The Eo Inn - Downtown

I stayed at EO Inn earlier this week while house-hunting in Orlando for a big move I’m making with my three children. As a single mom doing this solo, especially for my daughter who’s going to attend Universal Education Center to see what the world may have to offer her after high school, this trip was deeply emotional. We’re leaving behind a place that no longer feels like home and hoping for a fresh start. EO Inn became a little sanctuary in the middle of all the uncertainty. When I arrived late Monday night, I was exhausted, discouraged, had a migraine, and hadn’t had much luck finding housing. Marie, I was so exhausted I didn’t catch her name at the time, was at the front desk and welcomed me with genuine kindness. Then I looked over and saw a sign on the wall that said, “ You are exactly where you need to be.” That sign spoke to my spirit, and I knew I was in the right place. I sighed and said, “Yes, Lord, I hear you.” That moment alone made me feel like I was being guided. I was going to relax that night and start fresh the next morning. I stayed in room 307 and immediately felt at home. My room was cozy, charming, and full of character. This hotel was built in 1924, and if you appreciate vintage style and warmth, you’ll love it. The floors are wood and there’s a rug that was so soft I actually walked barefoot, which I never do in hotels. The A/C worked quickly, a little loud, but nothing fan noise on your phone can’t fix, and the room had everything I needed: a Keurig with pods, coffee stirrers, sugar, creamer, complimentary bottled water, a smart TV, and a refrigerator. My door stuck a little, humidity and old building, but it wasn’t a big deal. Just one of those quirks you work with in historic places. The bed was comfortable and the pillows were great. I loved the vintage wall-mounted lamps. I really hope they don’t replace those… they’re charming and full of character. There was also a desk, a little dresser with a tray on top that had cups and an ice bucket, and two side tables. Instead of a closet, there was a wardrobe with space to hang clothes, a shelf to slide your shoes into, and a luggage rack that you can pull out and put wherever you like in the room. There’s also an iron and a mini ironing board. Yes, the rooms are smaller… but this is an old boutique hotel. People are too picky about things. Shower pressure and temperature were great! Some reviews complained, but I think people just don’t know how to adjust an older faucet. That said, the bathroom shower was clearly updated. It’s obvious the hotel is improving each room as they can. I had hot water every time I needed it. Maybe in the late morning I had to turn it more to the left to get the hot water flowing, but again… this place is 100 years old. No complaints here. Downstairs, there’s a coffee bar, flavored water available 24/7, a microwave, toaster, and plenty of comfortable seating for breakfast or just relaxing. There’s also a terrace with seating on the second floor, and it’s very cute… although I couldn’t utilize it because it never stopped raining while I was there lol. Breakfast each morning was a total win and available until 10 a.m.! Tuesday, when I woke up at 9:59 a.m., I was worried I’d missed it. I rushed downstairs. Amanda, I think that’s who was there that morning, knew someone hadn’t made it down yet and kindly waited for me lol. It’s a grab-and-go spread, but one of the best I’ve seen: hard-boiled eggs, donut sticks, fruit and fruit cups, cinnamon raisin toast… please add a non-raisin version lol… bagels with all the toppings, coffee cakes, yogurt, and a variety of juices—orange, grapefruit, cranberry, and apple. It was plentiful and thoughtful. I’m sure I’m forgetting a few things that were laid out, but they were items I don’t personally care for. I had such a nice conversation with Marie again Tuesday night after another long day of house hunting. This is when I realized her name was Marie, just like my middle name! Signs from God everywhere! She even gave me a lead on a potential landlord and lifted my spirits with encouragement. We talked about that sign again and how God shows up in small ways… we both agreed it was no coincidence. I asked if I could extend my stay another day, but there wasn’t availability at the time. She suggested I check again in the morning. And I’m so glad I did. That next morning at breakfast, I met Kiesha, the General Manager, and let me tell you, she is phenomenal! Talking to her over breakfast, I found out she’s also from Georgia. I assumed she might be from Atlanta, but no… she was born and raised in Valdosta. Y’all! That’s where I’m moving from. Talk about a small world. Another little sign from God… a Godwink, if you will lol. She made me feel seen, heard, and so supported during a week where I really needed it. And I was able to extend one more day, although I debated extending two days because I just didn’t want to leave EO Inn. But I did miss my kids lol. That final morning, she gave me the pep talk I didn’t even know I needed. That meant everything to me. I was ready to give up before that conversation. She told me exactly what I needed to hear. She was so encouraging throughout my stay… hands down, the best GM I’ve ever dealt with! As far as location: yes, you’re downtown and you’ll hear the occasional street sweeper or car. If you’re sensitive to noise or light, bring a fan and an eye mask. But honestly, with my phone on fan noise and the A/C on, I didn’t hear a thing. And every hotel has lights… microwave lights, hallway glows, alarm clocks, etc., but nothing an eye mask can’t solve if you’re sensitive like me. And honestly, if you expect to go to a hotel and sleep with no noise in the hallways, then you’re lying to yourself. There’s always gonna be hallway noise… there are other people there. It’s not like when you’re home and don’t have to worry about it. If you’re someone who needs total darkness and silence to sleep, bring an eye mask and a fan or earplugs. This is a historic building downtown, not a soundproof skyscraper. But for me, I was fine with my eye mask and fan app. There’s also a space out front being renovated into a bar, I believe. They said it’s been a Panera before and gone through many changes over the years. Honestly, it’s not a big deal that there isn’t a restaurant inside the hotel right now. You’re in downtown Orlando… Lake Eola is literally across the street. You can walk or scooter to plenty of food spots. If you like sterile, cookie-cutter hotels, this place might not be for you. But if you appreciate charm, warmth, history, and staff who genuinely care, give EO Inn a try. It’s not just a hotel…it was a safe, encouraging, meaningful stop on a life-changing trip for me and my kids. What makes EO Inn special isn’t just the vintage charm or convenient location across from Lake Eola. It’s the people. Marie, Kiesha, and the rest of the staff genuinely care. They cheered me on when I was ready to give up, reminded me that I am exactly where I need to be, and gave me the strength to keep pushing forward. I’ll never forget that kindness, and I’ll absolutely be staying here again. ❤️