Tampa’s Epicurean Hotel Unveils $21 Million Expansion

Food-focused Tampa hotel serves up new guest rooms, meeting space, rooftop terrace and more

The award-winning Epicurean Hotel has opened the doors to its $21 million expansion, giving foodies, connoisseurs of life, and culinary explorers even more to love in the stylish Hyde Park district of South Tampa, Florida. Located directly across Howard Avenue from Epicurean’s 137-room main hotel, the expansion adds 51 new guest rooms and suites, a private lobby, meeting space, and rooftop terrace. The new four-story structure features a classic, crisp white exterior, historic façade, and lush, green landscaping, and adds two floors of parking with an additional 91 spaces. The project also incorporates two fully restored apartment buildings which are scheduled to open later this spring.

“This addition really elevates the streetscape of South Howard, which has become a focal point of Tampa’s booming culinary scene thanks to Bern’s Steak House, Haven, Epicurean Hotel and others,” said Joe Collier, President and Founder, Mainsail Lodging & Development. “The added accommodations will allow us to better meet market demand for our rooms, which has consistently outpaced our supply, particularly for high-demand suites.”

Referred to as Epicurean’s “second course,” the expansion is consistent with the look and feel of guest rooms, meeting rooms, and public spaces in the main hotel, with a degree of innovation and refinement. Public areas feature a welcoming contrast of warm woods with cool concrete and stainless steel. An original artwork installation of wine and champagne corks, and a contemporary liquor bottle chandelier greet arriving guests in the lobby.

The 51 new accommodations consist of 31 standard king rooms, eight deluxe king rooms, three two-room suites, and one junior suite. There are also eight historical apartments converted into spacious suites with separate dining and living areas, kitchenette, king bed and sleeper sofa that are opening in spring 2024. The apartment-style suites feature private balconies shaded by chic black-and-white-striped awnings, all overlooking Howard Avenue. Guest rooms and suites are highlighted by signature butcher block counter tops and soft, sophisticated, earth-toned furnishings and finishes, with a dash of culinary-themed touches in the artwork and other decor. Improved technology also enhances the overall guest experience.

New meeting space includes the Chateau Room, a 794-square-foot room that can accommodate up to 50 guests and features an eight-foot video wall. The 590-square-foot Cask Room features a built-in plasma TV and is ideal for up to 30 guests. Both rooms are highlighted by oversized windows and open onto the 1,138-square-foot rooftop Vineyard Terrace, a unique option for private receptions and celebrations for up to 130 people.

Orlando-based L2 Studios, Inc. is the architect and interior designer for the project. Additional partners include Cooper Johnson Smith Peterson Architects, Inc. for the exterior concept design, and Nelson Construction, the general contractor, both based in Tampa.

Wherever they lay their heads, guests at Epicurean Hotel will have access to amenities in both buildings, including the state-of-the-art culinary classroom known as the Epicurean Theatre; the signature Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar restaurant; EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge; Bern’s Fine Wines & Spirits wine shop; the full-service Evangeline spa; Chill Bros. Scoop Shop; and 5,200 square feet of flexible event space. Epicurean Hotel was developed in collaboration with Mainsail Lodging & Development and the legendary Bern’s Steak House and is the first newly constructed hotel property in the United States to join the prestigious Autograph Collection® of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR). For information and reservations at the Epicurean Hotel, call (855) U-AWAKEN (829-2536) or visit EpicureanHotel.com.

Photo: Mainsail Lodging & Development

View Epicurean Hotel >>