History

When the Lakeland Terrace Hotel first opened her doors in 1924, she was hailed as one of Florida's finest new year round inns, which at the time was a rather novel concept. Prior to that, because air conditioning was not widely used yet, hotels simply opened for “The Season,” and closed for the summer. Fortunately, the prosperity of the early 1920s meant that tourists by the trainload were pouring into cities like Lakeland, in the Sunshine State. The warm weather and the lucrative real estate market made the journey all the more enticing.

Seeing this influx of tourism and trade, Florida Collier Court Hotels built their comfortable hotel in the heart of downtown Lakeland, a sister to other hotels in Miami, West Palm Beach, and Tampa.

In those days, guests entered the hotel from Main Street, via a luxurious tropical garden that opened on to Massachusetts Avenue. There, guests were immediately surrounded by potted palms that accentuated the majestic, high-ceilinged lobby. Huge French windows in the lounge overlooked Lake Mirror. From her ample restaurant and bar, visitors enjoyed fine meals served in a restful atmosphere. Guest rooms were simply and thoughtfully appointed with then-modern comforts and conveniences that few other hotels could match.

In 1998, The Lakeland Terrace re-opened its doors as downtown's newest hotel. A group headed by a Lakeland native restored her charming historic exterior, completely refurbishing the hotel to luxurious modern standards. In addition to 73 spacious hotel rooms, The Terrace Hotel also offers 15 comfortable guest suites, plus elegant conference and banquet facilities. Our professionally decorated guestrooms capture the hotel's original style while considering the needs of modern-day travelers.

Today, The Terrace Hotel's exceptional beauty continues to win over guest after guest. From the period black and white ceramic tile to nostalgic furnishings, guests love the hotel's historic charms and well-known hospitality. The hotel's signature restaurant, The Terrace Grille, extends into the main foyer where leisurely breakfasts, luncheons, and dinners are enjoyed by all. At The Terrace Bar, both new and old friends gather for conversation and premium cocktails.

The design inspiration for the Terrace Hotel Lakeland's renovation took cues from its flamboyant 1920's art deco history, the elegant lines of the royal family's swan descendants, as well as the lush gardens and vibrant hues of citrus groves nearby. All spaces feature new finishes, local artworks, and a mix of eclectic furnishings tying together the local flora, fauna, and wildlife's color palette and textures.

Upon entering the guestrooms and suites of The Terrace Hotel Lakeland, guests are greeted with old-world glamour that is classic and timeless.  The design brings the outside in, as guests experience the blooming landscape's elegance and calming colors of the surrounding lakes. Unique patterns throughout the rooms and baths give an unexpected twist to the swan, whose presence can be seen throughout the property and Lakeland.

The Terrace Grille Restaurant features elements restore from the original building like its iconic floor-to-ceiling arched windows, dramatic pecky cypress patterned ceilings, and black and white patterned floors. The Lake Mirror Room and Cypress Ballroom continue to be Lakeland's top venues for wedding receptions and business gathering celebrations.