Hotel Cala
Hotel Cala to Debut Along the Tampa Riverwalk January 2027
Hotel Cala, an urban resort overlooking the Hillsborough River along Tampa's iconic Riverwalk, will debut in January 2027, marking a new chapter for one of downtown Tampa's most storied properties. The 281-room property will bring a new destination for locals and travelers to dine, gather, stay and experience the city. Following an extensive transformation by internationally renowned design firm Rockwell Group, Hotel Cala draws architectural and aesthetic inspiration from Tampa's waterfront setting, tropical character and multicultural heritage, including its Italian and Cuban roots.
At the physical and social heart of Hotel Cala is the lobby, framed by floor-to-ceiling arched windows overlooking The Riverwalk. Envisioned as "Tampa's Living Room," the circular space creates a fluid transition between the lobby, pool deck and main dining venues. It evolves naturally throughout the day, from morning coffee and light bites to a bustling evening lounge and gathering space. A central circular bar anchors the space beneath a custom, tiered chandelier inspired by traditional rattan weaving.
The two new culinary offerings at Hotel Cala will be managed by world-renowned Tao Group Hospitality. Making its Tampa debut, LAVO will bring its signature coastal Italian dining experience to the property, with a menu centered on fresh, house-made pastas, whole-grain pizzas made with single-source flour and signature dishes including The Meatball, featuring Wagyu, Italian sausage and veal topped with whipped ricotta. An inspired cocktail program and curated wine collection will round out the experience. BarOnda will offer a more casual, vibrant waterfront setting for curated cocktails and bites, creating a natural complement to LAVO and Hotel Cala's connection to the Riverwalk.
Rockwell Group's design brings the property's history and setting into a contemporary urban resort environment, pairing Italian marble, cream plaster, herringbone limestone and warm woods with vibrant textiles, global patterns and tropical planting. Details throughout reference Tampa's multicultural heritage, including cognac-colored fluted tile columns at the porte-cochere inspired by the hand-rolled cigar factories of nearby Ybor City.
The hotel's 281 guestrooms, including 16 expansive suites, balance urban downtown energy with a coastal retreat feeling. Waterfront accommodations feature warm wood detailing, rattan-inspired elements, brass-toned accents and custom furnishings, while suites introduce richer color, pattern and tropical influences.
Beyond accommodations, Hotel Cala will feature a resort-style pool deck with cabanas, lounge seating and lush landscaping, a 24-hour fitness center overlooking the pool and direct access to The Riverwalk. The hotel will also feature 10,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space across seven rooms, accommodating up to 450 guests. The effortless, walkable connectivity to nearby waterfront parks, world-class museums and surrounding districts makes the property an ideal location for meetings, weddings and social celebrations.
Managed by Schulte Hospitality and part of Curio Collection by Hilton, Hotel Cala will participate in Hilton Honors, Hilton's award-winning guest loyalty program, allowing members to earn and redeem points during their stay. For more information and to book reservations, visit hotelcalatampa.com and follow @hotelcalatampa on social media for news and updates.