Special to Cruising Squared
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| Kimbra Bradley Photos by Brent Bradley |
“It’s like stepping back in to the days of Guys and Dolls”
TAMPA -- This Floridan Palace Hotel, formerly known as the Hotel Floridan,was a Tampa hotspot back in the late 1920's when it originally opened. Folks came from far and wide to see and be seen. Elvis Presley, Gary Cooper and many a "Wise Guy" enjoyed the hotel and its famous nightlife.
Unfortunately like many hotels over the years, it began to decline and eventually closed its doors in the mid 1960's. Native Floridians and many lovers of the hotel
dreamed that one day the Floridan would reopen but many feared that day might never come. The hotel eventually was added to the National Register of Historic Places and was finally purchased some years thereafter. The Floridan took nearly seven years to restore but finally in July of 2012 it once again opened it's rooms to the public.
I must say they did an amazing job. It looks like you stepped back in to the 1920's with the comforts of the 21st century. Our room was on the 19th floor, room 1906, with a gorgeous view of downtown Tampa, including the famous Tampa Theatre sign which was also added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, as well as the rest of Tampa’s skyline and its beautiful bay waters.
There are two bars on the property: One connects to the Crystal Dining Room which serves four-star dinners and of course the Sapphire Lounge. I highly recommend three cocktails: First the drink that made the lounge famous, "Between the Sheets;" second, a "B-52" and finally my favorite, an "'Old Fashion" which is the best you will find anywhere.
Now there are a few small inconveniences staying in a historical hotel. First, there are no ice machines on any of the floors. If you need ice, you must hop on the elevator and head down to the bar or front desk. There are no pools on the property and they do not serve breakfast. But besides that you are golden.
recommend is the Samaria Cafe, which is a 10-minute stroll. You can order
anything from a traditional full breakfast, Eggs Benedict, vegetarian plates
and some of the best fresh squeezed OJ you’ve ever had. The prices and
service are very good and believe me you will go away happy.
Parking at the hotel is free for guests and If you are in the mood for some nightlife in
famous Ybor City, a cab ride for two is about ten bucks each way, including tip. We hope you have as much fun as we did and and remember to bring a letter or postcard to drop in the mailbox. If you are fortunate enough to see many of the ghosts that live on the property, tell them we said hello.
So enjoyed this. Beautiful hotel.
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