Hotel Cala, a new Tampa Riverwalk hotel, is scheduled to open in January 2027 with 281 rooms overlooking the Hillsborough River. The project will expand accommodation in Tampa’s downtown waterfront district after a redesign by Rockwell Group.
An older waterfront building gets a full redesign
Rockwell Group designed the transformation of the seven-story building, which originally opened in 1968. Newbond Holdings owns the property, while Schulte Hospitality manages it as part of Curio Collection by Hilton.
The design plans use Italian marble, cream plaster, herringbone limestone, textiles, patterns and tropical planting. At the covered vehicle entrance, cognac-colored fluted tile columns will reference the cigar factories of nearby Ybor City.
What the Tampa Riverwalk hotel rooms will look like
Guestrooms will feature wood detailing, rattan-inspired elements, brass-toned accents and custom furniture. The 16 suites will add stronger color, patterns and tropical influences.
Floor-to-ceiling arched windows in the lobby will face the riverside path. A circular bar beneath a tiered chandelier will serve coffee and light food in the morning before switching to lounge service in the evening.
The property will also have a landscaped pool deck with cabanas and lounge seating. A 24-hour fitness center will overlook the pool, and guests will have direct access to the Riverwalk.
Tao Group will operate two dining venues
Tao Group Hospitality will manage LAVO and BarOnda at Hotel Cala. LAVO will make its Tampa debut with a coastal Italian menu, cocktails and a wine collection.
Its dishes will include house-made pasta and whole-grain pizzas prepared with flour from a single source. The menu will also feature The Meatball, made with Wagyu, Italian sausage, veal and whipped ricotta.
BarOnda will serve food and cocktails in a waterfront setting. Operating hours and reservation arrangements for both venues have not yet been detailed.
Event rooms will accommodate up to 450 guests
Hotel Cala will provide 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space across seven rooms. The facilities are intended for meetings, weddings and social events, with room for as many as 450 guests.
The hotel will participate in Hilton Honors, allowing eligible guests to use the group’s loyalty program during their stay.
What travellers should watch next
Travellers planning a Tampa stay around the opening should treat the debut as scheduled until a final day and room availability are confirmed. Rates and booking dates have not been announced.
Event organisers can begin assessing the stated room capacity and mix of indoor and outdoor spaces. Leisure guests interested in LAVO or BarOnda should wait for restaurant hours and reservation details before making fixed dining plans.
