Welaka Lodge & Resort
1001 Front St, Welaka, FL 32193-2072
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About
5.0
#1 of 1 campground in WelakaLocation
4.8
Rooms
4.9
Value
4.8
Cleanliness
4.9
Service
4.8
Sleep Quality
4.8
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Nestled under live oaks, magnolias and palms, on a high bluff overlooking the beautiful St. Johns River, is a slice of paradise Old Florida style. Catering to the casual and avid fisherman and their families, outdoor enthusiasts, or just those looking for a quiet respite in a beautiful setting, Welaka Lodge and Resort provides luxury cottage accommodations in a rustic setting.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Bar / lounge
Fishing
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
BBQ facilities
Non-smoking hotel
Wifi
Hot tub
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Restaurant
Picnic area
Self-serve laundry
Room features
Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Microwave
Refrigerator
Kitchenware
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Romantic
Hotel links
Location
Getting there
Gainesville Regional Airport
38.7 mi•
See all flights
St. Augustine Airport
38.7 mi•
See all flights
Rental Cars
10 Restaurants
within 5 miles
333Reviews3Q+A79Room tips
Reviews
Traveler rating
- 298
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Detailed Reviews
Jennifer and Judy took excellent care of us and our friends for our 3rd visit at this wonderful resort. It has been a birthday tradition for 3 years and look forward to next year.
The golf carts were ready and waiting when we arrived, the heated pool and hot tub were sparkling and inviting.
Hopefully, next year the bar/restaurant will be available (Covid-19 closed most things this year).
The golf carts were ready and waiting when we arrived, the heated pool and hot tub were sparkling and inviting.
Hopefully, next year the bar/restaurant will be available (Covid-19 closed most things this year).
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Date of stay: April 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Becky N, Manager at Welaka Lodge & Resort
Responded May 10, 2020
We are glad you were pleased with your visit to Welaka Lodge. The Boathouse Bar should be open and running next time you stay with us!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Can't speak too highly of Welaka Lodges. Wonderful elevated location directly on
a wide section of the river. The cabins are clean , well equipped, and not crowded
together. The heated pool is clean, and for those who prefer a hot soak there is a
hot tub. Some of the cabins have private individual hot tubs, monitored and
sterilised daily.
There is a pleasant bar right on the dock, open at weekends and serves food.
Within easy walking distance is a rustic bar/restaurant. We greatly enjoyed the
food. You won't come out hungry and it won't empty your wallet (purse).
The staff at the Lodges are very friendly and most obliging.
If you seek a quiet place in a safe environment, with amenities close at hand, look
no further. We stayed ten days and were reluctant to leave
a wide section of the river. The cabins are clean , well equipped, and not crowded
together. The heated pool is clean, and for those who prefer a hot soak there is a
hot tub. Some of the cabins have private individual hot tubs, monitored and
sterilised daily.
There is a pleasant bar right on the dock, open at weekends and serves food.
Within easy walking distance is a rustic bar/restaurant. We greatly enjoyed the
food. You won't come out hungry and it won't empty your wallet (purse).
The staff at the Lodges are very friendly and most obliging.
If you seek a quiet place in a safe environment, with amenities close at hand, look
no further. We stayed ten days and were reluctant to leave
Read more
Date of stay: December 2021
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbie and I spent two nights in the Sunset Cottage. We were both pleasantly surprised how beautiful the interior was from the flooring to the kitchen and bathroom. It was shocking seeing as this was at one time a fish camp.
Friday night we soaked in the jacuzzi. Saturday afternoon following a morning of fishing we enjoyed the spring breeze. I truly felt like I was in a far away land.
We have plans to return for the Bream fishing.
Friday night we soaked in the jacuzzi. Saturday afternoon following a morning of fishing we enjoyed the spring breeze. I truly felt like I was in a far away land.
We have plans to return for the Bream fishing.
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Date of stay: April 2021
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Becky Newell, General Manager at Welaka Lodge & Resort
Responded Apr 15, 2021
Thanks for the nice review Chris. I hope you can schedule your next trip to do some serious fishing!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We have stayed here often, and enjoy it more each time. The cottages are cute and always clean.
The river front bar is on a dock where you have a beautiful view of the water. Boaters can tie up to the dock for a cool refreshment or tasty food.
Rental boats available for a spin or hooking a fish or two for dinner. The pool is ready for a refreshing swim. Welaka is a golf cart friendly community so bring your own or they are available at a reasonable cost right there at Welaka Lodge.
If you have an RV they have full hook ups for your rig. There is a restaurant within walking distance, with full bar and food.
So pack your bags and head for the relaxing vacation you deserve.
The river front bar is on a dock where you have a beautiful view of the water. Boaters can tie up to the dock for a cool refreshment or tasty food.
Rental boats available for a spin or hooking a fish or two for dinner. The pool is ready for a refreshing swim. Welaka is a golf cart friendly community so bring your own or they are available at a reasonable cost right there at Welaka Lodge.
If you have an RV they have full hook ups for your rig. There is a restaurant within walking distance, with full bar and food.
So pack your bags and head for the relaxing vacation you deserve.
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Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Becky Newell, General Manager at Welaka Lodge & Resort
Responded Sep 20, 2021
Thank you so much for such a thorough review of what we have to offer at Welaka Lodge! TripAdvisor readers will appreciate what you have to say.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beautiful quaint place. The cottage was literally steps away from the river! We could see it from the front porch. The cottage was beautifully decorated, well kept, very clean and fully stocked with dishes, pots, pans, silverware, dishwasher, dish soap, linens, towels, gas grill and full kitchen. All the staff we encountered was absolutely welcoming, polite and extremely helpful. Worth every penny if you’re looking for a restful place. We stayed early in the week thus the restaurant was closed, but hopefully we’ll schedule a weekend stay next time to enjoy the great food and drinks. We highly recommend this place.
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip: Don’t forget to bring mosquito spray!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My wife and I stayed 4 days last week. We would have stayed longer but they were booked. We have stayed there once before and we knew the cabin would be clean and well stocked. There are 3 good restaurants within 10 minutes of the resort. The resort also has boat slips that can be rented at a reasonable price. The staff is very friendly and helpful. If you are looking for a great place to relax on the river this a great place to do it. We will go back again.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Becky N, Manager at Welaka Lodge & Resort
Responded Feb 5, 2020
Thank you for taking time to post a review on TripAdvisor Rob. We appreciate the positive comments and look forward to your next visit.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
If you are looking for a relaxing, slow paced getaway then Welaka Lodge and Resort is the place to be. My husband and I just needed some quality time together and being here was just was we received. The view from our cabin was spectacular. Our CABIN was amazing! It had everything we needed to stay put - full kitchen comfortable setting, grill to cook on, wrap around patio to enjoy the surrounding beauty and a hot tub. We enjoyed hiking at nearby by Welaka Forest and you can travel a short distance to other springs. The staff and other locals were friendly. My husband and I did not want to leave and have decided we will be back!
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Date of stay: November 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Becky Newell, General Manager at Welaka Lodge & Resort
Responded Nov 23, 2020
Annmarie, Our guests do appreciate a relaxing getaway from the stresses of daily life. Thank you for expressing your feelings on TripAdvisor for others to read!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Had a great stay at the Welaka Lodge for three nights December 2020. Our riverfront cottage had a gorgeous view of the St.John River. It was quiet, had a very comfortable king size bed, well equipped kitchen, ample space throughout, back and front porches, basically everything you could want for a getaway. My husband fished all day with a local expert fishing guide and had a fabulous time. We picked up fresh fish dinners at a local restaurant each evening and ate them back at the cottage. Traveling around the area - we loved Lake George, hiking at the Welaka State Forest and visiting the Ravine Garden State Park in Palatka. We highly recommend a stay at the Welaka Lodge and Resort.
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Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Becky Newell, General Manager at Welaka Lodge & Resort
Responded Dec 16, 2020
I'm so happy to hear that you and your husband enjoyed your stay with us. The day with the fishing guide was a plus for your husband, I'm sure! You mentioned that you were on your way further south for the winter. I hope you will be stopping for a longer visit next year when you travel through!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Second time my family stayed here! This time we stayed in #24, Such a cozy place! My best friend and her family stay in the sweet next to ours in #23! We recommend to bring your family or bring your friends. This little hidden Gem is right on Small Lake George, beautiful view from you back or front deck, depending on what unit your in! Jacuzzi spa on back deck, fully loaded grill! Full kitchen, choice from open floor designs, to full bedrooms in until. Beautifully remodeled, modernized to date! This time I had pictures of dragonfly's on our wall! Friendly staff, very clean and organized! We will be staying her again for a third, fourth, and so on! Thank you so much for a wonderful weekend!also, for boat lovers and water lovers. They have a restaurant on the water with 10 boat slips to dock your boat! The scound day, my family ventured out with a map from the office, to go to Sliver Glenn, as well as Salt Spring! 25/30 mins away from the Lodge by boat! Totally recommend this vacation, or just a quick get away!!
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Becky N, Manager at Welaka Lodge & Resort
Responded Apr 1, 2020
Thank you for your glowing review of Welaka Lodge & Resort. Our guests tell us how much they enjoy being in a peaceful location right on the St. Johns River with amenities that make their stay even more pleasant. We're happy that you feel the same!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Great location with beautiful, well stocked cottages/cabins on the St. John's River. Staff was friendly and accommodating. Easy to walk to the dock for fishing or just hanging out. Although bar/restaurant on the dock by the river wasn't open yet, we still enjoyed gathering there and using the table and chairs. Beautiful sunsets too! Individual, clean, hot tubs in back of each cabin were an added benefit and contributed to our relaxing vacation. Would definitely stay here again!
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Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â Well stocked kitchen, including dishes, pots, pans, Keurig coffeemaker, dishwasher, microwave...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yes , sewer, water and 30 and 50 amp service. no tv
I have no association to Welaka other than staying there. You need to contact them.
Found out myself...its a 15 minute walk.
"If you need anything, just ask someone that works there. They seem always happy to help. "Read full review
"If you are wanting to keep your fishing boat trailered and charge the batteries each night you will probably need to stay somewhere else. "Read full review
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ALSO KNOWN AS
welaka hotel welaka, welaka lodge and resort
LOCATION
United StatesFloridaWelaka
NUMBER OF ROOMS
9
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Frequently Asked Questions about Welaka Lodge & Resort
Which popular attractions are close to Welaka Lodge & Resort?
Nearby attractions include Welaka State Forest (0.3 miles), Welaka Baptist Church (0.5 miles), and Salt Springs Observation Trail (3.9 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Welaka Lodge & Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Welaka Lodge & Resort?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Welaka Lodge & Resort?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Welaka Lodge & Resort?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Welaka Lodge & Resort?
Conveniently located restaurants include Shrimp-R-Us & More, Mel's River Pub, and Renegades on the River.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Welaka Lodge & Resort?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Is Welaka Lodge & Resort located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.4 miles away from the center of Welaka.
Are pets allowed at Welaka Lodge & Resort?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Does Welaka Lodge & Resort have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the river view available here.
Is Welaka Lodge & Resort accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.