Inspiration Hotels Best Tampa Bay Beachfront Hotels Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay is our top pick, offering a little bit of everything By Christina Liao Updated on 12/05/22 Fact checked by Leila Najafi Fact checked by Leila Najafi Instagram LinkedIn Twitter Leila is an L.A.-based luxury travel and lifestyle writer with over five years of experience covering destination guides, hotel reviews, restaurant openings, travel rewards programs, and buying guides. TripSavvy's fact-checking Share Pin Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Tampa Bay’s beachfront and waterfront hotels offer guests the perfect opportunity to enjoy Florida’s warm weather all year round. If you’re looking to relax and bask in the sun, massive resorts teeming with amenities are just as plentiful as more intimate, boutique-style hotels. And if you’re here on business, you can still enjoy the bay’s sparkling waters from the comfort of your well-appointed room. Read on to discover the best beachfront and waterfront hotels in the Tampa Bay area. Best Tampa Bay Beachfront Hotels of 2023 Best Overall : The Confidante Miami Beach Most Affordable: The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas Best for Families: Bon-Aire Resort Best for Luxury: The Don CeSar Best for Business: Residence Inn New York Manhattan / Times Square Best Boutique : The Hotel Zamora Best for Singles: Shephard's Beach Resort Best Tampa Bay Beachfront Hotels View All Best Tampa Bay Beachfront Hotels Our Top Picks The Confidante Miami Beach The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas Bon-Aire Resort The Don CeSar Residence Inn New York Manhattan / Times Square The Hotel Zamora Shephard's Beach Resort See More (4) Final Verdict Compare Hotels Methodology Best Overall : The Confidante Miami Beach 4041 Collins Ave Rates: $$ Resort Fee: Yes See Rates Why We Chose It Set on 35 waterfront acres with well-appointed accommodations, award-winning dining, two outdoor pools, and a price that’s not too tough on the wallet, Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay offers a little bit of everything for travelers to the area. Notable Amenities Two outdoor pools, bike trails and nature walks nearby, complimentary airport shuttle, Balmain bath products Pros and Cons Pros Located on a 35-acre nature preserve On-site award-winning restaurant, Armani’s Complimentary shuttle service to airport and shopping Cons No direct beach access No full-service spa $15 self-parking fee Hotel Overview With well-appointed accommodations, stellar views, beautiful grounds, and great dining outlets, the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay has just about everything you could want from a waterfront hotel in the area. To compensate for not having direct beach access, there are two outdoor pools and a 35-acre nature preserve that the property is set on to instantly soothe the soul. To soak it all in, go bird watching on the boardwalk, keep your eyes peeled for manatees by the boat dock, and enjoy a bike ride or stroll on the nine-and-a-half mile bayside trail. While you’re here, don’t miss out on the award-winning Italian cuisine at Armani’s or fresh, local seafood at Oystercatchers. Most Affordable : The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas 7700 W Courtney Campwell Causeway Rates: $ Resort Fee: Yes See Rates Why We Chose It For the biggest bang for your buck, the Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas is a casual, waterfront property in an easily accessible location. Notable Amenities Two heated outdoor pools, complimentary airport shuttle, private patio or balconies with every accommodation, cabanas available for rent, one-hour bicycle rental included in resort fee Pros and Cons Pros Every room offers a private patio or balcony Complimentary airport shuttle service Approximately seven minutes from Tampa International Airport Complimentary self-parking for one car per reservation included in resort fee Cons $18 daily resort fee Only one restaurant on site Cabana rental fees Hotel Overview For those looking to stretch their dollar, The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas offers a casual, resort-style property on the shores of Tampa Bay. While it may not have all the bells and whistles, the hotel still offers guests two heated outdoor pools, private cabanas for rent, and a waterfront grill fit for a quick bite. Plus, all of their spacious accommodations have a private patio or balcony so that you can enjoy the fresh air or vibrant sunset from the comfort of your own room. Best for Families : Bon-Aire Resort 4350 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706-3831 Rates: $$$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It The family-owned Bon-Aire Resort delivers friendly customer service to guests of all ages. Notable Amenities Two heated pools, friendly service, full kitchens in most accommodations Pros and Cons Pros Friendly service Full kitchens in most rooms Barbecue grills available for guest use Cons Only one restaurant on site No spa services Accommodations are on the smaller side Hotel Overview Having been passed down from generation to generation for more than 60 years, there’s no better place to feel like family than at the Bon-Aire Resort. With its endearing ’50s-style character, amiable staff, moderate pricing, and direct access to the beach, you’ll want to return time and time again with the kids. The property also offers two heated pools, four shuffleboard courts, and a volleyball net to keep your little ones busy. When booking here keep in mind that rooms do start on the smaller side, so if you’re bringing children, consider opting for one of the apartments where you’ll have 530 square feet of space, a full kitchen, and the option to use the living room as an additional sleeping area. Best for Luxury : The Don CeSar 3400 Gulf Boulevard Rates: $$$ Resort Fee: Yes See Rates Why We Chose It With a recently completed multi-million-dollar renovation, well-appointed rooms, impeccable service, and an award-winning spa, the Don CeSar holds its title as the preeminent luxury hotel in the Tampa Bay Area. Notable Amenities Two outdoor heated pools, 11,000-square-foot spa, complimentary bicycle use, poolside bar, private beach Pros and Cons Pros Multi-million-dollar renovation completed in January 2021 An award-winning, 11,000-square-foot spa and full-service salon Daily yoga and aerobic classes Cons $38+ daily resort fee $24 daily self-parking fee Non-motorized watersports rentals only available from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Hotel Overview Arguably the most iconic resort in Tampa Bay, the Don CeSar’s palatial pink facade has made its mark on the white sands of St. Pete Beach since 1928. And with a multi-million-dollar, top-down renovation that was recently completed at the start of 2021, it maintains its title as the most luxurious property in the area. Guests can now expect updated spaces fit for the discerning vacationer, including brighter rooms accented with soothing blush and blue tones. While staying at the Don CeSar, guests have access to the resort’s private beach, with up to three beach loungers and an umbrella available for rent per day included in the resort fee. To keep you satiated there are six food and beverage outlets to choose from on the property, ranging from a relaxed poolside bar to a polished restaurant highlighting coastal-inspired cuisine. And for those who are really in search of some rest and relaxation, don’t forget to book an appointment at their award-winning, 11,000-square-foot spa which is complete with whirlpools, aroma-infused steam rooms, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Best for Business : Residence Inn New York Manhattan / Times Square 1033 Avenues of the Americas Rates: $$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It With more than 42,000 square feet of meeting spaces and its proximity to the Tampa Convention Center, there’s no better place to conduct business than at Tampa Marriott Water Street. Notable Amenities On-site Starbucks, rooftop pool, waterfront dining with alfresco seating, 32-slip marina Pros and Cons Pros More than 42,000 square feet of event space spread across 19 rooms Located next to the Tampa Convention Center and Amalie Arena Renovated in late 2019 Cons No on-site self parking $32 overnight valet parking fee, $20 for short-term daytime valet No complimentary airport shuttle service Hotel Overview With more than 42,000 square feet of meeting space spread across 19 rooms, its proximity to the airport, and the Tampa Convention Center as its next-door neighbor, the Tampa Marriott Water Street is the most ideal place to conduct business in the city. The property also completed a renovation in late 2019 so public spaces and accommodations have been updated to make a grand impression. And if you’re looking to entertain clients over a meal on the property, Anchor and Brine’s waterfront alfresco dining patio nicely complements its seafood-forward menu while Garrison Tavern offers a fun, casual option featuring spruced-up pub bites and entertainment in the form of Topgolf Swing Suites. Best Boutique : The Hotel Zamora 3701 Gulf Boulevard Rates: $$ Resort Fee: No See Rates Why We Chose It Between its Spanish flare and well-appointed spaces, the Hotel Zamora has style in spades. Notable Amenities Rooftop bar, outdoor pool, five-slip marina Pros and Cons Pros Spacious accommodations with either king or double queen beds Many rooms have balconies overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway or the Gulf of Mexico Rooftop bar with panoramic vistas Cons Parking starts at $10 Fee for beach amenities (chairs, lounges, and umbrellas) No complimentary airport shuttle service Hotel Overview+ If you’re searching for a fashionable boutique hotel that can also double as a romantic getaway, look no further than Hotel Zamora. With its Spanish influence and upscale accommodations—some of which include balconies and soaking tubs—the property exudes charisma. It’s all about laidback leisure here, so relax at the pool or whirlpool spa during the day before you end the night with a sunset tipple at the rooftop bar and an exquisite meal at their restaurant, Castile, highlighting Latin and Mediterranean fare. Best for Singles : Shephard's Beach Resort 619 S Gulfview Boulevard Rates: $$ Resort Fee: Yes See Rates Why We Chose It With daily live entertainment and an on-site nightclub, Shephard’s Beach Resort is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking to mingle and party. Notable Amenities Private beach, daily live entertainment, on-site nightclub, bar featuring over 100 tequilas Pros and Cons Pros Daily entertainment from live bands and DJs On-site nightclub with bottle service All rooms are equipped with a private balcony Cons Can be noisy Fee for beach chairs and umbrellas No complimentary airport shuttle service Hotel Overview Shephard’s Beach Resort is technically located on Clearwater Beach, but it’s not too far off from the Tampa Bay area and is arguably the best spot for anyone looking to mingle or party all day long without leaving their hotel. With a beach bar that offers daily live entertainment on a concert stage, a bar showcasing more than 100 varieties of tequila, and the on-site Wave nightclub that’s open on the weekends, there’s no shortage of fun times at this property. And if you’re feeling a little drained after your first or second night, consider lazing around by the pool or taking it all in from afar on your room’s balcony. Final Verdict Known for its white-sand beaches and sparkling waters, there’s no question as to why Tampa Bay is a sought-after destination for a sun-filled vacation. While most of the beachfront and waterfront resorts in the area have been around for decades, recent renovations like those at the Don CeSar and Tampa Marriott Water Street have reignited a sense of luxury. And if you’re looking for homier or boutique-style properties, you can’t beat the Hotel Zamora or Bon-Aire Resort. Compare the Best Tampa Bay Beachfront Hotels Property Resort Fee Room Rates Free Wi-Fi Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay Best Overall None $259 Yes The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas Most Affordable $20.43 $119 Yes Bon-Aire Resort Best for Families None $123 Yes The Don CeSar Best Luxury $95 $329 Yes Tampa Marriott Water Street Best for Business None $229 Yes The Hotel Zamora Best Boutique None $189 Yes Shephard’s Beach Resort Best for Singles $20 $177 Yes Methodology We evaluated around a dozen hotels that were either beachfront or waterfront in the Tampa Bay area, including St. Petersburg and Clearwater, before settling on the best for the chosen categories. Notable amenities, pricing, quality of service, and recent renovations were all taken into consideration. In determining this list, we evaluated countless customer reviews and considered whether the property has collected any accolades in recent years. St. Petersburg near Tampa Bay. Charles Cook / Getty Images Article Sources TripSavvy uses only high-quality, trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial policy to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy. Bon-Aire Resort. "Welcome to The Bon-Aire Resort." Accessed Nov. 19, 2021. The Don CeSar. "Our History." Accessed Nov. 19, 2021. The Don CeSar. "Don of a New Era." Accessed Nov. 19, 2021. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies