
Westin Tampa Waterside
Best for downtown access, events and families who want close walking access to the Riverwalk, Amalie Arena and Tampa Convention Center.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Westin Tampa Waterside is a downtown Harbour Island waterfront Marriott geared to meetings, sporting and family visits; read this if you want easy access to Tampa’s convention center, Riverwalk and arena. The Don CeSar is an iconic historic pink beachfront resort on St. Pete Beach; read this if you want a classic Gulf-front beach resort with spa and seaside character.
Updated · about 30–35 miles apart (Tampa Harbour Island to St. Pete Beach)

Best for downtown access, events and families who want close walking access to the Riverwalk, Amalie Arena and Tampa Convention Center.

Best for a classic beachfront resort stay — direct ocean access, beach amenities, a full-service spa and a distinctive historic setting.
When Westin Tampa Waterside wins: choose the Westin if you need a downtown base for conventions, sports or sightseeing in Tampa, want meeting space for groups, or prefer a hotel within walking distance of the Riverwalk and Channelside dining.
When The Don CeSar wins: choose The Don CeSar if your priority is Gulf-front sand and surf, beach towels/cabanas and a resort-style spa experience at a historic landmark property away from downtown.
Bottom line: both are full-service Marriott-area luxury options, but they serve different trip types — Westin for downtown/convention and family sightseeing, Don CeSar for beachfront leisure and the classic St. Pete Beach resort feel.
| Category | Westin Tampa Waterside | The Don CeSar |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Polished downtown waterfront hotel focused on meetings, sports and family stays | Historic, beachfront luxury resort with a landmark pink façade and seaside resort programming |
| Location | Harbour Island on Tampa's downtown waterfront — steps to Riverwalk, convention center and Amalie Arena | St. Pete Beach on Gulf-front property — directly on the sand and near Pass-a-Grille |
| Size (rooms) | 309 rooms including 23 suites | 277 guestrooms |
| Pools & beach | One heated outdoor pool (hotel pool; no beach access) | One outdoor pool plus direct beach access, beach towels, umbrellas and cabanas (surcharges may apply) |
| Restaurants & bars | Blue Harbour Eatery + Bar, The Marketplace (grab-and-go) — casual waterfront dining, breakfast for a surcharge | Two restaurants including The Rowe Bar and a coffee shop; 24-hour room service and poolside bar options |
| Spa & wellness | WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio (24-hour, complimentary); no dedicated full-service spa published on Marriott page | Full-service spa with massages, body treatments and facials (reservations recommended) |
| Meetings & events | Extensive event space: ~23,331 sq ft, largest ballroom and multiple breakout rooms; strong convention/meeting focus | Large conference and ballroom capacity (about 38,000 sq ft of meeting space) shown in supplier listing |
| Family & kids | Family-friendly; kids stay free (up to 2 children 21 and under using existing bedding); cribs/rollaways available | Family-friendly (children stay free wording in supplier listing); children's club and supervised activities (surcharge) |
| Parking & access | Valet-only parking on site; an off-site public garage nearby is an alternative | Self parking and valet available (subject to charges) |
| Notable feature | Immediate access to Tampa downtown attractions and water taxi/streetcar connections | Famous historic pink building and direct Gulf of Mexico beachfront location |
Westin Tampa Waterside sits on Harbour Island with easy walking access to downtown Tampa attractions.
Choose the Westin if you want a downtown, walkable base for Tampa’s cultural and event venues.
The Don CeSar is directly on St. Pete Beach with immediate Gulf access and beach-oriented surroundings.
Choose The Don CeSar if a beach-first location and seaside days are the trip’s priority.
Westin offers 309 rooms, including 23 suites and several bay-view and accessible room types.
Westin provides a broad mix of city-facing and bay-view room types suited to families and event guests.
The Don CeSar lists 277 guestrooms across a range of Luxury, Grand and Suite categories, some with balconies.
The Don CeSar focuses on classic resort room types and multiple suites with balcony options for beach views.
Westin’s on-site dining skews casual waterfront and grab-and-go convenience.
Westin covers casual waterfront meals and convenient coffee/snack needs for busy downtown days.
The Don CeSar offers resort-style dining and poolside bar options alongside room service.
Don CeSar’s dining supports beachside lounging and on-site resort dining without leaving the property.
Westin has a single heated outdoor swimming pool with loungers and umbrellas for guests.
The Westin pool is a pleasant downtown pool option, but it’s not a Gulf beach experience.
The Don CeSar provides an outdoor pool plus direct access to St. Pete Beach with beach amenities.
Don CeSar’s defining amenity is the Gulf-front beach and related resort services.
Westin’s wellness offering centers on the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio and proximity to Tampa nightlife.
Pick Westin if you want a 24/7 gym and easy access to downtown nightlife rather than on-site spa treatments.
The Don CeSar lists a full-service spa and a quieter, resort-style evening atmosphere on the beach.
Choose Don CeSar for a proper spa and relaxed resort evenings on the Gulf.

Westin Tampa Waterside — larger downtown meeting footprint and direct access to the Tampa Convention Center.

The Don CeSar — direct Gulf-front location, beach amenities and a classic seaside resort setting.

The Don CeSar — supplier listing and public information show a full-service spa with treatment reservations.

Westin Tampa Waterside — walkable to Riverwalk, the Florida Aquarium, Amalie Arena and channelside dining.
Both properties welcome families; pick Westin if you want a downtown base near museums and attractions, or The Don CeSar if your priority is beach time and resort activities for kids.
No — Westin is on Harbour Island with waterfront views of the bay/harbour but no Gulf beach access. For sand and surf, choose The Don CeSar.
Westin Tampa Waterside publishes a 24-hour WestinWORKOUT fitness studio but does not list a dedicated full-service spa on its official Marriott page; The Don CeSar does list a full-service spa.
Roughly a 30–35 mile drive between Harbour Island (downtown Tampa) and St. Pete Beach; travel time varies with traffic.
Explore how Westin Tampa Waterside stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·