An urban resort is opening along Tampa’s Riverwalk in January 2027 at the former Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel, which first opened in 1968.
The property has undergone an extensive transformation to become Hotel Cala, a resort inspired by Tampa’s waterfront and the city’s 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 of Newbond Holdings, in a press release. “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.”
The 281-room property will also bring two new restaurants managed by Tao Group Hospitality. LAVO will offer coastal Italian dining, while BarOnda will provide a more casual waterfront dining experience.
LAVO’s menu is expected to feature house-made pastas, whole-grain pizzas and signature dishes such as The Meatball. According to Hotel Cala, the dish features Wagyu, Italian sausage and veal topped with whipped ricotta.
“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, in a press release. “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.”
