Table of Contents
If you’re looking for the best hotels in Ocala, you’ve come to the right place. As a local expert that grew up in Ocala, I also now stay in these hotels.
Overview of Ocala
Welcome to Ocala, the Horse Capital of the World! Whether your coming here to see the horse farms, attend shows or kayaking in crystal clear waters – you’re bound to have a great time. And, you’ll definitely want to get a hotel to fully enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer in North Central Florida.
Many of Ocala’s neighborhoods and pastures are lined with live oak trees and beautiful Spanish moss.
There’s so much to do here that even after visiting countless times, I still don’t run out of things to explore outdoors. Then again, I grew up as an equestrian, so Ocala was somewhere I always wanted to be – near the best of the best horse trainers and horse farms.
The freshwater springs, the beautiful rolling hills, and the fresh, clean air not only make it a great place to visit but also a great place to live.
Many tourists make their way to Ocala each year, which is probably why the city has plenty of hotel offerings. Whenever I’m in town, these are my favorite fun things to do in Ocala!
While the downtown square is charming, Ocala truly is best known for its horse farms. So, make sure you don’t leave without a scenic drive!
Don’t have time to go through the entire article? Here are my top favorites for hotels in Ocala, Florida, separated by travel plans:
- 🥇 Overall Winner: Hilton Ocala
- 💰 Luxury: The Equestrian
- 🍃Near Ocala National Forest: Holiday Inn Express
- 🏊♀️ Ocala FL Hotels with Indoor Pool: Country Inn & Suites
- 🐴 World Equestrian Center Hotel: The Equestrian
- 💲 Cheap Hotels Ocala: Avid Hotels
- 🥳 Extended Stay Hotel: Equus Inn
- 🐎 VRBO Pet-Friendly House with Pool: VRBO Ocala
Overall Top Hotels in Ocala
🥇 Hilton Ocala
Situated off Interstate 75, The Hilton is the well-deserved winner. Personally, this is my all-time favorite hotel and our go-to stop for decades. Staying at the Hilton will give you the perfect luxury vacation feel without being too heavy on your pocket.
It is centrally located next to the Interstate (I-75) for easy access to the Ocala Equestrian Center, HITS, downtown Ocala, and the Ocala National Forest. As an added bonus, It’s close to golf courses and the famous Appleton Museum of Art.
Start your day with an extensive breakfast buffet at their on-site Arthur’s Restaurant. Their freshly made omelets are heavenly and a must-try. The hotel has a volleyball court and a vast pool to entertain its guests.
🍷 Bonus Tip: Book your room on the Concierge floor for breathtaking city views, cocktail hour, breakfast, and other special luxuries.
- Address: 3600 SW 36th Ave, Ocala, FL 34474
- Room Price: Approx starting price is 160 USD / night
- Rating: 8.9/10
| Pros | Cons |
| Pool & hot tub | Breakfast is not included |
| Pet Friendly | Old hotel, but well-maintained |
| Bar & restaurant on-site | |
| Friendly staff, and 24 hr front desk | |
| Travel-sustainable hotel |
RUNNER UP: BEST OVERALL HOTEL IN OCALA
🥈 Hampton Inn and Suites Ocala
Also located just off Interstate I-75, the Hampton Inn and Suites in Ocala. The hotel has excellent reviews for having a cozy feel but still gives you a hint of luxury in a quiet environment.
You can enjoy the hot buffet breakfast in the morning and start your day off right.
You also have access to free Wi-Fi and a business center. The rooms also have a personal study table, television, and a mini fridge. The pool and fitness center are also available to guests.
- Address: 3601 SW 38th Ave, Ocala, FL 34474, United States
- Room Price: Approx starting price is 177 USD / night
- Rating: 9.0/10
| Pros | Cons |
| Breakfast Included | Comparatively doesn’t have as many amenities |
| Pet-Friendly | |
| Newer than Hilton Ocala |
Hotels Near Ocala National Forest
If you haven’t been to the Ocala National Forest, I highly recommend it to outdoor fanatics like myself. You’ll find some of the most beautiful natural springs, hiking trails, and more fun things to do!
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Silver Springs
For travelers looking to explore the Ocala National Forest and Silver Springs Theme Park, Holiday Inn Express is a great option.
This chain hotel provides its guests with all the basic amenities, including in-room microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffee makers.
The hotel also has on-site travel services for visitors wanting to visit nearby attractions, such as the Ocala National Forest, Canyon Zip Lines, and Silver Springs State Park. Ray Wayside Park is also a short drive away and is excellent for fishing.
This is an Ocala pet-friendly hotel as well, charging a current rate of 25 USD per night.
Pro Tip: Maybe plan your next weekend getaway with your significant other here since the Holiday Inn Express is highly rated amongst couples headed to the Ocala National Forest.
- Address: 5360 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488
- Room Price: Approx starting price is 149 USD / night
- Rating: 8.7/10
| Pros | Cons |
| Location convenient to Ocala National Forest | Standardized chain hotel experience |
| Free Breakfast | |
| Pet-friendly | |
| Pool |
Extended Stay Hotels in Ocala, FL
EQUUS INN
The Equus Inn won the TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Award 3 years in a row, and it’s one of the top choices for any traveler visiting Ocala. The property has an attractive modern, horse themed design.
Like most motels, Equus Inn provides guests with all basic amenities and a delicious breakfast buffet. It has a expansive outdoor area with a pool, lounge seating, and outdoor fireplace. They also have beer and wine on ready-to-pour taps.
Equus is a short drive from the Paddock Mall and the Ocala Historic Downtown District.
- Address: 3434 SW College Rd, Ocala, FL 34474
- Room Price: Prices range around 130 USD / night
- Rating: 8.2/10
“Such a great find and value…A beautiful bathroom with stone floor in the shower and rainfall shower head. A small, calming waterfall in the center courtyard. A full breakfast and chocolate chip cookies in the evening…The property is clean and well cared for.”
– Gordon, Equus Inn Ocala Reviews
| Pros | Cons |
| Pet-friendly | Usually books quickly |
| Highly rated breakfast buffet | Rooms can be noisy |
| Pool & outdoor fireplace, sitting area |
BEST EXTENDED STAYS IN OCALA, FL
Candlewood Suites, an IHG Hotel
The Candlewood Suites, are ideal for visitors looking for an extended stay since each suite has a personal mini kitchen and dining area.
Candlewood also offers its guests a 24-hour breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu so you can choose what to eat and when.
Free coffee and a spacious work desk are available to get your work done while you travel.
- Address: 3835 W Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34482
- Room Price: Approx price is 135 USD per night
- Rating: 8.7/10
| Pros | Cons |
| Spacious rooms and living area | Breakfast is not included |
| Budget-friendly |
World Equestrian Center Ocala Hotels
The World Equestrian Center is Ocala’s most famous attraction and each year attracts large crowds of tourists.
I’ve explained in detail about the World Equestrian Center Ocala. These hotels are perfect If you’re traveling to Ocala for the world equestrian.
The Equestrian
Located right inside the World Equestrian Center, this 5-star hotel in Ocala provides you with the ultimate luxurious experience. This hotel is marvelous, from its grand reception to fine dining restaurants and marbled washrooms.
The Equestrian offers its guests a grand swimming pool, surrounded by fancy white poolside furniture that will give you that celebrity feel.
- Address: 8510 NW 17th Lane, Ocala, FL 34482
- Room Price: Prices start at 296 USD / night
- Rating: 9.2/10
| Pros | Cons |
| Grand luxurious feel | Expensive |
| Multiple restaurant options |
WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER HOTELS IN OCALA
Best Western Ocala Park Centre
The Best Western is a great budget-friendly option near the World Equestrian Center. The hotel offers its guests a daily breakfast buffet, laundry services, and a relaxing outdoor pool. It is also conventienly close to Cracker Barrel.
🌳 Pro Tip: Best Western Ocala Park Centre is also popular among couples. While you’re staying here, make time for a stroll in Sholom Park nearby.
- Address: 3701 SW 38th Ave, Ocala, FL 34474
- Room Price: Price starts approx at 98 USD per night
- Rating: 8.0/10
| Pros | Cons |
| 20-minute drive to Silver Springs | Not ideal for extended stays |
| Budget Friendly | Rooms can be noisy |
| Plenty of parking | |
| Nearby to Sholom Park |
Ocala FL Hotels with Indoor Pool
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Ocala
Located less than a mile away from Ocala’s popular Paddock Mall, Radisson’s Country Inn Hotel is a great budget-friendly option for travelers.
You’re provided with the basic hotel amenities, a complimentary breakfast buffet, and free coffee and cookies throughout the day. Country Inn is the only hotel in Ocala that offers guests an indoor pool.
The Pine Oaks Golf Course and the Appleton Museum of Art aren’t too far away either.
- Address: 3720 SW College Rd, Ocala, FL 34474
- Room Price: Approx starting price is 98 USD per night
- Rating: 6.6/10
| Pros | Cons |
| The only hotel with an indoor pool | Customer Service |
| Breakfast included |
Pet Friendly Hotels in Ocala
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Ocala
This 3-star hotel is a great midrange option for travelers who want a relaxing hotel experience without breaking the bank. SpringHill Suites in Ocala offers its guests a gorgeous outdoor pool, a business center, and vending machines in various locations.
The hotel is also close to many famous attractions, such as Silver Springs, Rainbow Springs State Park, and Saddle Oak Club. Couples particularly like the place.
- Address: 4100 SW 40th St, Ocala, FL 34474
- Room Price: Approx starting price is 175 USD / night
- Rating: 8.9/10
| Pros | Cons |
| Spacious rooms | Expensive |
| Breakfast included |
PET FRIENDLY HOTELS IN OCALA
Comfort Inn Ocala Silver Springs
Comfort Inn offers its guests everything from a hot and fresh breakfast buffet to WiFi and personal in-room coffee makers and mini-fridges.
It is a good option for budget and pet friendly hotels in Ocala, Florida near downtown Ocala.
The rooms are spacious, and the hotel staff is very accommodating. Comfort Inn is pet friendly and lets its guests bring their furry friends along for as low as 25 USD per night.
There is an outdoor pool for guests to unwind. It’s also close to the Pine Oaks Golf Course and Silver Springs State Park.
- Address: 1212 S Pine Ave, Ocala, FL 34474
- Room Price: The starting price is 94 USD per night
- Rating: 8.2/10
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy travel to and from the airport | Not nearby to entertainment |
| Pet-friendly | Older budget property |
Cheap Hotels Ocala FL
Avid Hotels Ocala Downtown, IHG Hotel
This compact yet sleek hotel in Downtown Ocala is perfect for travelers on a budget. The colorful interior is ideal for brightening your mood, even on low days.
The rooms are equipped with all hotel amenities and a flat-screen TV. Additionally, you also get to enjoy the free breakfast buffet and get your sweat flowing in the fitness center if that’s what you’re looking for.
- Address: 1626 S Pine Ave, Ocala, FL 34471
- Room Price: Approx starting price is 94 USD per night
- Rating: 8.5/10
| Pros | Cons |
| Budget-friendly | Long distance from attractions |
| Breakfast included | Pets not allowed |
WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER HOTELS | CHEAP HOTELS IN OCALA
Red Roof Inn Ocala
If you want to visit the World Equestrian Center, but you’re on a tight budget, the Red Roof Inn is a great alternative. The rooms here are spacious and there’s a particular care for cleanliness.
The Red Roof Inn is only 7 minutes away from the Ocala Regional Airport, therefore very convenient for local travelers going to downtown Ocala or the World Equestrian Center.
- Address: 120 NW 40th Ave, Ocala, FL 34482
- Room Price: Prices range around 89 USD per night
- Rating: 8.2/10
| Pros | Cons |
| Breakfast included | Not a fancy hotel |
| Very budget-friendly |
VRBO Ocala
Cottage with Pool on Horse Farm
This VRBO takes you right to the heart of Ocala’s House Country. The tall glass doors and windows give you the perfect indoor-outdoor living.
During your stay at this cottage, you’ll love starting your morning with gorgeous views of the vast pastures and granddaddy oaks. This VRBO is ideal for dogs and is pet friendly.
A personal outdoor pool is perfect to relax in and the oak tree provides you with a great spot for a picnic. You also have access to a full kitchen and BBQ grill to cook up your own delights.
- Cottage Price: Pricing is around 152 USD per night
- Rating: 4.9/5
| Pros | Cons |
| Spacious cottage and outdoor area | Breakfast not included |
| Great for families | Housekeeping not included |
| Pet-friendly VRBO |
VRBO Pool Home Near Ocala National Forest
If you’re traveling with your family and are looking for good, yet reasonably priced accommodation, this VRBO should top your list. This listing has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, making it the ideal fit for a family of 6.
The famous Silver Springs Park is just minutes away from here, along with the Cross Florida Greenway and Marshall Swamp. The Diamond Golf and Country Club is also located right across the road.
- Address: Marion County, Florida
- Cottage Price: Price ranges around 122 USD per night
- Rating: 4.8/5
| Pros | Cons |
| Full personalized house | No pets allowed |
| Multiple nearby activities | No children allowed |
Luxury Hotels in Ocala & Nearby
The Equestrian, 5-Star Hotel in Ocala
While The Equestrian is already on our list, it’s worth mentioning since it’s the premier 5-star hotel in Ocala, FL.
While it is not in the heart of downtown Ocala, it is ideally located at the beautiful World Equestrian Center. For horse lovers, this is a dream stay!
Final Thoughts on Best Hotels in Ocala
Ocala is a great, yet highly underrated city in Florida if you love the outdoors. The weather is pleasant most of the year, and the accommodation and activities are affordable.
I never get tired of seeing the horse farms, natural springs, and other beautiful scenery in Marion County. Please share your Ocala travel adventures – I would love to hear about your stay!
