Tampa Bay claims to have hospitality as warm as it’s weather, and this month our Sales and Marketing team learned this to be true! Our team had the honor of touring this up-and-coming city, hosted by the incredible team at Visit Tampa Bay. Cvent rated, Top U.S. Meeting Destinations, the city possesses a beautiful waterfront alongside a 2.6-mile Riverwalk, world-class chefs, incredible meeting space and a century of Cuban culture. It is arguably one of Florida’s most diverse travel destinations. Did we mention the Tampa International Airport is only 7.5 miles from the heart of downtown?
Accessible, affordable, and amenity-ridden, Tampa is the perfect place for many meeting types. That is why we’ve gathered information from our top stops during our 2021 Sales & Marketing retreat…
Tampa Marriott Water Street Hotel & Marina
Tampa Bay’s largest hotel with 750 rooms, the Marriott Waterside hosts hundreds of thousands of convention-goers each year along with fans of the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team, which plays at nearby Amalie Arena. The hotel provides easy access to the Tampa Riverwalk, Tampa Convention Center, Harbour Island’s restaurants and -- via the TECO Historic Streetcar -- Tampa’s historic Latin Quarter, Ybor City.
Located in the heart of downtown, this modern hotel features a newly refurbished rooftop pool deck and bar along with two new porte-cochere entrances. It stands walking distance from the Tampa Riverwalk, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, the Unlock Tampa Bay Visitors Center, and TECO Historic Streetcar. Nearby Poe Plaza offers a pedestrian-only space for strolling and dining.
With its modern chic designs and Tampa’s rich Latin history, the Hyatt Place + Hyatt House Tampa is the perfect for your next stay in Tampa. Located in the heart of the downtown area, this property is just minutes away from the best entertainment, major corporate offices, and the beautiful Tampa Convention Center. Enjoy the incredible city views from the outdoor pool deck. The Hyatt House + Hyatt Place Tampa downtown offers luxury, style, and comfort all under one roof.
Housed in one of the oldest restaurants in the Historic Ybor City District is the new boutique hotel, Hotel Haya. Where Ybor City charm meets modern flair, this hotel shows the essence of this historic district by combining the different rich cultures of the area. Guests can indulge in a Latin-inspired meal at Flor Fina or have their café con leche at Café Quiquiriqui.
The convention center’s waterfront location brings the warmth and light of the Florida sunshine right into your meeting rooms. This 600,000-square-foot meeting and convention facility boasts unique architectural designs and spectacular waterfront views that provide an ideal setting for your next invasion. The convenience of a vibrant downtown, adjacent first-class accommodations and Florida's largest variety of destination offerings allow you to conquer with ease.
Tampa Bay’s latest outdoor and entertainment destination, Sparkman Wharf. Located in the Channel District along the Garrison Channel, enjoy a new type of dining experience housed in refurbished shipyard crates. This outdoor experience offers a lush one-acre park to enjoy friends, family, and even your furry friend. This is the perfect place to take in the great waterfront views, craft beer, live music, and exceptional dining.
Heights Public Market at Armature Works
Housed in a carefully restored former trolley barn, Heights Public Market brings together more than a dozen local restaurants in a carefully curated waterfront food hall. Get your favorite and take it to go for al fresco dining by the sparkling Hillsborough River. After, rent a paddleboard or hop the Pirate Water Taxi for a trip into downtown. Armature Works is a key component of the rebirth of Tampa Heights, the historic neighborhood that surrounds it.
Whether hosting an incentive trip, large conference/tradeshow, or a small meeting, this city can truly accommodate it all. The depth of meeting space and venues guarantees the perfect setting for all meeting types and great rates without sacrificing quality.