Putnam Lodge - Cross City, Florida

Richard H.

Although I gave the Putnam Lodge a 5 star review, if your desire is to reach the main "Florida attractions" and go crazy at the theme parks with some enjoyment of night life, Putnam Lodge might no be for you. However if visiting a inn that its building is in the National Historic Register, have fantastic owners/hosts, superb woodwork, charm and history throughout ... then this is the place for you. Both Manatee State Park and Coral Key are very easy day trips from the lodge. Be aware dinner is only served in the restaurant 3 nights per week. We were sorry we were not able to experience that part of the lodge. However, my wife and I very much enjoyed walking the private trails in the woods behind the lodge. Putnam is definitely a spot to slow down life's hectic pace and relax.

Kathleen O.

After a very long drive ( originating in Ft.Worth,Tx),I found Putnam Lodge on Google. |We decided to turn around and drive back a few miles. |We certainly were not disappointed!|This is a delightful hotel with Olde World Charm.|The room was lovely...high quality linens ( the beds were very comfortable).|There was a beautiful Christmas tree, beside a fire...so cosy!|The dinner was very good and the staff so friendly. |I highly recommend this hotel and look forward to another visit, perhaps in warmer weather, to enjoy the pool!

Bernardo P. D. L.

When you cross the front door at the Putnam Lodge you are transported to another time in Florida. The owners are very friendly and make you feel welcome at every point. I had to cancel the second day of my stay, and the refund was applied to my credit card without an issue. By the way, an important part of the experience is having dinner at the restaurant.

Ann

This historic hotel beckoned me back for a little getaway after stopping in several years ago.

The “one star” for location is because it is an “out-of-the-way” location…(my own favorite adventures are “out-of-the-way” places).

Dating from 1927…it appears time has stopped when you step inside and when you step out back to the gardens, greater by peacocks, guinea-fowl and assorted felines. The large pool-like fountain is peaceful and sparkling.

Heart-pine floors, pecky cypress in the lobby and bar/restaurant….this grand dame has withstood nearly a century of hurricanes and all things that go with Florida.

She creaks and she sighs, whispering Florida’s past secrets into the present.

Fronting a (moderately) busy intersection, I understand the front-facing rooms can be a little noisy.

I reserved a rear facing-second story room, it was immaculate, the linens sumptuous, and the (I would say) 1940’s bathroom was pristeen the deep bathtub (plenty of hot water) provided great soaking and relaxing.

There is a mini-fridge and pod-coffee maker.

It is old, and wonderful.

The owners gracious and helpful.

There is no elevator, so if you have mobility issues request a first floor. Wifi connection was strong in my room.

You will be in the heart of Suwannee River country close to many (why I went to scope out) freshwater crystal clear springs.

It is rural, and it is real Florida.

The Cross City Airport is close by for those who are flying private planes.

If you want modern, busy, touristy, crowded….. this is NOT your place.

If you want peace, great hosts, history and a visit to “simpler times” this is for you.

The restaurant is well-reviewed; the aromatic cooking fragrances wafting from the kitchen were delightful; but I am not a “foodie”; so I did not visit the restaurant.

Brandy B. R.

Ok, this is a mixed review for all the couples out there. We accidentally found this place. I am a history nerd and I absolutely fell in love with this place. I made 8 different videos, walked the halls over and over, sat in the study and read the newspaper clippings of the history of it, visited the dining room, chatted with people in the cafe kitchen, and sat in front of the fire in the morning. This was a literal dream vacation stay for me, at a phenomenal price. My husband, he hated it. To him, I booked us an old, haunted hotel. He loathed every single non-modern amenity from the “community a/c” to the closets and doors and cast iron bath tub. There is a TV, electricity, an in-room fridge and an A/C vent - so it’s not like you’re at the turn of the 20th century, but it might as well have been to him. I seriously thought we might fight. lol. In the end, we both slept phenomenally. He said it was the best night’s sleep he had in a hotel. We we had gone to the dollar store the night before and picked up a cheap mini fan and it all worked out. So the final verdict - if you love resorts, and ultra-modern, probably keep driving. If you want a one-of-a-kind stay and you’re an easygoing type or love history and charm, you are going to be in heaven.

Julie K.

We just stayed here on 3/2/25. While the room was very outdated, I didnt think it would be too bad. I do however have a complaint about the huge cockroach we found in our bathroom around midnight. At that point we werent going to go try to find another hotel.
Although I wanted to go sleep in the car. Slept with the lights on. My husband talked to the owner who said the only compensation was to give us a free room next time. No, thank you. She did state that they have it fumigated every month and that it probably came from someone else's suitcase. 🙄

Leon G.

This place is amazing! Reminds me of the movie Somewhere in Time. I gave the location five stars because it is halfway between the panhandle and Tampa area if you’re traveling the back roads and you should, If for no other reason than to stay here.

Shawn S.

1st time at The Putnam Lodge & We spent the night last night . Had to write a Great Review cause this place is Amazing!! Great Service/ Great Food from Restaurant on premise. Also their outside Garden is amazing. Only had one little issue with TV. Stop working later in day , But Ed the Owner took care of it right away and fixed the situation . Ty Ed !! & Ty Misty for your great service at the front desk & Ty to all the other Staff for your great service and Hospitality !!