Discover The CURRENT, a waterfront hideaway in America’s most desirable city

Tampa has been making waves in the travel world – literally and figuratively. In fact, a 2025 nationwide survey crowned Tampa as the most desirable city in America. It’s easy to see why: from year-round sunshine and waterfront beauty to a booming cultural scene, Tampa offers the best of Florida without the frantic pace of bigger cities. Nestled within this vibrant city is The CURRENT Hotel, Autograph Collection, a hidden gem that perfectly encapsulates Tampa’s new era of laid-back luxury. This boutique hotel delivers a one-of-a-kind stay for travel enthusiasts seeking both tranquility and adventure in the nation’s hottest city.

One of The CURRENT’s greatest assets is its location. The hotel sits on Rocky Point, a slender island just off Tampa’s shores, offering a serene waterfront setting removed from downtown’s hustle. Guests are surrounded by the calming waters of Tampa Bay and can even enjoy a small private beach on site. Yet all the attractions of the city are within easy reach – Ben T. Davis Beach is moments away, and Tampa’s downtown districts, airport, and major sites (like International Plaza and Raymond James Stadium) are only a short drive across the causeway. This means you can unwind in a quiet, resort-like atmosphere by day and still dive into Tampa’s nightlife or business hubs whenever you please. Many travelers appreciate that The CURRENT feels worlds away in peace and privacy, while actually keeping you connected to everything Tampa offers.

The CURRENT is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, known for distinctive luxury properties – and this hotel certainly lives up to that reputation. Each of the 178 rooms is designed to immerse guests in comfort and style. Expect plush bedding, marble bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase stunning views of Tampa Bay. In fact, every room features a panoramic bay view, so you can wake up to glittering blue water and dramatic sunsets each day. The hotel’s design has an artful, contemporary flair – true to its name, The CURRENT has an evolving, exclusive art collection, ensuring a fresh perspective on Tampa awaits guests with each return. Throughout the property, modern art pieces and sleek decor create a sense of place that blends coastal tranquility with creative energy.

The centerpiece of The CURRENT is the waterfront infinity pool. It’s a true waterfront retreat, complete with loungers and poolside cocktail service. For those who like to stay active, the hotel offers a fitness center on the 9th floor – working out feels less like a chore when you have awe-inspiring vistas of the bay while you exercise.

No stay at The CURRENT is complete without a visit to Casa Camí, the hotel’s show-stopping rooftop restaurant and bar. Perched on the 10th floor, Casa Camí delivers an experience that captures the imagination of foodies and sightseers alike. By day, it’s a lovely spot for a leisurely lunch in the sunshine; by night, it transforms into a stylish lounge perfect for romantic dinners and late-night cocktails under the stars.

The menu leans toward Mexican-inspired cuisine with creative twists, and the dishes are as vibrant as the 360-degree views. In the evening, you might savor tender barbacoa short rib fajitas or zesty tuna tostadas, paired with a craft margarita or smoky mezcal cocktail. But as outstanding as the food and drinks are, the views truly steal the show – Casa Camí offers unbeatable views of the bay, with Tampa’s city skyline to one side and endless waters to the other.

Staying at The CURRENT also means you have a front-row seat to Tampa’s thriving cultural and culinary scene, which has garnered national attention. In addition to being the most desirable city to live, Tampa has emerged as a top destination for food enthusiasts, recently ranked among the top 10 foodie cities in America. The city’s dining options truly run the gamut from upscale to eclectic, and many of the best spots are within easy reach of the hotel.

In Tampa’s Water Street district downtown, you’ll find Predalina, a world-class restaurant conceived by the same creative minds behind The CURRENT. Predalina offers modern Mediterranean cuisine – think fresh seafood, coastal European flavors, and artisanal cocktails. This stylish eatery (named after the owners’ great-grandmother) has quickly become a favorite for its seafood-driven Mediterranean menu and design that pays homage to Tampa’s maritime history.

Meanwhile, over in South Tampa, there’s the legendary Mad Dogs & Englishmen, a one-of-a-kind British-style pub. Step inside and you’re greeted by a preserved 1960s London atmosphere – Union Jack décor, classic rock memorabilia – along with an eclectic beer and cocktail selection and live music on weekends.

What’s notable is that Oxford Commons, the hospitality group behind The CURRENT Hotel, is also responsible for many of these standout concepts. Oxford Commons began in Tampa over a decade ago with the visionary Oxford Exchange (a beloved European-inspired café, shop, and social space) and has since expanded its family of brands to include The CURRENT Hotel, Predalina, The Library, The Stovall House, Casa Camí, and more. Each of their projects is unique from the next, but all share a common dedication to detail, atmosphere, and community.