Located in northern Florida just an hour from Jacksonville, Gainesville is a popular college town with plenty of exciting attractions. Many visitors make the trip to Gainesville for sporting events at the University of Florida, especially for Florida Gators football, although the basketball season is popular too. If you visit in the fall, there’s no doubt that you’ll feel plenty of excitement in the air. But no matter what the reason you plan to come, you’ll find Gainesville offers a wide range of accommodation options for which to base your stay, including these top options.
Magnolia Plantation Bed and Breakfast
One of the most unforgettable stays you can have in Gainesville is the beautiful Magnolia Plantation, the city’s very first B&B. This historic property that dates back to 1885 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places offering visitors a chance to take a step back in time. There are five guest rooms in the house, each with a private bath that includes a claw foot tub and gas fireplace, while six cottages that range from single to family option are located on the grounds with waterfalls, gardens and a gazebo. The Carriage House is popular with honeymooners, who can enjoy a fireplace, Jacuzzi and wraparound balcony overlooking two gardens. A full breakfast is served daily in the garden gazebo, on one of the porches, or in the dining room. Cottage guests can even have breakfast delivered to their door.
AC Hotel Gainesville Downtown
The AC Hotel Gainesville Downtown offers an ideal location for those who looking to be close to campus, just a two-minute walk to the University of Florida, while multiple restaurants and bars are within a short walking distance as well. It hosts European-inspired rooms with Smart TVs for streaming Hulu and Netflix along with complimentary Wi-Fi, microwaves, mini-refrigerators and coffeemakers. Book an upgraded suite and you’ll get a separate living room too. The property has a rooftop spa pool with sweeping panoramic views of the UF campus as well as a fitness center. The AC Bar is popular for sipping local craft beers and creative cocktails paired with tapas-style bites.
Sweetwater Branch Inn
The elegant Sweetwater Branch Inn is a bed and breakfast that includes an outdoor pool and a restaurant as well as complimentary use of bicycles, concierge services and a full breakfast. Located in the historic downtown, it’s been spotlighted on the PBS series “Country Inns USA,” and is surrounded by the breathtaking McKenzie Gardens. Its beautifully decorated rooms are set within the 1895 McKenzie House, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Considered one of the most elaborate Victorian buildings ever constructed in Gainesville, it boasts intricate details, a restored massing and three-story octagonal turrets on its west face, along with an octagonal gazebo and wrap-around veranda. Fully-equipped cottages on the grounds are popular for longer stays. Each one is unique, but all come with a living room, dining room and full kitchen along with extras like a hot tub or a balcony with views of the koi pond.
Hilton Garden Inn Gainesville
The Hilton Garden Inn Gainesville is a four-story hotel that sits just two miles from the University of Florida campus. Standard guest rooms include a king-size or two queen-size beds, along with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, work desks. coffee makers and free Wi-Fi. The property also features an outdoor pool, a fitness room, business center with meeting rooms. Every morning a buffet or cooked-to-order breakfast is available, and there’s also evening room service as well as a 24/7 convenience store. It’s close to a number of attractions, like the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and the Butterfly Forest at the Florida Museum of Natural History.
Courtyard Gainesville
The three-story Courtyard Gainesville is conveniently located near the University of Florida as well as popular places like the Harn Museum, Florida Museum of Natural History and Santa Fe Community College. It hosts 78 guest rooms that come with either one king-size bed or two double beds, separate sitting areas and work desks, as well as satellite TVs and free-Wi-Fi. Book a king suite and you’ll also get a whirlpool, sofa bed and mini-fridge. A daily hot breakfast buffet, outdoor swimming pool, fitness room and business center are all included as well.
Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville
You can’t get any closer to the university than the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville hotel, located right on campus. It features rooms and suites with HDTVs with cable channels, work areas with desks that include ergonomic chairs and especially comfortable Hilton Serenity Beds. Suites come with extras like separate living rooms and larger televisions. The property also hosts Shula’s Steak House (room service available) and the No Name Lounge, along with an outdoor pool, whirlpool and 24-hour fitness center.
Drury Inn & Suites
The highly-rated Drury Inn & Suites is located close to multiple eateries, the Florida Museum of Natural History and the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, one of Florida’s top botanical gardens. It offers comfortable rooms with 43″ LCD TVs that include cable channels, microwaves, coffee makers and refrigerators. Bathrooms have a tub and shower along with complimentary toiletries. Free Wi-Fi is included along with a full breakfast and a manager’s reception. The property also hosts an outdoor pool and spa tub, 24-hour fitness center and a 24-hour business center.
SpringHill Suites Gainesville
The SpringHill Suites Gainesville is conveniently located near the University of Florida’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and the Kanapaha Botanical Garden. Its spacious suites come with Smart TVs that include premium streaming services, free Wi-Fi, separate living areas and ergonomic workstations. A complimentary breakfast buffet is provided daily, including hot and cold items, and there’s also an outdoor pool for enjoying a refreshing dip and a fitness center that makes it easy to keep up with your workout routine.
Best Western Gateway Grand
Centrally located near the Gainesville NHRA Raceway, a short drive from the University of Florida, the Best Western Gateway Grand offers spacious rooms that include satellite TVs with HBO and free Wi-Fi. Rates include a full, complimentary breakfast too. The property also hosts a fitness center, outdoor swimming pool and hot tub. Its Gators Den Sports Grill is a popular place to be on game day with its widescreen and tableside televisions.
