3 Best Hotels in The Tampa Bay Area, Florida

Background Illustration for Hotels

Many convention hotels in the Tampa Bay area double as family-friendly resorts—taking advantage of nearby beaches, marinas, spas, tennis courts, and golf links. However, unlike Orlando and some other parts of Florida, the area has been bustling for more than a century, and its accommodations often reflect a sense of its history.

You'll find a turn-of-the-20th-century beachfront resort where Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald stayed, a massive all-wood building from the 1920s, plenty of art deco, and Spanish-style villas. But one thing they all have in common is a certain Gulf Coast charm.

BridgeWalk

$$ | 100 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, FL, 34217, USA

This circa-1947, Caribbean colonial–style property—more of a condominium property than a hotel—is across from the beach and is a community within itself. Three buildings accommodate guests: The Royal Palm, the Sabal Palm Building, and the Queen Palm offer a range of options, from townhomes to studio suites and "apartos." Part of the charm of BridgeWalk is the brick walkway to the long, historic pier to various restaurants and quaint attractions.

Pros

  • Great location
  • Units are roomy
  • On-site spa and restaurant

Cons

  • Can be pricey
  • Minimum stays required Feb.–Apr.
  • Not all units have full kitchens
100 Bridge St., Bradenton Beach, FL, 34217, USA
941-779–2545
hotel Details
28 units
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

Mainsail Beach Inn

$$ | 101 66th St., Holmes Beach, FL, 34217, USA

If you're looking for upscale digs on low-key Anna Maria Island, you'll find them at this small, amenity-laden complex. Half the units here have two bedrooms, the others have three, and all have full kitchens with granite countertops as well as the latest appliances. The complex wraps around a large courtyard with a pool and a hot tub. All rooms have a balcony; all are also just steps from the beach. Beach Bistro is just across the parking lot. And though the shopping and dining on Pine Avenue isn't exactly a quick walk (it's a couple of miles north), a free beach trolley will get you where you need to go. Vacancies are scarce during high season, so book early.

Pros

  • On beach
  • Upscale apartments
  • Full of amenities

Cons

  • Vacancies are scarce in high season
  • Early (10 am) checkout
  • Pine Avenue shopping is a few miles north
101 66th St., Holmes Beach, FL, 34217, USA
888-849–2642
hotel Details
12 condos
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

The Resort at Longboat Key Club

$$$ | 220 Sands Point Rd., Longboat Key, FL, 34228, USA

There is debate about what attracts more guests to this spectacularly landscaped property–the 45 holes of challenging golf, the 20-court Tennis Gardens facility, or the 291-slip marina. It could also be the Island House Spa or the delicious dinner in the resort's Sand's Pointe, one of on-site six restaurants. Water is the test on both golf courses, which have excellent pro shops. Stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and bicycles are available. All rooms have balconies overlooking the golf course, the beach, or the private lagoon where manatees and dolphins are occasionally spotted. Golf and dining facilities are for guests and members only.

Pros

  • Impressive array of amenities
  • Lovely grounds
  • All rooms have private balcony

Cons

  • Facilities are for guests and members only
  • Few off-site dining options nearby
  • Daily $40 resort fee can add up
220 Sands Point Rd., Longboat Key, FL, 34228, USA
941-383–8821
hotel Details
223 rooms
Rate Includes: No Meals

Quick Facts

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