TAMPA, FL – Gasparilla is upon us and that means over 300,000 people are celebrating pirates with locals in the City of Tampa on Jan. 31. You’ll want a home base to stay at before and after the festivities. Hurry: The hotels will be sold out and expect rates to climb as the annual festival approaches, but here are my recommendations on where to stay for Gasparilla Pirate Fest 2026.

Recommended hotels for Gasparilla Pirate Fest 2026

JW Marriott Tampa Water Street: The JW is connected to Tampa Marriott Water Street which gives you direct access to the parade viewing, without having to actually STAY in the middle of it. This hotel is luxury and the rooms are comfortable. Don’t miss their rooftop bar Beacon (reservations on OpenTable highly recommended) and if the weather allows, the pool is also a solid choice during your stay. Recommend the coffee shop on the first floor with ILLY Coffee. 510 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602.

Palihouse Hyde Park Village: For a boutique hotel experience in Hyde Park Village just minutes from Bayshore Boulevard where the action will be happening, I recommend Palihouse. This is an adult hotel, no riffraff allowed. The hotel bar is actually quite good and its easy to get a taxi from there as well. Space is very limited so act quickly. 1509 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606.

ROOST Apartment Hotels: For an extended stay that is more apartment than hotel, I recommend ROOST in Water Street Tampa. It will run you some cash, but if you are seeking a more upscale solution it will do the job. This hotel is right in the middle of Water Street and an easy walk to the Tampa Riverwalk where the parade will happen. 1050 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602.

Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Hotel: This foodie-themed hotel is on the other side of South Tampa, but also just minutes from Bayshore Boulevard on Howard Ave. The hotel is offering specials rates for Floridians with up to 30 percent off. Across the street you can dinner at Bern’s Steak House during your visit or visit their rooftop bar for a late-night drink. 1207 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606.

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a writer and journalist with over 15 years of experience. I write the food and travel blog Carlos Eats (https://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines on numerous topics.