The hype
Everyone is obsessed with the free food and the friendly staff, calling it the best value in Tallahassee.
Drury Plaza Hotel Tallahassee
$115-175/ night
Book this if You want to feed a family of four for free while staying in a brand-new hotel with both indoor and outdoor pools.
Why People Love It
- The legendary '5:30 Kickback' (free hot dinner + 3 alcoholic drinks nightly)
- Rare combo of both indoor and outdoor pools
- Consistently spotless rooms that feel brand new
Quick Take: It's a chain hotel that somehow feels like a steal because they throw so much free food and booze at you.
Reviewed by @dannsing1: I stayed here during a rainy trip and it was exactly what I needed. The room is cute and functional, and I was so relieved to find the fridge and microwave hidden in the cabinet. Plus, having late-night pizza downstairs made the gloomy weather totally bearable.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You might hear your neighbors through the walls, and the 'dinner' is definitely cafeteria-style comfort food, not gourmet.
- You love freebies (breakfast, dinner, popcorn, soda, alcohol)
- You are traveling with kids who need pool time regardless of the weather
- You need a reliable, clean stopover off I-10
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.5
- Housekeeping: Consistently praised as 'spotless' and 'immaculate'. Daily service is reliable.
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling. No reports of mold or grime. Showers are clean and pressure is good.
- Maintenance: Brand new feel. Everything works, from the AC to the elevators.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and crisp, though the pillows are the main complaint (too hard).
- Odors & scents: Neutral and fresh. No masking scents or musty undertones reported.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Hallway noise from families
- Neighboring room TV/voices (thin walls)
- I-10 traffic hum on the south side
Before you book
Good to know
- Florida and Georgia residents can often get a 10% discount with a valid ID.
- The 'Kickback' runs 5:30-7:00 PM daily — don't be late if you want the free dinner.
- There is a microwave and fridge in every room, perfect for leftovers.
What to pack
- Your own pillow (the hotel ones are notoriously firm)
- Swimsuit (for the indoor pool if it's cold out)
- Earplugs (just in case of thin walls)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Top floor (7th) for less overhead noise
- North-facing rooms to minimize I-10 highway hum
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms near the elevators (high foot traffic)
- South-facing lower floors (closest to the highway)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I'd love a quiet room on a high floor (7th if possible), facing North/away from I-10, and away from the elevators.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the food actually enough for dinner?
Yes, for most people. Expect items like meatballs, pasta, tacos, soup, and salad. It's not fancy, but it's a full meal.
Is the alcohol really free?
Yes. Each adult (21+) gets a card for 3 free beers, wines, or mixed drinks per night during the Kickback.
Is the pool heated?
The indoor pool is heated and comfortable year-round. The outdoor pool is not heated and can be cold in winter.
How far is it from FSU?
It's about a 15-20 minute drive (approx. 5-6 miles) to the FSU campus, depending on traffic.
Is there a gym?
Yes, a 24-hour fitness center with treadmills, ellipticals, and dumbbells.
Do they allow pets?
Yes, dogs and cats are welcome for a daily fee of $50 per room (limit 2 pets, combined weight 80 lbs).
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask for a 'to-go' cup for your free soda/popcorn in the lobby before heading to your room.
- ✨
The 'Kitchen + Bar' stays open until midnight (11pm Sundays) if you miss the 5:30 Kickback.
- ✨
Check for the 'Florida Resident' or 'Georgia Resident' rate codes if you live nearby.
5 things to know before you go
💡The outdoor pool water can be shockingly cold in the off-season.
💡The pillows are unusually thick and firm, leading to some sore necks.
💡You can hear people talking in the hallway pretty clearly from your bed.
💡The 'Kickback' menu rotates, so you won't eat the same tacos every night.
💡It's located in the 'Market District', which is actually a great upscale shopping area, not just a highway exit.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Drury Plaza Hotel Tallahassee is located and what's nearby.