Stunning historic architecture (it was Florida's first skyscraper)
The Dan restaurant offers a moody, high-quality speakeasy experience on-site
Walkable to the Straz Center, Riverwalk, and Amalie Arena
Quick Take: A beautifully restored historic dame that trades modern soundproofing and a pool for crystal chandeliers and Roaring Twenties charm.
Reviewed by @Pinkpony38: I stumbled upon this live jazz session in the dining room and didn't want to leave. The vintage vibes and leather booths made my dinner feel so intimate and classy. Definitely the highlight of my stay in Tampa.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
The hype
Travelers adore the vintage aesthetic and the staff's warmth, but often feel misled by the lack of a pool and the noise levels.
Reality check
The 'historic charm' means small bathrooms and thin windows that let in the downtown din.
You love architecture and staying in 'Grand Dame' hotels
You are attending a show at the Straz Center (it's a short walk)
You want a romantic, moody bar scene without leaving the hotel
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some reports of missed trash pickup in hallways.
Bathroom hygiene: Clean but dated in layout. Grout is usually scrubbed, but wear and tear on vintage tiles is visible.
Maintenance: The recent renovation freshened things up, but expect 'old building' quirks like slow drains or creaky doors.
Linens & towels: Standard Hilton Tapestry quality—clean, white, and crisp.
Odors & scents: Mostly fresh, but faint mustiness can linger in hallways due to the building's age.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
Echo Nightclub (street noise)
Mechanical buzzing (18th floor)
Thin historic windows
Before you book
Good to know
Valet is the primary parking option ($40+/night); self-parking is scarce downtown.
Hilton Honors Gold/Diamond members get a food & beverage credit, not a free buffet.
The destination fee ($30) includes bike rentals—actually use them to ride the Riverwalk.
What to pack
High-quality earplugs or a white noise machine
Walking shoes for the Riverwalk
Dressy casual outfits for The Dan (it's too nice for gym shorts)
Room Genie
Best picks
Junior Suites for actual breathing room and a seating area
Mid-level floors (10-15) to balance view with distance from street noise
Rooms to avoid
Room 1817 (and surrounding 18th-floor rooms) due to persistent mechanical buzzing
Lower floors facing North Florida Ave (direct line of fire for nightclub noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a room on a mid-to-high floor (10-15) facing AWAY from the Echo nightclub. Please strictly avoid the 18th floor due to known mechanical noise issues.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
No. Do not believe third-party listings that say otherwise. There is no pool.
Is breakfast free?
No, it's a la carte at The Dan or grab-and-go at Cass St. Coffee. Hilton elites get a daily credit.
How bad is the noise?
It depends on your room. Street-facing low floors get club noise; the 18th floor gets mechanical noise. Mid-level interior rooms are your best bet.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, for a $50 fee per stay. Maximum 2 pets.
How far is the cruise port?
Very close—about a 5-minute Uber or a long walk. Great pre-cruise stay.
Is there a resort fee?
Yes, a 'Destination Fee' of ~$30/night is added, covering wifi, bikes, and water.
Insider Tips
✨
The 'Sapphire Lounge' history is real—ask the bartender at The Dan about the hotel's Prohibition past.
✨
Use the free hotel bikes to get to Armature Works for lunch; it's a fun ride along the river.
✨
If the valet line is backed up (it often is), there is a public garage at the William F. Poe garage nearby, but it's a walk.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'buzzing' ghost: Room 1817 has a notorious mechanical hum that drives guests crazy.
💡The bathrooms are 'historic' size—barely room to turn around in some standard rooms.
💡The elevators are beautiful but slow; factor in an extra 5 minutes if you're on a high floor.
💡The 'City View' often just means looking at another office building.
💡The air conditioning is powerful but can be loud—a blessing in July, a curse for light sleepers.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Hotel Flor Tampa Downtown, Tapestry Collection By Hilton is located and what's nearby.