Paradise Cottage & Tiki Hut at Bay Lake Resort
Guest rating: 4.9 / 5
Overview
Paradise Cottage & Tiki Hut at Bay Lake Resort is a private resort cottage set within Bay Lake’s Motorcoach Resort in Auburndale, positioned between Tampa and Orlando. It’s oriented toward a laid-back stay with outdoor space centered on a dedicated tiki hut and patio. The property is smoke-free and is described as recently redecorated.
In-Unit Features
The cottage includes air conditioning and heating, plus practical essentials such as a kitchen with an oven/stove and microwave, a washer, and an ironing board. For downtime, it also offers cable TV and free Wi-Fi. Free parking is included for guests.
Resort Amenities & Recreation
Guests have access to Bay Lake resort amenities including an outdoor pool and an indoor pool, a hot tub/spa, a fitness center, and a theater. The on-site mix supports both active and relaxation-focused stays. The overall setting is geared to quiet, resort-style downtime.
Location & Nearby Food
The cottage is a short drive to Central Florida attractions and is noted as about 20 minutes from Disney and Orlando-area theme parks. Quick local fast-food options include Arby’s (about 1.2 km) and Huey Magoo’s Chicken Tenders in Auburndale (about 1.6 km), while sit-down choices include The Purple Pit Stop (about 4.4 km), The Back Porch Restaurant (about 5.4 km), and Country Angels (about 4.6 km). For air travel, Lakeland Linder International Airport is the closest listed airport (about 29.2 km), with Orlando International (about 56.0 km) and Tampa International (about 75.8 km) farther away.
Best for
This cottage is best for travelers who want a quiet, private-feeling stay with resort amenities, highlighted by the tiki hut/patio plus indoor/outdoor pools, hot tub, gym, and theater access. It also suits guests planning day trips across Central Florida thanks to its between-Tampa-and-Orlando location and reported ~20-minute drive to Disney/Orlando parks.
Travel tips
Having a car is practical: free parking is provided, and nearby dining ranges from close fast food (Arby’s ~1.2 km; Huey Magoo’s ~1.6 km) to local restaurants a few to 10+ km away. For flights, Lakeland Linder International Airport (~29 km) is the nearest listed option, while major hubs like Orlando International (~56 km) and Tampa International (~76 km) may involve longer drives. If kitchen appliances are important to your stay, confirm current equipment status before arrival, as at least one guest noted a microwave issue that was disclosed by the host.
What guests say
Guests commonly describe the stay as matching the listing and appreciate the overall quiet, calm community setting. The tiki hut is repeatedly highlighted as a standout space for relaxing, especially in the mornings and evenings. Interactions with the host are characterized as straightforward and communicative, including proactively sharing known issues. A minor maintenance drawback was noted around a non-working microwave, though it was disclosed with guidance on workarounds.
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