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About The Hotel Jacaranda

Nestled in a quiet corner of Florida’s Heartland, The Hotel Jacaranda is the picture of Southern repose. Built in the 1920s and listed on the National Historic Register, Avon Park’s “gracious lady” boasts high ceilings and quiet hallways. In years gone by, the Jacaranda played hostess to the likes of Babe Ruth and Clark Gable. Today, the hotel radiates unequalled elegance, with a lobby that invites visitors into the warmth of its green, mauve, and beige furnishings. Guest rooms are comfortable and spacious. A sprawling veranda overlooks tree-lined Main Street and serves as a favorite gathering place for avid card players. The Jacaranda lies within easy driving distance of Cypress Gardens, Historic Bok Sanctuary, and Orlando’s numerous theme parks. After a day of sightseeing, guests can relax in the hotel’s swimming pool. As a South Florida State College facility, the hotel and its grounds are tobacco-free.

History

As a true example of living history, The Hotel Jacaranda is one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in Highlands County. When the Jac opened in 1926, it took its name from a 150-year-old jacaranda tree that had been removed to make way for the hotel. Among its first guests were members of the St. Louis Cardinals, who came to Avon Park for spring training from 1927 to 1929. Photos of its famous guests, from Babe Ruth to Hollywood celebrities George Burns and Gracie Allen, adorn its dining room. During World War II, the grand hotel played a hand in the war effort by housing hundreds of servicemen who had come to the area to train as military pilots.

In 1988, the South Florida State College Foundation, Inc., purchased the Jac with an eye toward preserving its historic character. As part of that ongoing effort, the Foundation has undertaken a major restorative project that is returning a street-level business mall to its original design. Through a partnership with South Florida State College, culinary students perfect their talents by training in the Jac’s modern kitchen.

Highlands Hammock State Park

Area Attractions

The Hotel Jacaranda is convenient to the best in culture and recreation that Highlands County has to offer. Here, you can view art exhibits (South Florida State College Museum of Florida Art and Culture), enjoy hiking, picnicking, and bird-watching opportunities (Avon Park Air Force Bombing Range and Highlands Hammock State Park), take in seasonal lawn mower races (Avon Park Mower-Plex), attend live performances by renowned artists (South Florida State College Auditorium), and patronize community theater (Highlands Little Theatre). You can view Lake Placid’s collection of nearly 40 murals and purchase arts and crafts created locally (Lake Placid Arts and Crafts Cooperative).

Sebring International Raceway

Special events go on throughout the year. Auto racing fans can get in on the excitement of the 12 Hours of Sebring (Sebring International Raceway), while art lovers and history buffs can enjoy music, entertainment, and shopping at Springtime on the Mall (Avon Park), the Highlands Art League’s annual art festival (Sebring), the Civilian Conservation Corps Festival (Sebring), and the Caladium Festival (Lake Placid).

Unique gift and antique shops are sprinkled throughout the county, inviting shoppers to browse and buy specialty items.

In addition to seasonal attractions, Highlands County offers year-round recreational opportunities through its numerous golf courses, lakes, public parks, bowling alleys, bike trails, tennis courts, and playgrounds – all within the convenience of the historic Hotel Jacaranda.

ACCOMMODATIONS


STANDARD ROOMS
Choice of two double beds, two twin beds, one double bed, or one queen-sized bed

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MINI-SUITES
One bedroom with sitting room and bath

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MASTER SUITES
One bedroom with two double beds, sitting room, and bath

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GRAND MASTER SUITE
Two bedrooms, one bath, and one sitting room

Call for Availability
(863) 453-2211

GRAND MASTER DELUXE SUITE
Three bedrooms, two baths, and one sitting room

Call for Availability
(863) 453-2211

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Additional Information

  • Some adjoining bathrooms are available for guests who wish to be connected.
  • Third-floor rooms are equipped with DSL.
  • All suites come with microwaves and refrigerators.
  • Roll-away bed rentals are $10 per bed.
  • $5 for each additional person.
  • Weekly and monthly rates are available.
  • A 10 percent corporate discount is also extended to members of AAA, AARP, the government, and the military. (Standard Rooms Only)
  • All rooms are subject to 7 percent sales and 2 percent tourist tax.
  • Rates on all rooms are subject to change during published special events.

The Hotel Jacaranda accepts MasterCard®, Visa®, Discover®, travelers checks, and cash.

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Amenities

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Historic elevator
  • Washer/dryer
  • Ice machine
  • Bus parking
  • Microwaves and refrigerators
  • Free local telephone calls
  • Free fax service
  • Cable TV
  • Alarm clocks
  • Coffee makers
  • Internet dial-up and Internet high-speed connections
  • Maid services
  • Hair dryers and irons
  • Security guard at night
  • Complimentary breakfast from Oct. 1 to June 1
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The Hotel Jacaranda Restaurant/Buffet

During its winter season, enjoy the elegant, casual dining experience of The Hotel Jacaranda’s Palm Room and Citrus Room. Lunch and dinner are served from Monday through Friday. On Sunday, the Jac’s culinary team rolls out its Grand Buffet.

The all-you-can eat buffet features Southern-fried chicken and other regional cuisine along with daily favorites, a salad bar, a dessert bar, and a choice of coffee or tea. Guests are frequently invited to sample specialty dishes created by South Florida State College’s culinary arts students.

From November through May, pianist Jeff Klein entertains with his musical favorites and special requests.

The lunch buffet is available November through May. The dinner buffet runs January through March.

Restaurant Hours/Pricing

LUNCH BUFFET $8.59
Monday through Friday
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  Soup and Salad Bar $6.79
  Sandwich with Choice of One Side Item $6.79 

DINNER BUFFET
Monday through Thursday
4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
$9.79

FRIDAY SEAFOOD BUFFET
4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
$11.49 

SUNDAY GRAND BUFFET
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
$11.49 

 Sandwich Plus One Side $6.79
  1. Philly Cheese Steak   4. Bacon-Lettuce-Tomato (BLT)
  2. Reuben
  5. Grilled Chicken Breast
  3. Cuban
 
All sandwiches come with one side item and choice of cheese,
lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles. Bacon $1.00 extra.
 
 Sides $1.79
  1. Cole Slaw   4. French Fries
  2. Potato Salad   5. Homemade Potato Chips
  3. Macaroni Salad   6. Soup
 
 Soup and Salad Bar $6.79
 Add soup and salad bar to sandwich for $2.99.
 
 Drinks with Refills $1.59
  (Tea, Sweet Tea, Coffee, Coke, Diet Coke, Lemonade, Orange, Sprite, Root Beer)
 
 Dessert of the Day $1.29

The Perfect Place for Your Wedding or Special Event

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Whether you are planning a large family reunion or an intimate birthday party, a working business meeting or an elegant wedding, the Jac has the resources to make your event a truly special affair. Under the direction of Executive Chef Axel Diaz, the Jac’s friendly, hospitable staff can cater any event with your choice of hot or cold individual meals or a buffet.

BUSINESS MEETINGS

Conduct your next business meeting in convenience and privacy in one of the Jac’s meeting rooms. Each one is equipped with presentation equipment, such as podiums, VCRs, DVD players, and TVs.

WEDDINGS

Elegance and history combine to help you create the wedding of your dreams. The Jac’s knowledgeable staff can help you with every aspect of your wedding: from arranging lodging for families and friends, to providing lists of florists, caterers, and rental facilities, to helping stage your rehearsal dinner, wedding, and reception. Find out why the Jac has remained a favorite wedding site and why some couples return even today to reminisce about their weddings – 30, 40, and even 50 years later.

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Contact Us

Contact Us By Phone:

(863) 453-2211

Contact Us By Email:

jacinfo@southflorida.edu

Contact Us By Mail:

19 East Main Street
Avon Park, FL 33825

Map/Driving Directions:

Google Maps

Tobacco-Free College

The Jacaranda Hotel
19 East Main Street Avon Park, FL
(863) 453-2211