An Epic Staycation at the Epicurean Hotel in Tampa
How do you plan for everyday epicness during a time when we’re being forced to sit still? The reality is that many of the activities that fulfill us now involve some risk due to COVID-19, and hotels are no exception to the rule. The idea of travel seems daunting due to this, but planning a staycation shouldn’t seem like such a far-fetched reality. You want to be sure to do your research when selecting accommodations, to ensure that the property you have your sights on is taking the pandemic as seriously as you are.
Photo via Epicurean Hotel
"Hotels are actually a very safe place right now," said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, who helped create new safety guidelines for hotels. "A group of medical experts recently released a list of all of the activities that people would want to do this summer. They put them on a scale from one to 10 with 10 being the least safe like an indoor concert and one being the most safe like staying quarantined in your house. Staying at a hotel ranked right up there with golf and camping."
Marriott Bonvoy Hotels introduced the Marriott Global Cleanliness Council, incorporating COVID-focused safety measures, including hyper sanitization on high-touch surface areas, which are now being frequently cleansed with a hospital-grade disinfectant, as well as reduced person-to-person contact (think social distancing markers in public spaces, plexiglass in front of bars and amenity requests via phone, to name a few). These details, which were once touted as minor amenities are now vital markers of a hotel taking the necessary steps to protect its guests and mitigate contamination. Knowing this, is what helped me narrow down my choice for a weekend staycation at the Epicurean Hotel in Tampa.
I sought a vibrant yet intimate local escape where I could comfortably awaken my senses and enjoy some delicious cuisine. Epicurean Hotel provided exactly that — a foodie’s paradise wrapped in an oenophile’s dream, an oasis for the senses primed for maximum indulgence. The metropolitan retreat sits tucked away in Tampa Bay’s posh Soho neighborhood, across from the iconic Bern’s Steakhouse. The property actually houses Bern’s Fine Wines & Spirits, which carries more than 1,000 labels of wines and premium liquors. Guests can even book a Bern’s “Steak-Cation” package, for those looking to enjoy a meal at the legendary steakhouse.
Although a boutique hotel, the Epicurean boasts a pretty expansive property with 137 well-appointed guest rooms, fusing modern-contemporary design and foodie-inspired details artfully weaved throughout. While spacious, the hotel exudes a bespoke and intimate vibe.
Upon check-in, we were greeted with a full glass of wine (no kiddie pours here and both my chardonnay + his cabernet were divine) before being given the lay of the land. For safety, the property requires masks in all common areas, outside of your room and while enjoying most outdoor spaces. There’s also a bottle of hand sanitizer in just about every corner and a friendly (gloved) staff member ready to help with a smile.
The stunning lobby features locally sourced art, memorabilia and wines for sale (and even a shoe shine station), as well as the beautiful zinc-counter lobby bar, where guests can imbibe before enjoying their meal at Élevage. Developed from Bern’s Steak House traditions, Élevage Soho Kitchen & Bar takes a contemporary approach to timeless recipes inspired by a blend of International cuisines. Executive Chef Jason Bamford offers up an eclectic mix of cultures and flavors throughout the perfectly curated brunch, dinner and happy hour offerings. We enjoyed a cozy dinner in the wood-lined main dining room and sat at ease, socially-distanced from other diners. However, you can also choose to order to-go or for dine in your room.
The menu offers an array of light bites (you had me at burrata with compressed melon) and entrees, featuring premium steak and fish cuts, as well as handmade pastas and epic sandwiches, like my delectable lobster ravioli and his epic beef burger, both which were cooked perfectly and full of flavor. The wine list traves from Chile to Napa, and offers a perfect pairing for just about every dish on the menu. You can even sip on a craft cocktail fused with Epicurean made spirits, like the Epic Whiskey or Port Barrel Tequila. I couldn’t get enough of the cocktail list and the refreshing watermelon margarita in this summer heat.
You can opt to end your meal with an indulgent homemade dessert at Élevage or choose to satisfy your sweet tooth at B&G’s Little Midway Ice Cream Parlor, featuring a mouthwatering array of homemade sweets and treats from ice cream, pastries and desserts, such as Bern’s Macadamia Nut Ice Cream. Give the cookie dough cheesecake a try, I promise you won’t be sorry!
For those who seek to satiate something other than their appetite, Epicurean offers an array of hands-on amenities for guests of all ages. Find your zen at Spa Evangeline, catch some rays with a drink by the shaded and enclosed pool area, or check-out a cruiser bike for a scenic ride on Bay Shore Drive or around Hyde Park Village. While the Edge Rooftop Bar and Epicurean Theatre may not currently be open, Epicurean Hotel offers something for every palate.
Although this may seem like a strange time to travel, you should feel safe if you’re taking all of the necessary precautions and traveling closely and mindfully. If Florida’s sunny west coast is on your bucket list, or in your driving range, I highly recommend that you choose to safely gallivant at the epic Epicurean Hotel in Tampa, where it’s easy to achieve #everyday epic with peace of mind (and maybe with a piece of cheese as well)!
Remember to always keep {safely} galavanting! xx Alexia