Tallahassee Hotels

Is this a college visit?

yes. And I'm going to work in an overnighter at the beach.

This is our spring break week so I'm trying to make good use of time by making several whirlwind college visits.

I know nothing about Tallahassee or the hotels. I may end up calling admissions on Monday for advice...

yes. And I'm going to work in an overnighter at the beach.

This is our spring break week so I'm trying to make good use of time by making several whirlwind college visits.

I know nothing about Tallahassee or the hotels. I may end up calling admissions on Monday for advice...

I was just going to suggest that. Some colleges have that info on their websites.

We stay at the new Hampton Inn on I-10/Thomasville Rd when passing thru, its about 5 miles to FSU, but it is new and very nice and great comfortable beds.

Within walking distance of the hotel, you can dine at TGI Fridays, Outback, Steak N' Shake, or Boston Market. Other restaurants within the vicinity include Bonefish Grill, Applebee's, Manna's Grill, Osaka-Japanese or the Mozaik-French.

They also offer free Internet service, in case you miss SoWal.

If you want to be closer, here is a useful site that will help you.

This one will also be of help, on the right is a link to hotels near the University.

http://visit.fsu.edu/

http://hotel-guides.us/colleges/florida/florida-state-university.html

It seems like all the chain motels along I-10 are fairly interchangable. So as long as it has interior corridors, it's probably okay. I think that the folks that own Osaka in Destin also own Osaka of Tallahassee, but haven't verified.

At some point, drive out on Apalachee Parkway, and then drive back west on it toward the state capitol complex. A couple blocks out when you've got good visibility, look up at how the new state capitol building sets behind the old state capitol building.

It's interesting imagery, and really does explain something fundamental about Florida state government.

I was just going to suggest that. Some colleges have that info on their websites.

We stay at the new Hampton Inn on I-10/Thomasville Rd when passing thru, its about 5 miles to FSU, but it is new and very nice and great comfortable beds.

Within walking distance of the hotel, you can dine at TGI Fridays, Outback, Steak N' Shake, or Boston Market. Other restaurants within the vicinity include Bonefish Grill, Applebee's, Manna's Grill, Osaka-Japanese or the Mozaik-French.

They also offer free Internet service, in case you miss SoWal.

If you want to be closer, here is a useful site that will help you.

This one will also be of help, on the right is a link to hotels near the University.

http://visit.fsu.edu/

http://hotel-guides.us/colleges/florida/florida-state-university.html

I should've mentioned that I have been on the FSU website for the past week now and looked at their visiting page w/hotels but it's not much help when you don't know the area.

It seems like all the chain motels along I-10 are fairly interchangable. So as long as it has interior corridors, it's probably okay. I think that the folks that own Osaka in Destin also own Osaka of Tallahassee, but haven't verified.

At some point, drive out on Apalachee Parkway, and then drive back west on it toward the state capitol complex. A couple blocks out when you've got good visibility, look up at how the new state capitol building sets behind the old state capitol building.

It's interesting imagery, and really does explain something fundamental about Florida state government.

Will do. Thanks!

It's interesting imagery, and really does explain something fundamental about Florida state government.

Yeah it does.

My preference: not near FSU, but the Cabot Lodge at 1-10 and Thomasville Road is my fave. Good complimentary breakfast, as far as continental-type breakfasts go and if you are there in late afternoon, free happy hour. Interior corridors, and clean!

Hampton Inn is good too.

Downtown, there is the Doubletree within walking distance of FSU. It is an older property, but I've never had a complaint (except the parking garage is from hell). There is also a Radisson on Gaines Street, of all places...don't walk at night. There is also a Holiday Inn on Tennessee St that is an older property and is okay, as long as you don't walk behind it at night.

Whatever you do, DO NOT RESERVE A ROOM AT:
(1) The Collegiate Village Inn - used to be a fairly nice Ramada, 30 years ago. Gold chandelier in the lobby makes the pictures look good. You could probably buy crack in the back parking lot.
(2) Prince Murat Motel. Oh my God. That place is so bad on so many levels I can't even begin.

I love Tally. Have a grayt time!

Yeah it does.

My preference: not near FSU, but the Cabot Lodge at 1-10 and Thomasville Road is my fave. Good complimentary breakfast, as far as continental-type breakfasts go and if you are there in late afternoon, free happy hour. Interior corridors, and clean!

Hampton Inn is good too.

Downtown, there is the Doubletree within walking distance of FSU. It is an older property, but I've never had a complaint (except the parking garage is from hell). There is also a Radisson on Gaines Street, of all places...don't walk at night. There is also a Holiday Inn on Tennessee St that is an older property and is okay, as long as you don't walk behind it at night.

Whatever you do, DO NOT RESERVE A ROOM AT:
(1) The Collegiate Village Inn - used to be a fairly nice Ramada, 30 years ago. Gold chandelier in the lobby makes the pictures look good. You could probably buy crack in the back parking lot.
(2) Prince Murat Motel. Oh my God. That place is so bad on so many levels I can't even begin.

I love Tally. Have a grayt time!

Very interesting. You see, I've been reading some unsavory things about the area and the Collegiate was mentioned and one of the Holiday Inns. It sounds like many of the areas are sketchy now. I guess I'm a bit surprised. I mean, it's Tallahassee! Not Killadelphia (it's new nickname ) or even Baltimore. I always remembered Tally being so quaint and beautiful. Oh well, I know things change.

"Don't walk at night." Wow. Maybe my child-baby should attend our local community college for awhile.

I lived in Tallahassee for 18 years. Did not stay in hotels, but have booked clients into many.

The Governor's Inn downtown; and Raddison on N. Monroe are both centrally located and close enough to campus. The Marriot Courtyard on Apalachee Parkway used to be my favorite for clients who were usually going to the Capitol. It is just down from the Capitol. At the Thomasville Road Exit of I-10, I would choose the Hilton Garden Inn

Tallahassee is the queen of chain restaurants...there is at least one of everything. If you want more local flavor give these places a try:

Kool Beanz on Thomasville
Mosaik at Timberlane
Anthony's and
Food, Glorious Food on Bradford Rd at Thomasville
Chez Pierre is fantastic French food-corner of Thomasville and 6th
Masa for some of the best -- Japanese/Chinese, N. Monroe
Carlos Cafe, downtown -- great Cuban sandwiches, College Ave

Catfish Pad on S. Magnolia for fried fish, etc.

Manna on Thomasville Road - good fish--but,

Be aware: Tallahassee is not known for its seafood, so I would save that until you are at the beach.

Mom and Dad's out quite a way on Apalachee Parkway, but has wonderful Italian

Uptown Cafe, both a downtown location on College Ave and a Midtown on Miccosukee Road...sandwiches to rave about! Wonderful.

There is a new place called The Red Elephant that I have heard is good, but I have not tried it.

Sahara Greek and Lebanese Cafe is on E. Lafayette (downtown) and has wonderful food.

The western edge of Tallahassee where the campus is, is not particularly safe for walking at night, but there are not many places to walk in Tallahassee. Be alert.

Be sure and go to the Gray Museum downtown in the Capitol Complex...has wonderful exhibits about Florida; the view from the 22nd Floor of the Capitol is worth seeing--gives you a unique overview of the city...you'll marvel at the trees--Goodwood Plantation, in town adjacent to the hospital on Thomasville Road is also worth a visit if you have time.

Tallahassee is wonderful in its own way--not like much of the rest of Florida--I graduated from FSU, but it was a long time ago and different then; my son went to college there for awhile; I have a niece and nephew who are at FSU. Your daughter will be fine--it is a big school, but in my opinion, one of the best.

PM me if you want specific information--I'll be happy to help if I can.
Have fun!

Thanks Goodwitch. I found the Governor's Inn online but it is booked. I'll try the Raddison and the Marriott Courtyard or the Hilton Garden Inn among the others that people have mentioned here.

Thanks for the restaurant list. We will definitely look for the local flavor. We already have every kind of chain right out our back door.

I guess Mom & Dad's is the same as the original in Defuniak? We used to go there when I was a kid. Can't believe its still around.

If we have time between campus tours, trial lessons/auditions, I would like to head out to McClay Gardens.

My son wants a good music program and also wants that traditional college campus feel. FSU seems to fit that need exactly. He's very excited to visit. He hates the cold and snow so another reason to look south. But it's mainly because of the School of Music at FSU. Plus, tuition is about $25K less!!

I lived in Tallahassee for 18 years. Did not stay in hotels, but have booked clients into many.


PM me if you want specific information--I'll be happy to help if I can.
Have fun!

Sorry, I thought it was your daughter...my bad.

My best friend's daughter is graduating this term from the School of Music--it is the absolute best! And, Tallahassee has such wonderful community music too. If he needs a part time job, another friend of mine owns a music store and is always looking for good student help.

Do not worry about the safety--common sense will be enough; Mom and Dad's is related to the DFS one--I forget what the connection is....

McClay will be nice that time of year I think; they are offering a concert there now...it has been a big hit. Not sure of the schedule though, may be in the Fall.

My biggest negatives for Tally are the traffic and it's too far from the water, but otherwise it is a grayt place to live and go to school,

Sorry, I thought it was your daughter...my bad.

My best friend's daughter is graduating this term from the School of Music--it is the absolute best! And, Tallahassee has such wonderful community music too. If he needs a part time job, another friend of mine owns a music store and is always looking for good student help.

Do not worry about the safety--common sense will be enough; Mom and Dad's is related to the DFS one--I forget what the connection is....

McClay will be nice that time of year I think; they are offering a concert there now...it has been a big hit. Not sure of the schedule though, may be in the Fall.

My biggest negatives for Tally are the traffic and it's too far from the water, but otherwise it is a grayt place to live and go to school,

Well it's a lot closer than where we are now!

We've been researching for over a year now what a great music school it is - considering it is not on the east coast! Ha! FSU has one of the stronger Music Therapy programs in the country, another reason for the visit (& a much more reliable, steady vocation, IMO).

I've found room availability at the Radisson, Marriott Ctyard, and the Hilton Garden. Just need to square up a few details with a few people at FSU and then it's a go. Can't wait to feel some warmth, see some azaleas and dogwood.

Now if I can find a one night rental on the beach! That's my next chore.

check at Gulf Place. they had some availability for one day this weekend for some customers of mine....

Good luck - my niece is in her freshman year in the College of Music.

If your son gets into the music program, and he gets a chance to be in Cawthon Hall, jump at it. It is an older dorm but has been remodeled - no more "community bathrooms." It is adjacent to the library, right on Landis Green.

Tennessee St (Hwy 90) is the main drag, as it always has been. However, it's not far from the north side on Tennessee St to the area known as Frenchtown, which is the oldest community in Tallahassee. Be careful in Frenchtown, and DON'T go over there at night, unless you are beating traffic on a game night. ;-)

Good luck - my niece is in her freshman year in the College of Music.

If your son gets into the music program, and he gets a chance to be in Cawthon Hall, jump at it. It is an older dorm but has been remodeled - no more "community bathrooms." It is adjacent to the library, right on Landis Green.

Tennessee St (Hwy 90) is the main drag, as it always has been. However, it's not far from the north side on Tennessee St to the area known as Frenchtown, which is the oldest community in Tallahassee. Be careful in Frenchtown, and DON'T go over there at night, unless you are beating traffic on a game night. ;-)

What instrument for your niece? or is it voice?

Frenchtown - are you serious? Do you mean like, dodging bullets? drugs? Gangs? (sorry, I know that got a lot of ariplay on the other thread.) There's an area where we have to drive thru weekly just to get to his music lesson and it's VERY scary. You only slow down for the red lights - not stopping. But once we get there, we're in the midst of multi million $$ turn of the century homes on Lake Michigan.

But how dangerous are we talking here? I'll do a little research on the area.

Our younger kid is a freshman in a new dorm called DeGraff. He has been very happy there in particular, and with FSU in general, he is a happy, loyal Seminole.
Tennesee does not seem terrible by day but can be kinda shady at night.
Our son spent this past weekend with us, but did have school today, so last night he took the Greyhound back from Jacksonville. He had a friend pick him up because he was not arriving until 12:30am, would be carrying a ton of books, and Tennesee is dodgy enough to ask for a ride at that hour.

We've always stayed at Hampton something-or-other on Apalachee Parkway; it was good to read all this other info.

Frenchtown has quite a history. I don't think it is as bad anymore, as there is some major urban redevelopment going on AND TPD has a full-time presence there now. Take a map and a magic marker. The approximate boundaries are Monroe on the east, Caliark on the west, Tennessee or Brevard on the South, and Tharpe on the north. Again, in the daytime all is pretty good.

Way back in 1984, my best friend at school and I decided to look up the governor's mansion at 1:00 in the morning. That part was okay. Instead of turning around and going back to Monroe, we figured we'd go straight ahead and cut through back down to Tennessee. :shock:

Nobody bothered us, but we got a lot of smiles and "offers."

I always use priceline, works great and if you don't need to be right at FSU you can get a really good deal. If you want something really close go for the independant place on Tennessee Street, I know this doesn't help much, but it is literally on campus. It is across the street from McDonald's.