Staying at The Capitol Inn, a Boutique Hotel in Tallahassee

There are plenty of places to stay in Tallahassee, but not many where you can start your morning with coffee on a front porch overlooking Lafayette Park. We recently spent a weekend at The Capitol Inn, a boutique hotel in Midtown Tallahassee, and it was such a fun way to enjoy a part of the city we already love.

I’ve called Tallahassee home for more than 15 years, and I love finding new ways to enjoy our city. The Capitol Inn is a beautifully restored 1938 home with just 10 guest rooms, plenty of historic character, and a location that makes exploring Midtown easy.

Between the inviting shared spaces, complimentary breakfast, and nearby restaurants, there’s plenty to love about this boutique hotel in Tallahassee. Whether you’re visiting for an FSU game, graduation, a weekend getaway, or planning a staycation close to home, here’s everything you need to know about staying at The Capitol Inn Tallahassee.

Our stay at The Capitol Inn was hosted, but as always, my thoughts are entirely my own. I only share places I genuinely enjoy and would happily recommend to a friend.

What Makes The Capitol Inn a Standout Boutique Hotel in Tallahassee

One of the first things you’ll notice about The Capitol Inn is that it feels more like visiting a beautiful historic home than checking into a traditional hotel. With only 10 rooms, there’s a more relaxed atmosphere, and the shared spaces give you somewhere to enjoy your morning coffee or unwind after a day exploring Tallahassee.

The inn is located on North Gadsden Street, directly across from Lafayette Park and just off Thomasville Road. You’re right in Midtown, with several of my favorite local restaurants and coffee shops nearby. It’s also a convenient location for visiting Florida State University, the Florida Capitol, and other popular spots around town.

Free on-site parking is included, which is especially helpful in Midtown. You can leave your car behind and explore much of the neighborhood on foot.

If you’re looking for a hotel with a full-service restaurant, lobby bar, and lots of activity, this probably isn’t the right fit. The Capitol Inn is a smaller, quieter alternative with plenty of character and thoughtful amenities.

The History Behind This Historic Inn in Tallahassee

The Capitol Inn was originally built as a private residence in 1938, and much of the home’s original character has been preserved.

The staircase is one of the first features you’ll notice when you walk through the front door, and it’s easily one of my favorite details.

Outside, the walkways and patio feature reclaimed brick from Trinity United Methodist Church. The lattice fencing is another interesting piece of the property’s history, dating back to 1886 and coming from Mount Dora, Florida.

I love that these details have been incorporated into the property rather than replaced during the restoration. They give the inn so much personality, and it’s fun knowing a little of the history behind what you’re seeing.

Choosing Your Room at The Capitol Inn

The Capitol Inn has 10 individually decorated guest rooms, each named after a Florida city. You’ll find rooms inspired by destinations like Key West, Destin, Ocala, Miami, and Tallahassee.

Every room has its own private bathroom with a shower and complimentary toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion. You’ll also have Wi-Fi, a large television with streaming capabilities, and individual heating and air conditioning controls.

Since the rooms have different layouts, bed configurations, and views, I recommend taking a look at the options before booking instead of choosing based on price alone.

Our Stay in the Parkland Room

We stayed in the Parkland room, located on the main floor right beside the original staircase.

The room has a king bed, a private bathroom with dual shower heads, and a walk-in closet with plenty of room for luggage and hanging clothes. I appreciated having space to unpack and get settled without everything being spread across the room.

The decor is a nice mix of traditional pieces and modern updates. It fits the historic house without feeling dated, and everything works together to make the room feel comfortable and inviting.

I also loved the location of our room. Being on the main floor meant we didn’t have to carry our luggage upstairs, and we were just steps away from the porch, breakfast area, and other shared spaces.

Picking the Right Room for Your Trip

If you’d love a view of Lafayette Park, take a look at the Key West, Destin, and Ocala rooms.

Key West has a queen bed, built-in bookcase, and antique armoire, while Ocala has a king bed and comfortable seating. Destin is another queen room with a park view, located on the main floor.

For friends or family members traveling together, Destin and Naples share a sitting area. Both rooms have queen beds, so booking them together could be a nice option if you’d like separate bedrooms with an additional place to gather.

The Orlando room has twin beds and a desk, making it a good option for friends who don’t want to share a bed. The Tallahassee and Sarasota rooms also have workspaces if you’re visiting for business or need to catch up on a few emails.

The entire inn is also available for private buyouts. With 10 rooms and several shared gathering spaces, it’s an interesting option for wedding groups, family celebrations, or other events where you’d like everyone staying together.

Little Details We Loved Around The Capitol Inn Tallahassee

One of the things I appreciated about staying at The Capitol Inn was having breakfast and a few extras included instead of needing to make plans for everything.

Breakfast, Drinks, and Snacks Included

The inn offers a complimentary continental breakfast with freshly baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, jams, butter, coffee, tea, and fresh-squeezed orange juice.

It’s a nice way to start the morning, especially if you’re heading out early for a day around Tallahassee. You can enjoy breakfast at the inn without making a reservation or getting everyone out the door first thing.

Complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are also available throughout your stay. I love little conveniences like this, especially when you’re coming back to the hotel between plans and want something to drink or a quick snack.

The Capitol Inn has a shared kitchen area available for guests, which is convenient if you’re staying more than one night.

You can store leftovers from dinner, keep your favorite drinks cold, or bring along a few snacks for your stay.

One important thing to know is that guests are not permitted to cook in the kitchen. It’s a useful shared space for storing food and drinks, but you shouldn’t plan on preparing your own meals during your visit.

The Front Porch, Patio, and Garden

The front porch is one of the prettiest spots on the property, with seating overlooking Lafayette Park.

It’s an especially nice place to enjoy your morning coffee before heading out for the day. You can sit outside, enjoy the neighborhood, and ease into your morning without immediately jumping into your plans.

There’s also an outdoor patio and garden area with seating and plenty of greenery. The reclaimed brick and historic lattice add even more character to the space.

If you’re planning a Tallahassee staycation or a relaxing weekend away, I would definitely leave some time to enjoy these areas instead of spending every minute away from the property.

The Library

The library might be my favorite room in the entire house.

Located upstairs, it’s a comfortable little reading area with seating and shelves of books. I loved having another spot to relax outside of our guest room.

Bring your Kindle or the book you’ve been meaning to finish and plan to spend a little time here. It’s also a nice place to escape for a quiet afternoon if you have some downtime between plans.

The Original Staircase and Historic Details

The original staircase is one of the most beautiful features inside the inn. It’s right near the front entrance, and you really can’t miss it.

Between the staircase, architectural details, and furnishings throughout the house, there’s plenty to appreciate as you explore the property.

I recommend walking around the common areas and grounds after checking in. You’ll notice little details that are easy to overlook when you’re carrying luggage and getting settled.

Exploring Midtown Tallahassee From The Capitol Inn

One of the biggest advantages of staying at The Capitol Inn is its location in Midtown Tallahassee.

You’re within walking distance of coffee shops, restaurants, and local businesses, so it’s easy to spend an afternoon exploring without getting back in the car.

If you’re visiting for the first time, I’ve put together a full guide on how to spend a perfect day in Midtown Tallahassee. It includes more of my favorite stops for coffee, food, shopping, and activities.

Here are a few places I’d add to your plans while staying at The Capitol Inn.

Coffee and Breakfast Nearby

Even with breakfast included at the inn, I can’t visit Midtown without stopping for an iced coffee.

The Frother’s Daughter on Thomasville Road is one of my favorite places for a fun specialty latte. Their monthly menus are always changing, and I love seeing what creative drinks they’re serving each season. Grab an iced coffee and enjoy a walk around Lafayette Park before heading back to the inn.

Ground Ops Roastery + Bakehouse is another nearby option, especially if you’re looking for an incredible pastry to go with your coffee. They roast their coffee in-house and make a variety of baked goods, including some pretty impressive cinnamon rolls.

If you’re looking for somewhere to sit with your laptop for a little while, RedEye Coffee is another convenient Midtown option with plenty of seating.

If you’re in the mood for brunch, Dear Sunday Cafe has a beautiful shaded patio below Midtown Reader. The menu includes brunch favorites like huevos rancheros, shrimp and grits, and Eggs Benedict, along with specialty coffee drinks and brunch cocktails.

Midtown Restaurants for Lunch and Dinner

Kool Beanz Cafe is just a short walk from the inn and one of my longtime Tallahassee favorites. Their menu changes daily, so there’s always something different to try. I especially love it for dinner.

Table 23 is another great option for a date night or dinner with friends. Located in a restored historic home on Thomasville Road, it has a beautiful outdoor patio and Southern-inspired menu. Grab a drink on the porch before dinner if the weather is nice.

For a more casual meal, LINK Sausages & Beer is known for its house-made sausages, creative hot dogs, and outdoor patio. It’s a fun lunch option when you want something relaxed and don’t have a lot of time between plans.

If you’re in the mood for something fresh, Lemon & Thyme on Thomasville Road is another great lunch option. Their menu includes salads and bowls made with fresh ingredients. The Medi Bowl is a favorite, with oven-roasted chicken, brown rice, falafel crumbles, chickpeas, feta, and lemon and thyme vinaigrette.

Midtown Caboose on North Meridian Road is a short drive away and a great choice when everyone wants something different. Their menu includes creative burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and vegetarian and vegan options. For a casual evening or somewhere to watch a game, The Brass Tap on Thomasville Road has an extensive beer selection, along with wine, cocktails, and food.

Midtown Fitness Studios

If you like to keep up with your workout routine while traveling, Midtown has several fitness studios nearby.

FIT 850 on Thomasville Road offers 45-minute reformer Pilates classes that combine strength training with low-impact movement. They have options for beginners and more experienced participants, making it a great opportunity to try something different while you’re in town.

Drip Drop Fitness on East Third Avenue is another fun option for a workout before brunch. They offer group fitness classes, and I’d recommend booking your spot ahead of time, especially if you’re planning to visit on a weekend.

Shopping and Exploring Midtown

Midtown Reader is one of my favorite local stops, especially when I have a little extra time to browse.

This independent bookstore has a great selection of books, gifts, and other finds. Upstairs, the Piebrary serves coffee, tea, and pie if you want to stay a little longer.

Lafayette Park is also directly across the street from The Capitol Inn. It’s an easy place to get outside for a morning walk before breakfast or enjoy some fresh air in the afternoon.

One of the things I love most about Midtown is how much you can do within a relatively small area. It’s easy to spend a few hours enjoying the neighborhood without having to plan an elaborate itinerary.

Who Should Stay at The Capitol Inn Tallahassee?

While our visit was a staycation, I can think of several reasons I’d recommend The Capitol Inn to someone planning a trip to Tallahassee.

FSU Football Weekends and University Visits

If you’re coming to Tallahassee for an FSU football game, graduation, or a visit with your college student, The Capitol Inn is a convenient option.

It’s a short drive from Florida State University and Doak Campbell Stadium, but you’re staying in Midtown rather than directly around campus.

I also love that parking is included. On gameday, you can leave your car at the inn and arrange a ride to the stadium instead of dealing with parking near campus.

With only 10 rooms, I would book as early as possible for football weekends, graduation, and other busy university events.

For more ideas, check out my FSU gameday weekend guide with recommendations for making the most of your time in Tallahassee.

Want more Tallahassee favorites? Sign up for my free Local’s Guide to Tallahassee and get my go-to spots to eat, shop, sip, and explore around town sent straight to your inbox.

Business Travel and Capitol Visits

The Capitol Inn is also a good option if you’re visiting Tallahassee for work, especially during legislative session.

You’re a short drive from the Florida Capitol, and several rooms have desks if you need a workspace.

After a day of meetings, it’s nice to have somewhere comfortable to return to with a little more personality than a traditional business hotel.

Couples Getaways and Tallahassee Staycations

You don’t have to travel far to enjoy a weekend away.

If you live in Tallahassee, The Capitol Inn is a fun option for a birthday, anniversary, date night, or simply getting out of your normal routine.

I love the idea of checking in on a Friday afternoon, enjoying dinner somewhere in Midtown, and spending the rest of the evening back at the inn.

The next morning, you can enjoy breakfast, relax on the porch, and stop for coffee or browse Midtown Reader before heading home.

It’s an easy way to make a regular weekend feel a little more special without planning a big trip.

Plan a Tallahassee Staycation at The Capitol Inn

You don’t have to leave Tallahassee to enjoy a weekend away, and The Capitol Inn makes it easy to plan a staycation without a lot of extra planning.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning an anniversary, or simply want a change of scenery for a night or two, I love the idea of checking into a local hotel and spending a little extra time enjoying places you might not visit during a typical weekend.

My Ideal Weekend at The Capitol Inn

Start your staycation by checking in at 4 PM. Drop off your bags, explore the house, and spend some time relaxing on the porch before heading out for dinner.

I’d make a reservation at Kool Beanz Cafe or Table 23, two of my favorite Midtown restaurants. Both are close to the inn, making it easy to enjoy dinner without needing to drive across town.

After dinner, head back to The Capitol Inn and enjoy some downtime. Bring a book to read in the library, relax on the patio, or settle into your room for a quiet evening.

The next morning, enjoy breakfast at the inn before taking a walk around Lafayette Park. If you prefer a more active start to your day, you could also book a Pilates class at FIT 850 or a workout at Drip Drop Fitness.

Before heading home, stop by The Frother’s Daughter for an iced coffee and browse Midtown Reader for your next book.

More Ideas for a Tallahassee Staycation

If you’re staying for a second night, you’ll have even more time to explore Midtown.

Plan a leisurely brunch at Dear Sunday Cafe, stop by Lemon & Thyme for lunch, or spend an afternoon checking out the neighborhood’s shops and local businesses.

For a girls’ weekend, consider booking the Destin and Naples rooms with their shared sitting area. You could plan a fitness class, spend the afternoon shopping, and make dinner reservations somewhere nearby.

For a couples getaway, keep things simple with dinner at a favorite restaurant, a relaxing evening at the inn, and coffee together the following morning.

You don’t need to fill every hour with activities, either. One of my favorite things about a local staycation is having an excuse to slow down and enjoy the places and experiences that are already right here in Tallahassee.

What to Know Before Booking The Capitol Inn Tallahassee

There are a few things I’d recommend knowing before you book, especially since some of the policies are different from a traditional hotel.

The Capitol Inn is located at 1102 N Gadsden Street in Tallahassee, directly across from Lafayette Park, at the corner of North Gadsden and 5th Avenue.

Check-in begins at 4 PM, and check-out is at 11 AM. Free on-site parking is available behind the property.

One thing that’s a little different about staying at The Capitol Inn is that there isn’t a traditional front desk or in-person check-in process. Before your arrival, you’ll receive a door code for the main entrance and a separate code for your guest room. Once check-in time arrives, you can let yourself in and head straight to your room.

You’ll also receive a phone number you can text if you have questions, need assistance, or run into any issues during your stay. I appreciated how simple the process was, and it’s helpful to know what to expect before arriving.

The full cost of your reservation is due at booking, and payments are nonrefundable. The inn also places a $150 security deposit authorization one day before arrival and released three days after departure, provided there are no damages or incidental charges.

Since reservations are nonrefundable, I would make sure your travel dates are confirmed before booking.

Housekeeping is optional, and smoking is not permitted on the property. If you have specific accessibility needs, I would also recommend contacting the inn before booking to confirm which room and floor would be the best fit.

You can view the available rooms and make a reservation directly through The Capitol Inn’s website.

FAQs About Staying at The Capitol Inn Tallahassee

• Is The Capitol Inn Tallahassee a bed and breakfast?
  • The Capitol Inn is a 10-room boutique inn with a complimentary continental breakfast every morning, so it has the cozy feel of a bed and breakfast in Tallahassee with the privacy of an en suite bathroom in every room.
• What’s included with a stay at The Capitol Inn?
  • Your stay includes breakfast, complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, free on-site parking, Wi-Fi, and access to the porch, library, garden, and shared kitchen.
• Does The Capitol Inn have a front desk?
  • No. The Capitol Inn uses self-check-in with door codes provided before arrival. You’ll receive one code for the main entrance and another for your guest room, along with a phone number to text if you need assistance.
• Can you walk to Midtown Tallahassee from The Capitol Inn?
  • Yes! The inn is located in Midtown, just off Thomasville Road. Several restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and local businesses are within walking distance.
• How far is The Capitol Inn from FSU and the Florida Capitol?
  • Both are less than a few miles from the inn, which makes it a convenient home base for game weekends, legislative session visits, and work trips.
• Can you book the entire inn for a group?
  • Yes. The Capitol Inn offers an exclusive buyout of all 10 rooms, which works well for wedding parties, family gatherings, retreats, and gameday groups.

Planning Your Stay at The Capitol Inn Tallahassee

I always love discovering another great place to recommend here in Tallahassee, and The Capitol Inn is one I’ll happily keep on my list. The combination of a restored historic home, comfortable guest rooms, complimentary breakfast, and a convenient Midtown location makes it a lovely option for visitors and a fun getaway for those of us who already call Tallahassee home.

If you’re planning a stay, take some time to explore the different rooms, make a dinner reservation at one of the nearby restaurants, and leave a little room in your schedule to enjoy the property itself. And if you’re looking for more things to do while you’re in town, visit my Local’s Guide to Tallahassee for even more of my favorite places to eat, shop, sip, and explore.