This article lists some of the highest rated and best Tampa Florida rentals—located in Ybor City, Hyde Park, Seminole Heights, and Tampa Downtown. Our choices include a variety of vacation rentals, including a historic carriage house, farmhouse, tiny house, luxury condos, and even a yacht (sleep on a boat!).
Tampa is a favorite McCool Travel destination, offering visitors a vibrant downtown waterfront, exciting Cuban culture (and food!), innovative Florida Gulf cuisine and craft beverages, and plenty of outdoor and culture adventures. The recent popularity and success of its professional sports programs have earned Tampa Florida the nickname #ChampaBay.
We have visited Tampa Florida many times and have stayed in lodging from luxury boutique hotels to small vacation rental properties. I grew up in South Florida and we visit the Florida Gulf Coast at least a few months every year. We also have rented dozens of vacation properties along the Florida Gulf Coast and in several US states and countries around the world.
Tips for Choosing Perfect Tampa Rentals
To find the best Tampa FL vacation rentals, first we like to search for established properties with plenty of useful reviews and photos. Second, we apply filters that matter most to us, which can vary each trip. For instance, we usually prefer places to ourselves, with blazing wifi, compelling location, and a king bed. Third, sometimes we may want a pool or hot tub, two bedrooms/baths, or other features.
VRBO and Airbnb offer many tools to help you narrow in on the best selection for your needs. McCool Travel tip: We love a vacation rental with a washer and dryer, especially on long road trips.
Tips to find perfect vacation rentals in Tampa FL:
- Read reviews
- Check pictures for accuracy and clues
- Prioritize listings from Premier Hosts (VRBO) and Superhosts (Airbnb)
- Use filters to help you find your essentials and preferences
- Read our comprehensive article with Airbnb advantages, booking tips, and why vacation rentals are better than hotels.
Unless otherwise noted, the below recommended Tampa Airbnb properties are owned and managed by Airbnb Superhosts and have superior ratings, photos, and reviews. We will list some basic info, differentiating characteristics, and why we recommend it as one of the best Tampa Airbnb properties.
We even suggest our favorite Tampa hotels at the end of this article because we know that not every traveler wants to stay in rental properties.
Our Suggested Best Tampa Florida Rentals
Downtown Tampa Airbnb Rentals
Two Bedroom Apartment in Downtown Tampa
An excellent Downtown Tampa location for this two bedroom apartment. Walk outside and catch the free trolley or an Uber. Or just walk to so many wonderful restaurants and places. Prior guests love it, giving it a perfect 5.0 rating (12 reviews).
North Hyde Park Three Bedroom House With Hot Tub
This highly-rated VRBO Tampa rental (4.9 from 18 reviewers) offers three bedrooms (each with a queen bed), well-equipped kitchen and living space, and a private hot tub. And the location is great, a short distance to University of Tampa and Downtown Tampa.
Hyde Park Tampa Vacation Rentals
I absolutely love the historic Hyde Park section of Tampa, which is just west of the downtown and south of University of Tampa (UT). The following three Tampa rental vacation properties are in different sections of Hyde Park but all are within a short walk of Bayshore Boulevard, Old Hyde Park Village, Bern’s Steak House, Ciro’s Speakeasy, and so much more funness.
Historic Hyde Park Studio Apartment
Looking for something a little cozier? This efficiency studio apartment is nestled in the historic Hyde Park neighborhood among Tampa’s most expensive real estate. The location is so close to downtown and the phenomenal Bayshore waterfront. It is rated a perfect 5.0 by 18 guests.
Apartment One Block From Bayshore
Another cozy space is a smidge closer to Bayshore but a smidge further from downtown Tampa. This property has a claw foot tub (with shower) and a separate bedroom. Oh, and many more reviews (47) along with a near perfect rating (4.9).
Ybor City Tampa Vacation Rentals
When visiting Ybor City make sure to try at least two Cuban sandwiches (or Media Noche, which I prefer), martinis at Bernini, mead at Cigar City Cider and Mead, and to step on Cuban soil in Jose Marti Park.
Two Bedroom Apartment Rental in Ybor City
This Tampa vacation rental in Ybor City is advertised as affordable modern luxury. With two bedrooms (one king and one queen) this would be a great spot for a family or two couples. One of the most popular places, it has been reviewed almost 100 times with a wonderful rating of 4.8.
Four Bedroom Historic Loft
This historic loft property in the heart of Ybor City can accommodate up to 12 guests. So this is ideal for a multi-gem family gathering, friend getaway, or other special event. It even has a full-size pool table for more funness. It has an excellent rating of 4.7 based on a whopping number of reviews (100).
Tampa Airbnb Rentals
Tips to find perfect Airbnb rentals in Tampa FL:
- Read reviews (so important!)
- Check pictures for accuracy and clues
- Prioritize listings from Superhosts
- Use filters to help you find your essentials and preferences (like washer and dryer)
- Read our comprehensive article with Airbnb advantages, booking tips, and why vacation rentals are better than hotels.
One of our favorite Tampa Airbnbs is this Seminole Heights riverside guesthouse. We also love this downtown Tampa Airbnb penthouse apartment. Whether you choose to stay at either or any other place, let me know how it worked out.
Best Tampa Hotels
Here are three of our favorite Tampa hotels:
- Epicurean Hotel is located in the Hyde Park district and across the street from the iconic Bern’s Steak House. Our comprehensive Epicurean Hotel Tampa review tells more about one of our favorite romantic hotels.
- Residence Inn by Marriott Tampa Downtown, check in here, park your car, and walk everywhere in Tampa downtown.
- TownePlace Suites by Marriott Tampa Westshore/Airport, the appeal here is the free airport parking deal (up to seven nights) with a one night stay. Try World of Beer, across the street, for lunch/dinner and drinks.
- Hyatt Place Tampa Downtown is one of the newest hotels in downtown Tampa and claims it has the best views. Let me know if you agree.
See also our favorite Destin Florida Rentals.