Review: The Tampa EDITION, the first five star hotel in the city

This is our review of the Tampa EDITION hotel in Florida.

I was put up by the hotel as part of my Virgin Atlantic press trip on the inaugural A330neo flight to Tampa. I have preivously stayed at the Barcelona EDITION (review here) and was impressed, so I had high hopes for my stay in Tampa. As you’ll see below, I wasn’t disappointed.

Tampa is not a city you would think is at the top of famous hotelier Ian Shrager’s hit-list, but there you go. It is, supposedly, the first five star hotel in town which I thought was surprising. It has just opened, so it is virtually brand new.

Where is the Tampa EDITION?

The Tampa EDITION hotel is in downtown Tampa, in a newly developed area called Water Street Tampa:

It is just opposite the ice hockey stadium for Tampa Bay Lightning. You also have the Florida Aquarium close by, as well as the Tampa Bay History Centre, convention centre and Riverwalk.

Ybor City, a more historic area of the city on 7th street with lots of bars and restaurants, is an $8 Uber away. The airport is about 25 minutes by car. Apart from a tourist tram in downtown Tampa there are no real public transport options.

Inside the Tampa EDITION

Inside, the building has been turned into a tropical paradise with a vast array of palms and other house plants against a backdrop of white stone and fabrics. It’s really quite impressive and unique:

The sheer scale of the planting means that the large lobby feels cosy rather than imposing, with seating areas screened from other parts including the bar and reception.

You’re also immediately enveloped by the EDITION’s distinctive signature scent from Le Labo.

A big staircase anchors the space adjacent to the check-in desks:

Rooms at the Tampa EDITION

The hotel comprises of nine floors in total, whilst the remaining floors above make up 38 EDITION residences. I was given a room on the 7th floor.

I was particularly impressed by the lifts, which are spacious and fast. I’ve stayed at hotels where you end up waiting an age but in this case a lift arrived within 15 seconds almost every time.

In typical EDITION fashion, the rooms make use of simple, natural colours and finishes for a more minimal look. You can see the contrast between the dark wood corridor and the light, open room beyond here:

There’s ample storage in the wardrobes on the left, as well as very fluffy robes, a luggage rack, iron and safe. At one end you have the mini bar, including a Nespresso machine and stocked fridge:

You get a couple of water cartons for free every morning and evening.

To the right is the bathroom. Despite having a huge counter top, they’ve decided to go for just one basin:

Whilst the bathroom design is minimal, the stone tiles and gentle golden lighting give it a sort of calming quality.

The shower is dual-head:

Toiletries are Le Labo for the EDITION. If you’ve ever stayed at an EDITION you’ll immediately recognise it. For the first time I found these in refillable pump bottles rather than mini bottles.

Behind the bathroom is the spacious bedroom:

As you can see, a large desk runs along the left hand wall:

You know you’re in an EDITION when the bed is artfully draped in a faux fur blanket:

Connectivity is great, with two US mains sockets and several USB ports on either side of the bed.

There’s also an armchair and coffee table:

There are floor-to-ceiling windows, although the view is not spectacular (the Tampa skyline isn’t exactly iconic). I was a bit disappointed to see there were no electric curtains, as I do love being able to open the blinds from bed.

Room service came twice a day with a turndown service in the evenings as well, which I appreciated.

Rooftop pool at the Tampa EDITION

It wouldn’t be Florida without a pool, and the Tampa EDITION hotel manages to squeeze one on the 9th floor, before the building narrows for the Residences. It’s a nice size, although you shouldn’t expect to swim laps in it:

The bougainvillea are artificial, unfortunately. This felt a bit downmarket, especially given the lobby downstairs is stuffed full of real plants!

Breakfast at the Tampa EDITION

An a la carte breakfast is served downstairs in the lobby restaurant called Market. Again, it beautifully designed:

You can also choose to sit outside on the pavement, screened off from the road by planters.

Whilst not on the menu, I asked if I could have eggs royale and was told I could:

I was also pleased to find that the EDITION was able to make a good cup of tea, which isn’t always the case in the US!

Conclusion

EDITION hotels always strike me as exceptionally classy, and the brand new Tampa EDITION is no different. The sophisticated yet simple design exudes luxury, and if I had to pigeonhole the brand I would describe it as a sophisticated version of a W hotel or an upmarket Soho House.

The EDITION is also a step up from the W when it comes to service, which can vary hugely at W hotels. It was impeccable at the EDITION, from the valet staff to the room service.

Room rates start at $587 in February 2023 whilst Marriott Bonvoy redemptions start at 74,000 points per night. You can find out more, and book, on the hotel website here.

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