Tampa Marriott Water Street
Best for convention groups, large wedding blocks, and travelers who want immediate access to downtown Tampa attractions.
Hotel comparison guide
Tampa Marriott Water Street vs The Hotel Zamora
Tampa Marriott Water Street is a large, family-friendly waterfront convention hotel on the Tampa Riverwalk; read this if you want a downtown, dining-and-event-focused stay. The Hotel Zamora is a 4-star Mediterranean-style boutique hotel on St. Pete Beach; read this if you prefer a smaller beachside property with direct Gulf access.
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The Hotel Zamora
Best for travelers who want a smaller Mediterranean-style hotel steps from St. Pete Beach with a complimentary beach shuttle.
Quick Verdict: Tampa Marriott Water Street vs The Hotel Zamora
When Tampa Marriott Water Street wins: choose Tampa Marriott Water Street when you want a full-service downtown base with many on-site restaurants, large event space, easy access to the Riverwalk and arena, and a rooftop pool tied to a convention or business visit.
When The Hotel Zamora wins: pick The Hotel Zamora for a quieter, boutique beach stay near Pass-a-Grille and St. Pete Beach where a compact property, marina/water activities, and a complimentary beach shuttle matter more than large-scale event or dining options.
Bottom line: both hotels offer waterfront appeal but serve different trip types — Tampa Marriott Water Street is better for groups, dining variety, and city sightseeing; The Hotel Zamora is better for a smaller, beach-focused stay.
Tampa Marriott Water Street vs The Hotel Zamora – At a Glance
| Category | Tampa Marriott Water Street | The Hotel Zamora |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Urban, busy, large full-service waterfront hotel and convention property | Smaller Mediterranean-style boutique beach hotel |
| Location | On Tampa Riverwalk, steps from convention center, arena, and waterfront attractions | On St. Pete Beach / Gulf side with beach access and marina/water-activity options |
| Size (rooms) | About 727 guestrooms and suites (hotel with large event capacity) | 64 guestrooms |
| Who it's for | Convention attendees, families, city visitors, group events | Couples, beachgoers, guests seeking a boutique stay |
| Pools & outdoor water | Rooftop outdoor heated pool with hot tub, cabanas (fee), poolside bar; marina/watercraft rentals available | Outdoor pool and hot tub; complimentary beach shuttle and on-site marina/boat tours listed |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple outlets: Riverwalk Terrace, Anchor and Brine (seafood), Lona (Mexican), PERK, Bright Ice, Pool Bar & Grill, A La Carte (in-room) | One restaurant, 3 bars/lounges and a poolside bar; room service (limited hours); breakfast for a fee |
| Spa & wellness | No in-house spa; guests can use Spa by JW at the adjacent JW Marriott via skybridge (treatment suites and signature facials) | Not published |
| Known for | Rooftop pool, extensive event space and waterfront dining in downtown Tampa | Mediterranean-style aesthetic, beach access, marina activities and complimentary beach shuttle |
| Event & meeting space | Extensive — large ballrooms and roughly 42,000–50,000+ sq ft of event space (multiple ballrooms and meeting rooms) | Conference space of about 279 sq m (3 meeting rooms), suitable for small-to-medium events |
| Pets & accessibility | Pets allowed (fee), accessible features and accessible fitness center; valet and EV charging available | Pets allowed in specific rooms (fees and restrictions), wheelchair-accessible on-site restaurant and accessible paths noted |
A Look Inside Tampa Marriott Water Street
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Location: Tampa Riverwalk vs St. Pete Beach
Tampa Marriott Water Street – Location
Tampa Marriott Water Street sits on the Tampa Riverwalk next to the convention center and arena, convenient for downtown attractions.
- Steps from Tampa Riverwalk, Amalie Arena, Tampa Convention Center and the Florida Aquarium.
- Easy access to water taxis, the TECO Line streetcar, and nearby museums and nightlife.
- Valet parking and nearby public parking; a car is optional for many downtown activities.
Choose this hotel if you want walkable access to Tampa’s downtown waterfront attractions and event venues.
The Hotel Zamora – Location
The Hotel Zamora is on St. Pete Beach with Gulf-facing proximity, marina services, and a free beach shuttle.
- Address: 3701 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach — close to Dolphin Landings, Pass-a-Grille and local beach attractions.
- On-site marina activities and boat tours available; complimentary beach shuttle helps reach the sand.
- Nearest larger airports listed include St. Petersburg (SPG) and St. Pete–Clearwater (PIE); Tampa International is farther away.
Choose Zamora if you want a beachside location with easy access to Gulf beaches and boating.
Rooms: Big inventory vs Boutique rooms
Tampa Marriott Water Street – Rooms
Tampa Marriott Water Street offers a large variety of rooms and suites, including many with balconies and water views.
- About 727 guestrooms and suites, including rooms with balconies and Stay Well–equipped rooms.
- Room types include Room, Deluxe Room, Suite, and several balcony or water-view configurations.
- Some rooms link to outdoor terraces; many rooms accommodate families and event blocks.
Better for travelers who need choice in room types, large blocks or family-capable rooms.
The Hotel Zamora – Rooms
The Hotel Zamora has 64 guestrooms with Mediterranean styling and several view/balcony room types.
- Room list includes names such as Standard Double Queen; Deluxe King; Water View King with Balcony; Suite with Balcony; and many partial- or premium-view options.
- Rooms include LCD TVs, complimentary Wi‑Fi, bottled water, and laptop-compatible safes.
- Private bathrooms with designer toiletries; some rooms and room types are pet-restricted or have other limitations.
Better for guests who prefer a smaller, boutique inventory with beach- or bay-view options.
Dining & drinks: Multiple outlets vs a compact lineup
Tampa Marriott Water Street – Dining & drinks
Tampa Marriott Water Street is a multi-venue dining property with casual and full-service options.
- On-site options include Riverwalk Terrace (breakfast/brunch), Anchor and Brine (seafood), Lona (Mexican), PERK café, Bright Ice and Pool Bar & Grill.
- Multiple venues suit families, business meals, and evening dining; many outlets accept cards and some are cashless.
- Breakfast is available for a fee; in-room dining and grab-and-go options are offered.
Choose this hotel if you want a wide variety of on-site dining for every meal and large-group catering capability.
The Hotel Zamora – Dining & drinks
The Hotel Zamora offers a single hotel restaurant plus three bars/lounges and poolside service.
- One primary restaurant and multiple bars/lounges, plus a poolside bar and room service during limited hours.
- Full breakfasts available for a fee and concierge services can help with local dining suggestions.
- Smaller dining footprint compared with the Tampa Marriott; good for guests who expect a focused, intimate dining program.
Choose Zamora if you prefer a simpler, boutique dining setup and nearby independent restaurants on the beach.
Pools, beach & signature amenities
Tampa Marriott Water Street – Pools, beach & signature amenities
Tampa Marriott Water Street features a rooftop heated outdoor pool, a hot tub, and poolside dining with bay views.
- Third-floor rooftop pool with hot tub, sun loungers and cabanas available for an extra fee.
- Pool Bar & Grill serves snacks and light meals; pool hours generally 6:00 AM–10:00 PM (varies by source).
- Watercraft rentals and a 32-slip marina are available as part of the property’s waterfront offerings.
Better if you want a rooftop pool experience combined with downtown waterfront activities and boat access.
The Hotel Zamora – Pools, beach & signature amenities
The Hotel Zamora provides an outdoor pool, a hot tub, direct beach access and marina/on-site boat-tour options.
- Outdoor pool and hot tub plus pool cabanas (surcharge) and poolside bar service.
- Walkway to water and on-site marina; boat tours and water sports nearby are listed as hotel activities.
- Complimentary beach shuttle makes reaching the beach easy for guests who don’t want to drive.
Better if you want a beach-adjacent pool plus simple access to Gulf sands and water activities.
Wellness, nightlife & evening options
Tampa Marriott Water Street – Wellness, nightlife & evening options
Tampa Marriott Water Street links to a full-service spa at the adjacent JW Marriott and offers multiple evening dining and nightlife options nearby.
- Spa by JW is accessible via skybridge and includes 10 treatment suites and signature facials (separate booking & fees).
- On-site bars and the Riverwalk put nightlife and casual evening dining within easy walking distance.
- Complimentary fitness center and access to a second 24-hour fitness room at the adjacent JW Marriott.
Choose Tampa Marriott Water Street for broader wellness services and a livelier evening scene tied to downtown nightlife.
The Hotel Zamora – Wellness, nightlife & evening options
The Hotel Zamora offers fitness facilities and poolside evening options with quieter beach-area nightlife nearby.
- 24-hour fitness center, poolside bar, and multiple on-site lounges for evening drinks.
- Beachfront and Pass-a-Grille evening options are a short drive or shuttle ride away for casual nightlife.
- Concierge services can arrange romance packages, fishing and scuba-diving excursions.
Choose Zamora if you prefer low-key evenings with beach bars and sunset views rather than downtown nightlife.
Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style
Tampa Marriott Water Street
Tampa Marriott Water Street — extensive meeting and ballroom capacity and large guest inventory for group blocks.
The Hotel Zamora
The Hotel Zamora — beachfront location, marina activities and a complimentary beach shuttle make beach access easy.
Tampa Marriott Water Street
Tampa Marriott Water Street — multiple restaurants and bars covering breakfast through late-night options.
The Hotel Zamora
The Hotel Zamora — a compact property with Mediterranean styling and more intimate service levels.
Frequently asked questions
See all FAQs →Tampa Marriott Water Street vs The Hotel Zamora: FAQs
Which hotel is closer to Tampa’s downtown attractions?
Tampa Marriott Water Street — it's on the Riverwalk and within easy walking distance of the convention center, arena and aquarium.
Which hotel is better for a beach trip?
The Hotel Zamora — it’s on St. Pete Beach, offers a complimentary beach shuttle and lists beach and marina activities on site.
Do either hotel have spa services?
Tampa Marriott Water Street guests can use Spa by JW at the adjacent JW Marriott (accessible via skybridge). The Hotel Zamora’s listing does not publish an on-site spa.
Which hotel is better for families?
Tampa Marriott Water Street is explicitly family-friendly with many dining options and large rooms; The Hotel Zamora is not adults-only but is a smaller boutique property — either can work depending on whether you want city attractions or beach access.
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Waterfront Dining & Rooftop Pool
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