Tampa Bay is welcoming a fresh wave of hotel openings, renovations, and new developments, adding even more choice for visitors to Florida’s Gulf Coast destination.
The latest additions range from boutique hotels housed within historic Tampa landmarks to major new waterfront properties, alongside extensive renovations of some of the city’s best-known hotels.
Among the most anticipated arrivals is Pendry Tampa, a new 220-room luxury hotel in the heart of downtown on the Tampa Riverwalk and coming in 2027. The property will bring Pendry’s design-led approach to Tampa Bay and continue the growth of luxury accommodation available. The hotel’s central location will ensure easy access to the destination’s sparling waterfront, cultural attractions and dining scene.
Also coming to the Riverwalk in late 2026 is a new Curio Collection by Hilton property. The hotel will feature 281 fully renovated guestrooms, an outdoor pool, floor-to-ceiling water views and a new riverfront restaurant and bar. For meetings and events, there will also be 10,000 sq. ft of meeting space, including a 4,500 sq. ft ballroom accommodating up to 400 guests.
Tampa’s historic neighbourhoods are getting new places to stay too. In Ybor City, The Inn at El Reloj will transform the historic 1910 Sanchez y Haya building into an intimate 11-room boutique hotel. Created by the team behind the J.C. Newman Cigar Company, the development will combine accommodation with Elaine’s Restaurant and Stanford’s Cigar Club, celebrating the area’s longstanding cigar-making heritage.
Meanwhile, The James Hotel by Sonesta will give another piece of Tampa history a new lease of life. The historic Balbin Brothers Cigar Factory is being transformed into a design-led boutique hotel with around 70 guestrooms as part of Sonesta’s MOD Collection.
Further ahead, Tampa’s Channel District will welcome a new dual-branded AC Hotel and Moxy. The 13-storey development will have 310 rooms – comprising 175 AC Hotel rooms and 135 Moxy rooms – as well as a rooftop restaurant and bar, pool deck, event space and more than 10,500 sq. ft of ground-floor retail. The property is expected to open in early 2028.
The new arrivals coincide with significant investment in Tampa Bay’s established hotel portfolio.
Located directly inside Tampa International Airport’s main terminal, Tampa Airport Marriott has completed a major renovation of its 298 guestrooms and key amenities, including meeting spaces and its Concierge Lounge. The redesigned guestrooms take inspiration from Tampa’s cultural heritage and Gulf Coast setting, with soundproofing and runway views.
The historic Hotel Flor, formerly the Floridan Palace Hotel, has undergone a $30 million renovation and is now part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection. Its transformation includes The Dan, a contemporary interpretation of a 1920s speakeasy serving Gulf Coast-inspired cuisine.
On the waterfront, Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay has also emerged after a recent renovation. Set across 35 acres just three miles from Tampa International Airport, the hotel combines newly refreshed coastal-inspired rooms with nature-focused experiences including a Bayside trail, birdwatching boardwalk and manatee viewing, alongside pools and villa-style casitas.
Completing the latest round of renovations, The Westin Tampa Bay has refreshed its guestrooms and meeting spaces and transformed its fitness facilities. The hotel is also adding Palmette, a new brasserie-inspired restaurant combining tropical influences with indoor-outdoor dining and waterfront views.
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Palihouse is a MICHELIN Key awarded chic boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Hyde Park Village and featuring 36 charming rooms. Also, the iconic foodie-focused Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection has added eight suites and a fourth-floor terrace space.
