Newbond Rebrands Tampa Riverwalk Hotel With LAVO And BarOnda

• 200 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa, FL 33602 is being transformed from the former Hotel Tampa Riverwalk into Hotel Cala, a 281-room Curio Collection by Hilton property owned by Newbond Holdings and set to debut in January 2027.
• The repositioning will add LAVO and BarOnda, both managed by Tao Group Hospitality, along with a resort-style pool deck, 24-hour fitness center and 10,000 square feet of event space.
• A $94.4 million refinancing arranged by Newmark earlier this year is supporting the hotel's repositioning for Newbond Holdings and Apollo, highlighting continued lender interest in well-located Tampa hospitality assets.

What Newbond Is Bringing To The Riverwalk

Newbond Holdings is giving one of downtown Tampa's longstanding waterfront hotels a major repositioning, turning the former Hotel Tampa Riverwalk into Hotel Cala, a seven-story urban resort overlooking the Hillsborough River. The property originally opened in 1968 and will return in January 2027 as part of Hilton's Curio Collection, combining a new hospitality identity with direct access to the Tampa Riverwalk.

What LAVO And BarOnda Will Add

Tao Group Hospitality will operate two new food and beverage concepts, giving the hotel a significant dining and nightlife component. LAVO will make its Tampa debut with coastal Italian cuisine, including house-made pastas, whole-grain pizzas and its signature meatball made with Wagyu, Italian sausage and veal. BarOnda will provide a more casual waterfront option focused on cocktails and bites. For Tampa's Riverwalk, the strategy goes beyond attracting hotel guests. The two concepts are designed to make the property a destination for local diners and visitors, helping activate the waterfront throughout the day and evening.

What Rockwell Group Designed

Rockwell Group is leading the transformation with interiors that reference Tampa's waterfront setting and its Italian and Cuban heritage. The design combines Italian marble, cream plaster, herringbone limestone, warm woods and tropical planting. The lobby, described as "Tampa's Living Room," will connect the arrival area with the pool deck and dining venues, creating a central gathering space overlooking the Riverwalk.

What The 281-Room Hotel Will Offer

Hotel Cala will include 281 guestrooms, including 16 suites, with waterfront rooms featuring warm wood details, rattan-inspired elements and brass-toned accents. The property will also feature a resort-style pool deck with cabanas, a 24-hour fitness center and direct Riverwalk access. Seven event rooms will provide 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space for meetings, weddings and other gatherings, accommodating up to 450 guests.

What The Repositioning Means For Tampa Hospitality

The project comes as investors continue putting capital into well-located Tampa hospitality properties. In April, Newmark arranged a $94.4 million refinancing for the property on behalf of Newbond Holdings and Apollo, with Bain Capital and Smith Hill Capital providing the financing. The combination of a major renovation, a Curio Collection flag and nationally recognized restaurant concepts positions Hotel Cala to compete for both travelers and Tampa locals along one of the city's most established waterfront corridors.

What Comes Next

Hotel Cala is scheduled to open in January 2027, giving Tampa's Riverwalk a newly repositioned 281-room hotel with new dining, event and recreational offerings. With Newbond retaining ownership and Schulte Hospitality managing the property, the project is set to become another major hospitality destination downtown.