Under new management as of June 2025, the Gainesville Lodge seems to be positioning itself as “boutique accommodations,” according to a news article. The reality is very different. I’ve stayed here for years due to its convenient distance to the University of Florida, as it was always a no-frills place to rest.
The new owners have made cosmetic changes like painting the building, new towels, new bedding and adding combination door locks, but there have been no real upgrades. The room furnishings remain the same the bathrooms remain dated and need renovation. Basic amenities are gone—no microwave. There was never coffee service in the room nor breakfast offered and the pool was filled in years ago.
Although our room was designated non-smoking, it smelled strongly of smoke, which made our stay uncomfortable.
Most concerning is the pricing: I requested a room for a football weekend and was quoted $1,300 for one night. The location is good, but the value simply isn’t there. The lodge is tolerable due to convenience, but under current management, it’s overpriced.
