Hotel Check: Tampa Marriott Water Street

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS With its Tampa Riverwalk, this convention-focused hotel does a solid job appealing to both tourists and business travelers. It is part of the growing Water Street development that brims with dining, shopping and residential complexes, and is a few steps from the popular Pirate Water Taxi tour boat stop.

WHERE IS IT? Not far from the convention center, this redesigned Marriott sits along the Tampa Riverwalk. This waterfront area is seeing rapid development, and the hotel serves as an anchor in this popular area of town.

HOW MANY ROOMS? 727 rooms and suites

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Fresh from a major renovation, the bright lobby displays plentiful natural light as well as Marriott’s Great Room concept with a popular bar and lounge. Communal tables and conversation seating areas are ideal for gathering with friends or colleagues, and convenient power outlets are available at every turn.

ROOM FACILITIES Guest rooms show off Marriott’s latest design with hardwood floors and pillowtop bed with power and USB outlets on either side. Work space adds extra power outlet options, and full-length mirrors are especially appreciated. Bathrooms are cleverly designed with ample shelves for towels, This Works toiletries and additional storage space. Most feature glass shower stalls, which are favored by corporate travelers. Marriott Bonvoy elite members and those who book club category rooms can access a lounge atop the building with free breakfast and evening snacks plus an honor bar. Views from the al fresco patio overlooking the city are worth the price alone. Any room with a balcony overlooking the water is worth the nominal uptick in rates.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS Garrison Tavern is the hotel’s sports bar and gastro pub serving great burgers, salads and craft beer, along with plenty of screens to watch all kinds of sports. The golf simulator lounges in the back of the restaurant are especially popular. In addition to the lobby’s raw bar, Anchor and Brine which faces the Riverwalk serves a variety of fresh seafood dishes. Guests can dine indoors or on the patio. Café Waterside has an impressive breakfast buffet spread, but those in a hurry might prefer to grab something from Starbucks.

LEISURE FACILITIES The hotel’s waterfront pool has beautiful views of the skyline from its elevated position as well as a bar and play area for kids. A modern fitness center boasts new equipment.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES Wireless Internet is free for all guests. Conference space is the hotel’s hallmark with renovated meeting space that shows off investments in audiovisual capabilities. A variety of setups is possible from classroom to large-scale group space.

VERDICT This is the perfect example of a hotel that carefully blends business with pleasure. Water Street is already buzzing with more development to come.  Ramsey Qubein

PRICE Internet rates for a traditional room start at $156 on the random dates we checked.

CONTACT Tampa Marriott Water Street, 505 Water Street, Tampa. Phone 813-221-4900. marriott.com