🍷 Hotel Review: Wine-Inspired Boutique Comfort at Autograph Collection, Tampa

This Marriott Autograph Collection hotel is located in one of the most intriguing neighborhoods in Tampa — ideal for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and travelers who appreciate a hotel with personality. As usual, I booked directly through Marriott, even though Autograph Collection properties typically offer limited status benefits for Bonvoy members.

🛎️ Check-In – Smooth and Sophisticated

Check-in was quick and seamless — everything was already prepared when I arrived. One of the standout touches was the wine tasting offered during check-in. Guests are invited to choose from a small curated selection, and once you’ve picked your favorite, you’re given a generous glass as a welcome drink.

I enjoyed mine on the rooftop terrace, which has a relaxed vibe and a great atmosphere — and to top it off, the staff even offered me a second glass on the house. A warm and memorable welcome.

🏛️ Lobby – A Toast to Style

Wine is clearly more than a beverage here — it’s part of the hotel’s design identity. The lobby is stylish, with modern decor blended with wine-inspired details. Think: elegant without being flashy, and full of character without trying too hard.

🛏️ Rooms – Personal Touches & Wine Everywhere

While the rooms still follow the general hotel layout, they feel far more individual and thoughtfully designed than your typical chain hotel.

A safe, and all the essentials you’d expect from an upscale stay

A solid, beautiful wooden desk that invites you to sit down and work or write

A vintage-style retro phone that adds charm and personality

An entry area with a wardrobe and a high-quality coffee machine

Snacks and a curated minibar, including a small selection of premium wines (all at a charge, of course)

It is your choice of wine, please help yourself and have your credit card ready for the check -out.

The bathroom is modern, with refillable dispensers for toiletries — a sustainable and elegant touch that’s becoming more common in premium hotels.

🍽️ Food & Drinks – More Than Just a Hotel Restaurant

Beyond the excellent wine selection and well-prepared dishes, the hotel also offers cooking classes — a fantastic bonus for guests looking for a more hands-on culinary experience.

One major highlight: the renowned Bern’s Steak House is located right next door. Even better, part of their kitchen team also works at the hotel, and it shows — the food quality is clearly influenced by their expertise.

My meal? Better than it looked in the photos — rich in flavor and clearly crafted with care.

🏊‍♂️ Relaxation & Pool

On the ground floor, there’s a small but well-maintained pool, perfect for a quick dip or a bit of downtime. It’s not a resort-style experience, but it serves its purpose well, especially in the Florida heat.

🚗 Check-Out & Valet Parking

Like in most U.S. cities, valet parking is the norm — and while not optional, it’s reasonably priced and well-executed.
Check-out was friendly, fast, and efficient, rounding off the stay on a high note.

✅ Final Thoughts – Boutique Hospitality with Soul

If I find myself in Tampa again, I would absolutely choose to stay here once more.

The service was outstanding, the location ideal for my needs, with great restaurants nearby, and the hotel itself is rich in character and comfort. The rooftop terrace is a great place to unwind, and the staff go above and beyond to make you feel welcome.

A boutique gem with a strong identity — and a love for wine you can taste in every detail.