The urban resort will bring a new destination for dining, gathering, meetings and stays to Tampa’s Riverwalk, with Tao Group Hospitality leading its elevated food and beverage concepts
TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hotel Cala, an urban resort overlooking the Hillsborough River along Tampa’s iconic Riverwalk, will debut in January 2027, marking a new chapter for one of downtown Tampa’s most storied properties. The 281-room property will bring a new destination for locals and travelers to dine, gather, stay and experience the city. Following an extensive transformation by internationally renowned design firm Rockwell Group, Hotel Cala draws architectural and aesthetic inspiration from Tampa’s waterfront setting, tropical character and multicultural heritage, including its Italian and Cuban roots.
“For more than half a century, this site has been part of the fabric of downtown Tampa, and Hotel Cala gives us the opportunity to reimagine it for a new generation,” said Neil Luthra, founding partner, Newbond Holdings. “We wanted to create something that feels distinctly Tampa. A new destination along The Riverwalk that brings together hospitality, dining and culture in a way that will give both visitors and locals a new reason to experience this part of the city.”
At the physical and social heart of Hotel Cala is the lobby, framed by floor-to-ceiling arched windows overlooking The Riverwalk. Envisioned as “Tampa’s Living Room,” the circular space creates a fluid transition between the lobby, pool deck and main dining venues. It evolves naturally throughout the day, from morning coffee and light bites to a bustling evening lounge and gathering space. A central circular bar anchors the space beneath a custom, tiered chandelier inspired by traditional rattan weaving.
The two new culinary offerings at Hotel Cala will be managed by world-renowned Tao Group Hospitality. Making its Tampa debut, LAVO will bring its signature coastal Italian dining experience to the property, with a menu centered on fresh, house-made pastas, whole-grain pizzas made with single-source flour and signature dishes including The Meatball, featuring Wagyu, Italian sausage and veal topped with whipped ricotta. An inspired cocktail program and curated wine collection will round out the experience. BarOnda, will offer a more casual, vibrant waterfront setting for curated cocktails and bites, creating a natural complement to LAVO and Hotel Cala’s connection to the Riverwalk.
“We’re excited to bring LAVO to Tampa for the first time and to partner with Newbond Holdings on a property that is poised to become a new gathering place along The Riverwalk,” said Noah Tepperberg, Co-CEO of Tao Group Hospitality. “LAVO and BarOnda will bring two distinct experiences to Hotel Cala, from LAVO’s energetic take on coastal Italian dining to BarOnda’s more casual waterfront setting. We’re looking forward to creating spaces that feel equally relevant to Tampa locals and visitors and that complement the energy and sense of place Hotel Cala is bringing to the city.”
Rockwell Group’s design brings the property’s history and setting into a contemporary urban resort environment, pairing Italian marble, cream plaster, herringbone limestone and warm woods with vibrant textiles, global patterns and tropical planting. Details throughout reference Tampa’s multicultural heritage, including cognac-colored fluted tile columns at the porte-cochere inspired by the hand-rolled cigar factories of nearby Ybor City.
The hotel’s 281 guestrooms including 16 expansive suites balance urban downtown energy with a coastal retreat feeling. Waterfront accommodations feature warm wood detailing, rattan-inspired elements, brass-toned accents, and custom furnishings, while suites introduce richer color, pattern, and tropical influences.
Beyond accommodations, Hotel Cala will feature a resort-style pool deck with cabanas, lounge seating and lush landscaping, a 24-hour fitness center overlooking the pool and direct access to The Riverwalk. The hotel will also feature 10,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space across seven rooms, accommodating up to 450 guests. The effortless, walkable connectivity to nearby waterfront parks, world-class museums and surrounding districts makes the property an ideal location for meetings, weddings, and social celebrations.
Managed by Schulte Hospitality and as part of Curio Collection by Hilton, Hotel Cala will participate in Hilton Honors, Hilton’s award-winning guest loyalty program, allowing members to earn and redeem points during their stay. For more information on Hotel Cala and to book reservations, please visit www.hotelcalatampa.com. Stay connected with Hotel Cala on social media (@hotelcalatampa) for news and updates.
About Hotel Cala
Hotel Cala is a seven-story, 281-room urban resort opening in January 2027 along Tampa’s Riverwalk in downtown Tampa, overlooking the Hillsborough River. Originally opened in 1968, the property is being reimagined by internationally renowned design firm Rockwell Group, drawing inspiration from Tampa’s waterfront setting, tropical character and Italian and Cuban heritage. Hotel Cala will feature LAVO, making its Tampa debut, and BarOnda, both managed by Tao Group Hospitality; a resort-style pool deck; a 24-hour fitness center; direct access to The Riverwalk; and 10,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space across seven rooms, accommodating up to 450 guests. Owned by Newbond Holdings and managed by Schulte Hospitality, Hotel Cala is part of Curio Collection by Hilton and will participate in Hilton Honors. The property will offer guests and locals a new destination for dining, gathering, stays and events in the heart of downtown Tampa. For reservations and additional information, please visit www.hotelcalatampa.com or follow @hotelcalatampa for news and updates.
About Newbond Holdings
Newbond Holdings (“Newbond”) is a real estate and hospitality-focused investment platform. The firm pursues debt and equity opportunities across hospitality, office, multifamily, and other real estate sectors, complemented by asset management capabilities across select investments. Drawing on decades of experience investing in, owning, financing, and operating institutional real estate, Newbond combines flexible investment strategies with deep asset-level expertise to identify opportunities and drive long-term value. On behalf of leading global institutional and private investors, Newbond’s principals have invested more than $20 billion across real estate assets and related operating and technology businesses. For more information, visit www.newbond.com.
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SOURCE Hotel Cala
