Once a federal courthouse and a post office, this ideally located hotel in downtown Tampa can be a little intimidating from the outside. Join us as we share details about this warm and comforting, open and opulent AAA 4-Diamond hotel near Ybor City and the Channelside District. We met with Jennifer Jones, the E-Commerce director for the hotel, to talk about Tampa’s 1905 Federal Courthouse and the Tampa hotel, bar and restaurant space known as Le Méridien, a local favorite for Tampa Foodies!
Le Méridien’s inspiring architecture can be a bit off-putting from the sidewalk, but inside it complements a warm palate and the modern touches added by Le Méridien Tampa. Recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, the historic federal courthouse transformed, revealing a unique boutique-hotel boasting 130 guest rooms and suites, meeting and event spaces, and an authentic French Bistro and Bar. Preserving elements of the original courthouse, Le Méridien perfectly paired the old with the new in this eclectic space.
The hotel offers locals a place to pop in for Happy Hours, Monday – Fridays from 4pm – 7 pm, at Bizou Brasserie. A great place to meet friends and unwind, Bizou is open from 6 am to 11 pm where they also serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and on Sundays Brunch. The bar offers 120 proof absinthe cocktails, Bourbon flights from a selection of 15 excellent Bourbons, 21 fine Scotches, sparkling beverages craft cocktails, beer, wine, soda, small plates and classic charcuterie. Popular drinks at Le Méridien include the Old Fashioned and the Aviation for summer gin lovers like me!
After Happy Hour stay for an outstanding French meal created by Chef Brian and the Bizou Crew using seasonal fresh seafood, dry-aged beef and more. Local Foodie Favorites include Escargot, and the Glazed Heirloom Tomato Tart as appetizers, and the Truffle Gnocchi and Sausage or Doroc Pork Loin with Frites for dinner. After dinner delight in classic homemade pastries. The bakers at Le Méridien are up early each day to offer you fresh-from-the-oven treats to linger over with a hot cup of coffee or espresso morning, noon or night. Bizou serves an amazing Breakfast, and Lunch and a glorious gourmet Brunch on Sunday’s with Crab Benedict, Buttermilk Waffles, and traditionally seasoned Whole Hog sausages! Bike, walk or drive in and have some fun at Bizou Brasserie.
The Details:
- Valet service is available at the hotel for $5 when you visit
- Street parking is FREE on weekends.
- Subscribe to the mailing list and receive the latest offers, news, and updates including Mother's Day, Father's Day and more
- Event space and special event menus are available
- Catering is available
- Breakfast: 06:00 - 11:00 am
- Lunch: 11:00 - 02:00 pm
- Dinner: 05:00 - 10:00 pm
- Your fur-legged friends are welcome to join you on the outside terrace.
- The hotel is within walking distance of many things in the city, walk-ins are always welcome
- Happy Hour at Bizou is 4 pm – 7 pm Monday – Friday, Fridays include live music.
Next time you are in Downtown Tampa visiting the art gallery, a museum, the theater, dining, shopping or at an event, Le Méridien invites you to come in, cool off and explore a one-of-a-kind sensational place where locals can enjoy what travelers already know, Le Méridien is c'est Magnifique!
