Hotel Cala & 2 New Restaurants Open on Tampa's Riverwalk

Hotel Cala, a new urban resort backed by Hilton, will open on Tampa’s Riverwalk in January at 200 N Ashley Drive. The 281-room hotel introduces two dining concepts to the area: LAVO, an Italian restaurant, and BarOnda, a waterfront bar.

The Rockwell Group designed the renovation, drawing inspiration from Tampa’s waterfront setting, tropical character, and multicultural heritage, including its Italian and Cuban roots.

LAVO will specialize in coastal Italian cuisine, featuring house-made pastas and whole-grain pizzas. A signature dish, “The Meatball,” combines Wagyu, Italian sausage, and veal with whipped ricotta. Tao Group Hospitality will manage LAVO and BarOnda.

BarOnda will offer an outdoor space with water views, focusing on cocktails and shareable bites. The hotel also features a resort-style pool deck, cabanas, and a 24-hour fitness center. Event spaces span 10,000 square feet.

“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. “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.”