Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection

The Epicurean Hotel has stylish interiors streaked with a culinary flair
and a love for gastronomy. Cuisine is at the heart of all aspects of the property, from the culinary theater with cooking classes to the food-themed spa treatments. This
appreciation for fine food and wine is apparent in the
chic lobby, where the front desk doubles as wine storage and the backdrop wall
is made out of wood wine crate panels. The lobby has a couple of stylish
armchairs, and a wealth of trendy design details, such as a cowhide rug,
reclaimed wood coffee table, and cool lighting fixtures. A berry and citrus
infused water dispenser stands atop a wine barrel and is the kind of thoughtful
and foodie-focused detail that the hotel excels at. The neighboring library is
a sophisticated and cozy living room area filled with sumptuous leather seating, wood paneled walls, and golden light fixtures. Bookshelves are
filled with cookbooks and culinary reads. A large reclaimed wood door that
slides along one of the walls reveals the entrance to the Epicurean Theatre and
is adorned with giant replicas of a carving fork and knife. The culinary theme permeates
throughout the entire hotel, and it manages to be stylish and tasteful, lending
character to chic and modern interiors. The Epicurean undoubtedly attracts many
foodies, and it’s not unheard of for guests to come solely for the purpose of
dining at the legendary Bern’s Steakhouse across the street. The hotel also
suits business travelers and often hosts conferences, meetings, and various
events. The Epicurean is
part of the Autograph Collection by Marriott.

The Epicurean is located in Tampa’s
SoHo district, named after South Howard Avenue, which the hotel is situated on.
The street is lined with restaurants and bars, and there is a wide variety of
dining options within walking distance (if guests want to try something other
than the hotel’s own options), though the most famous one is directly across
the street from the hotel: the legendary Bern’s Steakhouse. The hotel is
located off of the Selmon Expressway, a convenience for drivers, though some
guests complain of traffic noise. There is a bus directly outside of the hotel,
and the Epicurean also provides bikes. The waterfront is four blocks away
(an eight-minute walk). The hotel is near the historic Hyde Park neighborhood, and
about three miles from downtown Tampa (an eight-minute drive).

The Epicurean has a variety of
rooms ranging in size: Classic, slightly larger Deluxe rooms with terraces,
Executive, Junior Suite, and Balcony Suite with a private balcony. The spaces
are chic, sophisticated, and modern, with clean lines and neutral hues. Varying
shades of coffee and cream are paired with gray walls and black and white
patterned tiled flooring. Fluffy white beds are adorned with brown pillows
imprinted with a kitchen utensil design, and wooden furniture brings to mind
butcher’s blocks. Edibles are aplenty, with well-stocked minibars and tasty
selections of gourmet snacks. A curated selection of half bottle wines are
available for purchase, and rooms are equipped with Tassimo coffee machines.
Some rooms have terraces and suites have living room areas and wet bars. Large reclaimed
wood sliding doors reveal lovely, modern bathrooms with walk-in rain showers
and a full range of luxurious bath products from the hotel spa. Suites have
soaking tubs. Views aren’t great, however, with
some rooms overlooking the parking lot. Guests complain of thin walls and
traffic noise from the neighboring expressway.

The Epicurean has a range of
on-site features and services that are particularly enticing for foodies and the
gastronomically inclined and popular with locals as well. Elevage restaurant,
helmed by James Beard Best Chef South Semi-Finalist Chad Johnson, serves up
delicious meals in a stylish space that’s all wood and leather, black and white
patterned tiled floors, and a rope detailed ceiling. A vertical living herb
garden provides freshly picked flavors in both meals and cocktails. Edge
rooftop bar serves inventive cocktails and snacks and has lovely views over the
area. Chocolate Pi is the on-site patisserie, where guests can enjoy a coffee
and delectable desserts in a wood clad cozy space. The hotel is also home to a
wine shop owned by neighboring Bern’s Steakhouse, Bern’s Fine Wine and Spirits,
which has a large selection and regularly hosts tastings and events. In this rich playhouse of tastes
and palate explorations, the centerpiece is the Epicurean Theatre, a culinary
classroom where a gorgeous stainless steel kitchen is the stage surrounded by
tiered seating. The hotel regularly hosts a wide range of classes and events,
from cake decorating to wine tastings.The Epicurean also has a lovely
outdoor pool surrounded by white sun chairs and palm-shrouded white couches
that make for stylish lounging. The food theme continues in the hotel’s
Evangeline Spa, where a wide range of treatments includes fruit scrubs, caramel
coffee exfoliants inspired by desserts found at Chocolate Pi, and a Cabernet
massage. Wi-Fi is free.