Distinctive, Delightful and Quite Unique Accommodations in Central Florida

For many, a trip is more than just visiting a destination. It’s about thoroughly experiencing a destination.

And one way to easily do this is by spending the night (or the weekend) at local accommodations.

If you happen to be traveling to the Central Florida area soon, consider staying at any one of these three properties to capture the true feeling of being local.

Located in downtown Lakeland, the historic Terrace Hotel (map) represents that grand hotels of yesteryear. Built in 1924, the property was heralded as one of the state’s “year-round resorts.” It has hosted such luminaries as Frank Sinatra, Henry Ford and Frank Lloyd Wright.

Now today, you can still experience the grand-ness in an updated fashion. The 88-room (73 guest rooms and 17 suites) hotel features everything one would expect from properties nowadays, but yet retains its historic appeal as seen in the lobby. Be sure to enjoy a meal at The Terrace Grille.

To movie fans, the Stanford Inn Bed & Breakfast (map) in Bartow might look familiar. And for good reason,  the property was used in the 1991 movie, “My Girl.” Built in 1906, the five-bedroom (with a guest cottage in back) inn is as quaint and homey as Bartow itself.

Two things stand out about the inn. The first is the owners have worked in pieces, collections and artifacts from their many travels into decor of the rooms. If you spy some interesting item during your stay, ask about it, because there’s probably a story behind it.  The second is the breakfast. You don’t want to skip out on this meal, or you’ll be disappointed.

Chalet Suzanne Restaurant and Inn (map) in Lake Wales might be the only inn anywhere that has its own cannery.  Not only that, but the 26-room inn also boasts an airstrip, a wine dungeon and a restaurant that serves a very tasty Chalet Grapefruit (caramelized grapefruit with sautéed chicken liver on top), among other dishes.

Receiving many accolades, including “Florida’s Top Ten Most Romantic Places,” the inn has been a long-time favorite among celebrities and other notables. However, don’t think you need to have a large bankroll to stay here. Chalet Suzanne is a laid-back, relaxing place to escape to. Be sure to set aside enough time to explore the grounds and feed the turtles at the lake (they really like the bread rolls.)

photo credit: personal photos. (top left) The Terrace Grille at the Terrace Hotel in downtown Lakeland; (middle right) Stanford Inn Bed & Breakfast in Bartow; (bottom left) Chalet Suzanne Restaurant and Inn in Lake Wales

This post was a result of discovery on a recent press trip sponsored by Georgia Turner Group and Central Florida CVB.  The opinions expressed in the post are my own.