Located about 30 miles northwest of Orlando, Mount Dora is a relatively small city in the eastern part of Lake County in Central Florida. The area around the city was first settled in 1874, following the arrival of David Simpson and his family. About half a decade later, Ross Tremain became the community's first postmaster. He was also one of the major real estate developers in the settlement. He named the unincorporated community “Royellou,” after his three children Roy, Ella, and Louis.
Later on, the village was renamed Dora Ann Drawdy, after an early settler. The adjacent Lake Dora was named after her in 1846, and the settlement was renamed after the lake in 1883. Since it's located on a plateau, the community was named “Mount Dora.” Mount Dora soon became a popular winter retreat for anglers, hunters, and boating enthusiasts. A railroad was built in the town in 1887, followed by fertilizer factories, a cannery, and an orange packing house. In the early 20th century, the town experienced significant population and commercial growth and began investing in public infrastructure.
Today, Mount Dora has a population of about 14,200 and a land area of 9.2 square miles. It continues to be a popular tourist destination because of its small town feel, historic charm, and abundance of outdoor opportunities. It also hosts many annual festivals, earning it the nickname “Festival City.”
When Is the Best Time to Visit Mount Dora, Florida?
Mount Dora experiences hot, wet summers and short, cool winters. The temperature generally varies from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit over the course of the year, rarely going above 94 degrees or below 36 degrees. If you're planning to spend a lot of time outdoors during your vacation, you should visit Mount Dora from mid-March to mid-May or mid-October to late November.
The busiest times for tourism in Mount Dora are spring and summer. If you're visiting during peak season, you should be prepared to face limited accommodation options and higher hotel rates. However, you can keep your travel costs low by booking your flights and accommodation about one month in advance. Alternatively, you can plan your trip for October or November, when the weather is cooler and hotel prices are normal.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Mount Dora, FL:
Mount Dora, FL: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Mount Dora, FL. Browse these charts to determine the cheapest seasons to book in Mount Dora for your upcoming travels.
Which Are the Top Hotels in Mount Dora, FL?
4 Star Average Prices: $114.90
If you want to truly experience the rich history of Mount Dora, consider staying at the famous Lakeside Inn. Situated in Mount Dora Historic District, this three-star hotel is within walking distance from the Modernism Museum Mount Dora, Elizabeth Evans Park, and Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce. It features 90 individually decorated rooms with cable television, safes, ceiling fans, and hair dryers. As a guest, you can make use of amenities such as an outdoor pool, two on-site restaurants, a lounge, newsstands, a conference space, and concierge services.
Alternatively, you can book a room at Hampton Inn Mount Dora. This hotel is about 1 mile northeast of Mount Dora, 1 mile from the Country Club of Mount Dora, 2 miles from Mount Dora Lighthouse, and 7 miles from Rock Springs Run State Reserve. All of its 62 rooms come with free wired and wireless internet connection, cable programming, flat screen televisions, refrigerators, safes, and hair dryers. Its on-site amenities include an outdoor pool, a spa tub, a fitness center, and a business center.
What Are the Best Budget Hotels in Mount Dora, Florida?
3 Star Average Prices: $118.22
If you're traveling on a budget, it's recommended that you stay at Inn on The Green Tavares, Florida. This hotel is about 4 miles west of Mount Dora in Tavares, 4 miles from Palm Island Park, 5 miles from Renninger's Mount Dora Flea Market and Antique Center, and 5 miles from Pine Meadows Conservation Area. It has 76 individually decorated rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, cable programming, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, and hair dryers. Additionally, it offers amenities such as an outdoor pool, picnic area, barbecue grills, and laundry facilities.
Budget Lodge of Mount Dora is another hotel that attracts many budget travelers. Located about a mile north of downtown Mount Dora, this simple hotel is just a few minutes' drive from attractions such as the Mount Dora History Museum, Donnelly Park, and Mount Dora Center for the Arts. Its 45 rooms are all equipped with free Wi-Fi, cable programming, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, and hair dryers. Available amenities include an outdoor pool, laundry facilities, and an airport shuttle with a surcharge.
2 Star Average Prices: $76.25
Which Hotels Offer the Best Discounts Around Mount Dora, FL?
If you're a member of the armed forces or a government employee, you can get a discount at Comfort Inn & Suites Tavares North. Situated 4 miles west of Mount Dora in Tavares, this hotel is about 1 mile from Lake Dora, 2 miles from Wooton Park, and 4 miles from Eustis Historical Museum. It has 79 rooms that feature Wi-Fi with a surcharge, cable programming, refrigerators, microwaves, and hair dryers. You'll have access to amenities such as an outdoor pool, picnic area, business center, and conference space.
Farnsworth House Bed and Breakfast is another hotel that offers lower rates to government employees and military personnel. This hotel is less than a mile east of downtown Mount Dora, 1 mile from Mount Dora Lighthouse, 3 miles from Trimble Park, and 13 miles from Wekiwa Springs State Park. Its eight individually decorated rooms come with complimentary Wi-Fi, cable programming, and hair dryers. On-site amenities include a terrace and garden.
What Are the Best Value Options in Mount Dora, FL?
If you're looking for a reasonably priced hotel that offers a comfortable stay, check out Quality Inn & Suites Mount Dora North. Located about 2 miles northwest of Mount Dora, this hotel is about 2 miles from Lake Dora, 3 miles from Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce, and 3 miles from Eustis Historical Museum. It has 89 rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, satellite programming, flat-screen televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, and hair dryers. You can take advantage of amenities such as an outdoor pool and laundry facilities.
Key West Resort Tavares – Mount Dora is another popular choice among value seekers. This three-star hotel is situated 5 miles west of Mount Dora in Tavares, less than 1 mile from the Lake County Museum of Art, 4 miles from ViaPort Florida, and 5 miles from Lake Harris. It features 65 rooms with free wired and wireless internet connection, cable programming, flat-screen televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, and hair dryers. It also offers amenities such as an outdoor pool, a terrace, a garden, an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and a business center.
What Are the Top Attractions Around Mount Dora, Florida?
Whether you're interested in history, art, or nature, you'll have plenty of things to do in Mount Dora. You can kick off your vacation by exploring the downtown area. Downtown Mount Dora features beautiful streets lined with palm trees, historic buildings, shops, and restaurants. Some of the historic sites you should check out include the old railroad depot, the Queen Anne-style Donnelly House, and the Victorian-style Lakeside Inn which is the oldest continuously running hotel in Florida. Additionally, you can enjoy a wide variety of cuisines in over 20 restaurants, shop at boutique stores, and buy fresh local produce at the Village Market.
A vacation in Mount Dora won't be complete without attending its popular festivals. One of the most anticipated festivals is Renninger's Antique Extravaganza, which features over 1,500 dealers offering an extensive array of antique items. You can also view the works of hundreds of artists at Mount Dora Arts Festival or join over 1,000 cyclists for a few days of riding during the Mount Dora Bicycle Festival. If you're in town during the holidays, make sure you attend the Mount Dora Christmas Walk, where you can see millions of lights, a 40-foot-high musical Christmas tree, and many live performances.
Lake Dora is the crown jewel of Mount Dora. Measuring 6 miles long, this lake and its surrounding area offer a wide range of activities, including picnicking, nature walks, bird-watching, and boating. Make sure you visit Grantham Point Park, which is home to one of the few freshwater lighthouses in Florida. You can even join a narrative tour of Dora Canal, which is a highlight of the Harris Chain of Lakes. During the tour, you'll learn about the rich history of the area and possibly catch sight of bald eagles, ospreys, and other birds.
With so many attractions to visit around Mount Dora, you probably have to stay there for at least a few days to thoroughly explore the area. To ensure you'll have a pleasant vacation, you should do some research to find a hotel that perfectly suits your needs and preferences. If possible, try to stay at a hotel that's situated close to all the attractions you intend to visit.
FAQs about hotels in Mount Dora
How much does a cheap hotel in Mount Dora cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Mount Dora can be as cheap as $76.25 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Mount Dora cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Mount Dora has been $118.22 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 4-5 star hotel in Mount Dora cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Mount Dora has been $114.90 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)