Even before the end of its fiscal year in August, Tampa Bay’s taxable hotel revenue had topped $1B for the second year in a row.
“As we celebrate another $1 billion milestone for Hillsborough County’s tourism industry, it’s evident that Tampa Bay continues to be a top choice for travelers and meeting professionals,” noted Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay in a media announcement. “Achieving this accomplishment before the fiscal year ends is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of our community partners, stakeholders, and hospitality professionals who together drive nearly $9 billion in annual economic impact for Hillsborough County.”
Hotel Boom on the Bay
Including the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, the Tampa Bay metropolitan area has seen development across the board for groups and business travel, with more than 2,500 new rooms added in the past three years.
Among the new properties, the Tampa Edition was the destination’s first five-star hotel, with luxury amenities and seven unique dining concepts under the guidance of Michelin-starred chef John Fraser. Set in the heart of the Water Street District, The Tampa Edition offers more than 8,000 sf of private event space accommodating up to 200.
Right next door is Roost Tampa, downtown’s first full-service, fully furnished lifestyle apartment hotel with 97 units and a massive 7th-floor amenity deck. A great choice for retreats, Roost offers conference room space long with lifestyle programs includng fitness, nutrition, cooking and crafts.
The former Floridan Palace Hotel is now the Hotel Flor and part of the Tapestry Collections Hotels by Hilton following a $30M renovation. Set four blocks from the Straz Center for the Performing Arts—with the Tampa Convention Center and the Florida Aquarium within 10 minutes via a complimentary shuttle—the historic property boasts 12,000 sf of event space, including an 8,000-sf ballroom, along with a speakeasy-style restaurant and a 24-hour fitness center.
Beautiful & Boutique for Groups
Just outside of downtown in the historic Hyde Park district, the iconic foodie-focused Epicurean Hotel underwent a $21M expansion that added 51 new guest rooms and suites, a private lobby, meeting space and rooftop terrace to the boutique South Tampa property, all set directly across Epicurean’s 137-room main hotel.
In nearby Dunedin, the Fenway Hotel recently opened the speakeasy Room 27 inside HEW Parlor & Chophouse. Named for the year Fenway Hotel first opened its doors in 1927, Room 27 invites guests discover the clandestine world of the Prohibition era, with memorabilia from the hotel’s storied past and artifacts sourced from the Dunedin History Museum. Photographs of the original hotel manager and his faithful canine companion, menus from prohibition times, and other treasures add a touch of authenticity to the speakeasy experience.
Also evoking the speakeasy vibe, guests must provide a “password” to the Parlor lobby bartender upon arrival. The jazz-era Fenway offers a ballroom for private events.
“Each of our boutique hotels takes guests on a unique journey inspired by the destinations in which we operate,” said Joe Collier, Founder and President, Mainsail Lodging & Development, developers of the Epicurean and Fenway hotels. “A pillar of the Mainsail brand is to authentically connect with our guests by sharing captivating stories, while curating one-of-a-kind experiences that intertwine food, wine, art and culture.”
Update: Three rooftop bars are “Raising the Roof” for Hurricanes Helene and Milton Relief at EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge (Epicurean Hotel in Tampa); and Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar (Fenway Hotel in Dunedin) on Thurs., Oct. 17; and at Beacon Social Drinkery (Luminary Hotel & Co. in downtown Fort Myers) on Fri., Oct. 18. All three are donating 50 percent of proceeds from the night to the American Red Cross Hurricane Helene & Milton Funds to support Florida communities impacted by the storms.
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