- Hotel Website: The CURRENT Hotel, Autograph Collection
- Location: Google Maps
- Book: Check availability
- Room Type: Deluxe Guest room – 1 King, Sunset view, Water view, Corner room
- Review Score: Results of our review
- Hotel Fact: This hotel transitioned to a Marriott property in early 2024. It just re-opened in 2025. Following a multimillion-dollar renovation, the resort has 100 oceanfront suites, each with private terraces or balconies.
Stunning Bay Views: Every single guest room faces Tampa Bay.
Infinity Pool: Beautiful infinity-edge pool overlooking the water.
Vibrant Rooftop Bar: Excellent spot for sunsets, drinks, and live entertainment.
Prime Location: Minutes from Tampa International Airport (TPA) and downtown.
Excellent Service: High-quality experience typical of the Autograph Collection brand.
Parking is Valet Only: Be aware that parking is exclusively valet service, and the drive-up area can be tight, especially during busy times.
Bay, Not Ocean: The hotel is located right on the bay, which offers gorgeous, calm water views and stunning sunsets, but is not on the Gulf of Mexico/ocean side.
Breakfast Policy: While you recall the breakfast being included, note that complimentary breakfast is generally only included for Marriott Bonvoy Elite members (Platinum status and above). Be sure to check your benefits!
🏠 Bar
🍽️ Restaurants
The Luxe Atlas Rating
Design: 8/10
Vibe: 8.4/10
Romantic: 8.3/10
Air Conditioning: 10/10
Room: 7/10
Food: 9/10
Location: 6.5/10
Gym/Fitness: 7/10
Cleanliness: 10/10
Wow Factor: 8.3/10
Overall Experience: 8.25/10
Location and Accessibility (SEO Focus: Tampa Bay, Rocky Point, TPA)
The Current Hotel is strategically positioned on Rocky Point, making it incredibly convenient. It’s just a five-minute drive from Tampa International Airport (TPA) and about a 10-minute drive to downtown Tampa. Even the famous Clearwater Beach is only about 30 minutes away, putting it right in the sweet spot for accessing all the Bay Area has to offer.
A huge plus is the adjacent location to the popular Rusty Pelican restaurant, which is easily within walking distance.
First Impressions and Hotel Vibe
Checking into an Autograph Collection property is always a bit of an adventure, and The Current doesn’t disappoint. The lobby is expansive and beautifully decorated, reflecting the brand’s commitment to unique design. It features a striking central bar and a dedicated conference/meeting area.
I’ve stayed at this hotel approximately ten times over the last five years while working in the Tampa area and have consistently enjoyed the experience. The initial check-in can feel a bit unorthodox due to the tight valet situation, but once inside, the unique character of the hotel shines through.
Rooms and Accommodations
One of the hotel’s best features is that every room faces the bay, guaranteeing you a beautiful view from sunrise to sunset. The rooms are generously sized and consistently updated.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for the most space without booking a formal suite, I highly recommend requesting a corner suite floor plan, as these offer the largest footprint in the standard room categories. We also appreciate the elevators—they run fast, which is a small but critical detail when you’re staying multiple nights!
Amenities and Leisure
The amenities here are designed to maximize the incredible waterfront location:
Infinity Pool: The beautiful infinity pool overlooking the bay is a huge draw, complete with ample outdoor lounging space and a separate area for laying out.
Rooftop Bar (Casa Cami): The rooftop is a major highlight. It frequently hosts live entertainment and gets busy on weekend nights. While the specific gin menu we used to love seems to have disappeared, the views and atmosphere—especially during sunset—make this spot unforgettable.
On-Site Dining Guide
The hotel offers a variety of dining and drinking options from the ground floor to the rooftop.
The breakfast at Julian Restaurant is truly amazing and a must-try. If you have Marriott Bonvoy Elite status, getting that included is a great perk—it’s one breakfast you definitely won’t want to miss!
Venue Name | Cuisine / Focus | Location | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
Julian Restaurant | International Tapas & Small Bites | Main Floor (Near Lobby/Pool) | Breakfast: 6:30 AM–11:00 AM |
Lunch: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM | |||
Dinner: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM | |||
Julian Lounge | Upscale Bar (Handcrafted Cocktails) | Main Floor | 11:00 AM–12:00 AM (Daily) |
Casa Cami | Mexican-Inspired (Rooftop Bar) | Rooftop (12th Floor) | 11:00 AM–10:00 PM (Daily) |
Current Coffee Bar | Local Buddy Brew Coffee | Main Floor | 6:00 AM–11:00 AM (Daily) |
Conclusion:
If you’re staying near the airport or downtown Tampa, The Current Hotel, Autograph Collection is my top recommendation. Between the stunning bay-facing rooms, the infinity pool, and the vibrant rooftop bar (Casa Cami), it provides a premium, memorable experience.
