Florida Polytechnic University’s iconic Innovation, Science and Technology (IST) Building in Lakeland now ranks as one of the 16 “most breathtaking” buildings in the world, according to a survey of architects, placing it alongside iconic structures such as the Parthenon in Greece, the Empire State Building and Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Fallingwater” residence.

Business Insider’s “Tech Insider” magazine surveyed 16 prominent architects, asking each to pick just one structure they fondly think of as “breathtaking.” Architect Marica McKeel of Studio MM worked on the IST Building design and said, “Not only do I love the design of the Innovation, Science and Technology Building, but I feel a real connection to this project and to the Lakeland community as my father grew up in Lakeland and I still frequently visit family there.”

Designed by internationally-renowned architect Dr. Santiago Calatrava, the IST Building is the cornerstone of Florida Poly’s campus and the University’s main classroom and laboratory building. The 162,000-square-foot, white-domed building is a moveable and functional work of art, with a louvered roof system that adjusts with the sun’s angle, surrounded by a ring of curved metal pergolas that shade its outer terrace and walkways.

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Our top choices for ${destinationAirportFriendlyName} hotels

Best Western Plus Lakeland

2.9 mi from Lakeland Intl. Airport (LAL)

Jorge

$90 nightly

Dec 28 - Dec 29

Total with taxes and fees

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lakeland South by IHG

3.5 mi from Lakeland Intl. Airport (LAL)

Pedro

$105 nightly

Dec 28 - Dec 29

Total with taxes and fees

Hampton Inn & Suites Lakeland-South Polk Parkway

2.1 mi from Lakeland Intl. Airport (LAL)

Kenny

$119 nightly

Dec 22 - Dec 23

Total with taxes and fees

Home2 Suites by Hilton Lakeland South Polk Parkway

2.1 mi from Lakeland Intl. Airport (LAL)

Joean

$119 nightly

Dec 22 - Dec 23

Total with taxes and fees

Courtyard by Marriott Lakeland

2.4 mi from Lakeland Intl. Airport (LAL)

Christa

$111 nightly

Dec 22 - Dec 23

Total with taxes and fees

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Lakeland Plant City

3.6 mi from Lakeland Intl. Airport (LAL)

Michelle

$99 nightly

Dec 23 - Dec 24

Total with taxes and fees

Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Pool Access, Poolside | 1 bedroom, desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lakeland

Downtown Lakeland, 4.5 mi from Lakeland Intl. Airport (LAL)

Eric

$127 nightly

Dec 25 - Dec 26

Total with taxes and fees

Hyatt Place Lakeland Center

Downtown Lakeland, 4.6 mi from Lakeland Intl. Airport (LAL)

Jacqueline

$93 nightly

Dec 22 - Dec 23

Total with taxes and fees

Residence Inn by Marriott Lakeland

2.4 mi from Lakeland Intl. Airport (LAL)

Deborah

$132 nightly

Dec 31 - Jan 1, 2026

Total with taxes and fees

The Terrace Hotel Lakeland, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Downtown Lakeland, 5 mi from Lakeland Intl. Airport (LAL)

Octavio

$122 nightly

Dec 22 - Dec 23

Total with taxes and fees

Comfort Inn & Suites Lakeland North I-4

6.9 mi from Lakeland Intl. Airport (LAL)

Mario

$95 nightly

Dec 21 - Dec 22

Total with taxes and fees

Quality Inn Plant City - Lakeland

6.1 mi from Lakeland Intl. Airport (LAL)

Heather

$78 nightly

Dec 22 - Dec 23

Total with taxes and fees

Home2 Suites By Hilton Lakeland North I-4

7 mi from Lakeland Intl. Airport (LAL)

Nelson

$95 nightly

Dec 28 - Dec 29

Total with taxes and fees

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Lakeland

6.8 mi from Lakeland Intl. Airport (LAL)

charlene

$60 nightly

Dec 30 - Dec 31

Total with taxes and fees

Travelodge by Wyndham Lakeland

6.9 mi from Lakeland Intl. Airport (LAL)

Jorge

$67 nightly

Dec 16 - Dec 17

Total with taxes and fees

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Lakeland

6.7 mi from Lakeland Intl. Airport (LAL)

Donnel

$107 nightly

Dec 21 - Dec 22

Total with taxes and fees

Holiday Inn Express Suites Plant City by IHG

6.1 mi from Lakeland Intl. Airport (LAL)

Jim

$100 nightly

Jan 5 - Jan 6, 2026

Total with taxes and fees

Hampton Inn Lakeland

8.2 mi from Lakeland Intl. Airport (LAL)

Michael

$87 nightly

Dec 22 - Dec 23

Total with taxes and fees

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lakeland East

8 mi from Lakeland Intl. Airport (LAL)

Fabiola

$70 nightly

Dec 18 - Dec 19

Total with taxes and fees

Motel 6 Lakeland, FL

6.7 mi from Lakeland Intl. Airport (LAL)

Jennifer

$66 nightly

Dec 21 - Dec 22

Total with taxes and fees

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Top Lakeland Intl. Airport Hotel Reviews

Best Western Plus Lakeland

10/10 Excellent

"I only stay here when I come to Lakeland - always pleased with the property & staff. "

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lakeland South by IHG

10/10 Excellent

"The hotel was very clean, smelled nice and just pleasant to be in. The room was perfect, and bonus points for having a TV I can plug my PC/Game console into. The breakfast menu was good and delicious. My ONLY gripe was the water. You could taste the awful sewagy tap water in the juice. I'm sure the coffee was made with the same awful water, which made me cringe as I drank it, but I still did. Please use water filters. They're not that expensive, but greatly improve people's safety and the taste."

Frequently asked questions

What's the area like near Lakeland Intl. Airport (LAL)?

Lakeland Intl. Airport (LAL) is located in a welcoming area of Lakeland known for its array of dining options and sporting events. If you're looking for a convenient place to stay, check out the 14 hotels and other accommodations located within a mile of the airport.

Where is the best place to stay near Lakeland Intl. Airport (LAL)?

Home2 Suites by Hilton Lakeland South Polk Parkway is one of the top choices for your stay and is a popular hotel, featuring free breakfast and free WiFi. It's located 2.1 mi (3.5 km) from Lakeland Intl. Airport (LAL). Other options near the airport include Hampton Inn & Suites Lakeland-South Polk Parkway and Courtyard by Marriott Lakeland.

How many hotels are there near Lakeland Intl. Airport (LAL)?

Expedia has 14 hotels and other accommodations near Lakeland Intl. Airport (LAL).

What can I see and do near the airport in Lakeland?

You might want to spend some time browsing the exhibits at Sun N Fun Air Museum, Florida Air Museum, or Polk Museum of Art. You can enjoy live performances at RP Funding Center and Polk Theatre. You can wander around Horney Park, Veterans Park, or Westside Park if you want a dose of fresh air.

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Our top choices for ${destinationAirportFriendlyName} hotels

Best Western Plus Lakeland

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lakeland South by IHG

Hampton Inn & Suites Lakeland-South Polk Parkway

Home2 Suites by Hilton Lakeland South Polk Parkway

Courtyard by Marriott Lakeland

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Lakeland Plant City

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lakeland

Hyatt Place Lakeland Center

Residence Inn by Marriott Lakeland

The Terrace Hotel Lakeland, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Comfort Inn & Suites Lakeland North I-4

Quality Inn Plant City - Lakeland

Home2 Suites By Hilton Lakeland North I-4

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Lakeland

Travelodge by Wyndham Lakeland

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Lakeland

Holiday Inn Express Suites Plant City by IHG

Hampton Inn Lakeland

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lakeland East

Motel 6 Lakeland, FL

Top Lakeland Intl. Airport Hotel Reviews

Best Western Plus Lakeland

Hyatt Place Lakeland Center

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lakeland South by IHG

Hampton Inn & Suites Lakeland-South Polk Parkway

Comfortable Room Rentals Outlets & Kingsky Academy

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lakeland

Home2 Suites by Hilton Lakeland South Polk Parkway

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Lakeland Plant City

Residence Inn by Marriott Lakeland

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