Where to Stay in Gainesville, FL | StayGainesville Rentals
Where to Stay in Gainesville, FL: Best Vacation Rentals Near UF, Downtown, & Medical Centers
Where to Stay in Gainesville, FL: Best Vacation Rentals Near UF, Downtown, & Medical Centers
Whether you're visiting a student at the University of Florida, attending a conference, receiving care at UF Health Shands Hospital, or planning a family getaway, finding the perfect place to stay in Gainesville, FL is key to enjoying your trip. While traditional hotels might be the go-to for some travelers, many are discovering the charm, space, and convenience of staying in a vacation rental instead.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top places to stay in Gainesville—with a spotlight on beautiful vacation rentals located near UF, downtown, and Gainesville’s top hospitals—as well as why these rentals are a better alternative to a hotel room.
Why Choose a Vacation Rental Over a Hotel?
Before diving into locations, let’s talk about the benefits of vacation rentals:
✅ More Space
Hotels often cram families into one or two beds in a small room. Vacation rentals offer multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, spacious living areas, and even private outdoor spaces.
✅ Privacy & Comfort
You’ll feel right at home without sharing hallways or lobbies. Plus, many rentals feature king-sized beds, fireplaces, outdoor patios, and private parking.
✅ Ideal for Groups
Whether you’re traveling with your family, coworkers, or friends for a graduation, football weekend, or wedding, you’ll enjoy staying together under one roof.
✅ Better Value
With full kitchens, laundry rooms, and free parking, vacation rentals offer better bang for your buck, especially for longer stays.
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Gainesville
Gainesville is a small city with big personality. Where you stay will depend on what brings you to town.
1. Near the University of Florida (UF)
Perfect for:
- Visiting students
- Attending games at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
- UF Graduation Weekend
StayGainesville offers a selection of homes that are within walking distance or a short drive to campus. One standout is the Stadium House, located just blocks from The Swamp. With stylish décor, plenty of space for tailgating, and modern amenities, this house books quickly for football season and special events.
2. Downtown Gainesville & The Historic District
Perfect for:
- Travelers who want to walk to restaurants, bars, and entertainment
- Guests attending events, retreats, or weddings
The Camellia Rose Mansion and The Laurel Oak Mansion are located in the beautiful and historic Duckpond District, a stone’s throw from downtown. These luxury homes offer the elegance of a boutique inn and the flexibility of a private rental. You’ll find:
- King bedrooms with fireplaces and ensuite bathrooms
- Gorgeous porches and gardens
- Walkability to top-rated restaurants and live music venues
These homes are perfect for family reunions, group stays, weddings, and retreats.
3. Near Shands Hospital and UF Health
Perfect for:
- Patients and families receiving care at UF Health/Shands
- Extended stays and medical rotations
Being close to UF Health Shands Hospital is essential for many visitors. StayGainesville offers fully-furnished homes with monthly rates and flexible stays tailored for medical patients, doctors, and traveling nurses. These homes offer:
- Quiet, residential surroundings
- Full kitchens for home-cooked meals
- Pet-friendly options
- Proximity to hospitals and medical centers
Here are some of StayGainesville’s top vacation rentals, each with unique charm and unbeatable location:
🏡 Laurel Oak Estate (Downtown | Sleeps 16)
With 7 bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms, fireplaces in every room, and a gourmet kitchen, this 5,800 sq. ft. estate is Gainesville’s largest rental home. Ideal for:
- UF Graduation weekend
- Wedding parties
- Corporate retreats
- Housing groups of employees
🏰 Camellia Rose Mansion (Historic District Downtown | Sleeps 16)
This elegant home features antique furnishings, beautiful porches, and lush gardens. Perfect for intimate events, extended stays, or a peaceful escape with friends and family.
🏊 406 Duckpond Home with Pool
A unique property in the historic district with a private pool, ideal for families or groups during Florida’s warmer months.
🌳 Hilltop Home at 630 NW 23rd Street
Located in a serene neighborhood with plenty of parking and natural light, this stylish home is great for business travelers or family reunions.
🏟️ Stadium House
Steps from UF’s campus and stadium. A modern and comfortable spot for fans during game day weekends or university events.
When to Book in Gainesville
If you’re visiting for a major UF event, book early! Gainesville is a smaller city with high demand during peak weekends.
🗓️ High-traffic times include:
- UF Graduation (Spring and Fall)
- Football Season (September–November)
- Dance and Music Competitions at Phillips Center or UF
- Summer relocation and orientation weekends
- Art and music festivals in Downtown Gainesville
What to Do While You’re in Gainesville
When you're not touring the university or relaxing in your rental, be sure to enjoy Gainesville’s hidden gems:
🌳 Nature & Trails
- Paynes Prairie Preserve
- Sweetwater Wetlands Park
- Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
🎭 Arts & Culture
- Hippodrome Theatre
- Harn Museum of Art
- Thomas Center Galleries
🍽️ Local Dining
Check out these nearby hotspots:
- Embers Wood Grill for upscale steak & seafood
- Cry Baby’s for cocktails downtown
- The Top for vegetarian-friendly gastropub fare
- Satchel’s Pizza for funky local flavor
☕ Coffee & Chill Spots
- Wyatt’s Coffee (downtown)
- Curia on the Drag
- Afternoon (a favorite brunch spot)
Book with Confidence: Why StayGainesville?
StayGainesville is the #1 short-term rental property management company in Gainesville, FL, known for:
- Diverse portfolio of beautiful homes and estates
- High-quality service and guest support
- Flexible booking options (short-term and extended stays)
- Prime locations near UF, downtown, and major hospitals
Hands-off management for homeowners, with personalized hospitality for guests
Whether you're booking a weekend stay or a month-long relocation, StayGainesville provides the space, comfort, and professionalism to make your visit unforgettable.
Ready to Book?
Explore our full range of homes and check availability at www.staygainesville.com. Whether you need a downtown retreat, a stadium-adjacent rental, or peaceful lodging during a medical stay, we have the perfect place for you.
Visit https://staygainesville.holidayfuture.com/search?numberOfGuests=1
for more information
StayGainesville: Stay Smart. Stay Local. StayGainesville.
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StayGainesville rentals
StayGainesville's Feature Business: Partners Real Estate Management. Unlike some national property management firms that take a cookie-cutter approach, Partners Real Estate Management customizes its services to fit the unique characteristics of each property. Whether managing a sleek downtown office complex or an expansive industrial park, Mary’s team brings the same level of care and strategic thinking.
Why Renting a Whole Home Beats Booking Hotel Rooms for Group Stays in Gainesville, FL
Whether you're coordinating a team of employees for a work conference, gathering extended family for a celebration, or reuniting a group of friends for a game weekend or vacation, one of the biggest decisions you'll face is where to stay. While hotels have long been the go-to option, more travelers are discovering the superior value, comfort, and flexibility of renting an entire home—especially in a city like Gainesville, FL.
