In addition to dining at historic restaurants while in Tampa, we explored some of the city's hotels that are famous area icons. We chose the downtown Tampa Floridian for our lodging during our visit to the area. The Floridian Palace was built in 1926, a city landmark now on the National Register of Hotels. This hotel is a popular venue for meetings, weddings and special events. Hilton Hotels are presently updating the property.

The Plant Hotel built in 1888 by Henry Plant, the creator of many railroads, steamships and resorts,  is now the location of the University of Tampa and the Plant Museum. The 511-room hotel was among the first hotels to have electricity and telephones in each guest room.

The famous Don Cesar Hotel, the Pink Palace was built in 1928, on the Gulf of Mexico. The romantic beacon of style was first the playground of America's elite during the Golden Age of Jazz. During World War 2, the hotel was used as a hospital. Being named the best Historic Hotel on its 95th anniversary in 2022 was indeed special.

Roadside chain hotels are a welcome sight when traveling, but for a truly memorable stay, a hotel with history is a terrific treat!