The Best Hotels to Book in Lakeland, Florida

The Terrace Hotel Lakeland overlooks Lake Mirror in downtown Lakeland, and is housed in a restored 1924 building. Here, traditional rooms and suites feature rich shades of brown and orange and are decorated with framed art on the walls. Walk to nearby shops and restaurants or dine on enticing dishes such as grilled plum and arugula salad at the sophisticated Terrace Grille with its floor-to-ceiling arched windows and ornate cypress ceiling. Soak up local culture at the Polk Theatre, just a mile (1.6km) away.

This downtown, all-suite hotel, decorated in muted tones livened by the odd pink chair here and colorful artwork there, puts you right in the middle of the action. There’s a range of restaurants and shops nearby, as well as Bryant Stadium, Florida Southern College and Southeastern University. Back at the palm-fronted hotel, work out in the on-site fitness center or take a dip in the outdoor pool – if you’ve booked a cabana suite you’ll have access direct from your patio – then toast the day with a beer at the lobby bar.

When it’s time to play ball, the location of this hotel puts you close to spring training at Joker Marchant Stadium, not to mention Lake Myrtle Sports Park and the Sun ‘n Fun Complex for mesmerizing air shows. Keep up the sporting atmosphere back at the hotel with a workout in the fitness center or languid laps in the outdoor pool. After a full day of play, relax in your modern rooms or suite, which has plenty of space to stow your stuff. Rise to a breakfast of goodies, from cheesy muffins to perk-you-up espresso.

Settle into your homey blue-and-brown room at this conveniently located hotel with all of Lakeland on your doorstep. Golfers love that the Cleveland Heights Country Club is just a 3mi (5km) drive away. If you’re not handy with an iron, start your day with a dip in the outdoor pool instead, before a healthy smashed avocado on toast at the industrial-chic Bistro. Make sure you stroll down the promenade to see the fountains and neoclassical architecture of Hollis Garden.

Make yourself right at home at this pet-friendly, all-suite hotel with colorful rooms featuring lounge spaces and full kitchens; the staff will even stock your kitchen for you. Alternatively, tuck into a different dish each day, from Mongolian to Texan steak, at one of the many local restaurants. Hit the Sports Court for friendly games of basketball, volleyball or tennis and toast a win at the evening social hour.

Budget-minded families and groups of friends appreciate this Florida-orange Lakeland hotel, with contrastingly muted rooms, for its location and outdoor pool. Nearby attractions include the Florida Air Museum and Common Ground Park. It’s all-American fare at the Garden Grille, from morning waffles to burgers and fries for dinner.

If you’re looking for a base for your trip to Central Florida, look no further than this extended-stay hotel in Lakeland. Studios and suites are styled with mossy-green feature walls and wooden furniture, and include kitchenettes – or you can grab some ingredients and cook them on the barbecue. There’s also a firepit for cozying around as the evening cools. Make time to check out Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, just a couple of miles away.

This all-suite, brick-and-wood-fronted hotel is perfect for guests on the go. Fully equipped kitchens make it easy to prepare meals, in green-themed rooms referencing the lush surroundings, and the outdoor grilling area makes dining al fresco easy. In the morning, grab your pre-ordered breakfast-to-go bag with bagels and muffins, to fuel your day of exploring all that Lakeland and the surrounding areas have to offer.