It’s a smart idea to come one day ahead of a cruise in case there is a flight delay. A friend, my son, her son and I arrived at the Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa/Ybor City in Florida the night before our Margaritaville at Sea cruise to Mexico. Although, we didn’t arrive at the Hampton Inn hotel until after 10 pm, my son and I had time to explore the YBor City district after we checked-in. In the morning, before our free hotel shuttle to the cruise, my friend and I did a bit more enjoying the Ybor City historic neighborhood.
Ybor City Historic District, Tampa
Ybor City is a National Historic District named after Vincent M Ybor who moved his cigar factory from Key West to Tampa in 1886. The move attracted other cigar makers which created a vibrant scene of social clubs and unique architecture. Also known as Florida’s Latin Quarter, this neighborhood was home to immigrants from Spain, Cuba and Italy. Mechanization eventually closed the factories.
These days, there are several places where you can watch cigars being hand rolled as well as purchase both hand rolled and machine rolled cigars. Also, there are fabulous murals and historic sign markers to fill you in on the significance of the area. Brick sidewalks and globe streetlamps add to the charm.
The Spanish Cuban influence architecture of wrought iron balconies on the 2nd floor remains throughout the district, particularly along the 7th Avenue Commercial Strip. In all, there are 956 historic buildings in the area. We were there on a quiet Monday night. The bartender in the Tiny Bar, there’s a sign on the sidewalk that points it out, told us that on weekends the neighborhood really hops. Still, the neon signs, painted windows and interesting boutique stores were fun to take in during our before midnight stroll.
Hampton Inn & Suites Reflects the Neighborhood and a Welcoming Scene
In the morning, I saw that although the Hampton Inn & Suites is a new building, it does reflect the historic district architectural style on the outside. Our Lyft driver from the airport ($35 with a tip) dropped us off at the entrance next to the hotel’s parking garage. The welcoming reception area is right inside the door. Cheery holiday decorations festooned the walls and counter. In the dining and visiting area, large ornament decorations hung from the ceiling. The receptionist told me that one of her coworkers does the decorating for every holiday. This hotel also has a guest of the day honor. The sign is on the reception desk.
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A grab-and-g0 type kiosk of snacks, beverages and a few microwave meals is next to the reception desk. There are also a computer and printer for guest use in this space and maps and brochures of things to do in the area. The receptionist told us how to get to an open pizza place down 7th Avenue. There is a sign in the district that attests to 7th Avenue’s distinction as one of the best streets in the United States.
Our Room
Our two queen beds room was cheery and comfortable. Rooms have bright geometric patterned artwork and curtains that create a vacation like feel. A framed piece also decorates a bathroom wall. I found the bathroom clean and well appointed. Towels are thick and amenities include hand soap, lotion, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. A small nightlight is a thoughtful addition.
The room’s spaciousness provides places to put luggage out of the way. The iron, ironing board and safe are in the closet. The hairdryer is conveniently placed under the bathroom vanity. I used the desk and desk chair to catch up on some work. There are outlets to plug in phone chargers next to each bed and a one-cup coffee maker.
Floor lamps and two bedside lamps are bright enough to lighten the room and retain a restful atmosphere. We didn’t have time to watch the large flat screen TV. It’s mounted across from the beds above the dresser so that guests using either bed can see it. We did make use of the luggage rack. I slept quite well in the comfortable bed.
Other Hotel Details
In the morning, we did eat the hot breakfast typical for Hampton Inns. Sausage, eggs, make your own waffles, fruit, pastries, yoghurt and a variety of bread. Coffee, tea, orange, apple and cranberry juice, plus milk filled out the beverage offerings. There’s plenty of places for guests to sit.
I also explored the ample fitness room and the outdoor pool. At night the pool was lit up. Fortunately, in the morning it stopped raining so I could snap a few photos. The pool is well kept space with some outdoor furniture.
Our room was around $145 with a Hilton Honors discount from the Hampton Inn & Suites’ website. I checked out the Hotels.com price but this time, Hilton Honors had a December discount that I was able to snag. If you are embarking on a cruise from Tampa, I highly recommend this hotel. I wish we had come in two days earlier because there is a lot to see in Tampa. The Hampton Inn & Suites is also next to the trolley stop making exploration easy. When you arrive book your shuttle to the port. The shuttle runs about every half hour, and the port is about 15 minutes from the hotel.
By the way, if you do hear roosters, it’s not your imagination. Roosters wander the neighborhood.
Post and photos by Jamie Rhein
My old stomping grounds! I used to bike over there from where I lived on Harbor Island, near the cruise port. Fun place to walk around.
My time in Tampa was way too short. Such a cool neighborhood. I’ll definitely go back.