Hilton Tampa Review: Comfort and Convenience in Downtown

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 Hilton Hotels property, is conveniently located in the city center on Tampa Street. The hotel is a short walk from the Tampa Riverwalk and a half mile from Amalie Arena, the Tampa Convention Center, and the University of Tampa campus.



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.



Hilton Tampa Downtown Lobby. Photo credit: Julie Diebolt Price



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 Hilton Tampa Downtown, excellent amenities, and the Hilton brand, it’s a great location for business travelers with all the conveniences of home, office, and work destinations. Many attractions are within walking distance of the hotel.



The Hilton Tampa Downtown is rated #29 out of 170 Tampa hotels on TripAdvisor guest reviews.


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.



Pool View from 14th Floor. Photo credit: Julie Diebolt Price



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!



King Bed and Pillows–a girl can’t have too many! Photo credit: Julie Diebolt Price



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.



211 Restaurant Dining Room. Photo credit: Julie Diebolt Price



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.



211 Old Fashioned. Photo credit: Julie Diebolt Price



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.



Small Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Julie Diebolt Price



The entree was fresh salmon over saffron arborio rice and asparagus with citrus beurre blanc. It was delicious, and I ate every bite.



The Fish Market Special–Salmon with Beurre Blanc. Photo credit: Julie Diebolt Price


Breakfast


Modern American breakfasts and lunch are served at 211 Restaurant. The extensive breakfast buffet is guaranteed to satisfy any craving.



Breakfast Buffet in 211 Restaurant. Photo credit: Julie Diebolt Price



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.



Charcuterie Boards in 211 Restaurant. Photo credit: Julie Diebolt Price


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 Hilton Tampa Downtown. Taxis and ridesharing are available at the airports.


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 is a great place to experience the best Tampa offers. The hotel staff are friendly locals and hosts. I liked being close to all the action.



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 The post Hilton Tampa Review: Comfort and Convenience in Downtown appeared first on She Buys Travel .