5 Best Historic Hotels In Lakeland, Florida

Melanie
Melanie 
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 3 min read

As the name suggests, Lakeland is home to over 38 lakes of different sizes and shapes that offer various activities to tourists. One of its most famous lakes is Lake Mirror, so called because the glassy surface reflects the surrounding buildings. However, the city has more to offer besides lakes. It also boasts widespread greenery, which you can explore in places such as Hollis Garden and Bonnet Springs Park. If you prefer indoor activities, you can visit the Polk Museum of Art, which features over 2,000 artworks, or the Florida Air Museum where you can learn about the state’s aviation history.

Lakeland has a lot to offer in terms of attractions and culture. Book one of the best historic hotels in Lakeland, Florida, to learn more about the city’s unique past while enjoying a comfortable stay.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) properties with historic significance, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on June 02, 2024.

1. The Terrace Hotel Lakeland, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (from USD 143)

This hotel first welcomed guests in 1924. At that time, it was one of the few establishments that were open all year round. One of the property’s attractions then - and now - is its views of Lake Mirror, which guests can enjoy thanks to the huge French windows installed in the lounge. The hotel has since been renovated so that it retains its historic exterior while featuring modern amenities, including large-screen smart TVs with streaming services and its own fitness center.

Travelers who will be visiting the city for work will appreciate the laptop-friendly workspaces in each of the rooms here as well as the on-site business center in the hotel.

Stayed at this property?

The Terrace Hotel Lakeland, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Address: 329 E Main St
49.44 km (30.8 mi) from The Florida Aquarium

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
nice dining room experience downstairs as well
Cleanliness:
our room was neat and clean and we had a wonderful night's sleep
Host:
the staff was great and very helpful
beautiful property and extremely helpful staff
Location:
great location everything about this hotel is a
lake mirror and park right in front which is very relaxing
very clean walkable to things in town and close to the college
Read more reviews

Nearby historic hotels

2. Hotel Flor Tampa Downtown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton (from USD 259)

Staying at this hotel will not only enable you to learn more about the establishment, but it will also give you glimpses of Tampa’s history as a city. The establishment was built in the 1920s and quickly became popular among local business leaders and even celebrities such as Elvis Presley.

For a time, it came to be known as Florida’s first skyscraper and was the tallest building in the state until 1966. Despite being included in the National Register of Historic Places on March 12, 1996, it became in danger of being demolished before it was restored.

Stayed at this property?

Hotel Flor Tampa Downtown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Wheelchair accessible

Address: 905 N. Florida Ave, Tampa City Center, Tampa (FL), United States, 33602
1.62 km (1.1 mi) from The Florida Aquarium

3. Fenway Hotel Autograph Collection (from USD 237)

This hotel may be considered an upscale establishment these days, but back in 1925 when it was opened, it was known as a hotel with a speakeasy. This key moment of history has been immortalized in the property’s music-themed decor.

The property has since shifted into a family-friendly establishment, and it even provides cribs to guests at no additional cost if needed. The hotel’s recreational amenities include an outdoor pool and a gym, and it also features an on-site restaurant for your culinary delights.

Stayed at this property?

Fenway Hotel Autograph Collection

Address: 453 Edgewater Drive
34.75 km (21.6 mi) from The Florida Aquarium

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
comfortable bed and sheets
Host:
valet were friendly and helpful
staff very friendly and helpful
very beautiful resort with friendly staff
the staff was nice the bar rooftop and inside were chill
Read more reviews

4. The Don CeSar (from USD 293)

This hotel was built in 1928, the latter half of the Roaring Twenties. As such, it comes as no surprise that the hotel was established as a place of glitz and glamour, the perfect epitome of the period when it first opened. The artists who made the ornamental plasterwork at the hotel, including its distinctive lions, were also known for their work in various establishments, such as the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota.

The property comes with a spa, which offers various treatments such as massages and facials. There’s also an on-site gym for guests’ use. Meanwhile, foodies will appreciate the fact that the establishment is home to two restaurants.

Stayed at this property?

The Don CeSar

Address: 3400 Gulf Boulevard
38.84 km (24.2 mi) from The Florida Aquarium

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna Fitness centre

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it is very family friendly and the beach and pools were fabulous
Read more reviews

5. Belleview Inn (from USD 225)

Built by railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant as a means of getting more business to his railways, Belleview Inn was a popular establishment in the St. Petersburg area. It opened its doors in 1897 and drew the interest of famous figures, such as Babe Ruth, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and even some U.S. Presidents. Its popularity naturally led to the hotel’s expansion, and at one point, it became known as the largest wooden-frame structure in the entire state.

The property has since been updated so present-day guests can feel comfortable throughout their stay. Its amenities include an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a business center.

Stayed at this property?

Belleview Inn

Address: 25 Belleview Boulevard
35.83 km (22.3 mi) from The Florida Aquarium

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
it is very clean and upscale
and the room was also very clean and comfortable
very relaxing and clean
Host:
the staff is very friendly and amiable
Read more reviews

Learn more about Lakeland's past through its hotels

Lakeland, named after its numerous lakes, features lovely parks and museums and boasts a rich history. Guests can learn more about its colorful past by staying at one of these historic hotels. Review our list now and book a comfortable accommodation to truly appreciate the city’s culture.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Melanie is a freelance travel writer. She considers freelancing for Trip 101 to be a combination of two of the things she loves: writing and traveling. She has gone sightseeing with family,...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Lakeland - Winter Haven
Looking for accommodation?
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.