Florida's tourist destinations have always put Tampa on the backburner, but it is now Tampa's time to shine. There are major revitalization efforts taking place in the city, and word is spreading fast about its potential. There are a large number of museums, world-class shopping, and a vibrant nightlife in The Big Guava, which has quickly become a popular tourist destination.

‍

It is The Tampa Edition that is spearheading this cultural revolution.

‍

‍

This is the city's first true luxury hotel, according to Rich Report. Developed by visionary hotelier Ian Schrager and Marriott International, the Tampa Edition is one of the city's best hotels. The luxury boutique is located in the bustling Water Street Tampa District, a $3.5 billion mixed-use development project that hopes to make Tampa an international gateway to Central and South Florida.

‍

‍

A lush jungle of tropical plants and greenery greets guests at The Tampa Edition's lobby, where guests can take in the art deco-inspired design before checking in. With 172 guest rooms and suites set within a 26-story building, The Edition is known for its simple yet sophisticated style. Additionally, the hotel boasts a gorgeous roof-top terrace, a state-of-the-art wellness center, seven bars and restaurants, including Lilac, which is helmed by acclaimed chef John Fraser.  

‍

‍

The Tampa Edition is unlike other accommodations in the area due to its meticulous attention to detail, including subtle nods to the Sunshine State buried within the cocktail menu and daily surprises and delights in your room.

‍

‍

“There are a million details we considered for Tampa Edition, and those little touches, that's what distinguishes what we do from what everybody else does,” Schrager added. “While we may carry certain elements over from other properties, each project is bespoke.” 

‍

‍

The Edition experience is known for its buzzy nightlife scene (Schrager is a co-founder of Studio 54), and Tampa Edition does not disappoint. During the hotel's opening weekend, Lenny Kravitz performed a private performance for hotel guests, and Nelly hosted a New Year's Eve party last month. 

‍

‍

The Tampa Edition offers all the right spaces for guests to meet friends and strangers alike, from intimate gatherings in the Punch Room bar to dancing the night away in the Arts Club.

‍

‍

“People want to meet people! They want to have fun, and they want to have a little mayhem,” Schrager chuckled. “We want to tailor the experience to Tampa, so we don't want to do the same thing that we would do in Miami or New York, but at the end of the day we are dealing with the same social conditions of people just wanting to connect with each other, and that is what we try to provide.”

‍

As Edition’s 15th hotel opens in Tampa, Schrager shared his thoughts on the current state of luxury travel and his vision for the future of hospitality as he reviewed the Edition’s expansion (five new hotels are planned for 2023, including Rome, Tokyo, and Singapore).

‍

‍

Schrager rejects the notion that luxury is the exclusive domain of the wealthy. Increasing the accessibility of luxury is important to him. “Everybody is comfortable putting everything in a box, but my mission is to take it out of the box,” he explained. According to the hotelier, Edition's future success will come from how it makes guests feel, regardless of their income or status.

‍

‍

“Yes, it's luxury, but it's for everybody,” Schrager added. “Maybe our goal is a little bit different than most hotels, but that’s what gives us the edge. When we see people in these spaces we’ve created, and they like it and are enjoying themselves, it’s just nirvana.”