My D19 is scheduled to tour UF next week. Any recommendations for good restaurants or hotels? We will only be in Gainesville overnight so proximity to campus is the goal. Thanks!
There’s a hotel in the Reitz Union. I don’t think you can get anything closer to UF than that. 
Right on campus!
I would recommend the Top in downtown Gainesville. It’s a causal (very popular) restaurant. Gainesville is very much a college town, and this is a typical college town restaurant. Parking shouldn’t be a problem (especially during the summer), look for public parking lots near the restaurant.
Thank you. I will check both hotel and restaurant recs.
Kinda wish we planned Florida trip in February, not June!
Most of the brand hotels in Gainesville are close enough to the campus. I have most of my points with Marriott so have stayed at a number of their properties in town – can’t really go wrong. We also stayed at the Home2Suites by Hilton on 13th and really liked it. The rooms work well for families (lots of counter space and places to plug in devices) and they very accommodating when we brought our puppy last summer.
During football weekends and the beginning of the semester, I’m sure all bets are off.
Drury Inn is awesome, right off Archer and 75, brand new hotel. Free hot breakfast, free happy hour and free evening snacks. But, it is a little further from campus…
Glad to hear a lot of hotels are within walking distance. I suspect my husband may insist we try to use points as he has accumulated a lot.
This is the first trip to Gainesville for D and me, and we are looking forward to it. I understand it’s a cool college town.
the top is awesome, if you like sushi and dont mind slightly more expensive dragonfly is my favorite in gainesville. right next to campus Swamp is a classic place to go.
If you want the best steak anywhere go to Embers.
Wahoo Seafood Grill.
Napolitanos for italian.
Adam’s Rib Co for barbeque (great ribs–not fancy in the least but great food)
The Hilton is nice
“Glad to hear a lot of hotels are within walking distance”
Most are not–they’re close but not walking distance except for the Reitz which is right on campus.
We will be staying at Hilton UF Conference Center. Looks close to campus, but I guess we’ll see! I’ll reference everyone’s restaurant recommendations when we arrive Monday night. Thanks all.