Often overlooked by those rushing south to Orlando, the charming city of Ocala is Florida’s very own natural theme park. Undulating hills, gurgling freshwater streams and the largest sand pine forest in the world lie close to its historic central district, traditional Southern homes and big-city shops and restaurants. Base yourself at an all-suite hotel, family-friendly resort or handy budget chain and discover more.
Offering far more than a bed for the night, the Hilton Ocala is set in six idyllic acres (2.4ha) of oak-shaded grounds with a running track, heated outdoor pool, yoga classes and even its very own horse, Buddy, for horse-drawn carriage rides around the paddock. The excellent fully sustainable restaurant uses ingredients grown in the hotel’s own kitchen garden, while the lavish Sunday brunch is an Ocala institution. Expect house-made bloody marys, piled-high seafood stations and fresh macaroons on a dessert table to die for.
Those in town on business can focus on the job at hand when they stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites. Just off the I-75 and four miles (6.4km) from Central Ocala, the hotel is close to the city’s key business headquarters and also offers a business centre and a convenient meeting room for up to 30 guests. There are on-site laundry facilities, a handy lobby market for grabbing food and a free breakfast thrown in so you can get on with your day hassle-free.
Shopaholics and students heading to graduation at the College of Central Florida are perfectly placed at the Hampton Inn and Suites. The wedding-cake-esque building is just two minutes from both the college and Paddock Mall, while Ocala Downtown Square is 10 minutes away. The hotel’s complimentary hot breakfasts – or free grab-and-go bags – are the ideal start to a long day of retail therapy, too.
The kids certainly won’t complain if you choose the Homewood Suites for your visit to Ocala – they’ll be too busy rushing out to explore the outdoor pool, basketball court and putting green, while the in-suite kitchen should keep fussy eaters and starving teens happy, too. But adults won’t be disappointed: there’s a hot tub, outdoor sofas by a firepit and free cocktails at the hotel’s evening social every Monday to Thursday.
Horse-lovers are already in equine ecstasy in Ocala with over 400 horse farms, a thoroughbred museum and endless riding trails in the area. Now, visitors can enjoy a horse-themed hotel, too, as this newly renovated property showcases the city’s horsey history in striking artwork and photography throughout. In the evening, wind down in the lobby where craft beer and wine machines dispense drinks alongside a selection of appetizers, while milk and cookies are provided for children.
With so many local attractions on hand, location is everything in Ocala. The Comfort Suites is great for those in town for work or play, situated just off I-75 near the Golden Ocala Equestrian Center and close to various local businesses. Several restaurants are within walking distance, but each bright, airy room also comes with a microwave or fridge for easy meals after days out exploring.
In town for an extended stay? The SpringHill Suites should make you feel right at home: spacious rooms in soothing greys have separate work areas, while walk-in showers are stocked with Paul Mitchell products and smart TVs can connect to your personal Netflix account. Throw in an indoor pool and free tea and coffee in the lobby and you might never want to leave.
Golfers, bird-watchers and car enthusiasts will be in hobby heaven when based at this honey-colored hotel west of I-75 at exit 341. In Marion County, minutes from the towns of Belleview, Dunellon and Wildwood, the property is just a mile (1.6km) from the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing and near several sites on the Great Florida Birding Trail. There are also eight professionally designed golf courses within easy reach, including Eagle Ridge and Stone Creek.
It’s the little touches that set this Holiday Inn apart. There’s free coffee in the lobby, children stay and eat free, and bathrooms are stocked with Bath & Body Works products. Standard rooms are brightened with the occasional lime green chair, turquoise bedspread or zebra print footstool, while showstopping suites come with in-room jacuzzi tubs or even a full-size Hold ’em Poker table. Be sure to reserve a spot at the award-winning sixth floor restaurant for fire-grilled jumbo shrimp or teriyaki-glazed sea bass.
Families and long-term visitors can spread out at the Residence Inn, an all-suite property located close to exit 350 of I-75. All rooms have separate work and living areas and kitchens stocked with everything from dishwashers to cookware, while one-bedroom suites even have a fireplace for cosy nights in. If you’re feeling a little more sociable, head to the lobby on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings for communal social events offering light bites, local restaurant tastings and even the best food truck treats.
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