A Weekend at Hotel Haya, Ybor City’s Cuban-Inspired Getaway
Did you know Ybor City was technically the first location in Florida that Cuban immigrants fled to? Most people think it’s Miami, even me, a Miami-born Cuban-American now living in Tampa Bay. Well, wasn’t until my recent stay at Hotel Haya that I really took the time to learn about the cultural enclave tied to my own culture and only a short drive from my current home.
Tampa’s Cuban history actually goes back to the 1500’s when Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto sailed from Cuba to visit the area. Hundreds of years later, Don Vicente Martinez-Ybor would bring the cigar industry from Cuba to Tampa in 1886, founding historic Ybor City. As a result of the available factory work, immigrants from Cuba, Spain, Italy, and Germany populated the region and came to shape Ybor through their own customs. The diverse community thrived with artistry and culture and flourished into the entertainment district that travelers from around the world come to explore today.
Hotel Haya is the area’s latest hot spot and in my opinion, the best hotel from which to really soak in the culture of the local environment. The crisp property is set in a centuries old building but pops like a shiny jewel against the historic brick and cobblestone streets of Ybor City. Haya is namesake for Ignacio Haya, an Ybor philanthropist and pioneer in the cigar industry.
The quietly dramatic entry opens into the sleek mid-century modern lobby and bar, sprinkled with lush greenery and tons of natural light pouring in from the glass atrium area. The hotel’s three stories house 179 rooms and wrap around the exterior pool area for the ultimate sense of metropolitan seclusion in bustling Ybor City, while feeling open and airy and like a place for respite from the surrounding city.
Along with Cuban inspiration, Hotel Haya is designed to feel authentic to the local community and usher a sense of place. “There are eight local beers on tap at the Haya, and the bar’s massive brass countertops came from a local metal worker. The intricate glass sculpture hanging in the dining area was made by the Morean Art Center, as were bulb globes in each room that look like Ybor’s street lights,” shared Aparium Hotel Group co-founder Mario Tricoci.
Accommodations
We checked in as early as we could and dropped our bags off at the room but we almost didn’t want to leave once we entered our studio suite. With more than 400 sq ft, the studio features a decadent king sized bed, large desk equipped with every charging port you could need, huge bathroom with double vanity, and a large wrap around balcony over-looking historic 7th avenue.
The room was so enjoyable, we canceled our nighttime plans of bar-hopping after dinner and opted to stay in for some dessert on our balcony while in our bath robes, followed by a delicious night of sleep in our huge king bed.
Food & Beverage
Upon entry to the hotel lobby you’ll immediately find Café Quiquiriqui to the right hand-side, offering a space for quick-bites, relaxing, and laptop working if you’re a working traveler. It’s an all-day, Cuban-inspired café with a contemporary vibe and delicious breakfast and lunch eats including cuban coffee, empanadas, and sandwiches, if you’re not looking for a casual bite.
For a more formal dining experience, make reservation at Flor Fina. From the coastal cuisines of Latin America, the Mediterranean, and even the surrounding Gulf Coast, the focus is on a live-fire grill and fresh rotation of seafood and ceviches. We indulged for both brunch and dinner which were equally delicious. I was blown away by the international mix of flavors.
Amenities
We woke up early to capture content and drone footage around the property while trying not to disturb anybody. I also really wanted to snag one of the cabanas by the pool for pre-breakfast lounging, which was not difficult at all. Shaded by tall palm trees and breezy greenery at the center of the hotel, the pool is the perfect spot for sun-bathing and relaxing before or after a day of local exploration. The pool opens early and offers full food and beverage service for ultimate pool-day convenience.
The hotel also offers bike for local cruising, sunday chicken yoga with the local chickens of Ybor. The entire property was also super dog friendly, which we loved!
Overall
Set on the cobblestone of 7th street, vintage Ybor City charm meets modern flair at Haya Hotel, driving a neighborhood renaissance at the intersection of Ybor industry and artistry. I highly recommend Hotel Haya for any visitor to Ybor, a local staycation, a weekend roadtrip, or a new perspective on Tampa Bay. Te va a encantar!!!
