’s economy but also established the city as a desirable winter destination for the elite. The Tampa Bay Hotel remained a pinnacle of luxury until it closed in 1930. Today, the building is a National Historic Landmark and houses the University of Tampa and the Henry B. Plant Museum, preserving its legacy as the cornerstone of Tampa’s upscale hotel history.
### The 20th Century: Expansion and Modernization
The early 20th century saw Tampa’s continued growth, and with it, the expansion of its luxury hotel offerings. As the city’s population grew and its economy diversified, new hotels were built to cater to business travelers, tourists, and wealthy residents.
One of the most notable hotels from this era is The Floridan Hotel, which opened in 1926. The Floridan was Tampa’s tallest building at the time and quickly became an icon of luxury. Designed in the Beaux-Arts style, the hotel featured elegant ballrooms, fine dining, and lavishly appointed rooms. During its heyday, The Floridan hosted numerous celebrities and dignitaries. However, like many grand hotels of the early 20th century, it fell into decline in the latter half of the century. After closing in the 1980s, The Floridan was restored and reopened in 2012, once again serving as a symbol of Tampa’s historic elegance.
Another significant hotel from the mid-20th century is the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel. Originally built as the International Inn in 1965, the hotel capitalized on Tampa’s burgeoning business district and the growing popularity of riverfront real estate. Over the years, it has undergone several renovations and rebrandings, maintaining its status as a premier destination for both business and leisure travelers.
### The Late 20th Century: Resort-Style Luxury
The late 20th century marked a shift in Tampa’s luxury hotel landscape, with a growing emphasis on resort-style accommodations. As Tampa Bay’s tourism industry flourished, developers began to cater to visitors seeking not just a place to stay but an experience that combined luxury with leisure.
One of the most prominent examples of this trend is the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, which opened in 1986. Situated on a 35-acre nature preserve along the bay, the Grand Hyatt offers a blend of upscale amenities and natural beauty. With its elegant rooms, fine dining options, and extensive recreational facilities, the hotel quickly became a favorite among business executives and tourists alike. The Grand Hyatt also set a new standard for environmentally conscious luxury, incorporating sustainable practices into its operations long before it became a common industry trend.
Another key player in this era is the Westin Tampa Harbour Island, which opened in 1987. Located on Harbour Island, just across from downtown Tampa, the Westin offered guests the convenience of proximity to the city’s business and entertainment districts while providing a tranquil, resort-like atmosphere. The hotel’s upscale amenities, including a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city and bay, made it a popular choice for discerning travelers.
### The 21st Century: A Renaissance in Luxury
The 21st century has seen a renaissance in Tampa’s upscale hotel offerings, driven by the city’s rapid growth and its emergence as a major cultural and economic hub. In recent years, a wave of new luxury hotels has opened, each contributing to the city’s evolving identity as a destination for both business and leisure travelers.
One of the most notable additions to Tampa’s luxury hotel scene is the Epicurean Hotel, which opened in 2013 in the city’s trendy SoHo district. The Epicurean is a boutique hotel that caters to food and wine enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of luxury and culinary experiences. With its stylish rooms, rooftop bar, and on-site culinary theater, the Epicurean has become a favorite among both locals and visitors, reflecting Tampa’s growing reputation as a foodie destination.
In 2017, the Tampa Edition Hotel was announced as part of the Water Street Tampa development, a transformative mixed-use project spearheaded by the Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik. The Tampa Edition, expected to open in the mid-2020s, represents the next generation of luxury hotels in the city. With its modern design, world-class amenities, and prime location in the heart of downtown, the Edition aims to attract a global clientele and further elevate Tampa’s status on the world stage.
Another significant recent addition is the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, which opened in 2020 as part of the same development. The JW Marriott combines sophisticated design with unparalleled service, offering guests a luxurious experience that includes a rooftop pool, multiple dining options, and state-of-the-art meeting facilities. Its opening has solidified Water Street Tampa as a new epicenter of luxury in the city.
### Conclusion
Tampa’s history of upscale hotels reflects the city’s transformation from a small, overlooked town into a vibrant, cosmopolitan destination. From the grandeur of the Tampa Bay Hotel in the 19th century to the modern luxury of the Epicurean, Edition, and JW Marriott, Tampa’s hotels have played a crucial role in shaping the city’s identity and attracting visitors from around the world. As Tampa continues to grow and evolve, its luxury hotel industry will undoubtedly remain a key part of its story, offering a blend of history, elegance, and innovation that sets the city apart.