The heart of Florida’s West Coast is beating faster these days! An array of major new developments are adding to the community’s growing trove of unique experiences. Major new hotels, hip new restaurants, big-budget expansions at Tampa International Airport and Tampa Convention Center – they all add up to dramatic new discoveries for visitors over the next few years here in Florida’s Most dynamic destination. Treasure awaits.
From waterfront retreats and historic restorations to lifestyle-driven luxury and convenient airport and suburban stays, these additions and renovations reflect Tampa Bay's growing appeal as a dynamic, design-forward destination for every type of traveler.
Tampa Airport Marriott, located inside Tampa International Airport's main terminal, has completed a sweeping renovation of its 298 guest rooms and key amenities — including meeting spaces, the Concierge Lounge, and elevators — as part of the airport's broader expansion and the growing demand for airport hotels that offer more than a layover. Inspired by Tampa's cultural heritage and Gulf Coast setting, the redesigned spaces feature handcrafted details, modern comforts, and soundproof guestrooms with runway views, while the hotel moves toward LEED certification and prepares final updates to its lobby, restaurants, and bar.
The Westin Tampa Waterside, located on the waterfront near downtown attractions, offers newly renovated accommodations with residential-inspired layouts, modern amenities, and signature comforts, alongside scenic dining at Blue Harbour Eatery + Bar. Guests can enjoy inspiring event spaces, a sparkling outdoor pool, a fitness studio, and easy access to the Tampa Convention Center, Riverwalk, Benchmark International Arena, and other local highlights, making it a wellness-focused retreat in a vibrant city setting.
210 ROOMS
Hotel Flor, originally Floridan Palace Hotel, is now a part of the Tapestry Collections Hotels by Hilton following a major $30 million renovation. On the ground floor, the Roaring Twenties come alive with The Dan, a modern take on old-school speakeasies with a menu inspired by Gulf Coast cuisine.
Set on 35 waterfront acres just three miles from Tampa International Airport, the newly renovated hotel offers nature-focused amenities including boardwalk birdwatching, manatee viewing, a bayside trail, two pools, and villa-style casitas near the acclaimed Oystercatchers restaurant. Coastal-inspired rooms—many with water or city views—along with spacious suites and casitas provide a relaxing, retreat-like upgrade for any Tampa stay.
The Westin Tampa Bay has completed a sweeping renovation featuring refreshed guest rooms and meeting spaces, a transformed wellness-focused fitness center, and modern upgrades throughout. Debuting in January, the new Palmette restaurant adds brasserie-inspired dining with tropical flair, indoor-outdoor seating, and waterfront views, with a reimagined pool deck to follow.
The all-suite Home2Suites by Hilton Riverview Tampa, located just off I-75 near the Alafia River, offers easy access to downtown Tampa, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Alafia Scrub Nature Preserve, and Alafia River State Park. Guests enjoy in-suite kitchens, free WiFi, complimentary hot breakfast, a 24-hour fitness center, and a large outdoor pool.
Located off I-75 near the Brandon Exchange, the Drury Plaza Hotel Tampa Brandon offers convenient access to major Tampa attractions, including Tampa International Airport, the Tampa Riverwalk, Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay, and Port Tampa Bay. Guests enjoy complimentary amenities like hot breakfast, 5:30 Kickback®, and Wi-Fi, along with a relaxing on-site Kitchen + Bar open late each night.
Indulge in modern comfort and convenience, where we elevate your stay with a rooftop pool, a tempting rooftop pizzeria, and an inviting bistro and bar. Whether you're here for business or leisure, experience the perfect blend of sophistication and relaxation at Springhill Suites Tampa.
220 ROOMS
Centered in the heart of Tampa’s famed downtown Riverwalk, Pendry Tampa is a beacon of the city’s culture-driven future, where the best of design, art, food and travel comingle with the ease of its sun-soaked surroundings. This is where Florida takes a deep breath. Where the sparkling waterfront and warm temperatures welcome you to explore the heart of the Gulf Coast, a century of Cuban culture and the expanse of the state’s brightest attractions with an eye for relaxation, repose and a pace all its own.
Debuting in 2026.
Brought to life by the team behind Ybor City's iconic J.C. Newman Cigar Company, The Inn at El Reloj reimagines the historic 1910 Sanchez y Haya building, restoring its original mix of lodging, dining, and cigar culture through Elaine's Restaurant, Stanford's Cigar Club, and an intimate 11-room boutique hotel. This thoughtfully repurposed landmark offers a charming retreat that reflects the Newmans' enduring legacy of craftsmanship, hospitality, and community.
The James Hotel by Sonesta will transform the historic Balbin Brothers Cigar Factory into a stylish, design-driven boutique hotel with roughly 70 guest rooms, light food and beverage offerings, and a modern aesthetic aligned with Sonesta's expanding MOD Collection. This project reflects Sonesta's growing investment in high-design lifestyle properties nationwide and marks another meaningful milestone in West Tampa's ongoing revitalization.
Following a major expansion of its main terminal and the addition of a new rental-car facility, award-winning Tampa International Airport continues its multi-billion dollar renovations. Phase 2 of its expansion included new curbside express lanes, an atrium, a new pedestrian bridge and a 170-acre commercial development with two new hotels. Tampa International Airport has begun Phase 3 with the new Airside D, a 16-gate, state-of-the-art airside terminal.
In 2019, the TECO Historic Streetcar became free to ride and added more frequent routes, making it easy to visit downtown and historic Ybor City from Port Tampa Bay, which hosts five cruise lines. They make Tampa Bay the ideal departure point for the Gulf and Caribbean. The port’s central location is close to The Florida Aquarium, Tampa Bay History Center, and waterfront Sparkman Wharf entertainment complex.
The Tampa Convention Center, one of the leading conference facilities in the South East, underwent a $44.5 million Capital Improvement Plan featuring new waterfront meeting spaces, upgraded facilities and the addition of local restaurants including Harpoon Harry’s and Big Ray’s Fish Camp. Eighteen waterfront meeting rooms now span 18,000 square feet and two stories with a terrace and outdoor space.
Gasworx, Tampa Bay’s newest neighborhood, is taking shape as a tribute to its oldest—historic Ybor City. Covering six million square feet, this exciting development will help reconnect the community, celebrate its rich cultural roots, and put Ybor back in the spotlight as one of America’s truly great neighborhoods.
It’s a place where Ybor’s history and traditions meet a fresh, urban vibe—honoring the past while building upon something new. Gasworx will carry forward the spirit of Ybor City, blending old-world charm with new opportunities for people to connect, create, and thrive.
Pulling together Westshore and Downtown with an energetic, contemporary neighborhood, the $1 billion Midtown development offers 1.8 million square feet of retail, residential, entertainment and hospitality space, including Tampa’s second Aloft property and Element by Westin. The 7-story dual-branded hotel features 226 rooms, a rooftop terrace, pool and lounge.
Hyde Park Village is undergoing a beautification project that will revitalize Tampa’s historic and much-loved village. The project will brighten building facades, widen sidewalks, add new on-street parking, landscaping and outdoor seating areas. Retail and restaurant additions will be made as well, including Meat Market, Station House, Forbici and more.