Palm Lakefront Resort & Hostel - Hostel in Kissimmee - 4840 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, USA

While visiting the Kissimmee area this winter, I spent several weeks at the Palm Lakefront Resort & Hostel. Having never really experienced a long term stay at a hostel, I was rewarded with new friendships, a beautiful yard with lake access to Lake Cecile and excellent ability to get places in the Kissimmee area. I was there to hike, bird watch and write. I left and then returned several times. Jerry, the manager, is an easy going person and the full time residents were friendly After being there awhile, I became friends with many. The facilities are clean and communal areas are well equipped. The kitchen area can become busy but the ebb and flow of people sharing was tolerable. The areas on the grounds in back include a fire pit, gazebo which extends out into the lake making sunset viewing a beautiful experience, a pool and a large, grassy area. Inside there is a ping pong table and pool table. Although, the resort is located on a busy street, I did not find it to be too loud and I did spend a lot of time outside. The rooms are basic and clean. Rooms are inexpensive for the area thus encouraging you to get outside and enjoy the sunshine or mingle with other guests in the common areas to share experiences. All hostels provide ample opportunities to meet interesting and international visitors, this one is no exception. I am looking forward to coming back next winter for a stay while in central Florida.

The resort/hostel is difficult to give just one rating as it depends what you are looking for in a place to stay. On the positive side the value is great. I stayed in a private room for just $50/night (shared dorm rooms are like only $20/night). My room was in good condition and spacious. Air conditioner worked well and didn't smell musty. However the water didn't taste so good (I recommend bottled water for brushing teeth) and I couldn't get the mini-fridge to work. Manager was helpful when I thought I lost my room key & he unlocked the door right away and fortunately found my key still inside the room.||||Also on the positive side is the owner/managers appear to be very supportive of alternate lifestyles. There seems to be a live and let live attitude which is refreshing. There's no security guard that's going to kick you out of the pool at sunset, LOL. Speaking of the pool, that's the best part of the resort. Re-construction work on the pool started last year & was completed earlier this year. They did a great job, water was sparkling clear, and the best part was its peacefulness. You won't encounter a bunch of kids splashing about making lots of noise. In fact, two of the four days nobody else used the pool but me!||||Also on the positive side is the city finally condemned the two hotels next door (Star hotel & Lake Cecile hotel). That eliminated a lot of the riff-raff floating about the area. Although I did still encounter one shady person, everyone else seemed very friendly there.||||Keep in mind this isn't a Hampton or Holiday Inn. If you want luxury while assured a quiet night of sleep while heading out to visit the Orlando attractions during the day then this may not be the best place. However if you're looking for a place to chill for a few days that won't dent the wallet then this resort/hostel might fit the bill. I also noticed that the lakefont cabin was rented a few of the nights during my stay and this may be another option to consider. While the cabin is probably more expensive to rent it's farther back from the road and is much more peaceful, private & romantic.||||Hopefully, nothing will change with new ownership as it appears the property was recently purchased at an auction according to the news. That would be a shame as there's no other place like it in the Orlando/Kissimmee area.

Had the pleasure of staying here for 6 nights. Lots of tv channels to choose from, but didn't watch too much because I was only using the hostel to sleep. Room had 2 sets of bunk beds and one queen sized bed. I like a lot of pillows so since I was only given one, I supplemented by using by clothing bag underneath the provided pillow, though I'm sure if I asked they would have given me an extra! Had 1 roommate who was out of the room even more than I was, but the few conversations I had with her were pleasant. It was so neat being roomed with somebody from Malaysia! Quiet area even though right beside 535, great location, close to several fast food restaurants and Target(all easily within walking distance!). Jerry was easily reachable by phone and able to answer any questions I had. 10/10 will definitely stay here again if I ever go back to the area!

What an incredible experience! I haven't even jumped in the pool yet, I just had to share how great this place is! The staff members are so friendly and welcoming. The guests that I met were from all over the world and so much fun to talk with. The beds are simple and nice. There is a billiards table, table tennis, and board games. There is even a gym! I love this place and will be back soon =)

I saved by trying out this resort and hostel. Going through #priceline, it was hard to find a lower rate. It's not dirty, as a previous reviewer said. It is older, you'll be able to tell, but not "dirty". I think some people expect too much for what they pay for.|It seems one building is for the hostel people sharing rooms and the other is a regular hotel side. That's it. 2 buildings parallel, and a "community" building at the rear with many activities, a community kitchen with fridges, microwave, and an oven. They have table games, pool and air hockey, video games, a piano, weight equipment, tv, etc. | It had a "flower child feel when I walked in the room. Decorated like no other hotel room, there was unique art all over, as my pictures show. Gave it a WELCOME HOME relaxed feel. |No mini fridge or microwave, which would have been nice. No carpet, bare floors. The a/c unit was loud if set on low and very cold on hi. They have actual keys for the door, but still I felt safe. I wish they had blackout curtains as the morning light beams in the windows. Also you can hear all the traffic from 192. Bring earplugs and an eye mask and you'll be set. The tv was old box style but had a good number of channels, even 3 HBO and a Showtime! |GO OUT BACK ... there is a nice feeling pool, a deck where it is relaxing to eat lunch by the water. Or maybe go fishing off the dock ... i saw a lot of little fish swimming ... and where there's little fish ... 😉!!||I walked over to the guy renting jet skis, canoes, and the sort. Go to the stock and you'll see him on your left, a little ice-fishing type of hut. I think he was part of the Howard Johnson's next door but he's independent. I rented a jet ski for an hour! It's a very big lake! I was wore out after that! |I think that's why they say resort ... because there really is lots to do. |Across the street is a strip mall with a Publix grocery store. You can walk or drive. It'll be easy to cross with a light just up the road. |In my opinion, take a chance. Save money. Good location. Good people. Good activities. Clean, homey style room. Nice backyard views. Good place.

It was great. Clean room and great staff. Jerry was exceptualy nice and joked. I'm the same. It was great to meet someone with such a nice personality. The price of the room was a lot more reasonable than some I found in Orlando. I would recommend staying there. I look forward to staying again, but next time do some fishing.

Great place for traveling on a budget. Its the only option I found around the Orlando area that was for dorm style housing. Laid back hosts make the place a pleasure to stay. Beautiful grass area and pool out back which I neglected to take advantage of. Julia and Jerry are great managers and I look forward to staying again while in the area. Hostel room was actually a pretty decent size for 3 bed dorm option with a bunk and queen style bed. Jerry and Julia were flexible with my change of plans at the last second. Thanks again.

Came in extremely tired from the parks but this place felt like coming home. They welcomed us with karaoke and a warm smile. We were too tired to join in but the sentiment was appreciated. The grounds are beautiful and there are a variety of space options. We stayed in a double private room for a night and slept like rocks. Would definitely return with all the activities and welcoming atmosphere.