I go to a lot of shows and hockey games. Tampa is one of my happy places. People still call it the Tampa Bay Times Forum, but the sign now says Amalie Arena. Same spot. Same buzz. I’ve stayed nearby a few times this past year, and I took notes. Real notes. Blisters, coffee stains, and all.
If you want the quick-hit version of this experiment (with a few extra photos), I posted it right here.
Here’s what I learned from four stays. Some hits. Some misses. And a few little things that saved my night.
For more insider tips on where to stay, eat, and play around Downtown Tampa, check out this local guide.
JW Marriott Tampa Water Street — Big Night Energy
I stayed here for a P!nk concert. It felt like game day from the elevator. Lots of jerseys. Lots of sparkle. The walk to the arena took me about 7 minutes in sandals.
- Room: My corner king was bright and calm. Floor-to-ceiling windows. Big shower. Blackout shades that actually block light. I slept like a rock.
- Noise: Lobby is lively, but the room was quiet. Hallway noise ended by 11.
- Food: I grabbed a flatbread at the bar and a latte in the morning. Easy. There’s also Jeni’s ice cream down the street. I caved. Twice.
- Pool: Warm water and comfy loungers on the 6th floor. Great for a quick dip before doors open.
What bugged me? Valet was steep, and the line after the show moved slow. I set my pickup for early morning and it helped. Also, the mini-bar prices made me laugh. Then cry. Then I shut the cabinet.
Who should stay here:
- You want a treat and a short walk.
- You care about a great bed and a nice shower.
- You don’t want to fuss with rideshares after the show.
Tampa Marriott Water Street — Crowd Friendly, Zero Fuss
I came back for a Lightning game and picked this one. It’s next door to the JW. The lobby feels like a meet-up spot for the whole city. In a good way.
- Room: Not fancy, but clean and roomy. My bay view made me smile at sunrise.
- Walk: 8–10 minutes along the water. I passed a few food stands and grabbed a Cubano at Sparkman Wharf first. Smart move.
- Amenities: The pool area is fun and louder than the JW. The bar had quick bites, which is clutch when you’re late.
What bugged me? Elevators got packed at 6–7 pm. I padded my time. Also, the pillows were soft. I asked for firmer ones and got them fast.
Who should stay here:
- Families and groups.
- Folks who want a fair price and easy access.
- People who like a buzz in the lobby.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center — Space to Spread Out
This one surprised me. I stayed for a back-to-back weekend: a show on Friday, hockey on Saturday. The suite had a bedroom and a living room. I set out my merch on the sofa like a tiny store. Very serious business.
- Breakfast: Free made-to-order eggs. The line looks long, but it moves. Coffee is strong.
- Walk: About 10 minutes using the skybridge by the Convention Center, then a short stroll to the arena. Dry if it rains. That’s gold during summer storms.
- Evening reception: Free snacks and drinks. Nothing fancy, but great before doors.
What bugged me? The elevators can be slow at peak times. And the rooms show a bit of wear. Clean, though. No weird smells, which is my personal test.
Who should stay here:
- Families needing a sofa bed and a door that closes.
- People who love free breakfast.
- Anyone worried about a rainy walk.
The Westin Tampa Waterside — Chill Vibes on Harbour Island
This one feels tucked away. It’s across the bridge, and it’s calm. I stayed here for a Sunday matinee. I needed quiet after a loud Saturday.
- Room: Simple and pretty. My bed had that classic Westin feel—soft but supportive.
- Walk: About 12 minutes over the bridge. Lovely view, but windy. Hold your hat.
- Food: There’s a small lobby bar and a waterside patio. The fries were hot. The server was kind. I lingered.
What bugged me? Valet was slower here after the event. And if there’s a wedding, you’ll see it. Sometimes it’s charming, sometimes it clogs the lobby.
Who should stay here:
- Couples or anyone who wants a soft landing.
- Morning runners (the route by the water is sweet).
- Folks okay with a slightly longer walk.
Quick Compare: My Fast Take
- Shortest, smoothest walk: JW Marriott and Tampa Marriott Water Street
- Best for families: Embassy Suites (hello, breakfast and extra space)
- Quietest stay: The Westin on a non-wedding night
- Best pool scene: JW Marriott (loungers) | Tampa Marriott (lively)
- Easiest food before a show: Marriott Water Street area near Sparkman Wharf
Little Tips That Saved Me
- Bags: The arena bag rules are tight. (Pro tip: check the Know Before You Go guide before you zip up your bag.) I bring a small crossbody. Security flies by.
- Shoes: The brick walkway near the water looks cute but eats heels. Learn from me.
- Streetcar: The TECO Line is free. It’s handy if you’re staying a bit farther in Channelside or Ybor (see the official route map and hours).
- Rideshares: Prices jump right after the show. I either leave two songs early or grab a late bite by the water and wait it out.
- Weather: Summer storms roll in fast. I throw a small poncho in my bag. It’s not stylish. It is smart.
- Checkout: Ask for late checkout on game mornings. I’ve had luck at all four places.
- Snacks: Lines inside the arena can get long. I eat first. Then I get a soda there and keep it easy.
- After-Hours: Curious about where the night can go once the encore ends? My candid, first-person look at Eros Tampa might be the little scouting report you need.
- NSFW Curiosity: If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens inside a local sex club, here’s a night-out play-by-play that pulls back the curtain.
- Road-weary and craving a legit deep-tissue rubdown while you’re on the go? Peek at this straight-shooting Rubmaps Morristown breakdown for honest intel on which New Jersey spots offer real relief and which ones are pure tourist traps—you’ll walk in confident and walk out floating.
So…Which One Would I Book Again?
For a big concert or a playoff game, I go JW Marriott if I want to treat myself. It feels special, and the walk is a breeze. If I’m with friends and want good value, I pick Tampa Marriott Water Street. Embassy Suites is my “I need space and breakfast” pick. And The Westin is my calm Sunday.
You know what? They’re all close. The vibe is the real choice.
If you’re headed to the “Times Forum” (I still slip and say it), you’ll be fine at any of these. Plan your walk, keep your bag small, and grab a snack before doors. Then sing too loud. I always do.