11 Best Tampa Riverwalk Hotels for Travelers in 2024

Did you know Tampa has a riverwalk? The 2.4-mile paved path is lined with museums, restaurants, and lots of other downtown attractions. Including places to stay close to the action. Here’s a look at our favorite Tampa Riverwalk hotels. 

The city of Tampa has so many fun things to do, as well as in the surrounding areas like Clearwater and Orlando. Staying in Tampa is a great place to stay when exploring this beautiful part of Florida. Here’s a look at our favorite Tampa Riverwalk hotels. 

Quick Guide: Tampa Riverwalk Hotels

Best Luxury Tampa Riverwalk Hotels 

1. Tampa Marriott Water Street 

⭐ Rating 9/10 | 📍 Location: 505 Water Street in Tampa | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

Tampa Marriott Water Street is one of the most luxurious downtown Tampa Riverwalk hotels. King and queen bed staying rooms are equipped with premium bedding and free cribs if needed. The room also includes a mini-fridge and access to 24-hour room service. 

The rooftop pool at this property is astounding. It’s refreshing and offers amazing views of the skyline and the sparkling Tampa Bay. Be sure to grab snacks and drinks at the Pool Bar and Grill! 

When it comes to hotels in the Tampa Riverwalk area, this one has a great variety of food options available on-site. Anchor and Brine is known for its delectable seafood but also for an equally impressive ambiance.  

We had a great trip to Marriott Water Street. The pool deck was perfect and my family really enjoyed the addition of the large chess board, foosball, corn hole, shaded tv area, bar and grille. The restaurants on the property were delicious and overall a great experience!

– DIANA (Read more REVIEWS)

This eatery is located alongside the riverwalk, offering amazing views of the area. Seating is available indoors or outdoors on the terrace. Garrison Tavern and Cafe Waterside are the other Riverwalk restaurants also located at the hotel. 

With so many luxurious features to enjoy here, it might be shocking to learn this hotel charges for wifi ($12.95/day) and parking (off-site $12/day, secured valet $38/day). 

🐾 Traveling to Tampa with a pet? This is one of the best pet-friendly hotels on the Tampa Riverwalk.

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Best Tampa Riverwalk Hotels

2. JW Marriott Tampa Water Street

⭐ Rating 9.4/10 | 📍 Location: 510 Water Street in Tampa | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

JW Marriott Tampa Water Street is another one of the best hotels near the Riverwalk in Tampa. A Marriott again, this location is more focused on restful serenity. 

This hotel aims to create a restful atmosphere with two outdoor pools surrounded by cabanas, loungers, and umbrellas. If the pool isn’t enough, you can get a massage or enjoy some time in the sauna at the full-service spa.  

Very nice hotel with great amenities. Pool was nice and warm. Staff was very friendly and accommodating. We enjoyed our stay and would recommend this hotel.

– Verified traveler (Read More reviews)

Standard rooms are designed to sleep four people and include a mini-fridge. Cribs or infant beds can be requested at no charge.  

A daily cooked-to-order breakfast is available, pricing is a little steep at $20–$60 for adults and $15–$30 for children. There are two restaurants on-site and a bar and coffee shop. 

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Best Tampa Riverwalk Hotels

3. The Westin Tampa Waterside

⭐ Rating 8.2/10 | 📍 Location: 725 S Harbour Island Blvd in Tampa | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

The Westin Tampa Waterside is one of our favorite hotels on the Riverwalk in Tampa. It’s located on the water at a marina, featuring easy access to the river and a beautiful terrace. 

Staying rooms here are designed for 3 to 4 guests. They feature comfortable beds with luxurious sheets and comforters. But best of all, they look out to either the harbor or the bay, so you’re guaranteed an amazing view.   

A super convenient place to stay, they have a small store on-site as well as guest laundry facilities. It’s always a plus to have access to clean clothes! 

I liked it. Suited my needs and they treated my English Bulldog like a family member. The valet group and service desk personnel were great.

– fred (Read More reviews)

Dining and entertainment options include the hotel restaurant, lounge, and daily breakfast for a fee.

Keep in mind this location also charges for wifi ($11.95/day) and only supports up to 3 devices. So if you’re a family that unwinds with electronics, this might not be the best choice for you. 

Also, parking is limited at this property, and costs $40/day for valet parking. 

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Best Tampa Riverwalk Hotels

4. Hotel Haya

⭐ Rating 9.2/10 | 📍 Location: 1412 E. 7th Avenue in Tampa | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

Hotel Haya is one of the most unique hotels near the Tampa Bay Riverwalk. Technically located in the Ybor City neighborhood, it’s super close to the entertainment district and the boardwalk. 

Hotel Haya has a modern meets rustic feel about it. The rooms at this hotel are pretty standard. They include king or queen-size beds and the usual furnishings like smart flat-screen TVs and a minibar. 

You can’t pass this hotel up, it’s literally in the perfect spot where you can just walk and see the best Ybor has to offer. I’m definitely coming back this summer.

– travis (Read More Reviews)

As a bonus feature, this spot is one of the only Tampa Riverwalk hotels with a balcony. Some of the rooms feature a private outdoor oasis. 

Keep in mind that cribs, infant beds, and rollaway beds are not available at this location, so if these items are necessities for your stay, you’d be better off researching other hotels in Tampa near the Riverwalk. 

You can pay for a daily made-to-order breakfast or find other food options at the on-site restaurant or cafe. The outdoor pool area is also a sleek spot to hang out, lined with sun loungers for optimal relaxation! 

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Best Mid-Range Tampa Riverwalk Hotels 

Best Tampa Riverwalk Hotels

5. Hampton Inn Tampa Downtown Channel District

⭐ Rating 9.2/10 | 📍 Location: 1155 East Kennedy Boulevard in Tampa | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

Hampton Inn Tampa Downtown Channel District features comfortable rooms that include microwaves and refrigerators, plus free Wi-Fi. Which is surprisingly rare when it comes to hotels in the Riverwalk area of Tampa, FL.  

As for cool places to unwind and enjoy the Florida weather with your family, Hampton Inn Tampa has got you covered. Their outdoor pool is complete with pool loungers and umbrellas. 

Enjoyed my stay at Hampton Inn. Rooms were clean, staff friendly & helpful, & the breakfast was great!

– Catherine (read more reviews)

But we love the rooftop terrace most! It’s well-designed with shaded picnic tables and a barbecue grill for hotel guests’ use. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy lunch outside, surrounded by the beautiful Tampa Bay views. 

The terrace also showcases some amazing fire pits and seating areas, so it’s a wonderful place to wrap up an evening as well. 

Other highlights of the hotel include a complimentary full breakfast, a snack bar, and on-site Starbucks as well. 

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Best Tampa Riverwalk Hotels

6. Aloft Tampa Midtown

⭐ Rating 7.6/10 | 📍 Location: 3650 Midtown Drive in Tampa | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

Aloft Tampa Midtown has a very clean and modern design and feel. A stand-out among hotels in downtown Tampa, this spot features high-quality hypoallergenic bedding. So no matter your family’s sensitivities, everyone should be able to rest easy. 

The king or queen-sized bedrooms include a mini-fridge, and cribs are available if needed. There’s also a  convenience store on-site, which is super helpful if you need anything for your kids in a pinch. 

Beautiful place to stay! Everything is up to date and decor is amazing! Love the bathroom. Convenient to stores and food. Loved it.

– tiffany (Read more reviews)

Be sure to visit the Sal Y Mar restaurant. It’s an excellent spot to devour some Latin-American cuisine. You won’t want to miss it. The property also features two different bars to enjoy. 

This hotel boasts beautifully designed outdoor terraces and dining areas. It’s an outdoor ambiance that not many other downtown Tampa hotels have been able to capture. So, if you’re hoping to spend time outdoors, even at your hotel, Aloft Tampa Midtown might be your best option. 

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Best Tampa Riverwalk Hotels

7. Embassy Suites By Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center

⭐ Rating 8.2/10 | 📍 Location: 513 S Florida Ave in Tampa | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center is a suites-only hotel that offers amazing accommodations at a fair price for a riverwalk location. It’s a high-rise building that has a grand, classic Florida atmosphere. 

The suites are complete with comfortable beds as well as separate living and dining areas. This can make all the difference when taking an extended vacation with your family. 

Although we didn’t have a long stay, the hotel was beautiful, service was great. Perfect location for the cruise port. My only regret is that we couldn’t stay longer.

– April (Read more reviews)

There’s also a laundry facility to take care of all your dirty clothes, or you can send them out to be cleaned via the laundry service. 

With a stellar outdoor pool, restaurant, coffee shop, and bar on-site, you never have to leave this downtown Tampa hotel if you don’t want to! 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Embassy Suites By Hilton Tampa Downtown

Best Tampa Riverwalk Hotels

8. Hyatt Place Tampa Airport/Westshore

⭐ Rating 8.4/10 | 📍 Location: 513 S Florida Ave in Tampa | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

Hyatt Place Tampa Airport/Westshore has perfected the family-friendly hotel room. Their spacious rooms are cozy and comfortable, but most importantly, they are sound-proofed. Which means your kids won’t lose sleep over a rowdy neighbor or disrupt the neighbors if your family is as wild as ours. 

The rooms also include a refrigerator, workspace, and blackout drapes if you’re hoping to help people sleep past the crack of dawn. The outdoor pool is simple but nice, complete with loungers but not much shade. 

Overall excellent stay. Can honestly say I have zero negative and only positive things about my stay at this hotel. 

David (Read more reviews)

There’s a free continental breakfast buffet each day, and the lounge and cafe are great spaces to hang out and enjoy the day. 

Overall, this older property is not as sleek and updated as others on this list, but it’s still comfortable and offers a great stay. 

 

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Best Budget Tampa Riverwalk Hotels

Best Tampa Riverwalk Hotels

9. Hotel Tampa Riverwalk

⭐ Rating 7/10 | 📍 Location: 200 N Ashley Dr in Tampa | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

Hotel Tampa Riverwalk, also known as the Sheraton Riverwalk, is one of the best hotels on the Tampa river walk. It’s stylish, cool, and has a fun city atmosphere. 

In the heart of downtown Tampa, the rooms at Sheraton Riverwalk in Tampa offer stunning balcony river views. And the hotel restaurant, Rivers Edge, offers a waterside dining experience your family won’t soon forget. 

The property was by the river so that was nice. They had a clean pool with a bar that was good. The downtown area was safe.

– camila (Read more reviews)

Overall, the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel location is amazing, as it’s right on the riverwalk and offers access to so many sights and attractions.

But keep in mind that the convenient location will hit you in the form of surcharge fees for virtually everything (ex: wifi, parking crib/rollaway beds, and breakfast). 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Hotel Tampa Riverwalk

Best Tampa Riverwalk Hotels

10. Homewood Suites Tampa Airport

⭐ Rating 8.8/10 | 📍 Location: 5325 Avion Park Dr in Tampa | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

Homewood Suites Tampa Airport is a great hotel deal for families exploring the Tampa Riverwalk on a budget. It’s one of the best locations in the area to get the best bang for your buck. 

Typically, paying less for accommodations would give you less benefits, but in the Tampa Riverwalk area, that’s just not the case. 

The separate front desk staff for all three nights/days were inviting and courteous. The accommodations/amenities were fantastic for the value!!!! Out stay was wonderful pleasant, hassle free, and if ever in Tampa again, we’d most certainly book Homewood Suites!

– Elaina (Read more reviews)

The rates at this hotel are far less than some of the flashier options on the riverwalk. But this property also offers free wifi, free parking and free breakfast, which most of the luxury hotels have steep surcharges for. 

You can enjoy a comfortable and spacious suite with a full kitchen at this location for a fraction of the price of a basic room at some of the other high-brow area hotels.  

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Best Tampa Riverwalk Hotels

11. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa USF Busch Gardens

⭐ Rating 7.4/10 | 📍 Location: 2807 E Busch Blvd in Tampa | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa USF Busch Gardens is a clean, friendly hotel with comfortable accommodations. 

Both standard rooms and suites are available, depending on the needs of your family. They included microwaves, refrigerators, and cribs if needed. And your kids will love the outdoor swimming pool! 

The hotel was clean and staff very friendly and professional.  

– susan (read more reviews)

There is no on-site restaurant like some of the more expensive hotels, but this location does boast a 24-hour fitness center and laundry facility. 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa USF Busch Gardens

Best Things to Do on the Tampa Riverwalk 

Florida Aquarium

It’s hard to miss the Florida Aquarium when making your way down the riverwalk. It’s a giant wave-shaped building! And if you’re planning to visit an aquarium when vacationing in Florida, this is the one we most recommend. 

Florida Aquarium is everything you want in a large-scale aquarium. It’s full of different species of fish and other sea life, like sea turtles, sharks, lemurs, and otters.  

Your kids will enjoy more than just gazing at sea creatures on a visit to this aquarium. The exhibits and programs here also focus on teaching people, young and old, the importance of conservation. 

Sparkman Wharf 

Sparkman Wharf is the premier Tampa Riverwalk outdoor entertainment destination. It’s home to tasty restaurants and unique shops, you won’t want to miss this sneak peek into the culture of downtown Tampa. 

This lively city center boasts a beautiful recreation lawn where leisure travelers can take in the gorgeous Tampa Bay views and enjoy a craft beer while listening to a live band. 

Glazer Children’s Museum 

If the kids get desperate for a little entertainment along your walk by the river, consider swinging into the Glazer Children’s Museum. 

Florida travelers expecting a stuffy museum where kids look at exhibits through plexiglass and can’t touch anything, think again! This spot is purely interactive, offering kids a chance to play and use their imaginations as they live out real-life activities like going to the bank or grocery shopping. 

With so many different areas of play to choose from, children of all ages can enjoy this space. The exhibits and environments are so well-crafted, it feels so real for the kids as they play and explore.  

Other Fun Things to Do in Tampa

Water Bike Rental 

Tampa Tandem Water Bike Rental offers an amazing and unique way to experience the Tampa Riverwalk and the views of the Hillsborough River. Kids as young as nine years old can join you as you explore the riverwalk area on the river! 

This 1-hour water bike tour is so fun. Kids will love pedaling the bikes on the water platform, propelling you through the sights lining the river’s edges. 

➡️ BOOK Tampa Tandem Water Bike Rental

Riverwalk Audio Tour 

Tampa Riverwalk: A Smartphone Audio Walking Tour is not so much a tour in the traditional sense but more of a virtual guide as you explore the riverwalk on your own. 

This audio guide will follow you as you make your way down the Hillsborough River, highlighting some of the most popular landmarks and attractions. And because it’s got all the secrets of the city, you’ll be led to some of the city’s most amazing views too! 

➡️ BOOK Riverwalk Audio Tour

Day Trip to Clearwater 

If you’re looking to explore outside of Tampa, consider a quick day trip to Clearwater. Only a 30-minute drive away, there are so many family-friendly things to do in Clearwater. 

The stunning beaches (some of them even dog friendly) alone are worth the trip. But the city also has other amazing attractions. And when hunger strikes, restaurants in Clearwater are known to serve up some of the most amazing seafood. 

You won’t be disappointed with a trip to Clearwater in October. And if you decide you want to stay in town, there are some amazing Clearwater motels and even family resorts in Clearwater to choose from. 

If you’re interested in a more extended Florida road trip, consider a day trip from Fort Myers to Clearwater, with a stop in Tampa along the way.

FAQ: Tampa Riverwalk Hotels 

Is Tampa Riverwalk Worth Visiting? 

Yes! The Tampa Riverwalk is a really fun and family-friendly way to experience the best of what Tampa has to offer. From the aquarium to art installations and delicious restaurants, it’s a great place to visit. 

Where is the Best Place to Start the Tampa Riverwalk?

South Plaza’s Riverwalk is where we recommend beginning your journey on the Riverwalk. It’s a beautiful and memorable art installation and a great place to get started on your walk down the river. 

Which Hotels Near the Tampa Riverwalk Are Romantic? 

Hotel Haya is one of the most romantic hotels located near the Tampa Riverwalk. It’s a wonderful place for a couple’s getaway. Other notable romantic hotels in the area include Epicurean Hotel and Le Meridien Tampa, The Courthouse. 

What Hotels are Near the Tampa Riverwalk? 

There are several hotel options to consider when looking to stay near the Tampa Riverwalk. If you’re looking for a luxurious stay, consider Tampa Marriott Water Street. 

For those interested in a more mid-range option, Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown Convention Center is a great choice. And Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tampa USF Busch Gardens is a great option for those looking to save on hotel accommodations. 

What Family-Friendly Hotels are Near the Tampa Riverwalk?

Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center, Tampa Marriott Water Street, and JW Marriott Tampa Water Street are the most family-friendly hotels located near the Tampa Riverwalk. 

All of these hotels offer an amazing experience for families visiting the Tampa Riverwalk. 

Do Any Hotels Near the Tampa Riverwalk Have a Pool?  

There are many hotels near the Tampa Riverwalk, and nearly all of them feature a pool. No matter what hotel you end up booking, you’re likely to have access to a pool at your fingertips.

Conclusion: Tampa Riverwalk Hotels 

There are many hotel options to consider when visiting the vibrant destination, which is the Tampa Riverwalk. Whether you decide to go for the full experience and stay right on the water or commute to a nearby property instead, you’re sure to enjoy the sights and sounds of Tampa!