Jacaranda Hotel

Pros

• The room and hotel are described as a beautiful historic site.
• The hotel is praised for its friendly and helpful staff.
• The rooms are noted as clean and comfortable.
• The Sunday buffet is described as delicious and reasonably priced.
• The hotel's historic charm creates a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
• The downtown Avon Park location is convenient with easy parking and shops nearby.
• Sherry and the morning staff are highlighted as friendly and accommodating.
• The Jacaranda Hotel is considered a true gem by visitors.
• The Sunday brunch is something guests look forward to experiencing.
• The Christmas and antique decor are described as beautifully done.
• The restaurant and buffet are praised for their quality and atmosphere.
• Guests express intentions to return or recommend the hotel to others.

Cons

• A guest reported being assigned a much smaller room than reserved after booking, describing the staff as "absolutely zero help" and rude.
• A reviewer stated the buffet chicken was dry.
• A guest complained about a strong, god-awful odor described as urinal mothballs on every floor.
• Another reviewer said the hotel had not been kept to better standards and criticized the overall upkeep.
• A guest said the rooms needed updating.
• A diner slammed the Sunday brunch, calling the food "garbage" with frozen vegetables and reheated dishes.
• A reviewer described a receptionist as very rude and unhelpful when questioned about the key issue.
• Several reviewers indicated they would never stay there again or recommend it.
• One guest described the rooms as uncomfortable, with bedrooms connected through bathrooms and old doors/windows that create a lot of noise.

Review

The Jacaranda Hotel in Avon Park presents itself first and foremost as a striking, time-honored building that feels like a step back into a more gracious era. Many guests describe it as an incredible old structure with a charming, historic air that suits strolls through a town center filled with shops and a sense of small-town character. The exterior and interiors alike carry a strong period vibe, with references to Christmas decorations and antique touches that make the place feel like a small museum of days gone by - the kind of atmosphere that draws people back to relive old memories or simply soak in a slower pace.

Inside, visitors encounter a mix of experiences that tilt toward the nostalgic and the comforting. Several guests report rooms and common spaces that open onto verandas, simple comforts, clean beds, and a sense of coziness that makes the hotel easy to unwind in after a day of sightseeing or meetings. The upstairs halls and dining areas feel old-fashioned in the best possible sense, with original elevator experiences and a quiet rhythm that makes you feel you've stepped into a different era. Yet some reviews point to the newer challenges of an aging building: rooms described as small or dated, doors and windows that creak, and some noise from corridors or trains, which can remind guests that they are staying in a historic property rather than a brand-new hotel.

Staff and service emerge as a central thread in most experiences. The majority of reviewers highlight friendly, helpful personnel - the kind of team that makes you feel welcome and supported. There are standout moments from specific staff members - Sherry, the morning crew, and others who go above and beyond - alongside anecdotes of warm, accommodating service at front desks or in the restaurant. At the same time, a few guests recount less favorable encounters and a few miscommunications, including a negative experience with a receptionist or difficulty working the front desk when trying to adjust arrangements. Overall, though, the sentiment skews toward appreciation for hospitality and the willingness of staff to make the stay pleasant, even when plans or expectations don't align perfectly.

Food and dining opinions are delightfully diverse. The hotel's Sunday Grand Buffet is repeatedly praised for its scope and variety, with guests noting generous portions, a broad selection, and a value-driven price. Some diners advise arriving early to place your name on the seating list, while others enjoy the seafood soup, salads, and a mix of hot and cold options. Yet there are equally strong caveats: at least one visit found the buffet disappointing, with criticisms about meat being overcooked or foods that felt frozen or reheated, and even a remark that the overall dining experience did not meet expectations. A few guests mention the continental breakfast as simple or grab-and-go, including items like frozen breakfast sandwiches, which may not satisfy those seeking a more robust morning spread. The dining room's ambiance - seasonally decorated for Christmas or during special events - adds to the experience for many, even as others note that the quality can vary from visit to visit.

Beyond meals, the property offers a suite of charming details that enchant history buffs and leisure travelers alike. The building's character is augmented by period decor, vintage elevator experiences, and a sense of stepping back in time with every corner you explore. Christmas decorations are highlighted as particularly beautiful, turning the Jac into a festive focal point for visitors during the holiday season. Guests mention the balcony as a lovely feature to enjoy at night, a quiet spot to reflect on the town's charm, and a general sense that the property remains a "true gem" in Avon Park. The town itself - small, walkable, with shops nearby - complements the hotel experience, making it a convenient base for day trips or casual explorations of local culture.

Location and value are frequently cited as strong positives. The hotel sits squarely in the heart of downtown Avon Park, with easy access to nearby shops and attractions, and with parking described as convenient. Returning guests often emphasize the allure of the old-time feel and the sense of history that makes a stay here feel special, even if some modern comforts aren't fully up to contemporary hotel standards. The combination of historic ambiance, convenient downtown placement, and often-friendly pricing creates a compelling case for visitors who cherish authenticity and a sense of place over sleek modernity.

In sum, the Jacaranda Hotel offers a distinctive, sometimes imperfect, but thoroughly memorable experience. For travelers who value a strong sense of history, period decor, an authentic old-hotel atmosphere, and the charm of a small-town setting, it can be a wonderful place to linger in Avon Park. It's decidedly not a cookie-cutter stay: the building, the elevator, the Christmas nooks, the vintage dining rooms, and the surrounding town all contribute to a unique narrative you won't find in a newer hotel. There are moments of standout hospitality and atmosphere, tempered by occasional service glitches and room- or buffet-related inconsistencies. If you're drawn to historic hotels and are prepared for a mix of old-world charm with the ebbs and flows of a character-filled property, the Jacaranda is worth planning a visit - and perhaps another - when you're in the area.

This area of Avon Park, Florida offers a variety of amenities that may be appealing to seniors looking for a convenient and comfortable place to live. With several parks nearby, such as Donaldson Park and Charlie Brown Playground, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Additionally, there are numerous dining options in close proximity, including La Malquerida and Dutchers Diner, providing easy access to a variety of cuisines. For those with religious affiliations, several places of worship are located within a short distance, offering spiritual support and community engagement. Access to pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy make managing healthcare needs convenient, along with nearby physicians' offices such as Avon Park Pediatrics and Central Florida Health Care. In case of medical emergencies, there are hospitals within a few miles' radius, such as AdventHealth Sebring and Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center Lab Services. Overall, this area provides a range of services and facilities that could make it an attractive option for seniors looking to settle in Avon Park.

Parks

• Donaldson Park (0.2 miles)
• Shuffleboard At Reflections (2.3 miles)
• Panera Park (6.7 miles)
• Charlie Brown Playground (7.4 miles)

Restaurants

• La Malquerida (0.4 miles)
• Dutchers Diner (0.7 miles)
• McDonald's (0.8 miles)
• Taco Bell (0.8 miles)
• Arby's (0.8 miles)
• Olympic Restaurant (0.8 miles)
• Burger King (0.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Church of the Nazarene (0.4 miles)
• Southern Baptist Convention (0.6 miles)
• Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church (0.6 miles)
• Iglesia Cristiana Mounte Sion (0.7 miles)
• Faith Pentecostal House of God (0.9 miles)
• Emmanuel Church of the Living God (1.2 miles)
• Life Church Avon Park (1.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (1 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Avon Pharmacy Maulik Patel (1.7 miles)
• Heartland Pharmacy (3.9 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (5.7 miles)

Physicians

• First Help Urgent Care Clinic (1.1 miles)
• Avon Park Pediatrics (1.6 miles)
• Central Florida Health Care (1.7 miles)
• Sunaina Khurana, MD (1.7 miles)
• Heartland Pediatrics Associates (2.6 miles)
• Yannucci II, John J, MD (2.6 miles)
• Water's Edge Dermatology (3 miles)

Hospitals

• Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center Lab Services (2.5 miles)
• AdventHealth Sebring (3.9 miles)
• FHHD OR Department (3.9 miles)
• Fl Hospital (4 miles)
• Florida Hospital Heartland Division (4 miles)
• Florida Hospital-Sebring Heliport (4 miles)
• Florida Hospital Heartland Care (4.2 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (3.5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (6.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (6.7 miles)

Theaters

• Amc Theater (7.4 miles)