| What a concept – combine shopping, luxurious accommodations and spa treatments into one fabulous getaway! International Plaza in Tampa is such a draw for visiting shoppers that it has partnered with two hotels in offering just such a deal. I’ll get to that in a minute; first a bit about why IP is such a hot shopping destination.
Management at IP has assembled a wonderful lineup of stores in the mall, everything from moderate retailers like Hot Topic, The Levy’s Store and Express to upscale shops like Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Cache Luxe. In all there are 200 specialty shops and 15 full service restaurants, all of which are arranged around a mall that is light, airy and posh. Rest areas offer leather loungers for the weary shopper, while the restaurants are gathered at Bay Street, a second floor outdoor entertainment and dining promenade. IP even offers an auto spa, where you can have your car washed or detailed while you shop.
Anchor stores at International Plaza include Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Dillard’s and Robb & Stucky Furniture and Design Studio. In between, there are shops of every description: Aveda, L’Occitane, Sephora, Betsey Johnson, Jessica McClintock, Coldwater Creek, Bakers Shoes, Gucci, Kenneth Cole, Hugo Boss, Steve Madden and Forever 21. Have you been to a Forever 21? It’s a dream store – women’s clothing at thirty dollars and under! Yes, I bought a lot of things there. Browsing the store alone can take an hour or more. I also found the most adorable plaid, high-heeled Mary Janes on sale at Bakers and a gorgeous pair of ballet flats at Dillard’s. You’ve got to love a mall where practically every store is a personal “must do.”
When you get hungry, head up to Bay Street, where you’ll find restaurants galore, including Bamboo Club Asian Bistro, Blue Martini, The Capital Grille, Cheesecake Factory, the Grape, Starbucks and many more dining venues. The restaurants here are so popular that locals make them a regular destination for lunch, happy hour and dinner.
Getting back to the hotel and shopping packages - The Renaissance Hotel serves as the mall’s fifth anchor property and has partnered with the mall to offer a package that includes AAA four diamond accommodations, mall savings cards and more.
The Renaissance Hotel is rich in Spanish architectural detail and gives the illusion of its once having been a private residence built by a land baron in the early 1900s. In fact, the design is based upon the fictional love story of Sergio and Gabriella, whose story is told in the public rooms throughout the hotel. A very charming touch.
Guest rooms feature bold colors and luxurious amenities, while the hotels’ Pelagia Restaurant is a must, even if you’re not staying at the Renaissance. The dining room features stone and glass details and Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi holds court in the open-style kitchen, where his influences are transferred to each amazing dish. You have to try the Manchego cheese and honey comb appetizer, as well as the crunchy stuffed olives with three meats. The Bouillabaisse is chock full of shellfish bathed in a rich broth, while the desserts, especially the zabaglione-tiramisu, are a must. If you’re with a few friends, go for the Dessert Sampler.
Another hotel partner of the International Plaza is the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa. Watch this space for a separate feature on that property.
Mall Website: www.shopinternationalplaza.com
Renaissance Hotel Website: www.renaissancetampa.com |
