Travel & Stay
As far as where to stay, we think most will enjoy Downtown Lakeland! It's the most charming area, set around Lake Mirror with historic architecture, restaurants, and shops you can walk to. The Terrace Hotel sits right on Main Street overlooking Lake Mirror, if you want to be in the heart of it.
If you'd rather have easy highway access and the usual chain hotels, the I-4 / North Lakeland area has plenty of reliable options (Hampton Inn, SpringHill Suites, Home2 Suites, and more) which can be a quick drive to everything and handy for airport runs.
And if you want to make a bigger trip of it, Tampa and Orlando are each about an hour away with far more to do. Theme parks, dining, and beaches, etc.
Getting there
Flying
Fly into either TPA (Tampa International) or MCO (Orlando International).
TPA is closest — about 35 miles and a 40-minute straight shot down I-4.
MCO is a bit farther (around 55 miles, an hour or so), but it's a bigger airport, so you may find more direct flights or better fares there.
Both are an easy drive to Lakeland!
If you're hunting for budget carriers, St. Pete–Clearwater (PIE) and Orlando Sanford (SFB) are options too, though they're a longer haul and served mostly by Allegiant.
Getting around
We'd recommend renting a car if you can. Lakeland doesn't have much public transit and having your own makes getting to the venue and around town much easier!
A ride share from the airport runs steep given the distance (roughly $60–90 from Tampa, more from Orlando), so a rental usually pays off, especially if you're staying a few days.
Alongside the usual airport rental counters, Turo is an excellent option. We've used it in several other cities and it’s been great. Turo is a peer-to-peer car-sharing service (think Airbnb for cars) that's often cheaper and lets you pick something that fits your trip.
Once you're in town, Uber and Lyft are available for shorter local trips and typically run $10–25. If you'd rather not drive at all, let us know and we can try to help coordinate rides with other guests.
Stay
Lakeland
If you’d like to stay close to the venue during the weekend, we have a few suggestions for the following hotels in the area:
The Terrace Hotel
329 E Main Street, Lakeland, FL, 33801
SpringHill Suites by Marriott
511 W Lime Street, Lakeland, FL, 33815
Hyatt Place Lakeland Center
525 W Orange Street, Lakeland, FL, 33815
Home2 Suites by Hilton Lakeland (North I-4)
3610 Hopewell Avenue, Lakeland, FL, 33809
Home2 Suites by Hilton Lakeland South Polk Parkway
3610 Lakeside Village Boulevard, Lakeland, FL, 33803
Hampton Inn Lakeland
4420 N Socrum Loop Road, Lakeland, FL, 33809
Hampton Inn & Suites Lakeland-South Polk Parkway
3630 Lakeside Village Boulevard, Lakeland, FL, 33803
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Lakeland
3370 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland, FL, 33805