Hotel Haya in Ybor City is one of my favorite industrial wedding venues in Tampa—and I’ve photographed a lot of weddings across Florida and beyond. I recently shot a vow renewal there and figured it was time to put together something useful for couples who are seriously considering it. If you’re looking for real info from someone who’s actually worked at the venue—not just marketing fluff—this guide’s for you.
I’ll walk you through the different spaces inside Hotel Haya, what the light is like, how it photographs, and what types of weddings I’d recommend here. You’ll also get tips on nearby photo spots in Ybor City and a few things that might not show up on the venue brochure but definitely matter when it’s your wedding day.
Why I recommend Hotal Haya
Some venues look cool online but fall flat in real life. Hotel Haya isn’t one of them. It’s got that industrial edge—exposed brick, textured walls, bold design choices—but it still feels warm and intentional. The light inside is surprisingly good too. Most of the windows are diffused, so you get soft, even light throughout the day without harsh shadows or weird color casts. That alone makes a huge difference in how your photos turn out.
bold, meaningful photos. The kind that feel like memories. The ones you obsess over.
Whether you’re hosting a wedding, planning a vow renewal, booking a portrait session, or putting together a corporate event, Hotel Haya gives you a space that’s easy to work with and fun to be in. And since it’s right in the middle of Ybor City, it comes with built-in character—murals, balconies, gritty alleys, and colorful streets all just steps away.
Plus, the team here actually knows what they’re doing, which matters more than you think once things start moving on event day. If you want to dig into all the spaces they offer, here’s a full breakdown straight from the venue: Hotel Haya Event Spaces.
Hotel Haya Venue Spaces
One of the best parts about shooting at Hotel Haya is that every space feels intentional. Whether you’re working with 30 guests or 200, there’s a room that fits without making your setup feel swallowed or cramped.
Las Novedades
This is where I shot the recent vow renewal, and it’s hands-down one of the most photogenic spots in the hotel. Exposed brick, Spanish-style arches, and that perfect mix of old Ybor character with a modern refresh. The light in here is clean and soft, and the textures just photograph really well. Great for ceremonies, dinners, or anything that benefits from a bit of history in the frame.
up to 200 for ceremonies, 150 for dinner, 120 with dancing
Valencia Ballroom
Massive space, tall ceilings, whitewashed brick, and those signature herringbone floors. Add the floor-to-ceiling windows and you’ve got light that flatters everyone. If you’re planning a larger wedding or reception, this is the anchor spot.
up to 300 for ceremonies or cocktails, 250 for dinner, 215 with dancing
Mariposa Room
More low-key and versatile. This room’s great for intimate ceremonies, welcome events, or corporate setups. It’s got subtle, modern finishes and enough space to get creative without being overwhelming.
up to 60 for ceremony, 50 for dinner, 75 for cocktails
La Galería & The Courtyard
La Galería gives you a clean, art-filled interior, while the Courtyard just outside is green, open, and surprisingly private for being in the middle of Ybor. Together they’re great for cocktail hours, first looks, or smaller celebrations.
60 ceremony, 40 dinner, 75 cocktail
Roosevelt Room
A little bit of lounge energy. It works best for rehearsal dinners, afterparties, or any gathering where you want things to feel personal and relaxed. It’s also got solid potential for dramatic portraits if you know how to use shadows.
100 for ceremony or cocktails, 45 for dinner
Quiquiriqui
This one shifts depending on the time of day. During daylight, it’s a café with lots of natural light. At night, it turns into this cool, intimate spot with overhead greenery and a solid vibe for welcome parties or smaller events. It’s one of those places that looks even better in person than on the venue brochure.
40 for ceremony, 40 for dinner, 100 for cocktails
Favorite Photo Spots at Hotel Haya
What makes this place stand out to me as a photographer is how many solid photo spots you can hit without ever leaving the property—and how much more you unlock if you step outside into Ybor.
Inside, Las Novedades is easily one of my top choices. The brick, arches, and natural tones all play well with soft window light, and it’s got just enough grit to give your images texture without feeling too dark or heavy. Even the elevators and hallways surprised me—modern finishes with clean lines that photograph better than you’d expect.
The suites, especially the ones with balconies, are perfect for getting ready. The diffused window coverings in the rooms and common areas create a soft, even glow that’s super flattering. You don’t have to fight shadows or color casts—just shoot.
Step outside and you’ve got all of Ybor City. You’re working with murals, vintage signage, layered textures, and old-school Florida architecture. There are a few balconies and parking garages that give you a solid skyline view of downtown Tampa if you want to switch things up or sneak away for a quiet moment.
This isn’t the kind of place where you’re stuck shooting in front of a hedge wall or the back of a banquet hall. It’s a venue where the space adds to your gallery, not just checks a box.
What Types of Events Work Best at Hotel Haya
If you’re drawn to spaces with character—like actual texture, history, and style that doesn’t feel copied from a Pinterest board then Hotel Haya is going to feel like a great fit. It’s especially ideal for couples planning something personal and experience-focused, whether that’s a full wedding weekend or a small vow renewal with just a few close people.
Weddings in the 50 to 150 guest range are kind of the sweet spot here. There’s enough space to spread out without it feeling like a convention center, and the staff knows how to keep things moving without hovering. It’s also a great option for elopements, creative portrait sessions, and even corporate events that don’t want to feel like… well, corporate events.
And if you’ve got out-of-town guests, this is an easy win. The rooms are stylish, the location’s walkable, and the whole Ybor neighborhood adds something to the experience without making logistics complicated. You can get married here, party here, crash here, and wake up to brunch the next day all without needing to coordinate transportation.
Hotel Haya Reviews from Guests
It’s one thing for a venue to look good on a walkthrough. It’s another to hear how it holds up across a full wedding weekend. The reviews for Hotel Haya back up what I’ve seen firsthand—it’s not just pretty, it’s personal.
One couple called it “Ybor Chic,” which honestly nails it. They raved about the food (specifically the upscale twist on local fare), mentioned how smooth everything went with vendor coordination, and gave a big shoutout to Morgan for helping them through every step of the planning process. They even came back for brunch the next day and said it was just as good as the wedding meal.
Another couple hosted a 30-person wedding here and said the vibe was perfect—intimate, polished, and full of character. They specifically praised Logan Bell for making the logistics seamless and called the venue staff “incredibly professional.” Their words, not mine: “We couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”
The consistent feedback? The venue feels special without being overwhelming, the staff knows what they’re doing, and the entire weekend feels elevated but still relaxed.
Photographer Tips for the Space
If you’re getting married at Hotel Haya—or hosting a vow renewal, session, or anything else there—there are a few things I’d definitely keep in mind to get the most out of it visually.
First, if you’re planning to get ready on-site, book your suite for the night before. Check-in isn’t until 4pm, and that’s cutting it way too close if your ceremony is late afternoon. The balcony suites with original brick and soft light are ideal for getting ready shots—tons of space, clean design, and they just photograph really well.
If you’ve only got one photographer (hi), ask to book two rooms right next to each other—or at least on the same floor. Having them side-by-side makes it possible to photograph both people getting ready without them seeing each other. I’ve done shots where you can catch both partners through cracked doors, and it makes for a really cool split-scene moment.
If your ceremony’s in the Valencia Ballroom, try to time it to catch that late afternoon window light. It streams in beautifully through those floor-to-ceiling panes and makes the space feel open and cinematic without needing to over-light it.
The courtyard is a solid choice for first looks or quiet vows. It’s got a private feel and enough greenery to break things up visually. And once you’ve covered the venue itself, Ybor is right there. I usually grab a few portraits on the street, then head to a nearby parking garage or balcony for a wide shot of the skyline—quick and easy, but it adds a whole different look to the gallery.
NEed a Wedding photographer at hotel haya?
If you’re planning a wedding, vow renewal, or session at Hotel Haya in Ybor City, I’d love to be your photographer. I’ve worked at the venue, I know how to use the light, and I’m all about helping you make the most of the space without turning your day into a staged production.
Whether you’re getting ready in those brick-lined suites, saying your vows in Las Novedades, or sneaking out to a parking garage for some skyline portraits—I’ll guide you through it and make sure the photos feel real, cinematic, and completely you.
If you’re ready to talk details, reach out and let’s make it happen.
Looking for other venue options? Here’s my Tampa Wedding Venue Guide
Hotel Haya Wedding Photos
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