The Best Places to Stay in Tampa for Gasparilla Weekend
It’s almost time for the biggest pirate party of the year! Gasparilla is right around the corner and from parades to brunch, there’s a whole lineup of fun events. Between the swashbuckling festivities and beautiful weather, it’s the perfect time for a trip to Tampa.
If you’re visiting Tampa Bay and are looking for a place to stay, there are all types of Tampa hotels with family-friendly amenities.
We love these Tampa Bay hotels for Gasparilla Weekend and encourage you to make your plans as soon as possible. The invasion will be here before you know it!
Tampa Hotels for Gasparilla
Below are our picks for the best Tampa Bay hotels for Gasparilla Weekend. Picking the right hotels is all about the location, but your budget is important to consider too.
Some Tampa Bay hotels offer amenities that are perfect for families. We make note of these features below.
The Gasparilla Invasion emerges at the south end of Hillsborough Bay and makes its way into Seddon Channel (between Davis Island and Harbor Island) before docking at Tampa Convention Center. The Parade of Pirates begins at Bay to Bay and Bayshore Blvd. It continues along Bayshore to Brorein St., turns east on Brorein and then north on Ashley Dr.
The following hotels are a short walk (between 0.2 to 1 mile) from the end of the parade route and are roughly 6 miles away from Bayshore Blvd. However, due to road closures and parade traffic, plan your timing and drive accordingly if you plan on heading to Bayshore.
To learn more about Gasparilla and all the events surrounding it, check out our Ultimate Guide to Gasparilla!
And get ready for the Gasparilla Children’s Parade 2023 – What You Need to Know Before You Go
The Best Hotels for Gasparilla Weekend
- Courtyard by Marriott Tampa Downtown
- Tampa Marriott Water Street
- JW Tampa Marriott Water Street
- The Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk
- Aloft Tampa Downtown
- Hilton Tampa Downtown
- The Westin Tampa Waterside
- Le Meridien Tampa
- The Florida Palace Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott Tampa Downtown
102 E. Cass St., Tampa, FL 33602
The Courtyard by Marriott places you in the heart of Tampa just steps from Tampa Riverwalk and Glazer Children’s Museum. We love this hotel for Gasparilla Weekend, especially for families.
This hotel is also only 0.2 miles from Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and 0.2 miles from the historic Tampa Theater.
Tampa Marriott Water Street
505 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602
For those that want to be right in the middle of Tampa’s metropolitan area, Tampa Marriott Water Street is an excellent option. This waterfront hotel sits around the corner from the Tampa Riverwalk, Sparkman Wharf, and Amalie Arena, all of which have endless dining and entertainment options.
While this hotel is great for couples, it is easy to entertain the kids here too. This property is located waterside so you can enjoy rooms with a view. Gasparilla includes a boat parade, which goes right by nearby Harbour Island, so you’ll have the perfect vantage point.
JW Marriott Tampa Water Street
510 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602
Prefer a swankier stay? Connected to the aforementioned Tampa Marriott Water Street by way of a sky bridge, the new JW Marriott Tampa Water Street offers upscale amenities like a spa, 6th floor resort pool, multiple restaurants, and waterfront views.
Being a more refined property than others on our list, families with older kids may find this a good fit. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day and night of Gasparilla fun.
The Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk
111 W Fortune St, Tampa, FL 33602
Located along the Tampa Riverwalk, the Barrymore Hotel is just a short stroll to many of the experiences Tampa has to offer.
Along with being close to the Gasparilla Parade, guests can also find food and entertainment at Armature Works, the Straz Center, and museums and restaurants in the downtown area.
The Barrymore is also pet friendly.
Aloft Tampa Downtown
100 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602
Overlooking the Hillsborough River, this trendy hotel is just a short walk from the Gasparilla Parade, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, and all the food and entertainment downtown has to offer.
Guests can keep the party going at the W XYZ lounge with craft cocktails, small plates, and live music poolside. This hotel is great for Gasparilla Weekend, but geared more towards adults and older families.
Hilton Tampa Downtown
211 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33602
This posh downtown Tampa hotel offers modern lodgings with a rooftop pool, fitness center and other exciting amenities. Located in the heart of downtown, this hotel is close to Harbour Island where the Gasparilla boat parade takes place.
It’s also just a short walk from the Gasparilla Pirate Fest. Keep the fun going in the nearby Soho district or explore downtown.
The Westin Tampa Waterside
725 S Harbour Island Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602
This well-established Tampa hotel focuses on blending modern luxury and quality guest service.
Located on Harbour Island, this hotel is located right next to popular dining options, American Social and Jackson’s Bistro.
As a downtown waterside location, this hotel provides excellent views and a great place to watch the boat parade. A quick Uber ride or stroll through downtown will bring you to Bayshore Blvd where the Gasparilla parade takes place.
Le Meridien Tampa
601 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
Another downtown option, Le Meridian is a historical federal courthouse reimagined as a four-diamond chic hotel. With 130 spacious rooms, this centrally located hotel is around the corner from bars, restaurants, and the setting for the Gasparillla parade.
Built in 1905, Le Meridian offers a taste of Tampa’s historic charm while offering all the comforts of modern amenities. Make sure to check out French restaurant Bizou Brasserie during your stay.
The Floridan Palace Hotel
905 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
Located in the heart of downtown Tampa, The Floridan Palace is in a great location for anyone looking to celebrate Gasparilla.
Originally built in 1926, this nineteen story hotel is one of the only hotels in Tampa that is on the National Register of Historic Places. With its ornate details and historical touches, you’ll get the old world feel alongside modern comforts. Expect luxury and a stay at.
There are also tons of AirBnb and VRBO rentals in the area, for those who would prefer a more home-like visit.
