HOTEL FLOR TAMPA

By  Mike Miller May 14, 2025

The Hotel Flor Tampa Downtown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, located in downtown Tampa, is a National Historic Landmark that blends vintage elegance with modern luxury.

Originally opened in 1927 as the Floridan Hotel, this 19-story Beaux Arts skyscraper was Florida’s tallest building until 1966.

Renamed Hotel Flor in 2024 after a $25 million renovation, it features 210 rooms, a grand ballroom, and The Dan, a speakeasy-style restaurant, offering a unique stay in Tampa’s vibrant downtown. 

Interior of the Hotel Flor Tampa after removations.

Construction began in 1926, designed by architects Francis J. Kennard and G.A. Miller, costing $1.9 million. A symbol of Tampa’s 1920s boom, it hosted celebrities like Elvis Presley and Babe Ruth.

It was a hub for military and business leaders during World War II. Its Sapphire Room bar, nicknamed “The Surefire Room,” was a lively spot for servicemen.

The hotel declined in the 1960s as suburbs grew, closing in 1989 due to fire code issues. After years of neglect, an $18 million restoration by Antonios Markopoulos revived it in 2012 as the Floridan Palace Hotel.

Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996, it remains Tampa’s only historic grand hotel. 

Situated four blocks from the Straz Center at 905 N. Florida Avenue, the hotel is a 10-minute drive from the Tampa Convention Center and Florida Aquarium.

Check-in starts at 4 pm, with checkout by 11 am. Pet owners note: up to two dogs (50 lbs. each) are welcome for a $50 fee. Contact their website for current room rates. 

The Dan restaurant serves Gulf Coast cuisine, and Cass Street Coffee Company offers daily breakfast. Dress smartly for The Dan’s upscale vibe, and explore nearby Tampa Riverwalk on the free shuttle. 

• Star-Studded Past: Guests included James Stewart, Marilyn Monroe, and Gary Cooper, with Elvis staying in 1955 after a concert.  

• Haunted Reputation: Paranormal activity is reported in the lobby and guestrooms, earning it a spot among Tampa’s most haunted sites.  

• Mafia Connection: Rumors link the hotel to a 1960s plot by Santo Trafficante Jr. to assassinate President Kennedy.

HOTEL FLOR TAMPA WEBSITE