News & Insights
Photo courtesy of: Greg Land
How a 1968 landmark is being reimagined as downtown Tampa’s newest gathering spot
In 1968, the Manger Inn opened on the banks of the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa. Over the decades, the hotel at 200 North Ashley Drive flew the flags of several hotel brands as the skyline climbed and the Riverwalk took shape outside its door. Most recently known as Hotel Tampa Riverwalk, the property is now preparing for its next chapter.
In January 2027, the property will open as Hotel Cala, a Curio Collection by Hilton, following a renovation designed to make it the newest gathering place on the river.
Owner Newbond Holdings set out to reimagine the site “for a new generation.” To do so, the company brought in New York design firm Rockwell Group, which found inspiration in Tampa’s waterfront, tropical character, and Italian and Cuban heritage.
Those influences will appear throughout the hotel. At the entrance, cognac-colored fluted tile columns will pay tribute to the hand-rolled cigar factories of nearby Ybor City. Inside, Italian marble, herringbone limestone and warm woods will meet bold textiles and tropical plants. At the center of it all, a circular lobby envisioned as “Tampa’s Living Room” will be framed by arched, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river.
A round bar will anchor the space beneath a chandelier inspired by rattan weaving, taking the room from morning coffee to evening cocktails. Even the columns will help set the mood. Subwoofers built into them will form part of a high-end audio installation serving the lobby and pool areas, where plans call for visiting DJs.
Then there’s the food. Tao Group Hospitality will run two venues: LAVO, bringing its coastal Italian kitchen to Tampa for the first time, and BarOnda, a laid-back waterfront bar. A resort-style pool deck, 281 rooms and suites, and 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space will round out a hotel intended to welcome the city as much as its visitors.
PMA, part of B&D, is proud to serve as project manager on Hotel Cala. Led by Hospitality industry leader Mark Knott, the team guided the project through design, permitting, procurement and construction.
Photo renderings courtesy of Newbond Holdings. All rights reserved.
