The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas Tampa

The Godfrey Hotel and Cabanas sits directly on Tampa Bay along the Courtney Campbell Causeway, the waterfront stretch of road that connects Tampa to Clearwater. The property spans 276 rooms across grounds the hotel describes as lush and tropical, and it has an unusual history for a Tampa hotel: the building previously operated as a Best Western before being reimagined and rebranded as the independent Godfrey Hotel and Cabanas, dropping the chain flag entirely in favor of its own identity.

What makes the Godfrey stand out on this stretch of causeway hotels is its pool and cabana area, which opened as a distinct upscale venue in April 2018 and quickly became a draw for both hotel guests and locals looking for a waterfront day out. The heated outdoor pool anchors the space, with private cabanas available to rent and a beach bar serving food and drinks steps from the water. A private pier and dock give guests direct access to Tampa Bay, where the hotel arranges rentals for jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards for anyone who wants to get out on the water rather than just look at it.

Rooms at the Godfrey come with complimentary WiFi and private patios or balconies, many with bay views, and the hotel also runs an on site waterfront restaurant and beach bar for guests who want to eat without leaving the property. For business travelers, the hotel offers roughly 7,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and it handles weddings too, taking advantage of the waterfront setting for ceremonies and receptions. A complimentary airport shuttle connects the hotel to Tampa International Airport, which sits just a few minutes away by car, making the Godfrey a practical choice for travelers who want water views without a long drive from the terminal.

Families are part of the target guest here as well: the hotel offers a small welcome gift for children at check in, along with a beach volleyball court and other outdoor activities geared toward groups staying multiple nights. The front desk can be reached directly by email for guests who want to ask about room types or the cabana rental process before booking. For anyone researching Tampa hotels that aren’t flagged by a major chain, the Godfrey’s move away from its Best Western past and toward an independent, water focused identity makes it one of the more distinctive options in the Westshore and Rocky Point area, particularly for guests who want to spend as much time on Tampa Bay as in their room.