Lake Monroe Old South Motel, Sanford

We recently visited many areas of Florida and stayed in various hotels and were delighted with the rooms and service. Then we stayed here! Unfortunately, we had booked this room on Priceline and had already paid for it so we had no choice. When we arrived, the place was deserted and looked like it was closed for business. The room was old, run down, noisy, and dirty! We unfortunately stayed because it was too late to find another room that late at night. The room was NOTHING like the pics on their website. We got very little sleep because the room was very noisy and the bed was worn out.

The ac unit never worked during our entire stay and they could not move us to another room because the few rooms they had that was somewhat acceptable were already booked. We couldn't even cool off in the pool because it was out of commission as well. It's pittiful, because the hotel probably at one time was nice but the owners have let it go so far down hill. We won't be back as well as all the other people that were in the lobby complaining.

April 11,2008 I have stayed at many Hotels, but this was the only time I have gotten up and left in the middle of the night. We booked a room at the Palms to spend a romatic night away from home. I had read reviews that were unfavorable ( noise, uncleanliness) so I called the Hotel to voice my concerns. The girl at the front desk assured me that we had nothing to worry about, that our room was recently renovated and in a secluded part of the Hotel. When we arrived, it appeared that she was right. Our room overlooked the lake and although old had, had some refurbishment. We went to sleep around 11:30. At 2:00am we were awoken by a very loud party in the room next door and outside our door, on the balcony. The noise was so loud that it felt like they were in the room with us. After about a half hour of waiting for them to settle down we called the front desk to complain. We were told that it would be taken care of. At 3:00am the party was still going on at an even louder pitch. We packed our bags and went by the front desk to let them know we were leaving. Our departure was met by indifference by the front desk at no time were we offered an apology or another another room. We ended up driving 2 hours back home, our romantic get away ruined. Sandford is great but not the Palms Resort!!! Jim Howard, Melbourne Florida

Visted this Resort for three days Dec. 26th thru 29th.and enjoyed it very much. Was greeted at check-in by a sweet young Lady named Shannon. My wife and I were on a three day fishing trip and Shannon gave us a very nice room close to our boat slip and even offered to give us one next to the lake. She also gave us a AAA room discount at check-out and was very helpful through out our stay. The continental breakfast they served was also nice. I will be staying there again. Charles Shuman, Hinesville, Ga.

This hotel used to be a Holiday Inn back in the 80's and then a Best Western in the 90's. Because of it's location on Lake Monroe, rodents and other creatures run amuck on the property. Rats can be heard running across the ceiling tiles in the breakfast room. I've seen rodents outside around the pool area and near the restaurant, which is located to the east of the property. The front desk manager seems to be in a foul mood when you seek information about the area. I do not recommend this hotel. Rumors say the hotel is being demolished for 3, 10 story buildings and they will relocate the hotel. That would be best and hopefully hire better Front desk associates.

When we arrived to our room, one of the bathtub faucets was running, and it wouldn't turn off...they immediately put us in another room (much nicer also). Pool was clean and felt wonderful under the HOT sun. Staff was friendly. Very clean rooms...only one problem with this area...the "blind mosquitos"! There's billions of them it seems like, and they swarm around any light source and get in the rooms. They dont bite or carry disease, so it's more of a nuisance than a danger. The two bars/restaurants next door are both great places to relax and the lake makes for a great view. Over all, it made for a great last minute hotel. Should be a wonderful place once all renovations are complete and the bug situation is taken care of.

There were not many vacancies in Sanford, due to reconstruction and a bike rally. So the hotel jacked up the price to $89.00 for a upstairs room. The room was so filthy that there was used condoms under the bed.