The recently expanded Epicurean Hotel in South Tampa’s Hyde Park district has opened, offering an enhanced experience for food enthusiasts, life enthusiasts, and culinary adventurers. Situated just opposite Epicurean’s main hotel with 137 rooms, the expansion includes 51 additional guest rooms and suites, a private lobby, meeting area, and rooftop terrace. The new four-story building boasts an elegant white exterior, a historic facade, and beautiful green landscaping. It also provides two floors of parking, accommodating an extra 91 vehicles. Additionally, the project includes the restoration of two apartment buildings, set to open later this spring.
Joe Collier, President and Founder of Mainsail Lodging & Development, expressed that the inclusion significantly enhances the aesthetic of South Howard’s streetscape. This area has emerged as a prominent hub in Tampa’s thriving culinary scene, with establishments such as Bern’s Steak House, Haven, and Epicurean Hotel. Collier further mentioned that the new accommodations will enable them to meet the growing market demand for their rooms. The demand, especially for high-demand suites, has consistently surpassed their current supply.
The expansion, known as Epicurean’s second course, aligns with the aesthetic of guest rooms, meeting rooms, and public areas in the main hotel. It showcases innovation and refinement, while maintaining consistency. The public spaces create a welcoming atmosphere by combining warm woods with cool concrete and stainless steel. Additionally, guests are greeted in the lobby by an original artwork installation featuring wine and champagne corks, as well as a contemporary chandelier made from liquor bottles.
There are 51 new accommodations available, including 31 standard king rooms, eight deluxe king rooms, three two-room suites, and one junior suite. Additionally, there are eight historical apartments that have been converted into spacious suites with separate dining and living areas, a kitchenette, a king bed, and a sleeper sofa. These suites, which will open in spring 2024, feature private balconies shaded by black-and-white-striped awnings, offering views of Howard Avenue. The guest rooms and suites are characterized by signature butcher block counter tops, earth-toned furnishings and finishes, and culinary-themed touches in the artwork and decor. The guest experience is further enhanced by improved technology.
The Chateau Room is a spacious meeting space measuring 794 square feet and capable of hosting up to 50 guests. It boasts an impressive eight-foot video wall. The Cask Room, spanning 590 square feet, offers a built-in plasma TV and is well-suited for gatherings of up to 30 guests. Both rooms feature large windows and provide access to the Vineyard Terrace, a 1,138-square-foot rooftop area. The Vineyard Terrace offers a distinctive setting for private receptions and celebrations, accommodating up to 130 people.
Guests staying at Epicurean Hotel can enjoy the amenities of both buildings. These include the Epicurean Theatre, a modern culinary classroom, the renowned Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar restaurant, the EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge, Bern’s Fine Wines & Spirits wine shop, the luxurious Evangeline spa, Chill Bros. Scoop Shop, and versatile event space spanning 5,200 square feet.
