After disembarking from a cruise at Port Tampa Bay, I decided to spend a couple of days exploring Tampa and opted for the Hilton Tampa Downtown. Less than a mile away from the port, the hotel was a no-brainer choice. Plus, I was attracted to its central location, just a short walk from the Riverwalk and close to some of Tampa’s most iconic historical and cultural attractions. In particular, I was curious to visit the former Cuban cigar-making enclave of Ybor City. Finding out that there was a rooftop pool, complete with loungers and a pool bar, sealed the deal.
Of course, you can stay at a hotel in Ybor City as well. But I preferred Hilton Tampa Downtown for its proximity to the ports.
Roomy and Comfortable
My one-king-bed room was on the 16th floor with great views of the city below. Pool-view rooms were available, but those can sometimes be noisy. I preferred waking up to a city coming alive.
The layout was intuitive and unfussy, which is something I’ve come to appreciate when I’m traveling. It’s never fun fooling around to figure out where everything is. The bed itself was luxuriously comfortable: firm enough to feel supportive after days on a ship, but with a cloud-like top layer that makes you want to sink in and take a nap.
My bathroom had a walk-in shower, which is a nice touch for those of us who don’t enjoy climbing over the side of a tub.
All the hotel stay essentials were provided—strong free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a coffee and tea maker. The mini fridge came in handy for storing the leftover half of a Cuban sandwich. It was as big as my head and purchased in Ybor City.
The workspace was comfortable, too. Having opted for a digital disconnect during my cruise, I had a lot of messages to catch up on.
Other types of rooms I was told about upon check-in were hearing and mobility accessible, and some had roll-in showers.
Easy to Relax and Stay Fit at Hilton Tampa Downtown
The Hilton Tampa Downtown shines when it comes to amenities, particularly if you enjoy having plenty of options without leaving the property. My favorite feature was the rooftop pool. Because the hotel is in the downtown core, the pool deck gives you fantastic views of the surrounding buildings and the skyline. Between the sundeck, hot tub, and bar serving light bites and cocktails, it was incredibly easy to settle in for an hour… or three.
I also like to work out, and the 24-hour fitness center was a great perk. It’s well-equipped with cardio machines, free weights, and enough space to stretch or run through a quick routine. I used it daily in the morning and found it clean and never too busy.
For everyday convenience, the on-site Starbucks, plus a grab-and-go market with sandwiches, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and snacks, was handy. The Hilton Tampa Downtown also offers room service.
Coffee, Grab and Go, and Delicious Italian Food
One of the highlights of my stay at the Hilton Tampa Downtown hotel was the quality and variety of its dining options. My mornings often started at the full-service Starbucks located off the lobby—super convenient for dark roast fiends such as myself. But the real culinary star here is Che Vita, the hotel’s Southern Italian restaurant. I had dinner there one night, and it was one of my favorite meals in Tampa.
Che Vita embraces the warm, vibrant flavors of regions like Campania, Puglia, and Sicily. I had the chicken parmigiana one night, and it was divine. Another dish that looked delicious was the Agnolotti Blue Crab. Food here is made with care. The atmosphere was relaxed and unassuming, making it easy to linger over dinner. Sous chef Fabio Zaniboni even came out to say hello and regaled us with tales of his youth in Northern Italy.
Afterward, I slipped into Che Vita Lounge. The lounge menu includes small plates and cocktails with Italian twists. My beverage of choice was the house-made limoncello that instantly transported me to the Amalfi Coast.
Sometimes you need to nab something quick. The Hilton Tampa Downtown Riverwalk Market fit the bill. I grabbed snacks and cold drinks there before heading out to explore nearby museums.
Another place for a casual pick-me-up was the rooftop pool bar. One afternoon, I ordered a cocktail and enjoyed a few bits between dips.
What to Do Near the Hilton Tampa Downtown
The main reason I chose this hotel was its location. The Hilton Tampa Downtown is just two blocks from the Tampa Riverwalk, one of the most enjoyable urban waterfront paths in Florida. The Riverwalk stretches 2.6 miles along the Hillsborough River with museums, restaurants, parks, and activity hubs along the way. Walking past the Tampa Museum of Art, I chuckled to see a pirate-themed water taxi on the river that served as a hop-on, hop-off transportation vessel.
A major attraction for me was the Henry B. Plant Museum. Located on the University of Tampa campus, the museum is inside historic Plant Hall. Plant Hall was originally the opulent Tampa Bay Hotel, built in 1891 in a Moorish Revival style by railroad magnate Henry B. Plant.
Walking through the museum felt like stepping into the Gilded Age. I was thrilled to see that much of the original furniture was still there. The displays offered a fascinating look at America’s industrial elite and the early development of Tampa as a destination.
The top of my “to visit” list was Ybor City, a vibrant historic neighborhood known as Tampa’s “Latin Quarter.” It’s famous for its Cuban cigar-making heritage and still filled with character today—think brick streets, wrought-iron balconies, great restaurants with Cuban food (I opted for Gaspar’s Grotto for my Cuban sandwich), eclectic shops, and the iconic J.C. Newman Cigar Co. We arrived via a 15-stop, free tram that runs from downtown, with a stop that is steps from the hotel. It couldn’t have been easier.
Rates at Hilton Tampa Downtown
Rates start around $230 per night. Valet parking is the only parking option. While convenient, it is pricey and something to factor into your budget if you’re driving. Pet owners should also note the $75 non-refundable fee for bringing along furry companions.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
Hotel feature by Toronto-based travel writer Maureen Littlejohn. Photos © Maureen Littlejohn. Hilton Hotels arranged for her stay as she researched a larger piece. As always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.
