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.