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 or hot tub.
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 Community 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 Community College, culinary students perfect their talents by training in the Jac’s modern kitchen.
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 Community 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 Community 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).
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.
STANDARD ROOMSChoice of two double beds, two twin beds, one double bed, or one queen-sized bed
MINI-SUITESOne bedroom with sitting room and bath
MASTER SUITESOne bedroom with two double beds, sitting room, and bath
GRAND MASTER SUITETwo bedrooms, one bath, and one sitting room
GRAND MASTER DELUXE SUITEThree bedrooms, two baths, and one sitting room
The Hotel Jacaranda accepts MasterCard®, Visa®, Discover®, travelers checks, and cash.
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 Community 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 August through May. The dinner buffet runs December through May.
LUNCHMonday through Friday11 a.m. to 2 p.m.$8.49
DINNERMonday through Thursday4:30-7:30 p.m.$8.49
FRIDAY SEAFOOD BUFFET4:30-7:30 p.m.$10.49All-you-can-eat seafood, catfish, shrimp, and more.
SUNDAY GRAND BUFFET11 a.m. to 2 p.m.$10.49Carved roast and broiled fish.
Meals include rolls, salad bar, soup, vegetable side dishes, dessert, and coffee or tea. Coke is an additional 79 cents. Sales tax and gratuity are not included in the cost.
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 Phil Hash, the Jac’s friendly, hospitable staff can cater any event with your choice of hot or cold individual meals or a buffet.
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.
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.