Ocoee's beginnings were markedly different from many American cities. In the mid-1850s, a malaria-stricken Dr. J.D. Starke moved himself and a group of similarly afflicted slaves to a lakeside location he felt would avoid further outbreaks of the disease. The camp they made grew into a village which they called Starke Lake, a name still associated with the lake near Ocoee.
Confederate soldiers and their families helped the population grow after the Civil War when they settled in the area. Among them was Capt. Bluford Sims, who received 74 acres of land west of Starke Lake, where downtown Ocoee now sits. He spearheaded a movement to have the town plotted and its name changed to Ocoee, a name derived from a river near his hometown in Tennessee. Sims was also instrumental in developing the city's agriculture industry. His commercial citrus nursery supplied wild orange trees to groves in Florida and California.
Agriculture is still an important industry for Ocoee today. While it's a relatively small city, the construction of highways connecting Ocoee with Orlando and Walt Disney World has helped fuel population growth and interest from tourists.
When should you travel to Ocoee, FL?
Spring is the optimal time to visit Ocoee. The season offers beautiful weather, with temperatures reaching the high 50s to high 80s most days. Accommodations and airfares are also reasonably priced, with many travel providers seeking to entice visitors before the summer rush.
Fall has similar temperatures to spring, but the weather can be unpredictable, as fall is the height of the state's hurricane season.
While traveling to Florida cities, including Ocoee, is popular during the summer, this season is best avoided. You'll pay top dollar during the school vacation period, and the daytime heat and humidity can often be oppressive. Winters are relatively mild, but hotel prices can climb in response to an influx of holiday travelers.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Ocoee, FL:
Ocoee, FL: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. nightly cost trends by star rating class in Ocoee, FL. Browse these charts to evaluate the least expensive time to book a room in Ocoee for your upcoming travels.
Where should you consider booking a luxury hotel while visiting Ocoee, FL?
4 Star Average Prices: $122.30
The area around Universal Studios Orlando, a short drive from Ocoee, is the best choice for travelers who enjoy the finer activities in life. The excellent facilities and first-class services that hotels in this neighborhood provide will make you feel truly spoiled.
With cobblestone streets and a harbor piazza, you can easily imagine you're in Italy when you stay at Loews Portofino Bay at Universal Orlando. The rooms and suites are beautifully appointed with large premium beds, flat-screen TVs, and, in many cases, bay or garden views. Don't expect to spend too much time in your room though, with the on-site golf course, three themed swimming pools, the Mandara Spa, and eight restaurants and lounges fighting for your attention. All guests are treated to special Universal Orlando perks such as early admission to popular park experiences and free water taxis and shuttles around the park.
Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando lets you live a rock-star lifestyle, at least for a little while. The hotel's regular rooms and suites are beautiful, but book a floor on the Rock Royalty level for the ultimate indulgence. The rooms are enormous, each measuring at least 375 square feet, with cotton signature bathrobes, garden or pool views, and complimentary evening turndown service. The Hard Rock Hotel has superb facilities for all guests, including a large outdoor pool with a slide, two hot tubs, a sandy volleyball court, three restaurants, and the Velvet bar.
What affordable hotels are best near Ocoee, Florida?
3 Star Average Prices: $114.87
Well-known budget-friendly hotel groups provide some of the best value accommodations around Ocoee. You can turn to hotels like the following for some of the lowest prices in the area.
Woodspring Suites Orlando Clarcona is set up for extended getaways, with full kitchens and dining tables in all rooms, plus a guest laundry that never closes. The longer you stay, the lower your nightly rate. You don't need to worry about leaving any member of your family behind either, with two cats or dogs allowed for a small surcharge. The rooms all have cable TV, which includes at least one movie channel you'll appreciate for those lazy nights in. You'll save even more money with free Wi-Fi access throughout the property and complimentary parking for your vehicle.
Red Roof Inn Orlando - West Ocoee is another affordable choice. You'll find standard rooms with two double beds or one king bed. Cool off from the Florida heat in the outdoor pool. When you want to explore downtown Orlando or Universal Studios Orlando, you'll have only a short drive to take you there.
