On a recent spin through Tampa, my husband and I decided to stay at the Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection in the historic Hyde Park neighbourhood. This distinctive boutique hotel opened in 2013, and I had been hearing good things about it for years. Across the street from legendary Bern’s Steak House, the hotel has been a destination for foodies since it opened. My stay, after spending a few nights downtown, gave me a glimpse into why it appeals to the culinary crowd. Celebrating the art of food, wine, and hospitality is serious business here.
The first inkling I had of this dedication was at check-in.
“Would you care for a glass of our Epicurean label red or white wine?” the reception clerk asked.
Now that’s a nice welcome.
New Rooms and Suites
Epicurean Hotel has grown to 188 rooms and suites over the past few years. For me, the true showstoppers were the newly opened historic suites. We stayed in one of the eight original worker-bee apartments across the street from the main hotel.
The two four-plexes once housed Cuban cigar makers and their families. Newly restored and opened in 2025, the suites maintain an other-era charm with sleek mid-century modern décor.
Walking into our suite was like walking into a stylish private apartment. A King bedroom, living room, kitchenette, and dining area were done in soft earth tones. Accents included vintage cigar boxes with subtle nods to Tampa’s Ybor City heritage. A full-size refrigerator, microwave, toaster oven, and coffee-maker made it ideal for rustling up a snack. Plus, there was cutlery and dinnerware.
Surveying the living room, I noted that the sofa could be a sleeping option for a third guest. Another nice touch was the gas fireplace, although the warm temperatures during our stay didn’t warrant flicking the switch.
From the living room, a sliding glass door opened onto a private porch overlooking lush plantings and lively Howard Avenue. Shaded by black-and-white striped awnings, it was a comfy spot to enjoy an iced tea in the morning.
Checking the website, I noticed that all rooms featured rain showers, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and coffee machines. Also, minibars were stocked with local beers and half-bottles of wine.
Of Wine, Art and Theatre
Back in the main building, I took a stroll to see where the restaurant, pool, and bar were located. Keeping with the culinary theme, I noticed wine crate displays, hemp chandeliers, and vintage railroad cards. Additionally, the walls were adorned with paintings by local artists.
“We like to showcase Tampa talent, and we rotate the work regularly,” Shawn Routten, the hotel’s general manager, explained.
Routten showed me around and let me take a peek into the Epicurean Theatre. With stadium-style seating for 40, it also had a demonstration kitchen outfitted with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances.
“We have chef-led classes, tastings, and lectures that are open to both guests and the public,” he said.
That day, coaches of an international sports team had commandeered the theatre, so no cooking events were on the books for me.
Another unique offering was the wine and spirits retail shop just off the lobby. It was filled with rare and collectible bottles you could enjoy in your room and take home as a souvenir.
Gastronomy Galore
At Epicurean Hotel, food is not an add-on. It’s the property’s mission. Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar is a comfortable, upscale-casual space that serves traditional American dishes crafted with care. For dinner one night, I chose the grilled 8 oz. filet mignon with leek and potato puree, roasted broccoli, and cheese sauce.
Buttery and tender, the meat was done to perfection. The vegetables were so tasty that they sang. Other menu listings included grass-fed smoked short ribs, grilled Iberico pork, and pan-seared Faroe Island salmon.
Bern’s Steak House is the area’s culinary anchor. Original owners Bern and Gert Laxer are no longer with us, but their son David now runs the restaurant. He is also is co-owner of the Epicurean Hotel along with Mainsail Lodging & Development. I didn’t get a chance to eat at the steak house, but I will make it a mission on my next visit to Tampa.
For a breezy tipple or to watch a glorious sunset, Edge Rooftop Cocktail Lounge delivers in spades.
As well as delicious wines and yummy cocktails, Tampa’s first rooftop bar serves artisan cheeses, charcuterie, and full selections from Élevage’s menu.
There is also a first-rate lobby bar with outdoor access – a good choice for lunch or small bites. If you crave something sweet, Chill Bros. Scoop Shop is attached to the hotel and offers small-batch ice cream.
How to Stay in Shape at the Epicurean Hotel
The Epicurean Hotel’s outdoor pool is a delightful place to take a dip. Lazing on a lounger is another great option. If you are looking to work out, the fitness room is the right place to burn off a few calories. Or you can rent a bicycle and pedal off some pounds.
For a little pampering, the on-site Spa Evangeline has a menu of massages, facials, and wellness treatments. Poking my head into the storefront shop, I noticed the manicure room had a whole wall covered in wine bottle corks. At the Epicureal Hotel, they know how to stay on message.
Take a Walk and Find a Village
Hyde Park is one of Tampa’s most walkable neighbourhoods. We loved walking its tree-lined streets, ogling the restored bungalows, and doing a little window shopping. The village atmosphere reminded me a little of Sarasota: upscale boutiques, a variety of restaurants and cafés, and an elegant-looking, old-school cinema.
Rates at the Epicurean Hotel
Standard room rates start in the mid-$300s per night. Historic suites and apartment-style accommodations start at around $600 per night. Rates vary depending on the season and demand.
Hotel feature by Toronto-based travel writer Maureen Littlejohn. Photos © Maureen Littlejohn. The Epicurean Hotel arranged for her stay as she researched a larger piece. As always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.