Sanford, a city of 53,000 people, is located in west-central Florida, surrounded by Lake Jessup and Lake Monroe. The city was incorporated in 1877 and became an important producer of citrus and celery. In 1913, it was established as the county seat of Seminole County.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Sanford, FL?
Sanford, Florida is hot and muggy for many months of the year. Starting in May through September, highs begin to creep into the upper-80s and 90s and stay there, with little cooling down at night. Overnight temperatures typically stay in the 70s. The humidity can be oppressive, especially if you're from a drier climate and you're not accustomed to it.
You're likely to be more comfortable participating in outdoor activities during the months of October through April. Winter in Sanford is temperate, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s throughout. Sanford's proximity to Disney World, Epcot, Sea World, Universal Studios, and more means visitors flock to the area year-round, with the busiest times following the traditional schedule for school-age children.
Summer is the likeliest time period for an afternoon shower or periods of rainy days, and Florida is at risk for hurricanes and tropical storms that develop in the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane season lasts from the summer through September.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Sanford, FL:
Sanford, FL: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. price patterns by star rating class in Sanford, FL. Browse these line graphs to determine the most cost effective seasons to book in Sanford for your upcoming travels.
What Are the Top Hotels in Sanford, FL?
4 Star Average Prices: $124.20
The Westin Lake Mary/Orlando North is a pet-friendly 251-room hotel on seven floors with interior hallway access to guest rooms. It's located 8.5 miles from the Sanford International Airport and provides a complimentary shuttle within a 4-mile radius. Complimentary parking is provided on-site. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are offered by the on-site restaurant, or you can order room service 24 hours a day. Cool off in the outdoor pool or enjoy a workout in the fitness center.
Settle in for a comfortable night's sleep on the Westin Heavenly Bed, with crisp linens and fluffy pillows. Room amenities include free bottled water, robes and slippers, free Wi-Fi, a mini fridge, coffee maker, desk with ergonomic chair, and flat-screen television in every room.
The Orlando Marriott Lake Mary is a recently-remodeled 307-room hotel on 10 floors with interior hallway access to guest rooms. Amenities include complimentary parking, an outdoor pool, spa, and fitness center, along with concierge services and a gift shop and newsstand. The hotel features three restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a lounge for evening relaxation. Room service is also available.
Guest rooms feature modern furnishings, hard surface floors, elegant bathrooms, bathrobes and slippers, luxurious linens on pillowtop mattresses, a coffee maker, mini fridge, 55-inch wall-mounted flat-screen television, free Wi-Fi, and iron and ironing board.
For something on the more intimate side, the Alling House Bed & Breakfast in nearby Orange City, Florida, gives guests a unique rural experience. The three rooms and five cottages on the former property of E.B. Alling has been well-preserved in its Victorian style. The proprietors encourage guests to sit on the porch swing, take a stroll in the yard and enjoy the goldfish pond, or enjoy some games or quiet reading in one of the communal spaces in the house.
Each guest room is uniquely decorated, with its own private bathroom, spa-quality towels and robes, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen television, access to complimentary drinks and snacks, and air conditioning.
What Are Budget Hotels in Sanford, FL?
3 Star Average Prices: $115.37
The Budget Inn of Sanford is a 98-room hotel on two floors with rooms accessed via the exterior hallway. It's located on the banks of Lake Mary, with access to water sports, and is only 3 miles from the Sanford Airport. Amenities include a large outdoor pool with a deck, free parking, including Stay and Fly promotions for airport guests, RV and bus parking, and renovated rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen television, mini fridge, and microwave in each room.
Woodspring Suites Orlando Sanford is a pet-friendly 121-room hotel on four floors with rooms accessed via the interior hallway, and features weekly, nightly, and monthly rates along with free parking. These studio suites feature kitchenettes with a large refrigerator, microwave, stovetop, and sink, a queen-size bed, desk/dining table with two chairs, sleeper sofa, flat-screen television, and free Wi-Fi.
2 Star Average Prices: $79.53
What Hotels Offer the Best Discounts in Sanford, FL?
The Best Western Plus Sanford Airport offers Stay and Fly rates, along with free parking for its guests. It's a modern-designed 71-room hotel on four floors with interior hallway access to guest rooms. Amenities include a complimentary breakfast buffet, an outdoor pool, fitness room, communal grills, and complimentary airport shuttle access.
Rooms feature contemporary design with pillowtop beds, a mini fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and flat-screen television in each room. AAA members and seniors receive up to a 15% discount off room rates. Active duty military members, veterans, and government employees receive a discounted rate as well.
The Comfort Inn & Suites Orlando North is a 107-room hotel on four floors with interior hallway access for guest rooms. A complimentary shuttle operates within 5 miles and the hotel offers a free buffet breakfast. Guest rooms include a mini fridge, microwave, flat-screen television, free Wi-Fi, and contemporary design. AAA and AARP members can receive up to 10% off room rates and government employee and military discounts are also available.
What Are the Best Value Options in Sanford, FL?
The Park Place Inn & Cottages is a 1930s home near historic downtown Sanford, and is located on one of the most scenic streets. This veteran-owned business is a more intimate yet affordable experience, with just nine rooms on two floors. Amenities include free parking, free Wi-Fi, individually decorated guest rooms, and air conditioning. It's close to both the restaurants and shops of Sanford as well as the airport.
The contemporary-appointed Candlewood Suites has 123 rooms on four floors with guest rooms accessed via an interior hallway. This all-suite hotel features an outdoor pool, fitness center, communal grills, free coffee and tea 24 hours a day with food items available for purchase in the store. Rooms feature a full kitchen, recliner, flat-screen television, full living room area, and free Wi-Fi.
What Is There to Do in Sanford, FL?
Sanford, Florida, is an outdoors paradise, with activities near the various bodies of water for all skill levels and interests. Start by visiting the Historic Sanford Downtown, revitalized with shops and restaurants, breweries, bars, and gastropubs that bring visitors nightly.
The Sanford Riverwalk goes along the shore of Lake Monroe for two paved miles for bike riding or walking. It connects to downtown Sanford with its historic architecture and many shops and restaurants. It also goes past the marina and weaves its way to Fort Mellon Park, a gathering place with a fountain, splash park, picnic facilities, baseball fields, and a basketball court.
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is 116 acres with over 400 species of animals that's been open since 1923. There's a carousel, a small train, a splash park, and kids can feed rhinos and giraffes. The Christmas season is ushered in by the Asian Lantern Festival, an LED-light display that features traditional seasonal and Asian motifs and a 200-foot dragon.
Lake Jessup Park is a boat launch into the wilderness area of Lake Jessup, which has available airboat tours to see all kinds of Florida wildlife including alligators, bald eagles, and turtles. Lake Jessup is over 100,000 years old and home to over 10,000 alligators, the largest concentration in a single lake in the United States.
Blue Spring State Park on the St. John's River is the winter home of giant manatees from November through March, with campgrounds, hiking trails, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. There's a 4-mile trail through a cypress swamp for visitors to enjoy.
The Lower Wekiva River State Preserve is a 10,000-acre wildlife preserve with hiking, horseback backpacking, camping, or canoe access. It's primitive and without amenities, but visitors can appreciate the wildlife of Central Florida, including river otters, alligators, sandhill cranes, and wood storks.
The Historic Sanford Memorial Stadium is built near the site of Sanford Field, where Jackie Robinson took to the plate in 1946 as a member of an all-white baseball team. The new stadium was built in 1951, and renovated in the 2000s, and served as a spring training facility for teams from New York and Boston. Now it's often used as a community facility, hosting tournaments and traveling teams.
The Daytona International Speedway is just 35 miles away, where visitors come to enjoy sportscar racing, karting, and the famous Daytona 500, a NASCAR race that draws fans from all over the country.
Orlando and its many theme parks are close enough that visitors can stay in Sanford for a fraction of the price if you don't mind a short drive to get there every day. With its airport and easy access to Interstate 95, Sanford is a good option for those trying to save money on lodging and keep away from some of Orlando's busyness.
FAQs about hotels in Sanford
How much does a cheap hotel in Sanford cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Sanford can be as cheap as $79.53 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Sanford cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Sanford has been $115.37 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 4-5 star hotel in Sanford cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Sanford has been $124.20 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)