The Luxurious Journey

For years, my friend has been trying to convince me to visit Tampa. And for years I resisted, opting instead to return to Miami and Palm Beach. She would try to convince me; espousing the virtues of this flourishing and misunderstood Florida city. “It’s having a renaissance.” “Young people are flocking to it.” “It’s the new, hot destination.” But Tampa? I wasn’t so sure.

Last month, I relented and met her in Tampa. And you know what? She was right.

What convinced me to give Tampa a chance? Well, the opening of the brand new Tampa Edition Hotel might have had something to do with it.

If you read my blog or follow my instagram, it is no surprise to you that I love the Edition brand of hotels. Touted as the Ritz Carlton’s eco-friendly luxury brand, The Edition Miami is one of my favorite hotels in South Florida. So when they opened the Tampa outpost in October, I had the perfect excuse to check Tampa out.

The Tampa Edition

Let’s start there. The Tampa Edition is a gorgeous, sexy, urban hotel. A block from the city’s Riverwalk, and next door to the Amalie Arena (home to the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team), the location is perfect for immersing yourself in downtown Tampa. 

The lobby is lush and verdant. The moment you walk in, you are met with the Edition’s seductive signature scent (IYKYK); clean and luxurious. Bookended by a cool lobby bar and a cafe, the hotel exudes a natural glamour. The Edition’s anchor restaurant, Lilac, overseen by Michelin-star chef John Fraser is sure to bring the foodies running.

Market, the Edition’s Italian restaurant on the main floor, is a chic meeting spot. If you book the hotel through a luxury travel advisor like Cartology Travel, you must try the free breakfast. Don’t worry, the Edition’s fully equipped gym is close by.

A spiral staircase that would make a Guggenheim proud leads you to the second floor which houses the hotel’s speakeasy, The Punch Room, and the chic Arts nightclub.

The best part of the Tampa Edition? The rooftop bar and pool. Flowered pergolas surround a gorgeous blue oasis. The Mediterranean restaurant, Azure, offers delicious lunch and dinner options and the bar is a mixologist’s dream.

The rooms are simple yet elegant. If you want quiet, ask for the garden terrace room. We never heard a car or an ounce of street noise. Did I mention the Edition is right next to the Amalie Arena? The team was playing that night and we didn’t hear a thing. That’s no small feat.

Downtown Tampa

As for Tampa, this City really has something for everyone. It is home to 3 professional sports teams. There’s no doubt that the Tampa Bay Bucanneer’s hometown Superbowl win in 2021 helped jumpstart Tampa’s recent popularity. There is also a vibrant arts scene anchored by the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Tampa dining can compete with any other Florida city- Bern’s Steakhouse, On Swann and Edison to name a few. Tampa has transformed itself into a livable resort city.

Just a block from the Edition, The Riverwalk offers stunning views of the Hillsborough River and is a focal point for life in this city.

This 2.4 mile walkway connects downtown Tampa, spanning from Sparkman Wharf, right by the Edition, to the Armiture Works building north. Both are hip, open air gathering spots showcasing great food, drinks and nightlife. The Armiture in Tampa Heights gives me Brooklyn vibes. This refurbished area offers Bohemian shops alongside pop ups of favorite local restaurants. It’s a gathering place for all those 20 somethings that make Tampa their home. This area boasts sunset views that rival any others, offering the perfect backdrop to a lovely pre-dinner cocktail.

Tampa Neighborhoods

Another neighborhood I really love is Hyde Park Village. A well thought out and designed cluster of shops, business and restaurants, this area really impressed me. Unique and crisp, it felt like the type of outdoor area most Florida cities strive for but fail to achieve. Dinner at On Swann was outstanding.

Over by the University of Tampa, you will find the Oxford Exchange. A series of elegant shops and restaurants, including a bookstore and a champagne bar, this place is truly unique. I can see why so many students decide to stay on in Tampa after they graduate. 

My quick 2 day trip just gave me a glimpse of what Tampa offers. I would love to return and visit Ybor City, which showcases Tampa’s Spanish and Cuban roots. Saint Petersburg, with its rich art scene and a quick drive from Tampa, is also on my list for next time I’m in the area. So, it’s really not a question of if I will return to Tampa, but when. I hope you will join me then too!