TL;DR

Historic building former 1905 courthouse in Downtown Tampa
Architectural charm Corinthian columns, marble hallways, judge’s desk concierge
Modern aesthetic comfortable and stylish guest experience
Central location close to key downtown attractions
Check dates and prices here

There’s not much we love more than a hotel in an old building that wasn’t originally a hotel, and this Downtown Tampa boutique gem is no exception.

There are endless elements of this renovated courthouse, however, that will have us snacking on humble pie in the courtyard café.

The facade is stunning, the 1905 courthouse on full display, all Corinthian columns and marble hallways and an old judge’s desk for the concierge.

They haven’t gone for historical accuracy, so history buffs shouldn’t get too excited.

We’re not sure who would be clamoring for a turn-of-the-20th-century courthouse atmosphere anyway.

You’ll just find a modern aesthetic, clear appreciation for architectural beauty, and a desire to make guests comfortable.

What more do we ask from our hotels?

What are the rooms like?

Number of rooms: 130
Contemporary design with white walls, teal and orange accents
Room sizes from 350 sq ft King Singles to Studio Suites with sitting areas
Comfort features include seating, work areas, comfy robes, mini fridge, TV
See each room in detail here

Rooms have none of the historical charm of the rest of the building.

Judging by the common areas, we wouldn’t expect them to, and we’re not sure what we would want from a contemporary decor that honored the building, but this isn’t really it.

It’s very white, with nice bits of teal and orange that work well together, but don’t have much personality.

In the end, it’s inoffensive, and the Méridien brand means that the quality is top-notch, so we’re not worried about your comfort.

Rooms aren’t small, either, which often happens with historic buildings. Your standard King Single comes in around 350 square feet.

These and Queen Doubles come with Deluxe and Corner options, making for a simple selection with a bit of variety for people who want special views or a bit more space.

Studio Suites have sitting areas separated from the rest of the space and almost double the square footage.

They’re perfect for anyone who likes to spread out or might be working remotely.

Whatever you choose, you’ll have some kind of seating, a working area, comfy robes, a mini fridge, and a TV.

What are prices like?

Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Onsite dining at Sal Rosa with Caribbean-inspired menu
Casual social vibe with live music and all-day Margaritas
Cafe + Scoops offers sweets and coffee
Facilities include fitness center, small pool, and private event spaces

Sal Rosa, the onsite restaurant, is a Caribbean-inspired number with a casual atmosphere and a lively program of events.

They do a nice job leaning in on the social side, rather than trying to luxury-up a space that reads like a refined diner.

The food, breakfast through dinner, is easy to enjoy, and special offerings range from all-day cheap Margaritas to live music on Saturday nights.

Cafe + Scoops is a subset of Sal Rosa, offering sweet treats and coffee. You’ll also have access to private event spaces and meeting areas.

Guests with an exercise regime will enjoy the fitness center. The pool is small, but nice enough for a quick dip.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Prime downtown location near Gaslight Square Park and City Hall
Walking distance to Tampa Theater and local museums
Close to University of Tampa and Henry B. Plant Museum
Historic Ybor district 10-minute drive with restaurants and breweries

The magic of snapping up an old courthouse for your hotel is that you’re pretty much guaranteed a great location.

True, Downtown Tampa, Florida has seen better days, but you’ll get the best of it here.

You’re basically spitting distance from everything you’d want to see in the neighborhood.

The small collection of restaurants circling Gaslight Square Park and City Hall should keep you fed and watered.

The lovely Tampa Theater is less than a block away, and it’ll take you under 10 minutes to get to the Tampa Museum of Art, the Firefighter’s Museum, and/or the Children’s Museum.

University of Tampa is less than 5 minutes driving or a vaguely uninteresting 25-minute walk. It’s right next to a lovely Victorian mansion turned Henry B. Plant Museum.

If you want something a bit more hip and local, head to Ybor, the historic district in East Tampa.

It’s about a 10-minute drive to a nice collection of cool restaurants, event spaces. It’s also home to the Tampa Brewing Company, if you’re the craft beer type.