Hotel Haya
- The hotel is located on 7th Street, in the heart of Ybor City’s nightlife district.
- Suites have large balconies that run the length of the rooms and have enough seating for multiple people.
- Everyone can enjoy a late checkout time of noon.
- The hotel has a calendar chock-full of fun activities throughout the year, including chicken yoga, vendor markets, and DJ sets.
Located northeast of downtown Tampa, Florida, historic Ybor City is arguably The Big Guava’s most interesting and vibrant neighborhood. And there’s no better place to experience all that the enclave has to offer than at Hotel Haya.
Ybor City was founded in the late 19th century by Spanish, Italian, and Cuban immigrants, and was once home to more than 100 cigar factories, earning it the nickname of the “Cigar Capital of the World.” Today, café con leche and Cuban sandwich shops abound here, and Ybor City is also known for its indie vibes and vibrant LGBTQ+ district.
Hotel Haya is located in the heart of Ybor City and is named after one of Ybor City’s founders, Ignacio Haya. The hotel opened in 2020, but feels as if it’s been in operation for hundreds of years (in the best way possible)—and part of it actually has been around that long. The modern property encompasses Las Novedades, the first Spanish restaurant in Tampa, and you can still see original stained glass windows, exposed brick, tile work, and other architectural features throughout the space. Other fun design features include reproductions of art by Spanish painter Francisco Goya, along with glass-blown bulbs that pay homage to Tampa’s historic street lamps.
Whether you’re in town to explore Ybor City’s famous nightlife scene or you’re on a staycation, Hotel Haya allows guests easy access to the unique charms of one of Tampa’s most iconic neighborhoods.
Here’s what it’s like to stay at Hotel Haya.
The Rooms
Colorful interior of a guest room.
Courtesy of Hotel Haya
Hotel Haya has 178 rooms. The most basic options start at 300 square feet, which is fairly roomy, but for a special treat, I recommend reserving a suite.
During my stay, I slept in a Junior Suite, which had a separate sitting area and a large balcony. If you like to people-watch, consider asking for a balcony room that faces 7th Street, so you can look out over the nighttime action—don’t worry, with the balcony door closed, the hubbub won’t keep you awake at night. And if you get a late-night craving, the in-room minibar is well-stocked with tasty treats, including Moon Pies, candies, beef jerky, energy drinks, soda, local beer, and wine.
Food and Drink
Flor Fina has a fusion of Latin America and Mediterranean cuisine.
Courtesy of Hotel Haya
Guests will find two restaurants and a trendy bar at Hotel Haya.
Serving lunch and dinner, along with brunch on the weekends, Flor Fina is a Latin American-inspired dining venue that does not disappoint. In fact, the food at Flor Fina is maybe the best hotel restaurant food I’ve ever had. After feasting on the she-crab soup and plantain-crusted snapper with a citrus-chayote slaw, I felt like I had gone to food heaven. Brunch is just as exciting, with options like maple-whipped ricotta pancake bites, biscuits and gravy, and a Cuban Monte Cristo—the build-your-own mimosa with fruit puree is a must!
For a morning pick-me-up latte, head to Café Quiquiriquí, where you can enjoy empanadas and pastelitos while sipping on café con leche—this is also a great place to work remotely. If you want something more substantial, there’s also a full breakfast and lunch menu, with things like fajita burritos and Cuban toast up for grabs.
Delicious and fun cocktails are being made at Bar Haya.
Courtesy of Hotel Haya
For a drink after dinner, go to Bar Haya, located just outside of Flor Fina. With a wide selection of beers, cocktails, and wine, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after exploring the city.
Activities and Experiences
Guests at the hotel are enjoying the pool during a swim party.
Courtesy of Hotel Haya
In true Floridian fashion, the biggest draw at Hotel Haya is arguably the pool, which is a hot spot for parties and pop-up events. There’s also the seasonal Haya Swim Club, where you can dance away Saturday and Sunday afternoons as a DJ spins tunes.
The hotel also has a packed events calendar. While activities vary by season, past events have included chicken yoga (during your time in Ybor City, you’ll notice that the birds are allowed to roam literally everywhere), poolside soundbath experiences, and a heels dance class, which has a unique legacy in Ybor City.
The Spa
There isn’t an on-site spa at Hotel Haya. However, there is a 24-hour fitness center stocked with all the necessities you’ll need to keep up with your routine.
Family-friendly Offerings
A dog on dog bed with bowls brought to him by the Dog in Room Dining.
Courtesy of Hotel Haya
Hotel Haya doesn’t explicitly have family-friendly amenities. However, kiddos will be sure to get a kick out of the outdoor pool.
The property is pet-friendly, and a maximum of two dogs are allowed per room. There’s a pet fee of $100 per dog. Bowls and pet beds are available on request, and you can also ask the front desk for a list of dog-friendly parks and restaurants in the area.
Accessibility and Sustainability
There are nine accessible rooms at Hotel Haya. ADA-compliant rooms have features such as roll-in showers, lowered deadbolts, lowered electrical outlets, and widened doorways. There are also ramps available in all public spaces, single-use restrooms near the pool, as well as a pool lift.
To help with sustainability efforts, Hotel Haya has recycling bins in every room, and housekeeping is only available upon request.
Location
Hotel Haya is seven miles (about a 20-minute drive) from Tampa International Airport (TPA) and sits on the main drag of Ybor City. The free TECO Line Streetcar System has a stop just behind the hotel and runs along points of interest, including the Florida Aquarium, the Port of Tampa, Amalie Arena, and downtown Tampa. Ybor is an easily walkable neighborhood, but if you would like to explore the rest of the city, you may want to rent a car.
Book Now
Since Hotel Haya is independently owned, it’s not a part of hotel loyalty programs. It also doesn’t participate in any travel credit card programs. However, you can find a page on their website detailing current offers—for example, Florida and Georgia residents can get 15 percent off their stays.
Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.