601 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, Florida, United States | (727) 241-5756
Historic family-owned property that evokes a feel of Old Florida
Polynesian theme with totem poles, thatched huts, and palm trees
Contemporary rooms have classic Florida decor, microwaves, and mini-fridges
Suites with whirlpool tubs, balconies, and minibars
Central pool area with a lively tiki bar offering drinks, food, and live music
Casual cafe serving a popular breakfast, plus lunch and dinner
Small spa, and in-room massages available
Free Wi-Fi
Pets allowed for a one-time fee
Three parking lots with free parking
Guests have noted dirty rooms and musty smells
Some bathrooms are dated
Cafe and spa are closed on Sundays
Tiki bar is seasonal with unreliable hours
The Tahitian Inn Hotel Cafe & Spa is an Old Florida motel property that has been family-owned and operated for three generations. The hotel's subdued Polynesian theme provides a glimpse into the style of mid-century vacationing in the Sunshine State. While the property dates back to the 1950s, the rooms have been updated with contemporary decor, although not all bathrooms have been renovated. All 82 rooms come with AC, microwaves, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Unfortunately, several guests have complained of musty smells and dirty rooms, and we noticed mustiness out by the pool. Still, the casual cafe, seasonal poolside tiki bar, and cruise transportation packages are big pluses with guests, plus there are a also a small spa, meeting rooms, and ample parking. For a more all-around modern hotel, check rates at the Hyatt Place Tampa Airport/Westshore.
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Scene
An updated, family-owned property with the tropical vacation vibes of Old Florida
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.
Location
Convenient South Tampa location off a major street, but surrounded by a residential 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
Rooms
Contemporary rooms with Old Florida decor, mini-fridges, microwaves, and flat-screen TVs
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.
Features
Resort-style amenities for guests only
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.
