The writer was hosted.
Tampa is a place where the past and the present dance together under the Florida sun.
Originally inhabited by Native American tribes before the 1500s and Spanish explorers landing near Tampa Bay in 1528, Tampa became an important military base by the 1800s. The discovery of phosphate in the late 19th Century made Tampa the phosphate capital of the world, and Vicente Martinez-Ybor moved his cigar manufacturing operations to Tampa, founding Ybor City. This move attracted thousands of immigrants and made Tampa the “Cigar Capital of the World.”
In the 1980s, Tampa transformed its waterfront with the Tampa Riverwalk, revitalized Ybor City, and welcomed major sports franchises like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) and the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL).
Read More: Best Beaches Near Tampa
Welcome to the Hilton Tampa Downtown
The Hilton Tampa Downtown, a
The spacious lobby was staffed with friendly, outgoing people who made me feel welcome.
As I entered the lobby, I noticed a beautiful display of an ice-filled water urn adorned with a layer of mixed fresh fruits inside, cups, and orchids perfectly arranged at the center. The presentation was so enticing that I couldn’t help but feel thirsty. I gave in to the temptation and poured myself some water.
An open side room off the lobby is the well-lit Business Center. Two long tables allow users to spread out with their laptops on either side. A counter held an Apple computer and a PC with keyboards for each and a printer. This is the most thoughtful business accommodation I’ve seen.
The convenience store in the hotel included coolers near the front desk that held specialty water, milk, cold coffee drinks, canned and bottled beer, and other beverages. Shelves held snacks and pain relievers for those emergencies after hours.
Accommodations
With 520 guest rooms in the
The
Hotel Amenities
- 24-hour Fitness Center
- Heated outdoor pool
- On-site restaurant
- Bar/lounge
- Full-service Starbucks
- Valet parking
- Covered parking
- Non-smoking facility
- Smoke-free rooms
- Breakfast – available for a fee
- Pet-friendly – cats and dogs, for a fee
- Business Center
- Meeting Rooms
- Event Space
- Free wifi
- Digital Key (Hilton Honors)
- Connecting Rooms
- Streaming TV
- Laundry service
- Dry cleaning service
- Ironing service
- ATM on-site
- 24-hour front desk
- Hot tub
- Sun deck
- Rooftop pool
- Gift shop
- Concierge
ADA suites with a roll-in shower are available on request. Many accessible features are available throughout the hotel, including accessible routes from the public entrance to the restaurant, swimming pool, business center, registration desk, elevators, and more.
Although I usually bring my laptop when traveling, it was reassuring to know there was a computer and printer available in case I needed them, as well as an ATM.
During my travels, I had the opportunity to visit the on-site gym. The workout room was well-equipped with all the necessary equipment to get a good workout. The gym had everything I needed to maintain my fitness routine while away from home.
Room Type
From my room on the 14th floor, I enjoyed a city view and pool view with loungers. It was raining and windy when I was there in February, and no one was using the pool.
These room types are available:
- Pool view
- Suites
- City view
- Non-smoking rooms
- Family rooms
Guest Rooms Features
My 14th-floor king bedroom had a spectacular view overlooking Hillsborough River, Old Tampa Bay, McKay Bay, and the Channel District. I could also see the Amalie Arena and Tampa Convention Center from the picture window. In addition, I spied a trolley parked on the street below my hotel window and knew I had to take a ride.
The in-room amenities included a hairdryer, complimentary toiletries, a coffee maker, free wifi, and two water bottles. The bed had four king-sized pillows—a girl can’t have too many!
Other features include:
- Air conditioning
- Desk
- Housekeeping
- Flat-screen TV
- Laptop-sized safe
- Room Service
- On-demand movies
- Walk-in shower
- Ironing Board and Iron
Dining at the Hilton Tampa Downtown
International flavors and regional produce are earmarks of 211 Restaurants on the ground level. Enjoy an adult beverage in the 211 Lounge and watch sports on the plasma-screen TV.
Dinner
The 211 Restaurant hours are from 7 am until 1:30 on weekends. Appetizers and dinner are served in the Lounge until 10 pm.
I enjoyed the Signature 211 Old Fashioned before dinner in the Lounge. The bartender made the drink with Woodford, Angostura and Orange Bitters, Simple Syrup, Filthy Cherry, and Orange Peel, and served over two blocks of ice so it wouldn’t melt and dilute the drink. I couldn’t resist the Filthy Cherry.
My waiter accommodated my request for a half order of Tampa Caesar Salad with my meal since I couldn’t eat a full-sized salad. The Citrus Caesar dressing had just the right amount of tang with the roast corn, spiced pepitas, and grated cotija to make it a unique Caesar salad.
The entree was fresh salmon over saffron arborio rice and asparagus with citrus beurre blanc. It was delicious, and I ate every bite.
Breakfast
Modern American breakfasts and lunch are served at 211 Restaurant. The extensive breakfast buffet is guaranteed to satisfy any craving.
From Coconut Chia Pudding, fresh-cut fruit trays, six types of bread (including gluten-free), European-style cold cuts and cheeses, four types of pastries, bacon, eggs, potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and four types of cold cereal with milk to yogurt parfaits and plain Greek yogurt, it was a diner’s delight.
I always like to try new foods when I travel, so I experimented with a dark green sliced cheese on the charcuterie board. It was mild tasting and so colorful on my toast.
Starbucks
You can enjoy all your favorite Starbucks menu items at this full-service shop, open from 6 am to 6 pm daily.
The ATM is near the inside hotel entrance to Starbucks in a well-lit, safe location.
Scooters to rent are available on the sidewalk outside Starbucks.
How To Get To Tampa
Fly
Tampa International Airport is nine miles away. Rental cars are available at the airport.
SheBuysTravel Tip: There is no airport shuttle to the
Drive
Interstate 75 transverses the state from north to south. From the north on I-75, take Interstate 275 to Tampa. From the south, take Highway 60 west to Tampa.
Parking Downtown
With more than 24,000 parking spaces, there is always a place to park in Downtown Tampa. Parking garages and lots are close to businesses, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. On-street parking has solar-powered pay stations and accepts coins, debit, and credit cards. Note the space number you’re parked in to pay.
Final Thoughts
The
Hilton Tampa Downtown
211 North Tampa St
Tampa, Florida 33602 USA
Phone Number – 818-204-3000
Check-in is at 4 pm.
Check-out time is 11 am.
Major credit cards accepted/no cash
Currency is USD
24-hour cancellation policy
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