In the Hyde Park district of South Tampa, Fla., the Epicurean Hotel completed its $21 million expansion. Located directly across Howard Avenue from Epicurean’s 137-room main hotel, the expansion adds 51 new guestrooms and suites, a private lobby, meeting space and rooftop terrace.
The new four-story structure has a classic white exterior, a historic façade and green landscaping. The renovation also added two floors of parking with an additional 91 spaces and incorporated two restored apartment buildings that are scheduled to open later this spring.
“This addition really elevates the streetscape of South Howard, which has become a focal point of Tampa’s booming culinary scene thanks to Bern’s Steak House, Haven, Epicurean Hotel and others,” Joe Collier, president and founder, Mainsail Lodging and Development, said in a statement. “The added accommodations will allow us to better meet market demand for our rooms, which has consistently outpaced our supply, particularly for high-demand suites.”
Referred to as Epicurean’s “second course,” the expansion is consistent with the look and feel of guestrooms, meeting rooms and public spaces in the main hotel. Public areas contrast warm woods with cool concrete and stainless steel. An original artwork installation of wine and champagne corks, and a contemporary liquor bottle chandelier, are in the lobby.
The 51 new accommodations consist of 31 standard king rooms, eight deluxe king rooms, three two-room suites and one junior suite. There are also eight historical apartments converted into suites with separate dining and living areas, kitchenette, king bed and sleeper sofa that are set to open in spring 2024. The apartment-style suites have private balconies shaded by black-and-white striped awnings, all overlooking Howard Avenue. Guestrooms and suites are highlighted by signature butcher-block countertops and soft, earth-toned furnishings and finishes, with a dash of culinary-themed touches in the artwork and other decor. The suites also have improved technology.
New meeting space includes the Chateau Room, a 794-square-foot room that can accommodate up to 50 guests and includes an eight-foot video wall. The 590-square-foot Cask Room has a built-in plasma TV and can accommodate up to 30 guests. Both rooms have oversized windows and open onto the 1,138-square-foot rooftop Vineyard Terrace, which can be used for private receptions and events for up to 130 people.
Orlando-based L2 Studios is the architect and interior designer for the project. Additional partners include Cooper Johnson Smith Peterson Architects for the exterior concept design and Nelson Construction as the general contractor. Both are based in Tampa.