Florida

Dive into Tallahassee's Downtown Delights with a Central Stay

For urban Florida fun in a pedestrian-friendly and park-filled town, look to the state capital. Book a central stay at these downtown Tallahassee hotels.

Florida may be famous for its beaches and theme parks. But Floridians like myself know that some of the state’s most pleasant places to visit are its pedestrian-friendly small towns, among which Tallahassee—the vibrant state capital—stands out.

College towns always beckon me, with their pretty parks, stream of entertainment (from speakers and plays to concerts and sports) and lively student populations. And strolling the pleasant, tree-lined streets of downtown Tallahassee, you can’t help but bask in the energy of all the accumulated brainpower and cultural offerings bestowed on the place from nearby Florida State University, Florida A&M and the area community college, too.

Under the shade of an oak draped with Spanish moss near Florida’s state capitol building, I spy a gaggle of young students on a school trip. Like me, they’re surely bound for the capitol’s 22nd floor observation deck, with its dazzling views over town.

A short stroll away, in leafy Cascades Park, parents push strollers in the dappled light of late afternoon and stop to let their kids play in the Imagination Fountain splash pad. I feel a pang of missing my own little ones, then decide to quell it with some much needed me-time at nearby Lake Ella, where cute cottages line the lakefront path. It’s Thursday evening and time for the weekly gathering of food trucks. I browse the options before settling on a tasty falafel sandwich. Then I find a spot in the grass to sit and enjoy the live band that’s taken to the stage.

It’s a different kind of Florida from the postcard beach scenes that make tourism headlines, to be sure, but Tallahassee has its own rewards. Here are some of the best downtown Tallahassee hotels to make your home base as you explore the state capital’s charms.

Book a boutique stay in the heart of downtown Tallahassee

The modern glass and red brick exterior of this loft-style hotel right in the heart of downtown Tallahassee beckons you in at Aloft Tallahasseee Property, a Marriott property with lots of aesthetic appeal and comforts for millennials, families and boomers, alike.

You’re just a short stroll from the state capitol building and the open green spaces of Cascades Park—not to mention some of downtown’s best seafood spots and beer bars—but it’s just as easy to stay put at the hotel, too, after a day of touring around town.

Settle in for an inventive cocktail or craft beer at wxyz lounge or cue up a game of billiards in the hotel’s re:mix lounge. There’s even an outdoor pool, open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., so you can fit in a swim at your leisure.

Aloft Tallahassee Downtown

Top rated
Tallahassee
8.8 Excellent (2110 reviews)

A stately stay, steps from the capitol building

Whether you’re in Tallahassee for business or pleasure, The Governors Inn promises a boutique base just a quick stroll from Florida’s center of political operations—the State Capitol building.

Enter through the leaded glass lobby doors into an old-world ambiance, where the 41 antique-laden rooms and suites include many named for past Florida governors. Politics aside, you’ll enjoy the property’s prime downtown position, within a ten-minute stroll of Florida State University’s gorgeous campus and some of Tallahassee’s finest restaurants, too. You can park your car nearby and say goodbye to it until you skip town.

The hotel’s historical building was originally a livery stable, and exposed beams in the ceiling harken back to its horse days.

The Governors Inn

Tallahassee
8.1 Very good (47 reviews)

A boutique Marriott outpost in the hip Governor's Walk District

Soothing tones of chocolate and slate bring on the zen vibes in the rooms and suites at this modern property in Tallahassee’s chic Governor’s Walk district. On the north side of downtown, Hotel Duval, Autograph Collection, Tallahassee is a boutique property with typical Marriott perks that include an onsite gym and plush pillow-top beds.

After delving into Florida’s storied past at the nearby Museum of Florida History, settle in for a delicious steak dinner onsite at the hotel’s Shula’s 347 Grill or retire to 8th floor rooftop, cocktail hand, where Level 8 Lounge has panoramic city views from a fab outdoor deck.

Hotel Duval, Autograph Collection

Tallahassee
8.0 Very good (1882 reviews)

Room to stretch out in a prime downtown setting

One of the few downtown Tallahassee hotels with a heated outdoor pool to beckon you for a refreshing swim throughout the year, Four Points by Sheraton Tallahassee Downtown is popular with the families of students, alumni and business visitors alike. The property has a resort-like feel that sets it apart from other downtown chains.

You’re right in the Governor’s Walk district here, just around the corner from the Florida capitol building for business dealings or sightseeing. Floor-to-ceilings windows bring the Florida sunshine streaming in when you want it, and crisp white linens beckon you for a restful night’s sleep after a day touring local campuses, cheering a big game or just strolling Tally’s tree-lined parks.

The hotel also happens to be the city’s first LEED Silver Certified accommodations—who doesn’t love knowing they’re enjoying a sustainable stay?

Four Points by Sheraton Tallahassee Downtown

Tallahassee
8.0 Very good (2094 reviews)

Stay steps from Florida history in downtown's pedestrian-friendly corridor

The historical Knott House Museum, circa 1843 and cloaked in Spanish oak trees dripping with moss, is right down the street from the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tallahassee.

After a free guided tour at the museum and whatever other fun you get up to walking around downtown’s many delights, it’s pure comfort to return to this reliable and comfortable chain hotel on a prominent downtown corner where guests are welcomed in with a warm chocolate chip cookie.

The hotel’s small pool and covered lanai on the fourth floor deck is an inviting place to read a book or go for a dip on a warm Florida day. And after 5 p.m. every day, the rooftop bar opens on the 17th floor with great city views with all-glass windows and balcony seating.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Tallahassee

Tallahassee
8.2 Very good (2251 reviews)

A chain hotel with free breakfast and a heated pool

At the edge of the Magnolia Heights Historic district, the Comfort Suites Downtown Tallahassee is walking distance to barbecue and burger joints and about a mile from the state capitol building.

If you’re looking for an affordable choice with some excellent perks, it’s a fine option. After a day enjoying the town, there’s an outdoor heated pool, open year round, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim and perhaps kick back in a lounge chair for conversation or to scroll through the news on your phone.

And when you wake up in the morning, there’s no need to leave the property to get breakfast—a continental breakfast is included for all guests, making it that much easier to get up and get your day going.

Comfort Suites Tallahassee Downtown

Tallahassee
8.4 Very good (2049 reviews)

Laid-back base for business, close to everything downtown

The Courtyard Tallahassee Downtown Capitol attracts a loyal business crowd who come for reliable Marriott amenities that include a well-equipped and spacious gym with rowing machines, treadmills, bikes and weights. The onsite yoga studio is a nice wellness touch, too. The capitol building is less than a mile away on foot, with a sidewalk the entire way to reach it during a pleasant stroll.

As for relaxing at the hotel, guests appreciate the fact that the courtyard pool stays open from early until late. Chain restaurants abound in this part of town, with several within a short stroll of the property. You might be just as happy, however, to grab a bite at The Bistro, on site, with Starbucks coffee and a surprisingly good selection of craft beers.

Courtyard Tallahassee Downtown/Capitol

Tallahassee
8.2 Very good (2067 reviews)

A roomy family stay within minutes of the state capitol

Spacious rooms decorated in soothing grey and white tones and family-friendly amenities make the Hampton Inn & Suites Tallahassee Capitol—University a go-to for a comfortable stay in downtown Tallahassee.

Located a pleasant 15-minute stroll from the state capitol and Cascades Park, the property makes being back in your room at day’s end with a slew of kids easy and comfortable. Standard amenities like a mini-fridge and microwave in all rooms make it a cinch to prep simple meals in.

Let the kids burn off any excess energy at the hotel’s pool and wake up in the morning to the complimentary buffet breakfast served in the lobby. What more can you ask of a central, city hotel?

Hampton Inn & Suites Tallahassee Capitol-university

Tallahassee
9.2 Excellent (1593 reviews)