The hype
Great location and friendly staff, but the rooms are small and the noise levels can be a real issue.
Aloft Tampa Downtown
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want a hip, modern basecamp right on the Tampa Riverwalk with easy access to downtown nightlife and events, and don't mind a little urban noise.
Why People Love It
- Steps from the 2.6-mile Tampa Riverwalk
- W XYZ bar with river views and a lively weekend scene
- Free EV charging and pet-friendly policy
Quick Take: It's a stylish, centrally located converted bank building, but thin windows and a busy intersection mean light sleepers will suffer.
Reviewed by @hotgirlfoodies: I absolutely loved my stay here. The waterfront view from my balcony was stunning, and grabbing drinks at the trendy bar downstairs was the perfect way to end the day. The whole place has such a fun, modern vibe.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The mandatory $44/night valet parking stings, and if you don't upgrade to a river view, you might end up staring at a noisy street.
- You're in town for a hockey game or concert at Amalie Arena
- You want to walk to museums and the Riverwalk
- You like a lively lobby bar scene
Cleanliness & Maintenance
6.5
- Housekeeping: Hit or miss. Some report spotless rooms, while others complain about missed spots, unlined trash cans, and loud cleaning staff in the hallways.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean with walk-in rainfall showers, but multiple reports mention hair left behind in drains and occasional moldy smells.
- Maintenance: Showing its age. Complaints of loud A/C units, worn desk chairs, and peeling paint in some areas.
- Linens & towels: Standard Marriott quality, but some guests noted the beds felt uncomfortable and metal frames were squeaky.
- Odors & scents: Multiple complaints about musty, stale-smelling carpets in the hallways and standard rooms.
Sleepability™
4.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Traffic and sirens from the busy adjacent intersection
- Loud, rattling A/C units in some rooms
- Slamming doors in the hallways
Before you book
Good to know
- Breakfast is not included and costs $6-$10 per person.
- The pool is on the rooftop/deck but can get noisy.
- Pets up to 88 lbs are welcome for a $50 flat fee per stay.
What to pack
- Earplugs or a white noise machine to drown out the street traffic.
- Comfortable walking shoes for the 2.6-mile Tampa Riverwalk just outside.
Room Genie
Best picks
- Presidential Suite for the double-long balcony and extra space
- Any River View Suite to avoid the street noise and get a sofa
Rooms to avoid
- Standard King rooms (space around the bed is notoriously tight)
- Rooms on lower floors facing the street (excessive traffic noise)
- Rooms near the ice machine
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hi team, I'm a light sleeper—could I please request a high-floor room facing the river, as far from the elevators and ice machines as possible? Thank you!”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there free parking?
No, there is only mandatory valet parking which costs $44 per night with in/out privileges.
Does the hotel have a pool?
Yes, there is an outdoor pool overlooking the river, open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Is breakfast included?
No, cooked-to-order breakfast is available for an extra charge of $6 to $10 per person.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, the hotel is pet-friendly for dogs up to 88 lbs, with a $50 fee per stay.
How close is the Amalie Arena?
It's about a 12-minute walk, making this a great spot for concerts and hockey games.
Is there a gym?
Yes, there is a 24-hour fitness center on-site with cardio machines and free weights.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast and walk 10 minutes to First Watch or Oxford Exchange for a much better morning meal.
- ✨
Use the free EV charging stations if you're driving an electric vehicle—it helps offset that $44 valet fee.
- ✨
Grab a drink at the W XYZ bar during happy hour and take it out to the pool deck for sunset views over the Hillsborough River.
5 things to know before you go
💡The hotel is actually a converted bank building, which explains some of the quirky room layouts and small spaces.
💡Housekeeping is by request only, and some guests report they don't line the trash cans with bags.
💡The standard rooms have an 'IKEA-style' minimalist design that some find a bit dormitory-like.
💡The windows have a green tint to them, which can make the view look a bit strange.
💡The boardwalk performers outside use speakers, and the noise can easily bleed into the river-facing rooms.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Aloft Tampa Downtown is located and what's nearby.