Walking into The Tampa Edition is an exclusive scene from a James Bond film; upon first step, you’re greeted at center stage in the lobby with a bold, white marble spiral staircase that is an art piece unto itself. To stage left is Lilac, the hotel’s Mediterranean-inspired pièce de résistance. Located in the 16-block stretch of Tampa’s Water Street neighborhood, this 2022 property is tucked in among the public art and chic bars that have made this cityscape all the rave in recent years.
Hotel Lobby
Photos By Nikolas Koenig
For being the city’s first five-star hotel (there are also The Edition residences behind), the architects have modestly opted for refined elegance, making an external facade that fits in gracefully to its neighborhood surroundings.
Between the art deco-inspired curves and lush greenery, the space is simultaneously calming and invigorating; a combination that will immediately set a carefree tone to your vacation.
Looking out through the generously sized windows adorning the open-flow lobby in the hotel, you’ll feel the contagious energy of the city while enjoying the exclusive atmosphere that Edition hotels are known for.
Azure
The Tampa Edition boasts a collection of 172 guest rooms, 30 suites and a penthouse. Each meticulously curated, amenities abound regardless of which style you choose. Nature lovers may opt for a Garden Terrace room so they can enjoy a morning espresso among the breeze-laden branches on their personal terrace, while urbanites will surely be intoxicated by the opulent perspective of downtown Tampa as seen from the City View rooms. From the robe and slippers to the stunning bathrooms with custom-made Le Labo bathroom amenities (complete with a signature Edition fragrance), no detail is overlooked.
You may find the room too comfortable to leave (I sure was tempted!). However, once you catch up on some sleep and enjoy a late-morning coffee, you’ll find there are more than a few reasons to wander around the property.
For those seeking rejuvenation, well-being is no further away than the candlelit Edition Spa. From CBD Facials to Guided Meditation Massages, the spa menu stays true to The Tampa Edition’s commitment to wellness and goes above and beyond to ensure you’ll walk away feeling better in mind, body and spirit. You can even purchase items like the signature shower gel (which I loved) to keep enjoying at home.
Pool Bar
And after a long massage, there’s no better way to cap the treatment than with a healthy dose of Vitamin D at the rooftop pool. Relax under a canopy of pink azaleas whilst surrounded by the Tampa cityscape on one side and the bay on the other. Enjoy luxurious poolside bedding and lounging areas with a book (or, if you’re anything like me, a cocktail!) and relax into the scenic coastal ambiance that makes Tampa so special.
Culinary excellence takes center stage at The Tampa Edition, where three formal restaurants and four cocktail spaces cater to the most discerning palates. Lilac is one of the hotel’s signature restaurants, and under the guidance of the Michelin-starred Chef John Fraser and Chef de Cuisine Joshua Werksman, it showcases a menu inspired both by Fraser’s Greek heritage and his admiration of Turkish cuisine. Designed with environmental elements in mind, intimate green booths pop among the restaurant’s walnut flooring and cabinetry to creatively blend modernity with forestry. Check out our Dining Review on page 124 for more details.
The Mediterranean theme continues at Azure, the hotel’s Greek restaurant. From the Valbresco Baked Feta to the Kebab Souvlaki (served with a pine nut and dill pesto), Chef Fraser holds nothing back from this breezy dining experience. For those looking for a bit of excitement, the pirate-inspired Punch Room and velvety Arts Club are two sophisticated bar and cocktail spaces you won’t want to miss. In the Punch Room, cocktails like the Mezcal-laden Tampa Punch and the Barbados-inspired Sailor’s Cup are sure to keep you entertained all evening.
Beyond the confines of The Tampa Edition Hotel, Tampa Bay’s vibrant cultural scene awaits exploration. The hotel’s central location provides easy access to the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the historic Ybor City, the Tampa Riverwalk and the Tampa Museum of Art.
More than just a place to stay; this hotel is an immersive experience that is guaranteed to make your time in this vibrant city memorable. Whether you’re sipping cocktails on the rooftop, indulging in a spa retreat, simply basking in the luxury of your suite or enjoying one of exquisite Michelin-starred restaurants, The Tampa Edition makes sure that your time in the city will be an unforgettable chapter in your travel story.
The Tampa Edition is located at 500 Channelside Drive, Tampa. For more information, call 813-221-4600 or visit editionhotels.com.