Hotel Review: The Tampa EDITION

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We got tickets to see Trans Siberian Orchestra’s 2025 Winter Tour:The Ghosts of Christmas Eve. The venue was across the street from The Tampa EDITION and we decided to make a little staycation out of it. An expiring American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts® credit made it an even easier choice to check out this hotel that has long been on my list and just a few moments from my Tampa home.

Anthony’s Take: It’s great to have such a luxe property in my backyard. The Tampa EDITION offers comfortable accommodations, a friendly staff, a great rooftop pool, several restaurants, and more. It’s location is perfect with even more on Water Street right outside the door. This is Tampa’s nicest hotel and the most pricey as well. Booking it through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts® made it a steal and included several great benefits like a $100 property credit and breakfast. EDITION hotels do not offer elite members breakfast as a welcome amenity, so this is a nice addition.

Booking

I booked a Deluxe King, Guest Room through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts® on a prepaid rate. on a “Flexible Rate.” It was $490 per night including the Destination Fee plus taxes and fees. This was in line with what Marriott was charging for booking directly. I received full benefits for holding Titanium status and earned points and stay credit for the booking. Marriott did away with award charts a few years ago, but redemptions can be had for between 73,000 and 112,500 Marriott Bonvoy® points.

Transportation to/from the Hotel

We took an Uber Comfort from home to the hotel and back the next day. The ride there took around around 5 minutes (it’s around a mile) and cost $15. Departing, the ride was around the same.

Location

The Tampa EDITION is near the newly built Water Street District of Tampa. There are tons of restaurants in the area and it serves as a good spot for exploring the city. It’s also not far from Tampa International Airport, Amalie Arena, and the Tampa Riverwalk.

The lobby feels lush and is filled with tropical plants. There are lots of seats tucked in throughout the jungle.

Check-In

Reception is straight ahead entering the hotel. We arrived at the hotel around 4:00 PM. The suite was not ready, but the agent quickly found another. I used one of Marriott’s Nightly Upgrade Awards to snag us a suite in advance. It cleared three days before our stay. The suite was selling for over $2,000 on the night we stayed. The agent gave us a letter with the benefits afforded to guests staying with American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts®, explained the Daily Destination Fee, and asked if we needed a late checkout (we did not). I chose points as my welcome amenity for being Titanium Elite, had our keys printed, and ww were on the way to the room.

Daily Destination Fee

A Daily Destination Fee of $40 plus tax is added to every folio. It includes:

• Daily $30 F&B Credit to be utilized at any of our restaurants
• Daily Welcome Punch Amenity from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM in the Lobby
• Daily Admission one of the following activities for two guests: Round-Trip Water Taxi Ride or 1-Hour use of Water Sport (Paddleboard, Kayak)
• Daily Admission to The Tampa Bay History Center for two guests
• Daily Enhanced High-Speed Internet Access (Wi-Fi)

I usually hate these cash grabs, but the $30 F&B credit was used since we were having dinner in one of the hotel’s restaurants.

American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts® Benefits

I have the Platinum Card® from American Express and receive two $300 semi-annual statement credits on prepaid stays. These are easy to use and this was a perfect opportunity to spend this one before the end of the year. Here are the benefits included for booking through American Express:

• 12:00 PM check-in, when available
• Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
• Daily breakfast for two (an $85 credit for Market at EDITION or in-room dining is provided)
• Credit: $100 Property credit to be used during stay.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Guaranteed 4:00 PM check-out

This is a great way to travel like an elite member and is even better when stacked with holding status.

A concierge desk is across from reception.

The hotel was nicely decorated for the holidays during our visit.

Elevators were to the left of reception.

The elevator lobby and hallways on our floor were clean and in good repair.

One Bedroom Suite, 1 Bedroom Suite, 1 King (810)

The Tampa EDITION has 172 guestrooms including 30 suites.

The suite opens with a small foyer.

A wardrobe was on the right. It held a luggage rack.

A safe was also found here.

A separate door had an iron and ironing board.

A minibar was also here with a refrigerator, tea kettle, and cups.

An ice bucket, drinks for sale, a Nespresso machine, coffee, and condiments were on the shelves.

The bathroom opened on the left and wrapped around.

It was a huge space with the toilet on the left as you entered.

A sink was on the right side.

A bar of EDITION branded Le Labo soap was next to the sink.

Walking forward in the bathroom took you to the larger part. This area held a vanity with two sinks.

More bar soap and other amenities were on the counter.

A bottle of body lotion was also on the counter.

A glassed-in shower was nearby.

Bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash were mounted to the wall.

A huge bathtub was nearby.

A bottle of bath grains was on the table near the tub.

The closet in the bathroom had ample space, slippers, and robes.

The bathroom exited into the bedroom. It held a king-sized bed, nightstands, a TV, and a table and chair.

The TV was mounted to a pole across from the bed.

The table and chair were near the windows.

The living room was through the bedroom (also accessible by walking straight when entering the suite).

It contained a couch, coffee table, two armchairs, and a TV.

I loved the inclusion of a live orchid.

A welcome amenity of some chocolate coins and bottled water arrived shortly after we got into the room. I’m not sure who Mr. Katz was, but we got an amenity. Maybe just the card was switched?

Azure at EDITION

We had dinner at Azure on the ninth floor before our show. It’s pricey, but the food was delicious. We were able to use the $100 credit from Amex as well as the $30 credit from the Daily Destination Fee. It still cost around $200 after the credits. We started with an espresso martini and a glass of sparkling rosé.

For appetizers, we split the Fritto Misto and the Lamb Meatballs. Both were quite tasty. The portions were large as well.

We both had Spiced Lamb Chops as our entrees. These were also delicious and well prepared.

Market at EDITION

We had our breakfast at Market at EDITION in the lobby. With American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts® we got an $85 credit, which was more than adequate for the meal.

We shared a Nutella croissant (all of the pastries looked insanely good).

I had the Market Egg Sandwich and my husband had the Sweet Ricotta Pancakes. Both were excellent.

We each also had a latte.

Public Areas & Amenities

The hotel has a fitness center, a pool, a spa, several restaurants, a pool table, meeting and event space, as well as the seating pictured above.

The fitness center is on the ninth floor.

It’s a good size with lots of equipment.

I’m always happy to see Peloton Bikes.

Water and towels were on offer.

A pool table was in the lobby.

The bar took up a good amount of the left side of the lobby.

The pool is also located on the ninth floor.

It’s a beautiful space.

There is an outdoor pool bar and an outdoor section of Azure restaurant.

Overall Impression:

The Tampa EDITION is modern and luxurious. It’s a great city hotel that almost feels tropical. From the service to the restaurants to the facilities, everything is top notch and I hope to return for another staycation.

(Featured Image Credit: Marriott.)