Finding a hotel in the middle of Florida’s I-4 corridor is usually a gamble between overpriced tourist traps and sketchy roadside motels. People think if they aren’t staying in Orlando or Tampa, they’re basically in the middle of nowhere. Honestly, that’s where they’re wrong. TownePlace Suites Lakeland FL sits in that sweet spot where you actually get a kitchen, a decent night's sleep, and a price tag that doesn't make you want to cry.
It’s a 3-star property. Simple. But it’s a Marriott, so there is a certain floor of quality you can count on. It’s located at 3370 US Hwy 98 N, which, if you know the area, is basically the gateway to everything North Lakeland has to offer. You’re right by the Lakeland Square Mall and about a dozen places to eat within a five-minute walk.
People come here for different reasons. Some are relocating for work at the Publix corporate headquarters. Others are just in town to see the Detroit Tigers during Spring Training at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Whatever the reason, this place feels less like a hotel and more like a tiny, furnished apartment.
Why the "Extended Stay" Label is Kinda Misleading
When people hear "extended stay," they usually think of drab carpets and people living there for six months. At TownePlace Suites Lakeland FL, it’s different. Sure, you could stay for a month, but it’s just as popular for a weekend trip.
The rooms are built for living. You get a full kitchen. We aren't just talking about a tiny microwave and a mini-fridge that barely fits a soda. We’re talking about a real refrigerator, a stovetop, a dishwasher, and even a toaster. They even provide the pots and pans. If you’re tired of eating out at Sonny's BBQ (which is literally 0.4 miles away) every night, you can actually make a grilled cheese or boil some pasta.
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The closets are a weirdly specific highlight. They partnered with The Container Store to put in these Elfa closet systems. It sounds like a small thing until you’re trying to unpack a week’s worth of clothes and realize you actually have room to organize them.
Room Types That Actually Fit Your Life
- Studio Suites: These are about 320 to 410 square feet. You’ve got the choice of one King bed or two Queens. Most have a sofa bed too.
- One-Bedroom Suites: These are the real winners. At roughly 463 square feet, you get a separate door between the bedroom and the living area. If one person wants to stay up and watch Netflix while the other sleeps, nobody gets annoyed.
- Accessibility: They’ve got a decent range of hearing and mobility-accessible rooms with roll-in showers.
The Reality of the Breakfast Situation
Let's talk about the food. It’s free. It’s a "complimentary hot breakfast." Does it rival a five-star brunch? No. But it’s better than a cold granola bar.
Recent guests have noted that the spread changes depending on the day. During the week, you might see those Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches—quick and easy. On the weekends, they usually break out the waffle makers, eggs, and sausage. It’s a "grab and go" or "sit and linger" vibe.
Location: More Than Just a Highway Stop
The hotel is about 7 miles north of Lakeland Linder International Airport. If you’re flying in for the SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo, this is one of the more reliable places to crash. You’re also only 5 miles from the Amtrak station if you're traveling by rail.
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The proximity to I-4 is the biggest selling point. You can be in downtown Tampa or at the gates of Disney World in about 45 minutes, assuming the traffic isn't a total disaster.
Nearby Essentials (Under 1 Mile)
- Dining: Ford's Garage (for burgers), Smoky Bones, and a Wawa right down the street.
- Shopping: Lakeland Square Mall is an 11-minute walk.
- Convenience: There are EV charging stations on-site at the hotel, which is a massive plus if you’re driving a Tesla or a Rivian through Central Florida.
Is It Actually Clean?
Honestly, this is the part where reviews get nuanced. Most people rate the cleanliness around a 4.1 out of 5. The hotel was built in 2016 and had some renovations recently, so the lobby and public spaces feel modern.
However, like any busy property, there are occasional misses. Some travelers have mentioned minor housekeeping oversights, like a dusty AC vent or a missed spot in the bathroom. But generally, the consensus is that the staff—shoutout to employees like Jean and Sylvia who get mentioned by name in reviews—go out of their way to fix things immediately. If your room isn't right, tell them. They actually seem to care.
Pet Policy: Bring the Dog
Traveling with a big dog is usually a nightmare. Most hotels have a "under 20 lbs" rule that makes no sense. TownePlace Suites Lakeland FL is much more relaxed. They allow up to two pets per room, with a weight limit of 50 lbs each.
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There is a fee—usually around $150 per stay—so it's not the cheapest option for a one-night stay with a cat. But for a week-long trip, it’s way better than a kennel.
The Verdict on TownePlace Suites Lakeland FL
This isn't a luxury resort. You aren't getting a spa or a personal concierge. What you are getting is a reliable, clean, and functional home base. It’s for the person who wants to save a little money by cooking their own breakfast but still wants a clean pool to jump into at the end of a humid Florida day.
The value proposition is strong. In 2026, the average rate for a 3-star hotel in Lakeland can fluctuate wildly, but this property consistently sits at a competitive price point, often 40-50% cheaper than similar hotels in the heart of Orlando.
Practical Next Steps for Your Stay:
- Book a One-Bedroom Suite if you’re staying more than two nights; the extra $10-$20 is worth the sanity of having a separate living room.
- Request a high floor if you’re a light sleeper to minimize any noise from the breakfast area or the parking lot.
- Check the grill area: They have outdoor Weber grills available for guest use. It’s a great way to save money on dinner if the weather is nice.
- Verify the pet fee before you arrive, as these can occasionally change based on the length of your stay.