Ignacio Haya, the founder of the Haya y Sanchez cigar factory, rolled the first cigar in Tampa. But Haya also rolled his sleeves up and helped to build Ybor City alongside his competitor, Vicente Ybor, another notable cigar manufacturer. Ybor City was, in fact, Vicente’s namesake. But Ignacio Haya’s factory was one of the first to make cigars from the much sought-after light-colored “Clear Havana” Cuban tobacco.
Ybor City, Vincente’s namesake city, was founded in 1886 and by 1900 was the “Cigar Capital of the World.” In the 1950s, the area began to slide into decline, but in the late 1990s, it was revitalized. Now, it is home to bustling shops, restaurants, bars, and, yes, even cigar lounges. Ignacio Haya’s cigar factory is still intact, and the Hotel Haya, where industry meets artistry, is the centerpiece of Ybor City’s 7th Avenue.
Keeping true to its namesake, Ignacio Haya, you’ll notice unique touches throughout the hotel that bring you back to the history of the Haya y Sanchez cigar factory. The display of Cuban cigars just to the right of the front desk pays homage to Ignacio, Vincente, and other cigar city moguls of the time.
Community Collaboration
Community CollaborationHotel Haya is but one property in the growing portfolio of the Aparium Hotel Group, and Aparium seeks to create hotels and do hospitality differently. One might go so far as to say they have turned hospitality on its ear and recreated it. They are not trying to be like everyone else; instead, they are creating hotels that work within the cultural fabric of their location. Each hotel in the Aparium Hotel Group’s portfolio vibes differently…why? Because each area is different and unique. But each property has a commonality ~ they are the gathering spot for visitors and locals.
The Aparium Hotel Group is building a community, one hotel, one stay at a time. But their story does not end there; they are pouring into the community by using local artists, makers, and other artistic and creative collaborators and cementing their place in the communities where their properties are located.
In the case of Hotel Haya, you’ll find evidence of these community collaborations throughout the property. In Cafe Quiquiriqui, Hotel Haya’s coffee and quick breakfast cafe, you’ll find pieces from CapCo Art, a husband and wife creative duo. USF (University of South Florida) Graphic Studio / Contemporary Art Museum worked alongside the Hotel Haya team in curating art in the property’s public spaces.
Kristin Texaeira, a local artist, has made her mark with her “Memory Maps” and created custom art pieces for each guest room. The art reflects a significant interest in Ignacio Haya’s journey from Spain to Brooklyn, ending in Tampa. The craftspeople from the Morean Glass Studio & Hot Shop created the round lamps in the guest rooms and took their inspiration from the classic street lamps that line Seventh Avenue.
Ybor City, unique in its history of cigar manufacturing and its strong ties to Cuba, can be seen and felt as you tread the same streets that Cuban immigrants like Ignacio and Vicente walked while on their way to work as the founders of their respective cigar manufacturing businesses. Lacy decorative balconies look over the early morning streets, littered with the remnants of the previous night’s celebrations; coffee shops, with the pungent smell of Cuban coffee wafting over the streets, beckon potential customers in with the overpowering desire for a cup of caffeine-filled goodness to jump-start their day.
Hotel Haya Accommodations
The guest rooms of Hotel Haya have a luxurious feel but fit in with the culture and vibe of Ybor City. They are not over the top but homey and luxuriously comfortable. From the linens on the beds to the soft, oversized fluffy towels to the art, each element of every room is well thought out and fits perfectly with the property’s vibe. Its tribute is not only to Ignacio Haya but also to Ybor City and its deep Cuban roots.
The beds beckon guests to snuggle deep in the sheets and relax. It was challenging to force myself out of bed in the mornings; I just wanted to give in to the decadent temptation of staying in bed with my delicious cup of Cuban coffee. Many of the guest rooms have balconies that overlook the street, immersing you in the culture of Ybor City.
Dining
Cafe Quiquiriqui
Cafe Quiquiriqui is directly across the lobby entrance from the hotel’s front desk—the aroma of freshly ground coffee drifts across the space, enticing you in. A generous selection of freshly baked goodies tempts you as you wait in line to place your order. A curving bar with plentiful seating wraps around the open kitchen concept, and additional seating is scattered throughout the space.
The coffee is as delicious as it smells, making it the perfect beginning for the day. Beloved by locals and guests alike, Cafe Quiquiriqui always has a short wait for their well-liked coffee and treats.
Flor Fina
Flor Fina, the hotel’s upscale Latin restaurant and cocktail bar, is outfitted with sultry velvet booths, taking you back to the 1950s and the ethnic social clubs that filled many of the nation’s cities, daring you to sit down in the intimate space and share sultry secrets. That is exactly the feeling that Flor Fina evokes – being in a Cuban social club, where the lines distinguishing the lounge and the restaurant are blurred, merging together as one intimate space.
With the arrival of Chef Eric McHugh taking the helm of Flor Fina, the restaurant debuted their new brunch menu in May 2024, and it is glorious. My husband Jim and I sampled a selection of their brunch tapas, including Pollo Y Gofres, Breakfast Empanadas, Whipped Ricotta, and Plantain Crusted Snapper Bites. These four dishes were vastly different, allowing us to experience the full range of options available.
My taste buds were on overdrive from an initial bite of the Plaintain Crusted Snapper Bites with a forkful of cheddar grits and smoked chile citrus butter. The crisp plantain coating was the neutral element in the dish, allowing the snapper to shine. The standout in the dish was the subtle play of the citrus butter with the added element of the smoked chile, which gave a burst of flavor but did not hide the snapper itself.
Pollo Y Gofres is sheer culinary genius. This dish draws upon two iconic yet diverse culinary creations: poutine from Quebec, Canada, and Nashville hot chicken. Combined with waffle fries, sauce espagnole, queso fresco, bacon, and a sunny-side egg, it becomes a masterpiece of flavor and a trip back in time to two of my favorite destinations, Quebec and Nashville.
The Nashville hot chicken bites are tender, but the flavor punch explodes on the palate, followed by the cooling touch of the sauce espagnole, queso fresco, and the sunny side egg. If you love spicy foods, this is a must-try dish.
Chef McHugh is a culinary explorer who loves to take diners on a true exploration of the heart and soul of historic Ybor City and its deep roots through his culinary creations. Under his direction, along with his team, Flor Fina complements Hotel Haya.
The Draw of the Outdoors
The Draw of the OutdoorsIn addition to Flor Fina, one of the most Instagrammable photo opportunities at Hotel Haya is their outdoor space. Carving out a peaceful space amid bustling Ybor City does not appear possible, yet the Haya has managed to achieve this daunting task.
The pool is spectacular, with a selection of cabanas featuring oversized lounge beds and plentiful sun loungers. A sparkling heated pool teasingly beckons you to play. A low hedge provides privacy to a shady area with low sofas, chairs, and tables, ideal for meeting friends for an afternoon of drinks from the pool bar. (Adults 18+ only.)
If you are looking for a daycation, Hotel Haya is the perfect fit with their resort pass, allowing locals to come and enjoy the Hotel Haya vibe and escape to a tropical paradise. Your daycation includes use of the heated pool, lounge chairs, towel service, poolside service (food & drink for purchase from Flor Fina), changing area with shower, fitness center, wifi (complimentary), and valet parking (fee). You can also upgrade your day pass to include the indulgent cabana. (Adults 18+ only.)
The Haya hosts pool parties throughout the summer months, and as a “Swim Club” member, you get to attend their spring and summer pool parties (fee). The fee includes a day pass, a welcome drink, tunes spun by the house DJ, and discounted valet parking. (Adults 18+ only.)
Written by: Betsi Hill, Betsiworld.com
Photography by Jim Hill
