Tahitian Inn Hotel Cafe & Spa

The Tahitian Inn Hotel Cafe & Spa is a slice of Old Florida in present-day South Tampa. Originally opened in 1953, this third-generation family-owned property manages to evoke a sense of mid-century vacationing with its old school tropical tiki theme and older building design. Upgrades and renovations keep it from looking entirely dated, particularly in the rooms, though many guests have found the rooms dirty, musty, and not as modern as they expected -- especially some bathrooms. The Polynesian theme is well done, with palm trees carved into totem poles, thatched umbrellas at the pool, and a palapa-style poolside tiki bar. Landscaping in thick palms, mossy rocks, and several bushes adds to the lush tropical vibe. 

The hotel is painted a light mauve color with white moldings and decorative pineapple tiles that help add to the overall retro look. Reception is located off Dale Mabry and is housed in a larger, multi-story building that includes the hotel's Serenity Spa, cafe, and newer, more expensive rooms. Out back lies the dual-level motel-style building with outdoor hallways that stretch across two parking lots and the outdoor tiki-themed pool. During our visit we noticed a musty smell while walking outside of the rooms and around the pool area. 

Tahitian Inn is located in South Tampa, making it convenient to the cruise terminal, airport, shopping malls, and downtown Tampa. The entrance is directly off a busy street, but the hotel is surrounded by a quiet, residential area and it has a church across the street. From the front, the hotel is a few minutes' walk to Chick-fil-A, Einstein Bros. Bagels, and Burger King. 

• Six-minute drive to Westshore Plaza
• Eight-minute drive to Tampa International Airport
• Nine-minute drive to International Plaza
• Nine-minute drive to Hyde Park
• 10-minute drive to Ybor City
• 12-minute drive to the Tampa Convention Center
• 12-minute drive to Amalie Arena
• 12-minute drive to the Port of Tampa Bay 
• 24-minute drive to downtown St. Petersburg 

While the outside of the hotel may nod to decades past, the hotel's 82 rooms feature a contemporary take on classic Florida, which may appear dated for those not familiar with the style. Furniture, bedding, and color schemes have been upgraded, and guests can expect porcelain tile floors, down comforters, and matching furniture sets that are reminiscent of Old Key West. Dark-brown wicker furniture adds a slight retro vibe to the clay taupe colors throughout the room. All rooms come with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, drip coffee machines, somewhat dated microwaves, and mini-fridges, plus open closets that contain ironing facilities. Although most bathrooms are modern, some still have old style like blue tiling and tubs. Nevertheless, they have shower/tub combos, Mikado toiletries, and hairdryers. Upgrades to suites get extra perks like minibars, in-room stereos, and separate living rooms with sofa beds. Bella Suites come with whirlpool tubs, balconies, and dining room tables. 

Rooms in the main building are nicer, but require a higher rate. 

Like several motels back in the day, the Tahitian Inn is a motel-sized property that packs in multiple features. Unfortunately, a lot of the features are seasonal or closed on Sunday, so it's best to call ahead to know what to expect. The hotel's Tiki Joe's diner cafe is celebrated by guests and locals alike, and serves up breakfast and lunch until 3 p.m. and a casual dinner most evenings, but it's completely closed on Sundays. Guests can either sit at the bar, at the cafe tables, or out on the slim patio under palm frond fans and next to a small koi pond with a waterfall. This space was closed for renovations during our visit. 

The small, central pool area is for guests only and accessed via room keycards. The rectangular pool is clean and surrounded by strappy plastic loungers and a few straw umbrellas. The Torch Tiki Bar is at the end of the pool and a popular spot for guests when it's open seasonally, slinging drinks, food, and live entertainment. Massages are available in-room or at the Serenity Spa in the main building. Unlike most hotels, this spa is exclusively for hotel guests. 

The hotel is pet-friendly for a one-time fee. For cruisers, the hotel has a cruise transportation package that drops off and picks up at the port and allows guests to park at the hotel during their cruise. Other features include a meeting rooms space, vending machines off the lobby, and a small business center station with printing.