Best Pool Hotels in Tampa

Business travelers prefer this Tampa hotel because it's less than 4 miles from Tampa International Airport, while leisure travelers enjoy its picturesque location right on the bay. The entire property sits on 35 acres of lush grounds just begging to be explored (including a wildlife preserve where you'll find egrets and herons strolling along). Meanwhile, travelers praise the 442 guest rooms and suites for their contemporary decor, flat-screen TVs and iHome docking stations. Recent lodgers also agree that the hotel's entire staff – from the concierge to the front desk to the bellhops – goes above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. Guests have access to a few on-site dining venues, including an Italian restaurant and multiple lounges, plus two pools and a gym. However, families who have come to partake in the city's top attractions may have a difficult time justifying a stay here: This Hyatt is roughly 16 miles away from both Busch Gardens and Adventure Island. But if you're a member of Hyatt's loyalty program, you can use or earn rewards here.

This Renaissance hotel boasts – and recent guests uphold – that it will place you near many top restaurants and shops. You'll find that you're enviably close to the Tampa International Airport as well, which sits in the northwest part of the city. A lack of distinctly kid-friendly amenities may deter visiting families, but those in town for work swear by the Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel's business services and meeting rooms. Accommodations are pretty typical of a Marriott-affiliated hotel: Rooms have plush bedding and marble bathrooms, and they are also outfitted with smart TVs and high-speed internet (for an extra $12.95 per day). Recent guests described the rooms as spacious, well-appointed and clean, but they reserved most of their compliments for the friendly hotel staff. Visitors also praise the on-site Italian restaurant, Gabriella's, for its tasty, relatively affordable cuisine. While you're here, you'll also have access to the hotel pool and fitness center. And if you're a Marriott Bonvoy member, you can use or earn points here.

Most of this Westin's 244 rooms afford a brilliant view of Old Tampa Bay, but that's not even what guests praise the most (though they do indeed spend plenty of time gushing over the views). The Westin Tampa Bay receives major kudos for is its ultra-comfortable rooms, which feature the brand's trademark Heavenly Beds, as well as flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations and floor-to-ceiling windows. Another highlight is the gracious staff: Travelers say that hotel employees worked hard to ensure a comfortable stay. Guests also appreciate having access to the heated indoor pool and a gorgeous beach that can be found just steps from the lobby. When you're not catching rays, you can grab a bite to eat at the tasty-in house restaurant, AQUA. The Westin Tampa Bay is located on the city's Rocky Point Island in northwest Tampa, Florida, near the airport. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

"Niche" is an important word to remember when considering a stay at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. For instance, there's probably too many whirring slot-machine lights and casino-floor ambience for either families or business travelers to be truly comfortable at this hotel. However, many of the younger crowds that have passed through this Hard Rock property were more than pleased. In addition to praising the friendly staff, previous guests speak well of the gorgeous rooms. All accommodations come with flat-screen TVs, docking stations compatible with iPad and iPhones, coffee makers and Egyptian cotton sheets. But if you have the money to burn, considering booking the Spa King Room to enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows and an oversized bathroom with a jetted tub. While here, you'll also have access to the hotel spa, the pool and the property's various nightlife venues, not to mention a long list of dining options. Recent travelers warn that the hotel's pool is under renovation, which was a disappointment. Staying at this casino hotel puts you less than 7 miles southeast of Tampa's Busch Gardens and 7 miles northeast of the Florida Aquarium.

If memorable culinary experiences are what you're after, this is the place for you. After checking in and surveying your digs, outfitted with flat-screen TVs, luxury bath products and an in-room pantry, enjoy a meal at Élevage. Helmed by executive chef Chad Johnson, a 2014 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef, the restaurant prides itself on its imaginative twists on fare from around the world. If you're looking for innovative cocktails, this Autograph Collection outpost has you covered there, too: The hotel houses a rooftop bar with handcrafted drinks and tapas. Once you've satisfied your taste buds, indulge in a treatment at Spa Evangeline. Should all the wining and dining make you yearn for a little more activity, you can work up a sweat at the fitness center or rent a bike to explore the South Tampa district. Though some travelers criticized the steep nightly rates here, thanks to the property's Marriott ties, you can offset the price of your stay if you participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program.

Wouldn't it be nice to stay near both the downtown Tampa area and the waterfront? This Westin thinks so. The hotel's island perch puts guests less than 2 miles from the city's core while still offering a large swath of boardwalk to stroll on. Recent guests delight in the location but also reserve praise for the modern, clean and comfortable rooms. Amenities include the brand's beloved Heavenly Beds, spacious bathrooms, flat-screen TVs and high-speed internet access. More praise is reserved for the hotel employees; guests describe the staff here as friendly, welcoming and quick to deliver. Other perks that accompany a stay at The Westin Tampa Harbour Island include access to a well-equipped gym, a scenic outdoor pool and signature pet amenities. While you're here, be sure to grab a bite to eat at 725 South, which earns rave reviews for its casual, contemporary American cuisine. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

Housed in a former federal courthouse, Le Méridien Tampa certainly sets itself apart from the other hotels vying for travelers' attention. Located in downtown Tampa, about 2 miles southwest of Ybor City, the hotel offers easy access to some of Tampa's top attractions, but past guests said the neighborhood surrounding the hotel could use a bit of a revitalization. Recent visitors were more impressed with the property's interior and loved how the hotel maintained some of the original fixtures and architectural details hallmark to the courthouse, such as the marble columns and signs denoting the judge's chambers. Travelers say the design of the rooms are a little less inspiring but still comfortable; accommodations are outfitted with contemporary furnishings and feature flat-screen TVs, minifridges and Wi-Fi access (for a fee). To enjoy more of the hotel's interesting interior, head to the restaurant, Bizou Brasserie, which serves French fare and fresh seafood dishes. According to travelers, the menu here is more creative than most hotel restaurants. And while the property occupies a landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it's not stuck in the past; Le Méridien Tampa boasts a 24-hour fitness center and an outdoor pool. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive for The Westshore Grand, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Tampa. This property, which resides in Tampa's Westshore district, particularly fairs well with business travelers, who are keen on the ample meeting space, the proximity to the downtown area (and the Tampa Convention Center) and convenient amenities like a 24-hour business center. But working travelers aren't the only ones to enjoy a stay here: Leisure guests love the hotel's attentive staff and the comfortable beds provided in all accommodations, which also house 49-inch flat-screen TVs, minibars and coffee makers. However, a few prior visitors wished the rooms were a bit more updated. The property is also the home to the well-liked Shula's Steak House, where the cuisine is almost always well-received. But those traveling with kids may want to bed down elsewhere; The Westshore Grand doesn't feature the kid-friendly atmosphere found at other area hotels. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.