Came to Mount Dora to experience all the Christmas lights in this quaint little town. We made reservations at the hotel and decided to have dinner at the hotel before viewing the lights. We ordered drinks and decided to try a couple of entrees. The kitchen did take their time to prepare our meals, but, we were not in any hurry after driving all afternoon. All our dinners were excellent. We also decided to try some of their desserts which were out of this world...great. Prices were reasonable and service was very good. I highly recommend dinner and dessert at the Lakeside Inn. read more

We spent three nights here last weekend. When checking in, after making a reservation for a "Pet" Room, I received eye rolls and a warning when I asked for clarification of the language on the pet form. The form stated that we could not leave our 15 lb dog alone for extended periods. I asked if we could leave the room for meals and got a mean look and more eye rolls. Not a great start. If you don't want pets, don't say you can bring a pet and then charge a pet fee. The location is fabulous. That said, the exterior of each building is filthy. They have not been cleaned or painted for many years. The room has carpet from the 60's which was stained as well. Food in the dining room was average at best. The bartenders and servers were great. In the main dining room, we saw the "cockroach that devoured Cleveland!" In the same room, the split system air conditioner was leaking down the wall and onto the floor. Well, that is about as nice, and brief, as I can be. Good luck, folks! read more

Had dinner with family on the front porch this evening. The view of the water & sunset was lovely, but the meal was VERY overpriced for the dining experience we received. It feels like this place wants to be a "fine dining" restaurant, but the fine dining details are just not there. Service was extremely slow, and the staff seemed generally a bit harried and disorganized the entire evening. Our cocktail order took forever to arrive, and the drinks that finally arrived were disappointing - one mixed drink ordered with ginger ale was instead made with sprite, one specialty "house cocktail" was room temperature instead of cold, and a glass of white wine was too warm, as well. Disappointing. When the food finally arrived (which also took forever), it was also disappointing - 12oz New York Strip was cut VERY thin and was probably closer to 8oz (and WAY overcooked vs. how it was ordered), the chicken pot pie was bland & under-seasoned (some salt & a squeeze of lemon would have done wonders here!), and a (very pricy!) lobster tail was overcooked. Again, disappointing. Water glasses were never refilled unless we asked, and wine ordered with the dinner course did not arrive until we were almost finished with the meal (and frankly, no longer really wanted the wine). The timing of everything seemed "off," and our server, while very sweet & kind, seemed too stretched across too many tables to be able to offer anyone top-notch service. (Perhaps the bar & restaurant were understaffed - but if so, they should have seated fewer tables!) After our (very long!) dinner, we decided to go inside to the hotel bar to enjoy a quick nightcap, and listen to the live piano music we'd been told was being played. BAD IDEA - the piano player was about as joyless and robotic as she could be, and sounded as if she were practicing for her first-year piano lesson from a musty 1980's pops songbook. Definitely NOT the "nightcap vibe" we were hoping for, so we turned around and walked out, and went home for our nightcap instead. The lake view gets a solid 5, but for the prices they charge, we give the service, food, and bar ambiance a solid 1. Averaged total score = 2. We'd come back to enjoy the view from the porch with a glass of wine, but nothing more. read more

Went to Christmas Eve dinner here for the fifth year in a row. Will not return. Poor attitude and no direction for wait staff. Too much bother to service customers. Staff is always confused. Menu never changes and food just average. Portions get smaller and prices much higher. Late seating and poor placement. Piano player played "game of thrones" not "white christmas" ....that sums it up. There are better options for your $300. I wished I would have stayed home and just played Christmas music and had an Omaha steak! I have given up on this place and suggest you keep looking for your "special occasion". event read more

We spent the weekend at the Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora a grand dame from 1883 with lake views straight out of a postcard. Sure, the rooms are cozy (let's call it vintage chic) and outlets are apparently a luxury of the future but the friendly staff and unbeatable location make up for every missing plug. On our last day, we finally tried the on-site restaurant, and wow talk about saving the best for last! The food was shockingly delicious, the flavors bold, and the portions so generous we almost needed a nap before checkout. I'm so glad we didn't miss it because this place serves up history and happiness in equal measure. read more

Lakeside Inn - Chicken Pot Pie - Hotels Near Me - Mount Dora, Florida

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We visited the Lakeside Inn for Mother's Day brunch and had a fine experience. They called to confirm our reservation and the staff were friendly. Dalton, our server, was fantastic. He was fast, friendly, and communicated well. To drink, I had a Bees Knees. It was citrusy and strong. The first course salad was nice and had a good variety of vegetables. For my second course, I chose the chicken corn chowder. It was tasty and well constructed. For my entree, I got the shrimp and grits. There was a delay getting our entrees and the restaurant was a bit overwhelmed. The shrimp was over cooked and the dish was a bit salty, but I still liked it well enough. For dessert, I had the lemon berry cake and it was fantastic. The venue is a pretty historic inn, so every area is lovely. They had a piano player and the front porch and garden area are fun to explore. This is a lovely venue. My biggest issue is that when booking, they offered us a 2:00pm and 2:30 seating time. We made a 2:00pm reservation and by the time we ordered, it was 2:22 at which time they informed us the kitchen closes at 2:30 so we needed to get out order in. I understand they close to prepare for dinner service, but I don't know why they would seat people so close to the kitchen closing. We had an allergy question about dessert they couldn't answer because the dessert guy had left for the day. Our meal was a fine experience, but it was a little stressful doing a coursed meal as they were trying to turn the dining room over for dinner service. Parking was also a struggle. The dining experience fell a little short of the venue expectations. I would come back, but definitely earlier in the service. read more

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We had dinner after a drink in the hotel bar. The bar is very quaint and historic. We had attentive service and reasonably priced drinks so we decided to have dinner in the dining room. The dining room atmosphere is very nice. It was almost deserted with only one other in the dining room. I'm not sure if we have ever had slower service. After our sever finally came to take our order, I ordered dinner salad and the blackened snapper. My wife ordered a chicken dish. I don't know how long it took to get my salad p, but after what seemed like 15 minutes, we started wondering. I timed it. It took almost another 15 minutes to get a standard tossed salad. We committed to each other how it could take so long to throw some greens on a plate. It must have been cutting the cherry tomatoes in half and grating some Parmesan cheese on top. I ate my salad a slowly as possible and after what seemed an equally long wait our dinners arrived. I'm guessing it took a while to overcook my fish. I managed to eat half of it and I'm not know for leaving food on the plate. At least the green beans were tasty. My wife's chicken dish was actually very good. I don't know what they would do if they had more than two seated tables in the dining room. Needless to say, we won't be back. read more

Lakeside Inn - Parmesan crusted chicken - Hotels Near Me - Mount Dora, Florida

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We ate on the front porch as we love the view and warm Florida breezes! Our server was very busy, but very sweet and attentive. I had a crab cake sandwich on a brioche bun and it was very tasty - lots of crabmeat. My husband had the strawberry pecan salad and loved it. The restroom was well stocked though there was a very busy art festival in town and I appreciated that. We'll be back! read more

Lakeside Inn - Strawberry chicken Salad - Hotels Near Me - Mount Dora, Florida

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This review can only speak for the Verandah. What an enchanting and special place! I've long wondered about visiting but have never really been sure what all's open to the public. Sort of looks private. After visiting a small car show on the grounds a few weeks ago, I learned otherwise and endeavored to see about brunch one Sunday and so we did at the Verandah boasting the only lake front dining in Mount Dora. I've spied it before on a Sunday and know they get busy so we went early. So I'm into biscuits and gravy lately, having grown up on oatmeal, and I'm trying it just about everywhere I can and well, their biscuits and gravy's solid. Not cheap with the meat, nice fluffy slightly crispy biscuit, and not flavorless or soupy. Nice. Our waitress, I don't know about her. She fussed about me looking at the lunch menu she put in front of me because they were only serving brunch and was in absentia afterward so much so someone else brought out our food and no one ever followed up with us. Needed pepper, needed hot sauce, needed water refills (thankfully we had our own bottle water intended for a later boat tour), and needed coffee refills. As if! Never got them until we were right close to getting the check. She sure was friendly in the end. Nice place. Good food. Weird not so good service. We came here to enjoy ourselves and not be forced into an experience. That said, different day, different waitress, maybe, and I'd probably like the place. read more

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You are better off eating at Dennys The place is amazing, but sadly they do not have a good cook, I could make a better breakfast at home. The coffee was so so bad, it looked like coffee, but it didn't taste anything like coffee .the only good deal is the mimosas, orange juice and champagne , they can't screw that one up! read more

First time at this expensive hotel. Room was acceptable, but I went to have dinner at their hotel site restaurant to be told they ran out of food. In addition, no room service was available. Ended up ordering through UBER EATS. read more

Historic inn with great view of lake and prime location downtown. Definitely an older inn - tv was broken, air conditioning was elderly and struggled, and not much warm water. But overall this was a cool place to spend a night. For better or worse no ghostly experiences. read more

We stayed in the GateHouse. The room was small, dark, and smelled. This room in the GateHouse is not even pictured on their website it was so bad. Was supposed to have a sitting area but there was none. Carpet was stained. Breakfast in the dining room was a huge expensive disappointment. My eggs were ice cold and I had to send them back. I would never stay here again. The only good thing about our stay was we could walk directly into Downtown. Was it worth it? no. read more

Service was lacking in all departments. The rooms and facilities are very dated and not kept up. After staying there for a weekend they attempted to charge us a smoking fee. ( I do not smoke, never have). Meanwhile my family and I did notice on a regular basis that the hotel's maintenance staff would be smoking weed in their utilities room that shares the same hallway. Feels like a cash grab for the hotel, and it is unfortunate that the hotel doesn't select and manage their employees better. read more

Lakeside Inn - Hotels Near Me - Mount Dora, Florida

We dined at The Beauclaire for lunch on Memorial Day. This restaurant is part of the historic Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora. It was a very hot but beautiful day so we decided to enjoy our meals on the porch which offers a view of Lake Dora. Dalton was our server and he did a swell job taking care of us. My stepdad and I enjoyed iced tea and my mom had water. Mom ordered a 1/2 club sandwich with a bowl of soup. The Beauclaire features a daily soup and on this particular day it was veggie with couscous. However, they neglected to mention it also contained chunks of beef. Fortunately, mom isn't a vegetarian so no harm no foul. My stepdad ordered the club sandwich as well but an entire one which was accompanied by fries. Both enjoyed their sandwiches very much, but he wasn't crazy about the fries. I ordered the fresh Florida salad which featured mixed greens, grilled shrimp, mandarin oranges, red onion, sliced avocado, pecan pralines, and hearts of palm. I swapped out the hearts for berries and opted for the recommended honey citrus vinaigrette dressing. The ingredients were extremely fresh and the salad was delicious. I was very hungry so it left me slightly unfulfilled but, I ate 2/3 crackers that were served with my mom's soup and this did the trick. I tasted mom's soup and it was very good. It tasted homemade and they were generous with the beef which was very tender. The ambiance is lovely. The Inn and the property are very charming and I would absolutely lodge here. I highly recommend checking this place out whether it's for vacation or a meal. All three meals are available at The Beauclaire and breakfast looks superb! Additionally, there is a nice tavern inside the Inn: Tremain's Tavern. The restrooms were very clean and provide an old school charm. The entire experience was great! read more

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I want so badly to recommend but can only do so if this changes management. We ADORE historic places which is why I hope this place never goes away but it needs an owner to come in and give it the love and attention it and its staff deserve. The reviews say it all but I'll add that if I took a photo of our room and asked my friends to guess where we were, they'd guess a Motel 6 in the 90s. I love the little charms but they get overshadowed by the VERY noisy hallway, the bugs, the lack of any sort of comforter (we had two sheets on our bed and that was it), we were begging for breathable air as the room lacked any ventilation as windows are painted shut, that we waited an hour past check in and then also couldn't get breakfast in AM during their open hours because they were "booked". The thing is, the staff is aware I think they are just resigned that nothing will be done about it. We will def come back but stay elsewhere and forgo the convenience of the location. read more

Historic hotel open since 1883 in charming downtown Mount Dora. My room in one of the lakefront buildings was desperately in need of a refresh, with tired furnishings and obvious termite issues in bath. Very friendly staff and good bar service. Lots of locals drinking at pool and hotel bar. read more

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It's a beautiful hotel... on the outside. The inside smelled musty. The repairs done overtime are shotty. The mini split barely worked, toilet barely flushed, room smelled and felt musty and humid. Sadly, this is our last visit to Lakeside. I need to wash all my clothes just for the horrible smell of the room. read more

Gorgeous views,town is walking distance. We were there for a wedding which was looking out on the lake. Stay was very friendly. Dinner was made by restaurant in the Inn. Very delicious,rooms are a bit musty smelling. What I guess that's what you get staying in a historical Inn. read more

We are in disbelief that what is supposed to be an iconic Mt Dora property is in such a state of deterioration. We reported conditions to front desk person who literally responded "no one has ever complained". And then added: "but you have a beautiful lake view". The room's door knobs (closet and bathroom) are hanging and the dirty and unkept corridor including entrance to our room is filthy. The a/c barely working. Still waiting for someone from mainatinance to come. The property is in a great location and sunset view by the lake spectacular. But if you care about cleanliness and half decent accommodations then this is not the place for you. read more

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My wife & I stayed here for 3 nights during the Craft Fair 24-27 Oct 2025. Positives: The main advantage was once parked you can easily walk to the fair. It starts right outside the front door of this hotel. I didn't have to move my car for 3 days. The check-in staff were friendly and helpful. We were each given a room key. I had to exchange mine since it didn't work. The counter staff lady said, a woman complained once because a man was able to come into her room. Hmm? Our room 7225 (King Size Bed with a View) was across the street, then up & down & up more stairs again down some hallways to our room. No elevator! Old style climb-in tub with a shower. There were 2 long safety rails and tub flooring felt safe too. There were 2 night stands, a dresser all with drawers, 2 chairs with arms. There was a walk-in closet with Iron and board, 1 luggage rack & coat hangers. TV that worked well. An alarm clock that was set to another time zone. Daily room service. Negatives: Our room cost for 3 nights was $973.00 ($325.00/night) and it didn't even include breakfast. Instead we were given 3 individual $10.00 certificates that we could use in the restaurant during our stay. When we arrived in our room, both window blinds were closed. We immediately tried to open up both window blinds to allow light into the dark room. The front window blind facing the lake and views was broken. One of the cords was completely missing to open the slats. I then pulled on the other side and the entire blind went up but at a 45 degree slant. I immediately noticed all the wasp nests on the outside of this window and all the others I could see as well. All 3 windows in our room were painted shut, not that I would want to open any of them. All 3 were very dirty. The bathroom door was sprung. No way to keep it closed. When taking a shower, wife found the transfer handle difficult to go from bath to shower. Temperature of the shower changes when other rooms flush their toilets. We could also hear when they did flush them. Leaving our room, one has to use both hands to get out of the room. If you only have one hand, good luck. No refrigerator. The AC/Heater above the closet door across the room blows right into your face when sitting/lying in bed. They allow dogs in rooms. I'm allergic to both Cats and Dogs. I started itching every time I got into the room. Our last night, there was a thunder, lighting, winds and heavy rains. Rain ran down each of our windows from the top and onto the floor. We had to put towels on the floor under each of the windows. We also had to pickup any clothing, shoes, bags, luggage and put them all off the floor. We both complained we could spell gas from the sewer. read more

Booked a room in June for an October stay. Room smelled like mold and zero air conditioning. They were booked and couldn't move us to another room. Here is my problem - the mold didn't happen overnight; the a/c had been broken for some time. We suffered all night and we still ended up paying $200 for the nights stay. Don't stay here. A free breakfast doesn't make up for an evening of breathing mold and dying of heat. Room 7117. read more

Great facility. Beautiful lakeside view. Have eaten there 3 times this month. But today they dropped the ball. Easter Brunch $50+ pp. Half hour late to seat us. Ok. 4 course meal for brunch. Courses one and two came slow but ok. But main course took more than an hour. Waitress was great but could not do anything. Asked the manager to check. Seemed to blame the waitress! Then still a half hour wait. No sorry from manager. Just looked past everyone No adjustment or let's give you a refill on drinks. Meh. So - they were overwhelmed- and handled it poorly. Still we will be back and generally recommend this beautiful place. read more

Lakeside Inn - View from the Verandah. Very nice. - Hotels Near Me - Mount Dora, Florida

Stayed here for 3 night - very charming place. However the charm wears off quickly when there is no hot water in your room. I mentioned it to the front desk the first day and was told it was probably just the time of day - it was 3 pm. Yet still no hot water at noon one day or 9 am the next. Kind of room temperature with shots of cold intermittently. I mentioned it again on check out so they could look at it was just told - oh we are sorry. Kind of feel they have heard this before. For $200 a night we were also not expecting furniture that appeared to come from a thrift store or side of the road. We did have breakfast at the inn one day and it was very good - waitress was great. All staff was very nice. Will definitely visit area again but probably not stay here. read more

Lakeside Inn - Hotels Near Me - Mount Dora, Florida

The Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora, Florida, has a rich history dating back to 1883. Originally known as the Alexander House, it was a simple two-story wooden structure with a handful of rooms for travelers passing through town. However, as the town grew, so did the Inn. It underwent several renovations, including the addition of a third floor and the construction of a grand veranda overlooking Lake Dora. Throughout its history, the Lakeside Inn has hosted many notable guests, including President Calvin Coolidge and Thomas Edison. The Inn has also been the setting for many important events, such as the signing of the Mount Dora Agreement in 1922, which established the town's first zoning laws. Today, the Lakeside Inn continues to be a beloved landmark in Mount Dora. It's a popular destination for travelers who appreciate its historic charm and picturesque setting. The town itself is known for its natural beauty, with lush greenery and sparkling lakes in every direction. Visitors can enjoy scenic boat rides on Lake Dora, explore the nearby nature trails, or simply relax on the Inn's veranda with a book and a refreshing drink. In addition to its natural beauty, Mount Dora is also known for its thriving art scene. The town is home to many galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artists. The Mount Dora Center for the Arts hosts regular exhibitions and workshops, and the annual Mount Dora Arts Festival is a highlight of the year for many residents and visitors alike. Whether you're a fan of traditional paintings or contemporary sculpture, you're sure to find something to inspire you in Mount Dora. I know I certainly enjoyed it when I was there. read more

Lakeside Inn - Gorgeous ! Have boat rides available - Hotels Near Me - Mount Dora, Florida

Jade was amazing, very attentive and food was good as usual. We love eating here on our trips to mt Dora.

Every time we go to Mount Dora, we stop at Lakeside Inn. We don't stay at this Inn. We simply sit by the lake in the beach chairs and watch the view of the water and wait for the sunset. There's never a time in Mount Dora without this perfect spot. It's a must do if you love that type of scenery. You can see birds and wildlife too. This is a place to take a boat ride and we once also saw a small airplane picking up a bride and groom here. It's a perfect peaceful happy spot & it always reminds me of Dirty Dancing. It wasn't filmed here, but I feel like it reminds me of how it looked in the movie. read more

It's dated, but beautiful. The breakfast was fantastic. Although the service was slow, our server was polite and apologetic

The only complaint I had was that the ice machine was broken. Very old fashioned quaint hotel. I was nervous about the noise on a Friday but it was completely quiet. Didn't take advantage of restaurant but parking was ample and they let us check in early. read more

We had dinner tonight to celebrate my wife's birthday. They were out of the Rib Eye, Beef Tips and table beside us were told the Salmon was spoiled. They were also out of corn. My wife ordered the Filet and Lobster Tail. The lobster was so salty we couldn't eat it. After telling our waitress Tiffany, no response from the kitchen... Great view and gorgeous grounds, enjoy but eat elsewhere. read more

In a world where things are changing faster than the speed of light, it's oftentimes comforting to know there are still plenty of old-time historic places that exist out there. Take Lakeside Inn, a historical hotel situated right on the water's edge of Mount Dora.in Fernandina Beach, for instance. Opened for business in 1883 it's one of the oldest surviving hotels in Florida. Best of all its age-old historic charm remains in tact with its huge porch, rocking chairs and gorgeous views. I dropped the extra bucks and took their best room on the water's edge. The view from it over Lake Dora was breathtakingly beautiful. But the interior of the room was really dated when it came to electrical outlets, furniture and lighting. I had to unplug the small refrigerator as it moaned and groaned loudly, had to unscrew some light bulbs in order to use an electrical outlet that only worked the with the lights on. And, sort of worse, the room had a rather old moldy like smell to it. The hotel restaurant and food is very good with the Beauclaire Dining Room being rather elegant but the best is the Veranda or front porch as it has the best charm and atmosphere. Tremain's Tavern has a super old world gentlemen's club like atmosphere offering light fare and nightly live entertainment. Being there is a five-star experience but staying there or rating the rooms, I can only say, OK, three stars. read more

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Not happy with Christina at the front desk. When we arrived for our wedding anniversary she told us to wait a bit as the rooms were not ready yet. While I am seated waiting right near the front desk another couple walks in and she books them into a room in the main inn. I got up (not happy) and when I was next she said no more rooms available in the inn...we were put in a crappy room in one of the out buildings. I am so pissed off...I told her...I was sitting right there waiting and you gave away my room to another couple. Thanks a lot for your crappy service Christine. read more

Super friendly day staff - front desk, maintenance and housekeepers. Our room was super clean, considering how old it is. Nice lobby but would be better if they had cold water available. We had to switch rooms first night due to flying insects- it is an all wood structure so it's amazing that we didn't run into more. And I wouldn't have minded but they kept landing on my face as I tried to sleep. The second room was great without those visitors. The pool was dirty, even after being cleaned with a thick grey scum along the tile edge. Yes I would return- and I used the pool anyway! We were there 1st week of June and it was very quiet and relaxing read more

Lakeside Inn - Sunsets are pretty on the lake - Hotels Near Me - Mount Dora, Florida

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Thoroughly enjoyed our lunch on the Inn's front porch, great breeze, nice lake view. Best waffle cut sweet potato fries ever, famous all white meat chicken pot pie and on the healthier side, fresh salad with hearts of palm, grilled shrimp, avocado and citrus. Super staff. read more

This historic inn on the shores of Lake Dora was simply lovely. The room was spacious, with an adjacent sitting area and ample storage space. The town is adorable, with a great variety of restaurants and shops. We opted to spend New Year at the Lakeside Inn and we were not disappointed. The dinner was superb, with old-world charm, and outstanding service. We are already planning a return to this little gem. The hotel is old so not for everyone, we just loved it! read more

I came to Mt.Dora because I had business in the morning near by and I did not want to drive 2.5 hours in the morning, so I chose to do it the night before. With that in mind, a friend of mine recommend the Lakeside Inn as a place to stay, I decided to take her suggestion. I got a 1 queen bed room, it was just above the check-in desk with a view of the lake that was absolutely sublime. The colors of the room, a bright teal blue and lime green were lively and in some places in need of touch up. The bed was amazing. It was soft, dense memory foam that cradled you comfortably. It provided a wonderful night sleep. The bathroom was small. The shower/tub combo was so tiny, it was positively cute. I think I've only seen one smaller and that was in New Orleans. The old fashioned keyed entry was both quaint and sometimes cumbersome, still I did like it. Over all, the room was wonderfully clean. I would definitely come back. read more

Lakeside Inn - Hotels Near Me - Mount Dora, Florida

Our first visit to this lovely town. We strolled the streets, shopped a bit, had some coffee and eventually worked our way over to the Inn for lunch. Our group of four chose an outdoor seat on the expansive front porch, with great views to the lake, and a cool breeze on this beautiful day. The setting is five star. The food was a solid four stars. My leek and potato soup was good...but...large ump potatoes - not blended. More like a potato chowder. Curious. The crab cake was delicious. Might have been even tastier if the remoulade ever made it to the table! The service, well that's a whole other matter. Orders taken but the changes we requested (like no bun, and a sauce on the side) were not executed. And the time from visit to visit by our laid back waitress was immeasurable. She'd deliver one thing then say "oh I forgot the sauce (again)" and it would be another 5 minutes before she returned. Finished before the remoulade arrived. We waited at least 15 minutes for her to bring the requested check. Great spot for lunch. Bring extra patience. Now I know it was a Sunday and maybe regular staff was not in, but the service was disappointing. Would try another spot in town before returning and sacrifice the view. read more

Lakeside Inn - Porch dining - Hotels Near Me - Mount Dora, Florida

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In 1882 the idea for an inn was developed by prominent Mount Dora citizens John Alexander, John and Annie Donnelly and Colonel John McDonald. The group felt that the city needed a hotel in order to house guests and grow the city. The two story, 10 room Alexander House opened in 1883 on the east shore of Lake Dora and was run by Ms. Emma Boone who arrived from Boston in 1884. By 1897 train service to Mount Dora was established and the hotel quickly became a popular winter retreat for hunters, fishermen, and boaters. In 1893 the partners sold the hotel to Ms. Boone who changed the name to the Lake House. In 1903 Emma Boone married George Thayer of Boston and the two formed the Lakeside Hotel Company and changed the hotel's name to the Lakeside Inn. The couple increased the size of the hotel adding a three story section and a two story section. Emma passed away in 1909 and her husband sold the hotel in 1924 to a group of investors. More improvements were made to the hotel in the 1930's and notable visitors to included Presidents Coolidge and Eisenhower, Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford. The hotel was sold several more times and fell on hard times in the 1980's and 1990's. In 1987 the inn was added to the National Register of Historic Places. A rescue operation saved it from the wrecking ball in 1985 but the renovations proved to overwhelming and it was sold at a sheriffs auction in 1990. Current owners Jim and Alexandra Gunderson, purchased the Lake side Inn in 2010 and have been steadily renovating the 87 guest rooms. They are dedicated to preserving the hotel's 130 year old history. The Lakeside Inn is the last of the Grand Victorian Era Hotels still remaining in Central Florida. As soon as you step on the property you feel like you have stepped back in time. The inn is only steps from all of the restaurants and shops in historic Mount Dora. There are five buildings located on the property with a pool and bar overlooking Lake Dora. You can stay at the inn, dine at the Beauclaire Dining Room or Tremains Lounge, book a boat or seaplane ride, shop at the Gatehouse Gift Gallery, or host an event like a wedding. Guests enjoy sitting on the rocking chairs lining the 200 foot veranda. Even if you are not staying overnight in the hotel, this beautiful historic inn is worth a stop when you visit Mount Dora. read more

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Stopped in on a Saturday for lunch. In fairness it was 2:20 and they close the kitchen at 2:30, which makes sense because the city was busy but this place was a ghost town and now I know why...the chicken on my salad was inedible chewy, my wife has the chicken pot pie said it was okay, my son had the salmon it was adequate. We would not return. There are other places to eat in Mt Dora and that must be where everyone else was. read more

I have now waited ten days to receive a response from the management at The Lakeside Inn. It appears that no reply will be forthcoming. I stayed in room 7612 on October 24th and 25th, 2025. After sleeping in the room for one night, I woke up ill, and it continued for the next 24 hours - as I was so unwell I could not leave my room. The room has a wall mounted A/C unit, which merely recirculates air. All of my symptoms were consistent with carbon monoxide - I do believe that the A/C unit was pumping some toxin in the air which I was breathing for about 30+ hours. Upon leaving at 6:30 a.m. Sunday morning to seek medical attention, my symptoms and the overall feeling of nausea, weakness, fatigue, brain fog - disappeared in less than 30 minutes once outside of the building. No symptoms re-appeared once I left the Inn, and I have no pre-existing conditions. I believe that the room is toxic and perhaps the next person affected will not be as lucky as I am. Either way, the fact that management chose to ignore my correspondence speaks volumes about their concern for their guests and their own property. Before booking here, inquire as to the A/C unit - and if it is a wall mounted unit, find another hotel. It is evident that if something were to go wrong, management would be unconcerned, unresponsive and unaccountable. read more