Whether you’re a student, tourist, or a local Gen X’er taking a break from the kids, Tampa Bay offers plenty of fun, freaky, fancy, and cool places to get away for a Spring Break good time.
Downtown Hotels for the City Vibe
If you want a city vibe that’s still very chill, check out Aloft Tampa Downtown. This Starwood property is located right on the Hillsborough river facing the minarets of the University of Tampa. Party at the gorgeous new waterfront pool & sip drinks from the W XYZ bar as you admire the incredibly fit and good-looking UT men’s and women’s rowing teams going about their daily practice.
For those who still want to be in the heart of the city but prefer less exposure to the sun, book a room at the beautifully renovated Floridan Palace Hotel. Built in 1926, this historic grand hotel’s Sapphire Room was popular with both generals and enlisted men during WWII. Elvis totally stayed here while on tour in Florida in the early 60’s. The Floridan is rumored to be haunted - is it The King, forever looking for that peanut butter and banana sandwich? Or could it be an infamous local mob boss who was said to plot the assassination of Kennedy from a corner suite? You have to stay to find out!
Tradewinds and RumFish Beach Resort Offer Fun in the Sun
The beach offers Spring Break visitors everything from small mom-and-pops to massive resorts like Tradewinds Island Grand Resort or the new RumFish Beach Resort by Tradewinds. Newly designed rooms offer a Florida coastal feel, showcasing artwork from local artists with gulf-front suites and private balconies.
Other faves we recommend include the Sirata Beach Resort, Sand Pearl Resort and the Hyatt in Clearwater.
RELATED CONTENT: Make a Splash at St. Pete Beach’s Newest Aquatic Oasis, RumFish Beach Resort
Historic Hotels, Hipster Hotels and more
Or maybe you prefer your Spring Break getaway to be a historic hotel with ghost hunting at a posh resort & spa that’s also close to the beach. The downtown waterfront 's Vinoy Renaissance was also built during the roaring ’20s but features a full spa and premier 18-hole golf course, not to mention the shhhhh.....Speakeasy - only guests who have the password can enter Fred's for some good olde time Jazz. A perfect place for a ladies’ getaway, paranormal activity, Caddyshack role play, and sipping mint juleps or Moscow Mules on the veranda!
You can really dive into the Florida Hipster lifestyle and stay at the Hollander Boutique Hotel in downtown St. Pete. Walking distance to museums, theaters, and more craft beer than you can shake a stick at, the Hollander also features a new deck and swimming pool that evokes 40’s Hollywood glamor. There is a Coffee House and Tap Room on the premises, and the HH20 pool bar is fully stocked with the latest cocktail trends.
But what is Spring Break without the beach? While there’s a lot of Gulf beach hotels to choose from, I have to personally recommend the Postcard Inn St. Pete Beach. I booked four rooms there for my bachelorette party a few years ago, and it is STILL legendary. Huge pool, great restaurant, the old beloved SwigWam beach bar refreshed & serving really tasty frozen drinks, and direct access to the white sand and the Gulf of Mexico. Need I say more?
OK, one more - you’re loaded with cash, you want the spa, the beach, the fancy restaurants, the pool parties, AND the hauntings? Then you’re staying at the world famous Don Cesar. It’s everything you could want and more! Built in 1928, it was a playground for the rich and famous through the Jazz Age and still is today. The Don is supposedly haunted by several ghosts, including the original owner, Thomas Rowe, and Zelda Fitzgerald, wife of F. Scott. Be sure to visit the Don’s 4-Diamond rated Maritana Grille - supposedly the ghosts like to sometimes put on a light show during dinner!
The Godfrey Hotel and WTR Pool and Bar Have Legendary Pool Parties
The Godfrey Hotel on the Courtney Campbell Causeway is the perfect spring break hotel because the party never ends! They have WTR Pool and Bar located in the hotel where Gen X party people takeover on Saturdays and Sundays for legendary pool parties with lots of champagne, music, and fun! So if you're looking for a wet and wild spring break, the Godfrey is ideal.
If you're looking to win big this spring break, grab a room at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino! It's the countries largest Casino complex with a nightclub and large luxury pool built into the hotel. So if you're looking to stay out of the sun and win some money, instead of spending lots of money out at the beach bars in St. Pete or Clearwater, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is awaiting your arrival!
We hope your spring break getaway is everything you dreamed of - rain or shine, nothing beats Tampa Bay. From where you stay, to the many things to do (not only during Spring Break), we hope you will choose Tampa Bay for your next stay!
