Up In Smoke

It’s been just over a year since Hotel Alba opened its dramatic doors in Tampa’s Westshore district.

Formerly home to the Crowne Plaza Tampa Westshore, the 222-room hotel, built in 1970 and currently owned by Sotherly Hotels, was treated to a dazzling $11 million makeover before the hotel debuted in 2019. 

Hotel Alba is part of the Hilton Tapestry Collection, known for highlighting local history and culture. In this instance, the hotel gives a historic nod to Tampa, especially Ybor City, Tampa’s Latin quarter, six miles away. 

Alba, which means “sunrise” in Spanish, refers to a new day and the diversity generated by Tampa’s cigar industry. The business helped the area grow from an economically depressed village in the 1880s to a bustling metropolis – and earned Tampa its “Cigar City” nickname.

“Cigars are to Tampa what automobiles are to Detroit, what wine is to Napa Valley, what Mickey Mouse is to Orlando,” Eric Newman, owner of J.C. Newman Cigar Company in Ybor City, told The Tampa Bay Times. Appropriately, Hotel Alba has a cozy cigar lounge next to the lobby.

One particularly impressive spot at Hotel Alba can be found at its entrance, where large castle-like doors automatically swing outward to welcome guests. The property has plenty to offer both leisure and business travelers looking for a place to stay that’s stylish, peaceful and a quick two miles from the airport. 

Amenities are upscale and include high-end marble bathroom finishes, hardwood floors, deluxe bedding, 49-inch televisions, Keurig coffeemakers and eco-friendly spa amenities. 

But those are only a few of the hotel’s attributes. Others include an inviting swimming pool with thatched-roof cabanas, new landscaping, outdoor bar access, a fitness center open round-the-clock, valet parking and complimentary airport shuttle service.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, The Spaniard – an homage to Gavino Gutierrez, an influential local Spaniard who helped shape the city – has been temporarily closed but is expected to open sometime next year. Not to worry: There are more than 200 restaurants and pubs nearby. Buffalo Bayou Coffee, a casual cafe in the lobby, serves locally roasted coffee, light bites and homemade pastries. 

Guests in search of Southern hospitality and local charm will want to spend some time with the Southerly Host, an onsite Tampa expert. It’s like having your own personal travel coach. Want to know the best place to watch cigars being rolled? The host will point you in the right direction.

Other nearby attractions range from Busch Gardens and Raymond James Stadium to the Tampa Riverwalk and the Henry B. Plant Museum. Looking for even more fun?

Consider a food tour in Ybor City, or spend a few jolly hours hopping on and off the Brew Bus, which takes you to three breweries, an arcade bar and a craft cocktail lounge. 

But, by all means, carve out some time to hang out at the hotel and peruse a rotating art gallery, featuring works by alumni of the Savannah College of Art and Design. These shows have been big hits with guests, hotel managers say. Then give your Instagram some love by snapping selfies in front of the eye-catching living walls or in one of the swinging birdcage chairs in the lobby.

Guests may choose to cap off the day with a smoke in the cigar lounge beside the lobby. What more fitting way to celebrate Cigar City and Hotel Alba?

Hotel Alba is located at 5303 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. For more information, call 813-289-1950 or visit hotelalbatampa.com.