Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lakeland South by IHG
3405 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33803, Auburndale, United States
3-star hotel
Guest rating: 4.5 / 5
Overview
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lakeland South is a 3-star, casual hotel located off State Road 570 at 3405 Florida Ave S in the Auburndale area of Lakeland, Florida. It holds a strong 4.5 rating from 482 reviews, reflecting a generally well-regarded budget-friendly stay. The property has a relaxed, no-frills feel suited to travelers passing through or exploring the Lakeland area.
Rooms
Standard rooms are casually furnished with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, minifridges, and microwaves for easy in-room meals and snacks. Suites step things up with a separate living area that includes a pull-out sofa, useful for families or small groups needing extra sleeping space. Some guests have noted that rooms run on the smaller side and mattresses can feel soft, so those seeking spacious or firm-bedded rooms should set expectations accordingly.
Amenities & Recreation
On-site recreational amenities include a heated outdoor pool and a fitness center, giving guests options for both relaxation and exercise during their stay. Coin-operated laundry facilities are available on site, which is convenient for longer stays or travelers needing to refresh clothing mid-trip. A complimentary continental breakfast is included, and reviewers have repeatedly singled out the breakfast as a highlight of the stay.
Location & Surroundings
The hotel sits about a mile from Peterson Park and roughly 3 miles from Hollis Garden, a lakefront botanical garden in downtown Lakeland. It's also within reach of several other Lakeland points of interest, including Lake Hollingsworth (about 2.7 km), Common Ground Playground (about 1.6 km), Lake Morton, Lake Mirror, Downtown Lakeland, Munn Park Historic District, and Bonnet Springs Park, as well as cultural stops like the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art and the Florida Air Museum. Guests have also mentioned a restaurant next door and a Walmart within walking distance, adding convenience for meals and errands.
Best for
This hotel suits budget-conscious road-trippers, families, and casual leisure travelers who want free breakfast, a pool, and easy access to Lakeland's lakes, parks, and downtown historic district without paying resort prices. The nearby restaurant and Walmart also make it practical for guests who prefer not to drive far for meals or supplies.
Travel tips
Being just off State Road 570 makes the hotel an easy stop for drivers passing through Lakeland, with a car recommended for reaching most of the listed points of interest, several of which are 3 to 9 km away. Downtown Lakeland's lakes and historic district (Lake Mirror, Lake Morton, Munn Park) cluster together and are worth combining into a single outing, while Circle B Bar Reserve and Lake Parker are farther out and better suited to a dedicated trip. Since a restaurant and Walmart are within walking distance, guests without a car can still handle basic meals and errands on foot.
What guests say
Reviewers consistently praise the complimentary breakfast, calling it a standout part of the stay, and frequently mention friendly, attentive staff along with clean rooms. The location also draws positive comment, thanks to a nearby restaurant and a Walmart within walking distance for convenience. On the negative side, some guests describe rooms as small with overly soft or lumpy mattresses given the price point, and at least one detailed complaint describes a serious negative interaction with management over a late checkout request. Housekeeping staff are noted by name in at least one review, suggesting cleaning quality is a point of attention for guests.
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