The Equestrian Hotel — Hotel in Ocala

From the moment you arrive at The Equestrian Hotel, you know you’re somewhere extraordinary. The property radiates timeless elegance and refined luxury, with every detail thoughtfully designed to create an experience that feels both grand and welcoming.

The cleanliness is impeccable—truly beyond compare. Every surface gleams, every corner feels fresh, and every room exudes a sense of calm and care that speaks volumes about the hotel’s standards. Housekeeping operates with quiet precision, ensuring your space is always pristine without ever being intrusive.

The service is nothing short of exceptional. The staff embodies the perfect balance of professionalism and genuine warmth. From the front desk to the concierge, every interaction feels personal and sincere. Whether you need a last-minute reservation, a special request, or simply a friendly recommendation, they anticipate your needs with effortless grace.

The hotel itself is exquisitely elegant—a seamless blend of classic sophistication and modern comfort. The grand lobby, with its sweeping chandeliers and artful equestrian touches, sets the tone for an atmosphere that’s both majestic and serene. Guest rooms are spacious sanctuaries, appointed with plush bedding, luxurious marble bathrooms, and sweeping views of the stunning grounds.

And then there’s the culinary experience—nothing short of incredible. Every restaurant and café on the property delivers an unforgettable dining experience. From perfectly brewed morning coffee to fine dining dinners at Stirrups, each dish is a masterpiece of flavor and presentation. The chefs clearly take pride in every plate, and it shows.

Whether you’re visiting for an equestrian event, a weekend retreat, or a special celebration, The Equestrian Hotel stands as the pinnacle of hospitality. It’s not just a stay—it’s an experience of luxury, grace, and impeccable taste.

If there were more than five stars to give, this extraordinary hotel would deserve every single one.

PS- you must get a room with a view to the...

This is about our much anticipated evening at Stirrups - we had heard good things, and as one of the most expensive restaurants in Ocala, we expected a wonderful experience. Unfortunately, we were sadly disappointed. The young hostess led us to our table saying, "you guys can follow me". Call me old - but, "you guys"? Sad for upscale. We were handed menus and were seated at least 15 minutes before the server came over. I recognized her from two other local restaurants where we got good service from her, and though she said this was her "dream job", the service didn't even match our previous experiences. We got water 30 minutes in. Drink orders were placed, they were 20 plus minutes coming, server said due to one bartender and a trainee. When they finally arrived, the person who brought them actually set them down where they belonged without asking (always classy). Bread was brought - a basket of cold, hard, butter soaked biscuits. It would have been so easy to serve them warm! Very unappealing. Dinner order was finally able to be placed an hour in. 30 minutes later it arrived, three orders of sea bass and one of scallops. All adequate, but the corn succotash with the scallops was overloaded with undercooked red onion, as were the Brussels sprouts, which were steamed and somewhat crunchy. Peas and carrots underwhelmingly seasoned. The sauce on the Au Gratin potatoes was curdled on the inside, as is what happens with reheating. The wedge salad ordered never arrived. The water glasses were refilled just once, and our server was scarce the entire meal, not just from our table but the dining room in general. She did come back to offer us dessert. We settled on the hummingbird cake and the Mississippi Mud pie. Both were presented beautifully, we felt the cake was the star of the show. All in all, we were underwhelmed and disappointed. We have lots of reasons to be at WEC and many connections to the local horse community, but I'm afraid we can't recommend...

The Equestrian Hotel is a stunning establishment that exudes elegance and warmth. My friend from Ontario, Canada, who has been an equestrian enthusiast her entire life, found her stay there to be a realization of her long-held dreams. The hotel's bright and inviting atmosphere, combined with its tasteful and upscale decor, creates an environment that is both luxurious and relaxed.

The lobby is spacious and well-appointed, offering ample seating for meetings or leisurely breaks between events. The Yellow Pony restaurant is a delightful choice for a midday meal, and the staff members are courteous and attentive. Additionally, the hotel features a cafe serving exquisite pastries and providing ample table space, where I was able to work comfortably on my laptop during the afternoon.

The hotel's aesthetic is beautifully chic, with a touch of whimsy, as evidenced by the charming professional animal portraits that add a quirky and endearing touch.

The convenience of being able to walk or take a golf cart to any location within the Equestrian Center is a significant advantage, enhancing the overall experience. If you’re staying at The Equestrian, there is no need to leave the property while at WEC. You’ll have everything you need.

We recently moved to Tampa from Las Vegas where we were accustomed to having access to beautiful resorts for weekend staycations to retreat from our busy day-to-day lifestyle. We haven’t found that same experience in the area until now. My boyfriend and I are already planning our return visit to The Equestrian to indulge in one of their couples weekend packages, possibly the adventure package or the one that includes the Clydesdale tour experience 🥰

While we did not explore the shopping options during our stay, they appeared to be quite appealing. The Equestrian Hotel is a true oasis nestled in Ocala, offering a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and...