This Tampa Hotel Embraces the City’s Cuban and Cigar-Rolling Heritage

The Dinogo Perspective

Nestled in Ybor City, Tampa’s historic Latin district and former cigar-rolling center, Hotel Haya buzzes with energy. Since its opening in 2020 as part of the Aparium hotel group—celebrated for its unique lifestyle hotels reflecting local culture—Haya has become a vibrant hub for both visitors and residents. Guests enjoy Cuban coffee at the Quiquiriqui café, relax by the palm-fringed lap pool, browse the cooler stocked with various cigars, and gather at the warmly lit bar Flor Fina, which features inventive Latin-inspired cuisine. Notably, a quirky statue of a rooster stands by the elevator, playfully referencing the neighborhood’s free-roaming chickens, protected by a longstanding Tampa ordinance declaring the area a bird sanctuary.

The hotel employs a Director of Lifestyle dedicated to engaging with the local community and fostering collaborations. It partners with over a dozen local businesses, including coffee roasters and beer suppliers. Many design features are crafted by local artisans, such as the blown glass chandelier and the wrought iron staircase railings. Additionally, the hotel’s architects, originally from Cuba and now based in Tampa, have added delightful touches like wood-tiled floors reminiscent of Havana’s streets.

Who is it for?

Trendy urban adventurers who appreciate art, thoughtful design, and local history.

Location

Hotel Haya is located in the vibrant heart of Ybor City in downtown Tampa. Named after Ignacio Haya, the city’s first cigar roller (a tradition that thrived until World War II when many cigar factories closed), Haya is dedicated to preserving the neighborhood’s heritage while supporting the local economy. “We wanted to play a role in the renaissance and revitalization of Ybor City,” explains Peter Wright, Hotel Haya’s general manager. “It’s about creating a hotel that will be part of this community for years to come.”

Today, Ybor City is recognized as a National Historic Landmark District. Thanks to revitalization efforts, visitors can explore the charming brick streets, vibrant art galleries, live music venues, and bustling nightclubs. The Ybor City Museum State Park offers insights into the area’s history through preserved photographs, memorabilia, and a 20-minute video showcasing the diverse cultures that have shaped the neighborhood.

The Accommodations

The hotel features 178 guest rooms adorned with local flair, including abstract artworks by local artist Kristin Texeira and lamps inspired by Ybor City’s distinctive ovoid streetlights. The bathrooms are equipped with modern rain showers, herringbone tile designs, and luxurious toiletries from Grown Alchemist.

Accessibility Features

Nine ADA-compliant rooms are available upon request. The hotel is equipped with ramps in all public areas, an ADA pool lift, and single-use restrooms with shower facilities located near the pool deck.

Culinary Offerings

The hotel boasts two dining options: the upscale bar and restaurant Flor Fina, and the laid-back Cuban-style café, Quiquiriqui (which translates to “cock-a-doodle-doo,” a playful reference to the neighborhood’s beloved chickens).

Flor Fina serves Latin-inspired cuisine, featuring a diverse ceviche selection, paellas, and wood-fired steaks. The cocktails are expertly crafted; if you enjoy mezcal, don’t miss the Black Diamond, topped with black lava salt. Live music often fills the air on weekends, showcasing Spanish guitar or popular local DJs.

I left Hotel Haya wishing Quiquiriqui could be my local café. Each morning, I savored a robust coffee alongside Cuban toast topped with butter and an irresistible guava jelly. The café features a stunning design, complete with large windows, round marble tables, and vibrant red cane chairs.

Now, about those chickens . . .

As you stroll through Ybor City, you’re likely to encounter a wandering chicken—perhaps even one crossing the road. A century ago, when the neighborhood was founded, many homes kept livestock. As urbanization took hold and farm animals became less common, Tampa enacted an ordinance that made it illegal to harm birds, effectively protecting the chickens of Ybor City. (However, not everyone is thrilled about this situation.)

Hotel Haya has playfully celebrated its local feathered residents, from the rooster statue in the lobby to the café’s name. In 2022, the hotel even hosted “chicken yoga” sessions in partnership with the local nonprofit the Ybor Misfits Microsanctuary, which cares for injured and ill neighborhood chickens. During the classes, chickens roamed freely, clucking as participants practiced their downward dogs.