11 Best Beachfront Hotels in Tampa, Florida

Tampa on the Floridian Gulf Coast is famous for coastal cuisine, history, museums, and an impressive mix of outdoor activities. However, it’s most famous for its gorgeous coastline, which is perfect for enjoying Florida’s warm weather throughout the year. So, if you’re looking to unwind and bask in the sun, then Tampa’s waterfront hotels are just the place to do so. The best options for a beachfront hotel in Tampa, Florida, on the beach range from massive resorts that teem with amenities to intimate boutique-style hotels. Nevertheless, they all have fabulous ocean-facing digs and easy access to the sparkling Gulf beach coastline. Whatever your style of travel is, Tampa has a beach hotel for it. To that end, here are the 11 best beachfront hotels in Tampa, Florida, on the beach.

Tampa Marriott Water Street

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There’s no better business beachfront hotel in Tampa, Florida, on the beach than the Tampa Marriott Water Street. With the Tampa Convention Center next door, proximity to the airport, and more than 19 meeting rooms, it’s no surprise that Tampa Marriott is a prime business spot. But that’s not all. It also has amazing restaurants and a fun tavern where you can dig into delicious meals and enjoy drinks with views of the water. What’s more, all rooms have work desks, chaise lounges, flatscreen TVs, and plush beds. And since it’s right on the water, it offers stunning views. With the marina right outside, you even have the chance to see boats go by. This waterfront Marriott property even has a fitness center and a rooftop pool. The best bit? This is also one of the best family hotels in Tampa, FL.

The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas

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If you want the biggest bang for your buck, the Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas is the perfect casual waterfront property. This resort-style property on the shores of Tampa Bay might not have all the bells and whistles, but it still does have a whole lot of amenities. For one, there are not one but two heated outdoor pools, both facing the ocean and complete with private cabanas for rent. After a languorous lounge and a swim, head to the waterfront grill for a delicious bite. Moreover, all their spacious rooms and suites have private balconies and patios facing the garden or the ocean. Choose oceanfront rooms for magnificent views of the sea.

Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay

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If you want to splurge on your Tampa accommodations, then the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay is where you should be. Beachfront hotels in Tampa, Florida, on the beach. You get to reconnect with nature at this sprawling resort on a seaside nature preserve. So, you can spot manatees by the boat dock or even go bird-watching on the boardwalk. And, of course, the water is right there as you step off the grounds, where you can indulge in water activities such as jet skiing, paddle boarding, and kayaking. Are you fretting about not being able to go into the water? There are two amazing outdoor pools to soothe the soul and lounge and swim in. Dig into award-winning seafood and Italian cuisine at the restaurants. Did you know that the Grand Hyatt also happens to be one of the top gay-friendly hotels in Tampa, FL? Yes!

The accommodations here are rather special, complete with huge flatscreen TVs, plush robes and linens, and luxe bathrooms. But, the lavish suites are the most tempting of them all, with wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular bay views.

The CURRENT Hotel

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If you want to stay right on the bay, then there’s no hotel better than the Current Hotel to stay in. With floor-to-ceiling windows, every room and suite offers unobstructed views of the gorgeous bay. Moreover, they all have marble ensuites, oversized beds, and amazing mod-cons. You can keep up with your favorite shows with the 55-inch flat-screen, curl up with a good book on the bay-facing chaise lounge, or get some work done at the writing desk. But one of the hotel’s best features is the private beach area. Even though it’s a non-swimming beach, you can still go paddle-boarding, kayaking, and fishing from there.

Once you’re all beached out, sip on cocktails next to the outdoor pool or one of the fire pits and soak in the sunset views. Evenings are best spent hanging out at the rooftop bar, which is Tampa’s highest bar. When you’re feeling peckish, order room service or head to the onsite restaurant for meals.

Westshore Grand

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The Westshore Grand is not just one of the best beachfront hotels in Tampa, Florida, on the beach, but also one of the best luxury hotels in Tampa. It sits just two blocks from Old Tampa Bay and offers majestic views all around, especially from the rooftop pool. What’s more, the exterior courtyard with palm trees is nothing less than an oasis. Besides this, the hotel also has a fitness center, a salon and spa, and three eating spots, including a steakhouse, a grab-and-go cafe, and a cocktail bar. You’ll love the rooms and suites here, which have modern bathrooms with Agraria bath products, fridge-beverage stations, and huge windows affording gorgeous views of the bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

Le Méridien Tampa

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If history with a healthy dose of romance is what you’re looking for, then look no further than Le Méridien Tampa, one of Tampa’s most romantic hotels. This Hyde Park property sits right on the Hillsborough River leading to Hillsborough Bay, affording magnificent views all around. This 1905-built federal courthouse-turned-hotel features original details like oak doors, marble hallways, and hand-painted ceilings. You’ll love the rooms and suites here, which are just 100 in total, so staying here is an intimate and exclusive affair. Besides the luxurious ensuites and comfy beds, the huge floor-to-ceiling windows afford marvelous views of the city. Wrapping up the amenities are the lovely outdoor pool, the fitness center, the bistro-style restaurant, and the bar.

Hotel Alba Tampa

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Hotel Alba Tampa is one of the best beachfront hotels in Tampa, Florida, on the beach. This Hilton-branded Westshore District hotel is close to the boat-studded bay, and the best Downtown Tampa offers. The rooms and suites are spacious and bright and enjoy excellent views. But the Insta-worthy lobby with chic hanging egg chairs and a rotating art gallery is where the hotel sets itself apart. Since there’s a free shuttle, you can travel a free three-mile radius, including getting to the bayfront. Back at the hotel, swim in the spectacular outdoor pool, relax by the poolside cabanas, and order cocktails from the pool bar. And when you get hungry, the multiple restaurants serving Spanish, Italian, and Floridian classics are present.

Finally, we come to the rooms, which beautifully mix mod-cons with industrial-chic decor and midcentury modern furniture. Luxe bathrooms with bathtubs and huge floor-to-ceiling windows with jaw-dropping views top everything off.

Sailport Waterfront Suites

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Are you looking for budget waterfront hotels in Tampa? The Sailport Waterfront Suites, one of the best cheap Tampa hotels, is your best bet. The suites are perfect for large groups and families who want a resort-like experience but with the creature comforts of home. They have multiple comfy bedrooms and full kitchens, living rooms, dining rooms, and balconies with views of the sea. Do you want to enjoy group cookouts? There’s a communal barbeque where you can grill up hot dogs and burgers.

But this place is special because it’s Tampa’s only all-waterfront resort. The private beach is right out front, where you can soak up the sun on a chaise lounge or daybed, fish at the pier, or enjoy a swim or a dip in the bay. If the bay isn’t your cup of tea, head to the geothermal beachside pool, swim, lounge, and order cocktails and Southern-inspired dishes from the casual poolside bar.

Aloft Tampa Downtown

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Aloft Tampa Downtown is one of the best pet-friendly beachfront hotels in Tampa, Florida, on the beach. Not only is this hip hotel dog-friendly, but it sits right on the Hillsborough River. So, they have amazing dog-friendly rooms and suites with amazing river and bay views, toys, gourmet treats, and beds for your beloved pooches. If you want to splurge, the top-floor suites boast spacious balconies for enjoying city views with sunset drinks. And with the Riverwalk outside the hotel, you don’t need to worry about taking your pooch out for walks. The rooftop is also where the amazing pool lies, where you can enjoy a swim. Wind up the day at the trendy W XYZ bar and the Re:fuel snack bar.

The Westin Tampa Waterside

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The Westin Tampa Waterside, which lies on Water Street right next to the Hillsborough River, is a view-driven sanctuary. It is right next to the river, and Hillsborough Bay is right next to it. So, waterfront living Downtown doesn’t get any better than this. Thanks to the Heavenly Beds, high-tech mod-cons, and huge floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views, you’ll love staying here. If you manage to get out of the room, head to the outdoor swimming pool peppered with tropical foliage and palm trees. Besides a fitness studio, there’s also a Starbucks onsite and a fabulous seafood restaurant.

DoubleTree by Hilton Tampa Rocky Point Waterfront

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The DoubleTree by Hilton Tampa Rocky Point Waterfront is one of the best beachfront hotels in Tampa, Florida, on the beach. Waterfront living doesn’t get any better than at this DoubleTree outpost, which overlooks Tampa Bay. You can see the water from practically everywhere, including the outdoor pool, complete with daybeds and umbrellas on the sundeck. Besides the fitness center, the hotel also has a poolside food/beverages service, a restaurant and a bar, a 24-hour business center, and a gift shop. You can enjoy amazing views from the rooms and suites too, which range across king, queen, and larger suites. All boast floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views, along with mod-cons, plush beds, and luxe bathrooms.

Recommended Beach Bars/Restaurants in Tampa

• Salt Shack on the Bay: This place off West Tyson Avenue is one of the best spots in the city for breathtaking views of Tampa Bay’s Gandy Bridge. This open-air and outdoor place is perfect for enjoying a delicious meal on the water, along with refreshing cocktails and the Florida sea breeze. 
• Cafe Dufrain: Tucked on the gorgeous Harbour Island, this restaurant offers lovely views of Tampa and the Bay. Unwind with a cocktail in your hand and a fun and lively atmosphere as you dig into a wide range of global cuisine. Don’t miss eating the Cuban sandwich, a true Tampa Bay staple.

Recommended Things To Do in Tampa

• Tampa Bay Private Sunset Cruise with Champaign or Wine: What could be a better way to end a day in Tampa than enjoying a cruise out on the Bay? This private cruise for two ensures that you can watch the sun go down in the water with your beloved by your side and a glass of delectable wine or bubbly champagne.

Best Beach Areas in Tampa

Tampa is a sprawling city and the epicenter of the amazing destination that is Tampa Bay. Before visiting, you can also read about the top things to do in Tampa, Florida. So, which are Tampa’s best beach neighborhoods? We begin with Treasure Island, which, true to its name, is one of the city’s most enticing beach communities. It boasts a huge swathe of low-lying, white-colored sand dunes that are refreshingly free of all major chain hotels. Here, you’ll mostly find family-owned and independent beach hotels and resorts.

Secondly, there’s the area near Tampa airport, which is home to the largest public beach in Tampa, Ben T. Davis beach. Besides being close to the airport, this region doesn’t have any annoying sound of planes either. What’s more, you’ll find lots of local sports here, such as beach volleyball and good picnic areas. Next, Madeira Beach is a great family-friendly beach neighborhood perfect for shopping. Finally, the upscale Hyde Park is close to Downtown, whose leafy streets make it great for a romantic getaway. Here, you’ll also find amazing luxury hotels and boutique resorts, the hottest restaurants and bars, and the Hillsborough Bay waterfront, a gorgeous sidewalk trail.