Hip and trendy, the 130-room Aloft Tampa Downtown is located alongside the Hillsborough River, right in the thick of downtown. Owned by Marriott, Aloft has reputation for catering to the younger, millennial market traveler. When you step inside, it’s obvious this property is no exception.
The open lobby boasts a colorful selection of modern art and colorful furnishings that encourage guests to hang out. The circular, front desk takes up little space; check-in is quick and efficient.
I stayed in a Savvy Double Queen Suite with River View. Located on the second floor, the room was spacious enough for my family of four, but the layout and décor made it feel more like a dormitory room than a hotel room.
Décor is simple and minimalistic, with a little pop of color from the curtains and wall art in between the beds. (It reminded me of IKEA.) Space between two concrete pillars, not far from the foot of the beds, is just big enough for a couple chairs.
The bathroom is divided from the sleeping area by a wall. A large open vanity and sink open into the room, but a sliding door separates the space from the toilet and walk-in shower. (Bliss toiletries are provided in refillable, eco-friendly dispensers.) The configuration allows more than one person to use the bathroom and still have some privacy.
A small refrigerator is tucked underneath the bathroom vanity. The coffeemaker and in-room safe are steps away, in an open closet built into the wall.
The property’s small pool overlooking the river is a nice spot to soak up some Florida sunshine. If you’re not in the mood to swim, ample seating provides space to relax and enjoy the river views.
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There’s no true onsite restaurant at Aloft Tampa Downtown. Facing the pool, the WXYZ bar is a popular spot to grab a drink, watch televised sporting events, or play a game of pool. Happy Hour specials are offered daily.
Located behind the front desk, Re:fuel offers 24-hour grab and go options the likes of pre-made sandwiches and salads, muffins, cereal, and protein bars. A handful of frozen selections are also available and can be heated in microwaves located on select floors alongside ice machines.
Located in the heart of downtown, walking distance to the Tampa Convention Center, the hotel’s riverside location is a big perk. In a matter of minutes, guests can be strolling the Tampa Riverwalk or hopping on the free historic streetcar system that runs to Ybor City and popular attractions like the Florida Aquarium. Busch Gardens is less than 10 miles away; the Tampa International Airport is less than an eight-mile drive.
Rates for a Savvy Double Queen Suite with River View start at $199. Complimentary Wi-Fi. Valet-only parking is available for an additional fee. Pets stay free of charge. All public area are non-smoking.
Book direct with Marriott or check rates online at Expedia.
Review and photographs by San Francisco Bay Area travel writer and television correspondent Dana Rebmann. Her stay was organized by Visit Tampa Bay and Aloft Tampa Downtown, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
