While it may seem like a quaint old hotel, it is desperate need of some work. We were told at check in that half the hotel are college dorm rooms and the other hotel rooms. The rooms are old, outdated, and dirty. The bathroom was absolutely disgusting. The elevator can only be run by the hotel staff. The closet appeared to be shared by adjacent room. I guess that is why it had a lock on it. No TV in the bedroom and very limited outlets. read more

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This is a review of the locally famous ACE weekday lunch buffet. Other aspects of the hotel are covered in other reviews. If you enjoy a great buffet lunch, read on! Arriving- The Jacaranda is on Main Street so finding it is a snap. There is street parking in the front and a large parking lot behind the hotel. Availability- The ACE lunch buffet is only weekdays and only when the snowbirds are here. The remainder of the year, lunch reverts to menu-based. Check the website for availability if you're worried. Ambience- Very, very, very nice. Some folks say elegant. Two large dining rooms. See my picture. It's so nice you might worry about the $$ but don't fret! More about that later. Adult Libations- Sorry, not here. If you are dying for an adult drink, there is a great bar seconds away. Have a great lunch here and then head over as many folks do. Just Yelp it. Customer Service- I've visited many times and never had a problem. They serve most drinks by the carafe here and leave it on the table which is much appreciated by many folks. You pay on your way out at a desk in the hotel lobby. Pricing- It's currently $17.50 for soup, salad, multiple hot entrees, dessert, and drinks. And of course it's ACE. Food- The food is stick to your ribs comfort food. There are basically five stations. 1. Pick up your warm rolls and butter here. 2. Today's homemade soup which varies, and I love most of them. 3. A fresh, beautifully maintained salad bar. See my picture. 4. Hot entrees and sides which are different every day. On my last visit I zeroed in on sliced pork tenderloin which was excellent. Note that they almost always have fried chicken as one of the entrees. 5. Dessert. There is a substantial display, but I never make it there as I'm already stuffed! So a four star, sit down, ACE lunch in a beautiful atmosphere for less than twenty bucks! Sound good? You bet! read more

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This is a Great old hotel , We stayed over on Feb,5,26 , The place is Beautiful and the staff was Great , We already booked a night over just before this coming Christmas before it books up , Also the dinner buffet was Great and very reasonably priced, I am sure we will stay there again soon. read more

We wondered inside just to check out the beautiful lobby, and we ended up having lunch here. It's not often these days you get blown away by "outstanding" food and service. This ended with me enjoying one of the best cheese burgers on the planet. The food portions were amazing. Everything was absolutely fresh and delicious!!!. If you are looking for a casual lunch in the area, then I highly recommend this place. It's extremely refreshing to enjoy lunch out and not get overcharged and get ripped off by the small portions. read more

This is a unique stop if you're ever in Avon Park Florida. The hotel is longest running open since 1929. Lots of railroad tycoons would come vacation here back in the day. Today it's a cute nostalgic old Florida hotel and dining. Sunday Brunch is held In the dining room about $18 a person all you can eat including iced tea and coffee and desserts. Make your reservations ahead of time and arrive early to beat the masses. Place is adorable. A must in Avon Park. read more

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There are very few fine dining places around, this is the best and would be very good anywhere you put it!!

We drove an hour to get there for the dinner buffet only to find out they stopped serving it 2 weeks ago. We checked face book and their website and both advertised it as open for their dinner buffet. Don't waste our time and gas. APPARENTLY THEY COULDN'T BE BOTHERED TO CHANGE THEIR ADVERTISING OVER 2 WEEKS AGO. If you run a business this poorly I can't imagine the food to be worth eating anyways. Catch a clue or find a different business. We won't be back. read more

First time visit for the Sunday Brunch. Food was excellent, service was good, and the place is beautiful old Florida. Will go back

We came In With some friends to try out this historical Hotel downtown Avon Park Not a fan.... since moving to the area.... From the onset of walking into the lobby, you know you have stepped back in time. The lobby is all decorated for Christmas and done fairly well . The dining room is split into 2 different rooms, and ran by the culinary school from South Florida state college here in Avon Park. With that being said .... You would think the quality and presentation would have been much better. Salad bar was par and it had fake red bacon bits. The Brunswick stew could not be eaten by anyone at our table... the waitress even commented no how bad it was. The hot main dishes on the buffet were missing name plates so, the mystery fish and meat were left alone by all. I did try the bbq chicken which was fair. The mashed potatoes could have glued the wall paper back to the walls. Service if that's what you call it was lacking, we had to ask the server several times for our drinks which the order was not right. It seems the hotel dining buffet is directly associated to the influx of seniors from up North who winter here read more

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Went here for Sunday brunch. The food was not great and not worth the $18 per person charge.

This structure is a historic treasure. The hotel and restaurant have been in continuous operation since 1926 and is being meticulously maintained by an ongoing restoration fundraising program. The restaurant is staffed by students in a culinary program and they do a supurb job. The buffet style meal has many delicious hot selections. There is soup, rolls, a salad bar and a dessert table. Tables are covered in cloth. All this for less than $10 a person. You will not leave hungry. We were fortunate enough to visit during Christmas season, so we experienced the magnificent, opulant decorations throughout the hotel. There was also a gentleman playing Christmas tunes in the lobby. Such a nice experience for not much more than the price of a fast food burger and fries. read more

Absolutely racists front desk staff, they turn away people of color for no valid reason and it's happened multiple times from different friends that are not Caucasian have been refused a room for a made up reason due to their beliefs and perspective on colored people read more

The Hotel Jacaranda - Jacaranda - Hotels Near Me - Avon Park, Florida

OMGOSH!! This historic hotel should not be missed. Built in the 1920's by two furniture makers from Grand Rapids, MI. !!! They lost their entire fortunes and died destitute. Sad story but their legacy lives on. Beautiful clean and very original! I'm so glad we stopped! read more

Aging historic hotel. Pluses: wired internet, best pool ever and (mid week in June) no other hotel guests. Everyone is super friendly. Minuses: this place was a big deal in the 1920s and now it is what is left of a hotel housed in the same building with student dorms. Things work and they are mostly clean, but everything is old and dated. For young children, being allowed to operate the manual elevator and decent cable TV made it an overall win. If your spouse is at all picky, keep looking. read more

It's a lovely place to host events. It's clean and the staff are very kind and helpful.

History buffs will enjoy this place as we did. It is one of the oldest continually running hotels in Florida, located downtown on Main Street of a town with 8800 people. It's currently owned by the Southern Florida State College next door. While providing dorm space in some rooms it is still an "Old Florida" hotel in other parts. We love that it also is the "playground" for culinary arts students. The lobby is stately. They are restoring the street level stores to their former glory. The website is not forthcoming with "summer menu" or its prices so we chose to eat elsewhere on our tour of this town. (It's a buffet about November to May.) Our review is not based on eating or sleeping here--only enjoying the tour experience through the lobby and using its website. We will go back during their busy season to experience the buffet and enjoy holiday decorations. A great locals "staycation". read more

The Hotel Jacaranda - beauty - Hotels Near Me - Avon Park, Florida

I have never stayed at the Jacaranda Hotel. My review is for the restaurant. We went to brunch on Sunday. The decorations were absolutely beautiful! The food however was less than exceptional. It was plain and nothing special. They had plain corn, canned green beans, carrots. The fish was mush. The rolls hard as a rock. Mash potatoes and gravy and fried chicken( the only thing that was good) So sadly dissapointed. Nothing that you couldn't have opened a can at home. The desserts were massive, I tried three different ones thst looked appetizing. Didn't even finish one of them. They looked great, but weren't.They really could and should step up their game. It wouldn't take much work. I predict if they don't, they won't last much longer. Really a shame. Sorry. read more

I just love Central Florida! You always stumble upon little nearly unknown gems like the Jacaranda Hotel. We were heading to the nearby Lake Placid area to go to Henscratch Farm's annual grape stomp and I was looking for somewhere to stay and found this place. It was reasonably priced. The outside was absolutely beautiful. The lobby was big and spacious and the lady at the front desk was super friendly. There's no wifi, which didn't deter us in the least. The elevator is still old school crank style, and we took a ride in it once..just for fun. Our room was on the second floor and it was very cozy. I loved the décor and that it was across from the verandah. The verandah looked out over the middle of Avon Park with an area that had trees and a gazebo across the street. Parking was around back, as was the neat pool. It has a buffet in it, which we did not get to try this time around. This building also houses the dorms for the culinary students, which I was kind of worried about before our trip, but it was unfounded because we never saw or heard anyone. This is absolutely an interesting place and its pretty central in Central Florida so there's tons to do in the area, I will definitely stay here again. read more

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Do not miss this hidden gem....it's not a drive by! The interior is beautiful and the fresh buffets are delicious. Lunch buffet is $9.95. You will enjoy the elegant dining area and fresh salad and soup bars plus main course items. Very efficiently staffed and clean. Well run! read more

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We stayed here overnight while visiting friends in Avon Park. It is a lovely old hotel that has been very well maintained over its many years. It has kept its charm of days gone by. The rooms were appointed with period fixtures ,etc, as well as a comfy king size bed. Other compliments were a fridge, microwave oven, and coffee maker. Great price and a nice place to stay. read more

Sunday , 10-5-14 our Riding Club, Southern Cruisers Polk County 346 planned a ride here. !6 of us ate the Sunday Grand Buffet. It was a Great time for all of us and the Food and Service were top notch. Soup,Salad Bar, Dinner and desert complete with drink for $12 on linen table service cannot be beat. The Fried chicken was probably the best I have ever had, lightly breaded and moist, delicious to say the least and the Dessert table had 7 kinds of dessert for the trying. We will defiantly be back again. Thanks for treating our group to a Great Time and wonderfull food and service. -BBQ-346 SCRC read more

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I absolutely loved my stay at The Jacaranda Hotel. I was looking to find some awesome hidden gems in Florida and that is exactly what I got. The staff was top notch. When we checked in close to 9pm I asked the front desk attendant where to get food. She quickly grabbed the phone and called the restaurant across the street and asked if they would stay open for us. This is something I hate to do as someone who works in the industry, but she insisted. We were so well taken care of. I highly recommend taking some time to find the places in Florida that are more slow paced and friendly. This hotel is a great place to stay if you are trying to hit locations on the Cracker Trail! read more

Carol handled all my reservations. Hotel is clean and safe. It's a great get away to get your zen on.

Absolutely loved our stay! The rooms were spacious and comfortable. It retains elements from the 1920's which delighted my kids and parents. Steve and David were so gracious from the start, and the entire staff made us feel as if we were the only guests. Will definitely be back! Thank you Jacaranda hotel! read more

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This is a treasure in downtown Avon Park. As others have mentioned, this is a culinary school and actually some really great food. It's served buffet style for dinner although the dining room is elegant and doesn't seem particularly "buffet" like. Beverages are served in carafes, so you get your own carafe of iced tea or soda or whatever you order. Such a nice touch. We began with the soup, this evening it was turkey noodle. I make homemade turkey soup often and this is the real deal. The broth definitely tasted of genuine bone broth. We then bypassed the salad bar to go straight to the entrees. I was worried the fried chicken would be gone and, boy, am I glad I got some. Fried perfectly with moist meat; not always an easy thing to achieve. The mashed potatoes and gravy were so good. I went back for a small soup bowl of gravy for my chicken. There were beef and fish entrees, although I only tasted the beef. It was a savory beef stew. The meat was so tender I didn't need a knife to cut it. The salad bar had many of the standbys: potato salad, macaroni salad, lettuce and various toppings and dressings. The best thing on the bar were the pickled beets. Being originally from Michigan, beets were almost a nightly dinner staple. These were sweet and yet firm. Yum! The desert table was overwhelming but I finally settled on a tiramisu. The cream filling was spot on and the cake layers soaked in coffee. I wish I had room for more of the deserts because they all looked delicious. Service was excellent and plates were cleared immediately. I can't wait to go back to this place. The building was constructed in 1924, so be sure to wander around. read more

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A sweet find in the middle of Florida We stay in hotels over half the year on business. We generally choose a chain hotel for cleanliness and consistency, But driving through Avon Park, we stopped to check out The Jacaranda Hotel and ended up spending two lovely days and nights. The hotel is a mix of antiques and upgrades. Always working on the hotel, the staff is happy to show you around and tell you about it's history. It has been a hotel in continuous operation since 1926. That, in itself is an amazing accomplishment! The sunny dining room is a lovely lunch and dinner buffet with a pianist who plays the old tunes and a staff that is attentive. We stayed in one of the front suites with a door that opened up onto the second floor balcony porch and spent evenings sitting outside. If you are looking for something a little different, clean, welcoming and charming, look no further than the Jacaranda Hotel. read more

Nice enough folks, but rooms are very stark and maid service is pretty rough to say the least. Our coffee pot was never emptied, bed not made, towels are pretty thin, our shampoo disappeared if left out (they don't provide any). OK stay for the price I suspect, but wouldn't go back. Stayed in March 2014. It's Old Florida, that's for sure. If you like basic, this is the place. Restaurant across the street is good, not so much at the Hotel. At least not for us. Sunday Buffet was akin to a low end buffet at Vegas. Desserts were a disaster. Dry bread pudding and tasteless pies. Maybe just a bad day for them. read more

Should really be 0 stars. This hotel is old, musty, and moldy. Linens were not cleaned and there was hair and dirt found between the sheets. If you are looking to contract a disease this is the hotel for you. read more

Very nice place, great buffet on Sunday, has a lot to offer. The bake macaroni and cheese were the best steak tips and brown gravy, salad so fresh ranch dressing was delicious and dessert of course was just yummy. read more

I originally came here two months ago for a "Ladies Luncheon" and about 2 dozen of us descended to take part in their lunch buffet. The hotel itself is beautiful and was decorated for the holiday season in truly grand style. A live piano player in the lobby added to the ambiance...it was very nice. We went today for Valentine's Day and even though our reservation was "Lost" (and we weren't the only ones. While waiting, we heard three other parties denied immediate seating due to "No reservation" even though they made them) we were seated within 20 minutes. The lobby was pretty full and the Hostess was very busy , so it was noisy and hard to hear the piano player. The dining room was also VERY busy, but the buffet line moved quickly and was full of delicious items. There was even a beef carving station in addition to baked and fried chicken, pork, salad, soup (Autumn soup, kind a vegetable soup) rolls, potatoes and veggies. The dessert table had three sugar free items to choose from and about a dozen different kinds of pastries, cakes, brownies and cheesecakes to choose from. Buffet was $12.49 each plus beverage cost. ...it's less for weekdays...and the service (removing plates , drinks etc) was superb. I would have given 5 stars but for the botched reservation issue causing a bit of stress. Make your own reservations, confirm them and GO! It's very good and the hotel is a real piece of history! read more

Good food, excellent selection, well prepared a d presented. Buffet only, except drinks. Historic hotel and dining room. One of my favorites. Located in Avon Park, Fl. read more

A beautiful historic hotel with the best buffet in town. MI snowbirds Jim and DeLauna.

I would give this place 5 stars if they served wine. The food is very good as is the service. A Sunday brunch would also raise my score.

Had a large party today for Mothers Day, Food was ok (Little pricey for what was eaten)$18.00 pp --- I'm not one that goes back and back to a buffet, I take 1 trip and I'm done. However, several wanted to see the old Hotel so they went up stairs, one of the staff members basically told them to get out they were not allowed. **NO signs stated for guest only ** we just spent over $600.00 at this restaurant, I think they could have been a little kind. We will not frequent again with a large party. read more

Beautiful on the outside and first floor. The first floor has a great deal of old time charm. The original elevator make it so authentic. The dining room and lobby are very pretty and have that old furniture and feel of the past. The staff is wonderful and very accommodating. However, the hotel rooms leave much to be desired. They are old, some things rusty and needs to be updated. Wish was had had time to eat in the dining room,but maybe next trip. read more

Best burger in the area. Soup, sandwiches, salad bar, and daily specials. Limited lunch menu for summer. In season expect a buffet with the best fried chicken at lunch and supper. The buffet is available for Sunday dinner all year round. Special menu additions on holidays, themed to match the occasion. read more

The Hotel Jacaranda - Old Southern charm preserved in Avon Park. - Hotels Near Me - Avon Park, Florida

We picked the Jacaranda Hotel for our Valentine weekend trip. We wanted to go see a part of Florida we had not explored. The hotel is charming with its antique furnishings and decor. The rooms were comfortable and quiet. Big walk in closet. The staff was very helpful. I needed a hairdryer and they had one for me to borrow at the front desk. The hotel is known for its Sunday Brunch which we enjoyed. White linens and fresh flowers. read more

I grew up in this town. This is a very old fashioned hotel. Expect to bring your ID at the front desk if you are not staying. It is for security reasons since there are college students staying in, college baseball players tracking dirt at the hotel as if its their house leaving stains housekeeping to clean up. read more

This is truly a hotel from a bygone era. And I mean that in a very good way. This hotel is has been in continuous operation since 1926. From the beautiful lobby to the down home southern charm, Hotel Jacaranda is a great place to stay for those looking for something original and with a historical flare. The lobby really makes you feel like you're stepping into a time machine and ending up back at turn of the century Florida. It has beautiful artwork of Florida's byways and a cozy little library. The rooms are old-fashioned, but very clean and comfortable. The service is great! So, if you're every passing through Avon Park, be sure to stay at the Jacaranda and get a taste of old time Florida. read more

The Jacaranda is our go-to restaurant when entertaining out of town guest. The food is not gourmet quality but for a buffet very adequate. The prices are reasonable and the food quality and service staff are well above average. The old hotel and dining room are a step back in time. It's easy to imagine the variety of visitors they've had. The tall ceilings, huge arched windows ... if the walls could only talk. The hotel was once used by the Air Force in WWII and currently has a number of small craft/art shops within its first floor gallery. The old elevator is still in the lobby and is an interesting artifact. Aside from the good food which, by the way, is prepared and served by the students of the nearby culinary college is the Jacaranda is kind of a classy place to eat. Tablecloths and silverware are standard and it a quite place to visit and eat with guests. The walls aren't covered with big screened tv's but art work. And the final touch is that they usually have a real live piano player playing the old standards in the background. They decorate the interior to celebrate the holidays. A very nice touch. We enjoyed Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations and Easter is currently being shown. read more