Hotel Haya

Hotel Haya opened in 2020 on 7th Avenue, right in the middle of Ybor City, the neighbourhood shaped by Cuban, Spanish and Italian immigrants and the cigar industry that once made Tampa the “Cigar Capital of the World.” Even its name is local: Ignacio Haya was one of Ybor City’s founders. Rather than erase what was already here, the project incorporates two historic structures into a larger new hotel: Las Novedades and the Warren Building. Original exposed brick, stained glass and tilework remain visible, allowing the history to become part of the architecture rather than simply something described on a plaque.

The Courtyard Hotel

The architecture responds directly to Ybor City’s cultural roots. Taking cues from traditional Cuban and other warm-climate architecture, the hotel is organised around a central courtyard and swimming pool. Historic structures and the new-build elements are brought together around this shared outdoor heart. What makes the project particularly convincing is that architecture and interiors were conceived as one story, right down to furniture, fabrics and decorative details. There are playful historical references throughout: reproductions of works by Francisco Goya, locally made pieces and blown-glass lighting inspired by Tampa’s old street lamps.

Playfully Nostalgic

The 178 rooms are described by the hotel as “playfully nostalgic,” which is a pretty accurate summary. They combine warm colours, patterned textiles and contemporary furniture with references to Ybor’s past, rather than attempting a literal recreation of old Havana or historic Tampa. Some suites reveal exposed brick from the original buildings, while the best balconies look directly onto 7th Avenue — useful if you prefer watching Ybor’s nightlife before deciding whether to join it. Rooms start at a generous 28m2 (300 sq ft).

Cuban Coffee, Latin Flavours

Food and drink continue the neighbourhood story. Café Quiquiriquí is the casual side of Haya: café con leche, empanadas, pastelitos and Cuban toast make considerably more sense here than a generic hotel coffee bar. Flor Fina takes a broader approach, combining Latin American influences with the Mediterranean, while Bar Haya handles cocktails, wine and beer later in the day. Together they help the ground floor function as part of Ybor City rather than a hotel bubble within it.

Pool Culture

The courtyard pool provides the calmer counterpoint to the energy of 7th Avenue — although calm is relative. Hotel Haya treats it as another social space, with its seasonal Haya Swim Club, DJs and pop-up events. The hotel’s programme has even included chicken yoga, which sounds suspiciously like a lifestyle-hotel invention until you discover that Ybor City’s chickens really do wander freely around the neighbourhood.

Why It Works

Hotel Haya could easily have fallen into the trap of turning Ybor City’s Cuban heritage into a theme. Instead, the history is embedded in the buildings, courtyard plan, art, food and everyday rituals of the hotel. That makes the difference. Hotel Haya doesn’t simply happen to be in Ybor City. It makes Ybor City the reason to stay.