What to pack for a stay in downtown Tampa
Pack light layers for warm, humid days and cooler evenings, swimwear and sun protection for the rooftop pool and Riverwalk, and basic business/meeting items if you need to work in-room or in event spaces. Bring a photo ID and credit card for check-in (minimum age 18), any medications, and shoes suited for walking nearby attractions like the Tampa Riverwalk and Amalie Arena.
In this guide
Documents, money, and hotel practicals
Bring a government-issued photo ID and the credit card you used to reserve the room — the property requires both at check-in and the minimum check-in age is 18. Check-in starts at 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.
Keep a printed or digital copy of your reservation and BookResorts agent phone number (+1 (888) 605-1350) handy in case you need help. If you plan to drive, note the hotel offers valet parking and electric vehicle charging; self-parking must be arranged directly with the hotel.
- Photo ID and credit card
- Reservation confirmation (digital or print)
- BookResorts agents: +1 (888) 605-1350
- Any parking/valet instructions or EV charging needs
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Photo ID | Required at check-in |
| Credit card | Used for incidentals and reservation guarantee |
| Reservation confirmation | Speeds check-in or resolves booking questions |
Clothing and footwear for downtown Tampa
Tampa is generally warm; pack lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime and one light layer for cooler winter evenings. Summers are hot and humid with frequent afternoon storms, so quick-dry fabrics and a compact umbrella or light rain jacket are useful.
If you're attending meetings, bring at least one business-casual outfit. Many rooms — including Room, Deluxe Room, Balcony, and Suite, 1 Bedroom, Balcony — offer desk space, so you can keep dress options simple and press or steam in the bathroom if needed.
- T-shirts, shorts, sundresses (quick-dry fabrics)
- Light sweater or layer for evenings or indoor A/C
- One business-casual outfit
- Comfortable walking shoes for Riverwalk and nearby museums
- Compact umbrella or lightweight rain jacket (summer months)
| Season | Key clothing notes |
|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Light layers; mild days, cooler nights |
| Spring/Fall | Warm days; light layers for evenings |
| Summer (Jun–Sep) | Hot, humid; bring sun protection and rain gear |
Pool, beach, and outdoor gear
The hotel has a heated rooftop outdoor pool and hot tub on the 3rd floor with loungers and towels provided; cabanas/palapas are available for an additional fee. Pack swimwear, a cover-up, and reef-safe sunscreen if you’ll use the rooftop pool or plan a day trip to nearby Gulf beaches.
If you expect to spend time on the Tampa Riverwalk or take a water taxi, bring sunglasses, a hat, a refillable water bottle, and a small daypack for essentials.
- Swimsuit and pool cover-up
- Sunscreen (reef-safe if visiting Gulf beaches)
- Sunglasses and hat
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag
- Flip-flops or sandals and a secure pair of walking shoes
| Hotel pool facts | What to pack |
|---|---|
| Rooftop pool (3rd floor), heated; towels provided | Swimsuit, towel-safe bag |
| Hot tub adjacent to pool; cabanas available (fee) | Swim cover-up, cashless payment method for cabana fee |
| Pool hours generally 6:00 AM–10:00 PM | Plan arrival and sunscreen reapplication |
Toiletries, health, and wellness
Pack your usual toiletries and any prescription medications. The hotel provides standard bathroom amenities in guest rooms; larger or specialty spa treatments are available at Spa by JW at the adjacent JW Marriott Tampa Water Street (accessible via the third-floor skybridge).
If you rely on fitness routines, the hotel offers a complimentary redesigned fitness center with cardio and strength equipment, plus 24-hour access to the adjacent JW Marriott’s fitness facilities via skybridge.
- Prescription medications in original packaging
- Basic toiletries and travel-first-aid items
- Plug adapters and chargers for any medical devices
- Swim-safe cosmetics and toiletries for pool use
| Amenity | Note |
|---|---|
| Fitness center | Complimentary; equipment includes treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, rowing machines, and weights |
| Spa services | Spa by JW located in adjacent JW Marriott (hours posted by spa) |
| Pool towels | Provided at rooftop pool |
Electronics, work, and meetings
Bring devices and accessories you need to work in-room or in meeting spaces: laptop, chargers, power bank, HDMI adapter, and noise-cancelling headphones. Guest rooms and suites have work desks; for larger meetings the property has extensive event spaces including the Grand Ballroom and multiple meeting rooms.
Wi-Fi is complimentary for Marriott Bonvoy members; other guests may see a charge depending on the hotel’s policy, so bring mobile data or a personal hotspot if you need guaranteed connectivity.
- Laptop/tablet, chargers, and spare cables
- Portable battery pack and multi-outlet travel adapter
- Ethernet cable (if you prefer wired connection) or hotspot
- Printed copies of presentations or meeting materials
| Room types with desks/work areas | Examples |
|---|---|
| Standard rooms and suites | Room ; Room, Water View ; Room, Balcony |
| Larger suites | Suite, 1 Bedroom, Balcony (separate living/dining areas) |
| Meeting venues | Grand Ballroom and multiple meeting rooms for events |
Food, dining, and snacks to pack
The hotel has several on-site dining options — Riverwalk Terrace (breakfast & brunch), PERK (coffee/cafe), Anchor and Brine (seafood), Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval (Mexican), Pool Bar & Grill, Bright Ice (ice cream), and A La Carte (in-room grab-and-go). Breakfast and other meals are available for a fee at these outlets.
If you prefer snacks in-room, bring a small selection of non-perishables. PERK and A La Carte provide quick options, and Bright Ice operates in the afternoon/evening hours listed by the hotel.
- Bring favorite small snacks if you want to avoid dining fees
- Reusable utensils or travel coffee mug if you’ll use PERK or grab-and-go
- Any specialty food items you need (dietary restrictions)
| On-site venues | Typical service |
|---|---|
| Riverwalk Terrace | Breakfast & Brunch (hours posted by hotel) |
| Anchor and Brine | Lunch & Dinner (seafood & raw bar) |
| PERK and A La Carte | Coffee, pastries, grab-and-go and in-room dining |
Getting around and day-trip essentials
You don’t need a car to explore nearby downtown attractions. The hotel is steps from the Tampa Riverwalk, Amalie Arena (Benchmark International Arena), the Tampa Convention Center, and a TECO Line heritage streetcar stop that runs to Ybor City. A Riverwalk water taxi and other sightseeing cruises depart near the hotel.
If you plan day trips (Busch Gardens, beaches), pack sunscreen, bug spray, water, and any beach gear; if you’ll rent a car, keep a copy of parking/valet instructions handy.
- Comfortable walking shoes for Riverwalk and museums
- Streetcar and water taxi info (check local schedules)
- Driver’s license if you plan to rent a car
- Beach gear for Clearwater or St. Pete day trips
| Nearby transit or attractions | Typical travel note |
|---|---|
| TECO Line heritage streetcar | Stops near the hotel and runs to Ybor City |
| Riverwalk water taxi | Leaves near the hotel for Harbour Island, Davis Islands, Hyde Park |
| Tampa International Airport (TPA) | Driving distance listed at about 8 miles |
