Safety Harbor Resort & Spa Trademark Collection

Thanks to large signage adorned with an abundance of colorful, well-presented flora, it's easy to spot the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa's entrance. Inside, the ornate lobby is filled with numerous antiques, gilt-framed paintings, and tapestries alongside leather chesterfield seating, creating an elegant, Old World ambience. The hotel is built over the natural mineral Espiritu Santo Springs discovered by a Spanish explorer in 1539, who believed he had found the Fountain of Youth. The resort is one of America’s oldest spa resorts -- claiming historical landmark status -- and there has been a health spa on-site since 1925. Because of the spring's supposed powers, wealthy and famous Americans, including the Great Houdini, frequented the hotel throughout the '30s and '40s. Safety Harbor still uses the spring waters in its three swimming pools and for various spa treatments. 

Accommodations are in separate, modern buildings and a manicured grass area with palm trees and hammocks lies between the hotel and the sea. Note that some guests complain the maze-like layout of the property can be a little perplexing. This property mainly attracts leisure travelers, though the several meeting spaces are popular for corporate events and weddings.

This hotel is located just off the city's Main Street, which has numerous restaurants and retail outlets. It's also next to Safety Harbor's City Marina and the property has unobstructed views of Tampa Bay. Downtown Tampa is around a 30-minute drive away, while the white sands of Clearwater Beach can be reached in 25 minutes by car. Highway 19 is around a 10-minute drive from the hotel and Tampa International Airport is a 20- to 25-minute drive via the Courtney Campbell Causeway.

The 172 spacious rooms and suites have a colorful mix of modern decor and antique-style furnishings, though rooms with multiple patterns and colored carpeting feel dated. Standard amenities include coffeemakers and flat-screen TVs with premium cable and on-demand movies. Wi-Fi is included in the resort fee and free Espiritu Santo spring water is available to drink. Bathrooms have a black-and-white color scheme and shower/tub combos, plus toiletries and hairdryers. Some rooms have small furnished patios or balconies overlooking the bay, while others have views of the pool area. 

Full Suites have separate living areas, dining tables, and kitchenettes, while smaller suites only have microwaves and fridges. Full Suites also have large bathrooms with walk-in showers and separate bathtubs. Note that mustiness has been reported in some rooms. Though not available for booking, Room 360 is styled to reflect how the space would have looked in the 1920s and it's located in the original part of the hotel. 

A continental buffet, traditional American, or health-conscious spa breakfast are available (for a fee) in the Fountain Grille Restaurant, which includes an outdoor terrace. A menu of contemporary Mediterranean cooking is also available for lunch and dinner. La Sardine Lounge serves drinks and light snacks, while the Tiki Bar offers smoothies, alcoholic drinks, and light meals by the pool. The on-site ballroom also hosts a Sunday brunch with live piano music and an unlimited mimosas option. 

A heated indoor pool and two outdoor pools -- one lap pool and one larger leisure pool -- are filled with spring water and surrounded by loungers. Additionally, a range of spring-related treatments are available at the huge spa and there's an on-site salon. The spacious fitness center has ample cardio and strength-training machines, free weights, and group classes. There are also outdoor tennis courts and a tennis academy. A daily resort fee covers use of the spa and fitness center, Wi-Fi access, and parking (though the parking lot can get very crowded).

There are multiple on-site meeting and event spaces for corporate groups and wedding parties. A business center with two computers and a printer is also available.