Hotel Facts

Overview

Said to be a match made in heaven – or more precisely, heaven’s kitchen – Epicurean Hotel is a collaboration between Mainsail Lodging & Development and Tampa’s legendary Bern’s Steak House. Crafted for the senses, the hotel offers a variety of indulgences to celebrate the flavors of life. Every element has been carefully hand-selected – from wine crates that make up the lobby desk to the thread count of the sheets. It’s a place where connoisseurs of life can indulge over a week-long or weekend getaway, stir inspiration at a business gathering and celebrate in fabulous fashion with friends and loved ones.

Epicurean Hotel was the first newly constructed property in the United States to join the prestigious Autograph Collection® of Marriott International, Inc.

Epic Expansion

The award-winning Epicurean Hotel recently served up a $21 million expansion project, giving foodies and culinary explorers even more to love. Located directly across Howard Avenue from the main hotel, the expansion includes 51 new guest rooms and suites, bringing the total to 188 rooms. The addition also includes a private lobby, meeting space, and rooftop terrace. The four-story structure features a timeless white exterior, with a historic façade and vibrant green landscaping. It seamlessly blends two restored historic apartment buildings with the addition of two floors of parking, offering 91 spaces.

Setting

Situated in the trendy Hyde Park historic district of South Tampa – known by locals as SoHo – the boutique property is equal parts vacation dream spot and local hotspot. Just down the road from the picturesque waterfront of Bayshore Boulevard, Epicurean Hotel is in the midst of the city’s social buzz for high-end boutiques and top-rated restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

Epicurean’s interior design reflects its foodie focus, highlighted by natural materials and utilitarian, yet stylish finishes, from varnished Venetian plaster to polished concrete floors. While the hotel exudes a sleek and modern vibe, there are whimsical elements that include vintage railroad carts, wine crates, hemp chandeliers and fun pieces from Bern Laxer, the legendary steak house founder’s personal collection.

Accommodations

The hotel’s 188 guest rooms and suites exude a luxurious blend of urban chic and comfort, each decorated to reflect the culinary heritage and unique nature of the area, with butcher-block-style cabinetry and reclaimed wood bathroom doors that were designed by local craftsmen. Four unique art themes reinforce the Epicurean’s primary themes – Grow, Create, Imbibe and Indulge.

Guest room amenities include complimentary wireless Internet; flat screen HDTV; premium bath products; a single-serve brewing system for coffee and café-style beverages; laptop safe and rain shower heads.

All rooms feature an in-room personal artisan pantry stocked with premium liquors, locally crafted beers, sparkling waters and a diverse selection of five, half bottle varietals with suggested pantry pairings such as prosciutto, chocolate and sea salt caramels and chévre.

Select rooms and suites feature private balconies, sleeper sofas, wet bar and soaking tub.

Just across Howard Avenue, eight newly reimagined Historic Suites offer restored apartment-style residences designed for longer stays and elevated escapes. Each private one-bedroom layout includes a separate living area, kitchenette, and private balcony, offering added space and flexibility within a quiet residential setting just steps from the hotel’s amenities.

Culinary Excellence

Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar – Led by Executive Chef Jon Atanacio, the hotel’s signature restaurant presents dishes that are innovative, aesthetically beautiful and above all, pleasing to the palate. The culinary team focuses on fresh, vibrant preparations such as steamed mussels, sea scallops, pickled beet carpaccio and sauteed cod. Entrees including the pan-seared salmon, venison osso bucco, stuffed spaghetti squash, hanger steak frites, grass fed smoked short rib and sea scallops are also available. Dessert stars range from Dutch apple cake to chocolate pecan pie.

Lobby Bar – The Lobby Bar includes a mix of seating featuring industrial high tops, rich leather couches and shared bar seating. The menu features chef-inspired plates and a cocktail program that showcases well-made classics, while highlighting creative signature offerings. Perfect examples include the diner burger, a fresh take on the classic with smash patties, dill pickles and comeback sauce, and the smoked chicken wings covered in a BBQ spice blend and served with Alabama white sauce and okra pickles. While the menus change seasonally, one foodie-favorite dish remains on The Lobby Bar menu – the Homage to Bern’s pressed steak sandwich, a nod to Epicurean’s legendary neighbor, Bern’s Steak House.

Chill Bros. Scoop Shop – Chill Bros. at Epicurean is the Tampa-based company’s third scoop shop. This vibrant and fun ice cream and more store also houses the company’s production facility, the heart of Chill Bros., where all the ice cream is mixed, frozen and packed on site. Chill Bros. uses only the finest ingredients and features a wide variety of made-from-scratch ice creams, mix-ins, toppings, candies, sauces, waffle cones and baked goods. The full-service pastry and ice cream kitchen is visible from the hotel scoop shop and Howard Avenue, giving a front row seat to the team creating every sauce, infusion, baked good, candy and mix-in that goes into their products. The local company was launched by the Chillura brothers, who find passion in developing all-natural, American-style ice cream made from scratch. A “super chill” spot to stop in anytime to relax and enjoy a tasty treat.

Private dining experiences can be arranged in Élevage or the Epicurean Theatre here.

Epicurean Theatre

A unique setting to foster education for experts and novices alike, the Epicurean Theatre offers a wide variety of culinary presentations, cooking demonstrations and more. With seating for up to 40, the theatre is equipped with best-in-class Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, including a Sub-Zero over/under refrigerator/freezer and a wine storage unit. In addition, the Theatre features a dual fuel range with six dual- stacked burners and a dual-stacked convection oven, an induction cooktop, convection steam oven, convection M Series wall oven and warming drawer from sister brand, Wolf. There are two 70-inch televisions for optimal viewing and the classes are recorded and shown in-room. The menu of classes curated by the hotel includes classes with well-known local, regional and national chefs, as well as artistic and educational experiences. Epicurean Theatre events are open to the public, but the space is also available for private events.

Wines & Spirits

EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge – A rooftop bar and social drinkery unlike any other in Tampa delights with unique cocktails served with sophisticated style. Lounge seating, dramatic colored lighting and eclectic artwork surrounds guests, along with sunset views. An inspired menu of small plates, artisan cheeses and charcuterie is available, as well as the full menu from Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar.

Bern’s Fine Wines & Spirits – In its 60-year history, Bern’s Steak House has accumulated one of the largest private collections of wines ever assembled in the world, so locals and visitors alike turn to this revered wine shop for expert advice and thoughtful selection. The shop, located in the lobby of the hotel, carries rare wines and spirits.

Evangeline Spa

At the hotel’s Evangeline Spa, guests can relax the soul and refresh the spirit with beauty treatments infused with the flavors of Epicurean. Evangeline Spa’s signature massage, body treatments, nail services and luxury facials include products from – Eminence Organic Skin Care®, FarmHouse Fresh®, Hydropeptide® and HydraFacial MD®. These services incorporate the culinary aspect of the hotel in their luxurious offerings.

Fitness Center

The fitness center features a selection of free weights and the latest Life Fitness cardio/weight machines.

Just a Touch Away

Technology gives Epicurean guests convenient convenient, rapid response to their simplest of needs with iPad check-in. Upon arrival, an Epicurean Host handles every detail – from check-in and luggage to theatre classes and dinner reservations – before personally escorting the guests to their room.

Specialty Sources

Behind the hotel’s devotion to providing extraordinary experiences is a stellar collection of some of the best and brightest suppliers and vendors in the food and beverage industry, and a showcase of sought-after local purveyors. Epicurean features national names such as Sub-Zero, Wolf, Shun Cutlery and illy. Guests enjoy local treasures from Cigar City Brewing Company, Rustic Steel Creations, a rotating group of local artists and a selection of area farmers and growers.

Hotel Amenities

Concierge Services
Complimentary High-Speed Wi-Fi, for Marriott Bonvoy Members
In-room Dining
Epicurean Bicycle Rentals
Pool
On-site Fitness Center
Valet Parking
EV Charging Stations

Weddings & Events

The hotel’s vibrant neighborhood, eclectic design and rich experiences provide a desirable backdrop for a variety of special celebrations. Whether for small, intimate gatherings or larger formal affairs, Epicurean offers the ideal setting, gourmet catering and on-site event professionals to make any occasion an exceptional one.
Meeting Space Epicurean boasts 7,475 square feet of adaptable indoor and outdoor function space.

Grand Cru Ballroom: 1,815 square feet (divisible by two)
Classé A: 891 square feet
Classé B: 891 square feet
Epicurean Theatre: 1,000 square feet (amphitheater style seating)
Bordeaux: 500 square feet
Garden Terrace: 2,400 square feet (outdoor)
Epicurean Expansion: 1,815 square feet
Vineyard Terrace: 1,035 square feet
Chateau: 720 square feet
Cask: 520 square feet

A conference services department, experienced catering and banquet associates, seasonal banquet menus, comprehensive AV equipment, and high-speed Internet access in all meeting rooms complete the hotel’s inventory of group offerings.

Area Events

The area is also home to world-renowned special events. From art and wine festivals to pirate-themed extravaganzas, a variety of activities fill the calendar:
Gasparilla Pirate Fest January
ReliaQuest Bowl January
Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic February
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts March
Gasparilla Music Festival April
Gasparilla International Film Fest March/April
Bern’s Winefest April
Hyde Park Village Art Fair October
Victorian Christmas Stroll December

In The Neighborhood

SoHo District – SoHo derives its name from the street in front of Epicurean, South Howard Avenue. While SoHo may be named after one street, it has quickly grown into one of South Tampa’s hottest neighborhoods, thanks to its vibrant night life, varied cuisine and entertainment.

Historic Hyde Park – Known as one of Tampa’s most impressive neighborhoods, with its collection of restored bungalow style homes and tree-lined streets, Hyde Park is genuinely historic and transports visitors back to a more elegant time and place.

Hyde Park Village – Hyde Park Village is an outdoor lifestyle center offering a unique shopping, dining and entertainment experience. With a mix of national, regional and local retailers, the Village features a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as an upscale cinema.

Bayshore Boulevard – Linking South Tampa and downtown, Bayshore Boulevard skirts Tampa Bay and boasts the world’s longest continuous sidewalk – about four and a half miles. Contact an Epicurean Host to reserve one of our Epicurean Cruiser Bikes to explore this area.

Bern’s Steak House – Recognized internationally for its vast wine collection, dry-aged steaks and famous dessert room, Bern’s Steak House has defined fine dining in Tampa since 1956. Founded by Bern Laxer and Gert Laxer, the family-owned restaurant is now led by their son, owner and president David Laxer, who continues the tradition of excellence and guest-first hospitality established nearly seven decades ago. The experience includes prime 100-day dry-aged steaks cut to order, caviar and fresh seafood. It’s also home to the world’s largest private wine collection of more than 750,000 bottles, complemented by an exceptional whiskey program. The wine collection earned the James Beard Foundation Outstanding Wine Program Award in 2016, and the restaurant was also named a James Beard Foundation Outstanding Restaurant semi-finalist in 2014. Bern’s has earned recognition from the prestigious MICHELIN Guide as well as national praise from Forbes, Food & Wine and Wine Spectator. Executive Chef Chad Johnson, a two-time James Beard semi-finalist for Best Chef: South, leads the kitchen with the consistency and craftsmanship that have defined Bern’s for seven decades. The experience culminates in the Harry Waugh Dessert Room, where guests enjoy house-made desserts, artisanal cheeses and rare spirits in intimate booths crafted from antique wine casks.

Access by Car

Located off I-275 and Selmon Expressway/SR-618.
Orlando 87 miles 1 ½ hours
Naples 166 miles 2 ½ hours
Jacksonville 200 miles 3 hours
Miami 280 miles 4 hours

Access by Air

Epicurean Hotel is located just 15 minutes from Tampa International Airport (TPA), and 30 minutes from St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE). Private jet access is also available.

Contact

Epicurean Hotel
1207 South Howard Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33606
(813) 999-8700
EpicureanHotel.com
Facebook: EpicureanHotel
Instagram: @EpicureanHotel

*Partner in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program

*Epicurean Hotel does not accept cash payments.
The property accepts all major credit cards or debit cards for all services, including dining on property.

About Mainsail Lodging & Development

Mainsail Lodging & Development is an award-winning, Tampa, Florida-based company specializing in hotel, furnished housing, and resort property management and development, marketing and sales. An established company with a dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, Mainsail prides itself in finding unique lodging opportunities with a purpose and applying its passion and expertise to each project. Founded by President Joe Collier with a combination of daring vision and dogged determination, Mainsail has built an impressive portfolio of top-branded properties throughout the southeastern United States and Caribbean. Each Mainsail property inspires guests with a distinct character and meticulously crafted, sophisticated style, from a private island resort, and urban culinary showplaces, to waterfront marvels, boutique southern hotels, and a historic jazz era icon. Stay Sojo, Mainsail’s newest brand, provides short-term furnished living options across the country, while Mainsail Vacation Rentals manages a collection of private vacation homes in Florida and the Caribbean. To ensure long-term success and profitability, Mainsail relies on the dedication of its high-performing associates, a growing group of enterprising investors, and a commitment to giving back, every step of the way. MainsailHotels.com

About Bern’s Steak House

Recognized internationally for its vast wine collection, dry-aged steaks and famous dessert room, Bern’s Steak House has defined fine dining in Tampa since 1956. Founded by Bern Laxer and Gert Laxer, the family-owned restaurant is now led by their son, owner and president David Laxer, who continues the tradition of excellence and guest-first hospitality established nearly seven decades ago. The experience includes prime 100-day dry-aged steaks cut to order, caviar and fresh seafood. It’s also home to the world’s largest private wine collection of more than 750,000 bottles, complemented by an exceptional whiskey program. The wine collection earned the James Beard Foundation Outstanding Wine Program
Award in 2016, and the restaurant was also named a James Beard Foundation Outstanding Restaurant semi-finalist in 2014. Bern’s has earned recognition from the prestigious MICHELIN Guide as well as national praise from Forbes, Food & Wine and Wine Spectator. Executive Chef Chad Johnson, a two-time James Beard semi-finalist for Best Chef: South, leads the kitchen with the consistency and craftsmanship that have defined Bern’s for seven decades. The experience culminates in the Harry Waugh Dessert Room, where guests enjoy house-made desserts, artisanal cheeses and rare spirits in intimate booths crafted from antique wine casks.

Bern’s Steak House is located at 1208 S. Howard Avenue in Tampa. The restaurant is open Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST, Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. EST, and closed on Monday. Visit www.bernssteakhouse.com or call (813) 251-2421. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

About Autograph Collection® Hotels

Autograph Collection Hotels advocates for the original, championing the individuality of each of its over 295 independent hotels located in the most desirable destinations across 50 countries and territories. Each hotel is a product of passion, inspired by a clear vision, soul, and story that makes it individual and special: Exactly Like Nothing Else. Hand-selected for their inherent craft and distinct perspectives on design and hospitality, Autograph Collection properties offer rich immersive moments that leave a lasting imprint. For more information, please visit www.autographhotels.com, and explore on social via Instagram, X, and Facebook to be inspired by immersive moments that are #ExactlyLikeNothingElse. Autograph Collection is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.