Founded as a retirement community for Civil War veterans, St. Cloud received the nickname “The Friendly Soldier City” early in its history. The name Saint Cloud was originally used for a sugarcane plantation named after St. Cloud, Minnesota, although many locals argue the name came from Saint-Cloud, France. Despite attempts to make the land profitable, the Panic of 1893 caused land values to drop, ruining the plantation. In 1909, 35,000 acres were acquired for the development of a Grand Army of the Republic veterans' colony. The site was selected due to its climate and productive soil.
The Florida Legislature incorporated St. Cloud as a city in 1915. Since then, it has fought to promote an image of small-town life despite neighboring cities providing thrilling theme parks and other attractions.
Today, St. Cloud is home to the Reptile World Serpentarium and St. Cloud Heritage Museum. It is located just 30 minutes from Orlando International Airport and serves as a great home base for exploring Orlando and nearby areas.
Whatever your reason for visiting St. Cloud, it's important to find the right hotel that allows you to explore everything Central Florida has to offer.
When is the best time to visit Saint Cloud, FL?
St. Cloud is a year-round destination for travelers, but the best time to visit is from March to May when the weather is pleasant but not too hot. Spring also ushers in money-saving rates at area hotels as long as you avoid holiday weekends and school breaks. Plus, if you are planning to visit the area's theme parks, you won't have as many crowds to contend with as you would during the summer months. Key events happening around St. Cloud in the spring include the Florida Music Festival, the Florida Film Festival, and the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival.
If you must plan your trip during the summer, expect hot, humid weather and pricey hotel rates. Summer temperatures easily hit the low 90s and feel 10 degrees hotter most days, so bring plenty of sunscreen, stay hydrated, and visit indoor attractions for an air-conditioned break. Despite the heat and occasional hurricane threat, summers in St. Cloud place you within an easy driving distance of Orlando Nerd Fest, Bite30, and Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Walt Disney World Resort.
Fall in Central Florida is plagued by hurricanes, which keeps most travelers away from September to November. If you can stay flexible with your travel plans, however, you can enjoy affordable flights and hotel rates throughout the region. Just be sure to purchase refundable tickets and keep an eye on the weather. Notable events happening in the fall include Artlando and Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort.
Tourists flood into Orlando from December through February to escape northern snowstorms, which can affect hotel rates in St. Cloud. Although local attractions will be packed, you can enjoy wonderful weather in the low 70s. Arrive at area theme parks early since they stop admitting visitors after reaching a certain capacity. Area events happening during the winter months include the St. Cloud Holiday Festival, Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort, Downtown Food & Wine Fest, and Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Saint Cloud, FL:
Saint Cloud by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Saint Cloud, FL. You can use these charts to calculate the most cost effective dates to make a reservation in Saint Cloud for your upcoming travels.
What luxury hotels are available in Saint Cloud, FL?
4 Star Average Prices: $138.22
If you prefer a more indulgent stay in the St. Cloud area, make a reservation at Saratoga Resort Villas Kissimmee. This premier resort consists of beautiful vacation villas set on 18 acres of lush, tropical gardens with private waterways, scenic walkways, and breathtaking views. The smoke-free property includes two- and three-bedroom villas with full kitchens and all the comforts of home that are perfect for an extended stay.
Guests of Saratoga Resort Villas Kissimmee can enjoy a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, a children's pool and playground area, concierge services, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a basketball court, picnic and outdoor grilling area, video game room, business center, meeting facilities, and guest laundry facilities. Dine in the Saratoga Bar & Grill any time of day with its delicious American gastro-pub cuisine and cocktails.
Another upscale option close to St. Cloud is the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport. Located inside the airport's main terminal, this stunning hotel places you within minutes of airport shopping, nightlife, and restaurants. Amenities include on-site dining, meeting facilities, room service, business services, a fitness center, an outdoor pool with runway views, concierge services, boarding pass printing, an airline ticket counter, baggage retrieval, and day-use rooms.
Dine in McCoy's Bar & Grill with its eclectic array of menu items or relax in the Lobby Bar with a refreshing cocktail. Don't miss the award-winning Hemisphere Restaurant on the ninth floor, which boasts dramatic views of the runway as well as airplane-themed art installations.
What hotels in Saint Cloud, FL are the most affordable?
3 Star Average Prices: $104.42
Finding an affordable hotel in St. Cloud is easy if you know where to look and can plan your trip in advance.
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Tropical Palms Kissimmee is a budget-friendly option off Interstate 4 close to the 192 Flea Market. The property includes a shuttle service to nearby attractions, an outdoor pool, an on-site business center, a restaurant, ample parking, and free Wi-Fi internet access. There's also a game room, RV parking, laundry facilities, and a children's pool. Guest rooms include hairdryers, coffee-making facilities, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, and separate sitting areas. Some rooms include work desks.
Flamingo Waterpark Resort is a surprisingly affordable family-friendly destination boasting a lazy river, outdoor pool, pool cabanas, waterpark slides, children's pool, fitness facilities, and an arcade. The full-service hotel is located less than 2 miles from Osceola Heritage Park and offers fun activities for the whole family. Enjoy a heated spa, hot meal options, on-site cafe, convenience store, playground, and movie room. Guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs, alarm clock radios, coffee and tea makers, and work spaces. Upgrade to a suite to enjoy an in-room kitchenette with full-size refrigerator, microwave, and dining table.
If you don't mind staying a little farther from St. Cloud, reserve a room at Days Inn by Wyndham Orlando Airport Florida Mall. Featuring a convenient airport shuttle service, this hotel provides guests with pet-friendly rooms, an outdoor pool with children's play area, free parking, a complimentary breakfast, banquet facilities, a fitness center, and Wi-Fi access. Oversized family rooms are available, and all guest rooms include coffee and tea makers, comfortable beds, available cribs or rollaway beds, late check-out, flat-screen TVs, work spaces, and ample drawer space for storing clothes.
