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Tampa is an increasingly popular departure port for mid-size cruises to the Gulf of Mexico and the Bahamas. Coming back from a cruise, we chose the Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection for a buffer night before our flight home to Montreal.
We particularly appreciate the Autograph Collection brand, which brings together hotels with strong personalities, often rooted in local history or culture. The Epicurean embodies this philosophy perfectly, with a clear focus on food and wine.
For our complete guide to Florida, flight options, accommodations and activities, check out our United States: Traveling to Florida with points guide.
The standard room was priced slightly above US$300 or 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. A fair rate for a well-located Autograph hotel in Tampa, especially considering the upgrade potential and the overall quality of the experience. Depending on the period and room type, the points cost can range between 44,000 and 76,000 points per night.
To earn points for this kind of stay, check out our comparison of the best credit cards in Canada.
The hotel is located in Hyde Park, one of Tampa’s most pleasant neighbourhoods: quiet streets, beautiful homes and an excellent dining scene, particularly on Snow Avenue.
The proximity to the Port of Tampa and the international airport (about 20 minutes) makes it a very practical choice, especially before or after a cruise. Also worth noting is the legendary Bern’s Steak House right across the street, an iconic address for food lovers.
Our cruise docked around 7 a.m., and after breakfast on the ship we arrived at the hotel around 10 a.m. The room wasn’t ready yet, which is normal, but the welcome was remarkable.
We left our bags in storage and used the free time to rent bikes offered by the hotel through the Zebra app, then explored the neighbourhood and rode along the Tampa Riverwalk for nearly three hours.
Around 1 p.m., the hotel contacted us to let us know the room was ready, with a Junior Suite upgrade as a bonus, which we greatly appreciated.
From the entrance, the hotel’s culinary identity is everywhere. The decor is spectacular: walls and ceilings lined with wooden crates reminiscent of wine bottle shipping, cookbooks scattered throughout, and works and objects inspired by the culinary world.
The atmosphere is warm, rich, almost museum-like, without ever feeling pretentious. You immediately sense the hotel has a story to tell.
The Junior Suite we were upgraded to immediately felt like it had room to breathe, which is rare for a one-night urban hotel stay. Circulation is smooth, the zones are well defined and everything stays cohesive without feeling cluttered.
The ambiance clearly reflects the hotel’s culinary DNA, but subtly: warm materials, discreet gastronomic references, a soothing colour palette. You feel settled in quickly, not just passing through. The living area is comfortable both to relax and to work in, and the natural light reinforces the impression of a lived-in space rather than a static one.
The bedroom, deliberately simpler, does its job without fuss: quiet, comfortable bed, efficient storage. Nothing flashy, but everything in its place. The separation from the bathroom is well thought out and gives a genuine suite feel rather than just a large room.
A small kitchenette nook rounds out the suite, a nice convenience for a longer stopover or for enjoying a coffee in peace.
The bathroom is one of the most successful elements: spacious, bright and functional, offering plenty of room to get ready or unwind. With a rain shower and a large tub, this is a suite you could easily spend several nights in, which is rare for a transit hotel.
We unfortunately didn’t try the EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge, but we had breakfast at Élevage Soho Kitchen & Bar. Marriott Bonvoy Platinum members and above receive a coupon for either an egg dish with protein or an $8 US discount per person on the à la carte menu. We opted for the included breakfast, with a small extra for cortados.
The restaurant is gorgeous, with a pleasant streetside terrace, a cozy atmosphere dominated by dark brown tones, and a comfort level that makes you want to linger at any hour.
In the evening, we had a glass of whisky at The Lobby Bar: a great spirits selection and attentive service.
The pool is one of the hotel’s biggest strengths: heated, well exposed to the sun, long enough to swim laps, with beautiful padded loungers, umbrellas and tables for working or having a drink. The turquoise tiles, navy cushions and white furniture create an elegant, restful setting.
The space is well enclosed, so it stays fairly quiet. Yoga classes are offered on Sunday mornings.
The fitness centre is spacious, bright and well equipped, suited to cardio, strength training or stretching alike. An excellent gym for an urban hotel of this caliber.
For those who want to explore the Tampa area at their own pace, bikes can be rented through the Zebra app for $10 per one-hour block.
The Hyde Park neighbourhood adds a lot to the overall experience. This is far from a purely hotel-driven area: pleasant streets, beautiful homes, a chic and relaxed residential feel. It’s a neighbourhood you want to walk around in, stop for a drink or have dinner without needing to drive.
A few minutes’ walk away, Snow Avenue is home to several excellent places to eat and drink, letting you skip the touristy downtown restaurants. Right across from the hotel is also the legendary Bern’s Steak House, a Tampa institution for meat and fine wine lovers.
The proximity to the Port of Tampa is ideal for a night before or after a cruise, and the international airport is about 20 minutes away, making logistics simple and efficient.
Once again, Autograph Collection won us over. Impeccable service, a character-rich environment, a spacious and inspired suite, a remarkable pool and a strategic location make the Epicurean Hotel a top choice in Tampa.
Whether for a buffer night after a cruise or a short urban stay focused on food and comfort, the experience is solid, consistent and memorable.
To maximize this type of experience, check out our comparison of the best credit cards in Canada, ideal for earning travel points toward your next stay.
And to plan your entire trip to Florida, check out our United States: Traveling to Florida with points guide.
The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points for free stays at more than 8,000 hotels worldwide is with the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card (and/or the Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card). It is also possible to earn American Express Membership Rewards points and transfer them to Marriott Bonvoy.
To learn everything about earning and redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points for free hotel stays, follow our guides:
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