Magnolia Plantation

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. I stayed in Beth's Courtyard, and it was a lovely oasis with a very comfortable bed. It was a nice change from most work trips.

Joe and Cindy are awesome hosts. I love the sense of coziness and privacy that come from staying in the various cottages.

We stayed at the Magnolia Plantation B&B as a convenient base for some great bike riding in the Gainesville/Ocala countryside. The Gardenia room is a very romantic room with a seating alcove and working fireplace. The staff is very attentive and even remembered us from a prior stay a few years ago! Wow - they really make you feel welcome and like one of the family. We are looking forward to our next stay at this great B&B.

Enchanted, serene, blissful. I have stayed at Magnolia Plantation several times over the years and am always sad to leave. Joe and Cindy welcome you in like family. The rooms and cottages are peaceful, tasteful and cozy. The gardens need to be experienced to understand how truly ethereal and delightful this place is- old southern, Victorian charm. I had the pleasure of sharing breakfast with Joe and Cindy's parents on my last, recent trip and immediately fell in love with the Montalto family. They are warm, lovely, genuine people (great story tellers too- they will have you in stitches). Very special folk. I can't say enough about this place. It is a treasure.

This inn was fantastic! The owners were so great and the room beautiful. Everything was amazing!

Lovely Victorian home surrounded by delightful cottages on this Plantation just four blocks from downtown. Our hosts, Cindy and Joe, were more than helpful with places/events to explore and the breakfasts were scrumptious!

This B&B has two amazing hosts. Cindy and Joe went out of their way to make sure everything was perfect. Well appointed rooms, amazing breakfast, clean and just ohhhhhh so comfy after a long day of working, meeting, interviewing and being on the go go go! If you are coming to Gainesville, this should be where you lay your head every night! Just beautiful and peaceful!

Very peaceful, fountains and lush foliage abound. Hard to believe that you are in an old part of downtown Gainesville, only minutes away from the Univ. of Florida campus! The detached cottage was spacious and luxurious. Spa robes, well appointed rooms, delicious breakfast (even your meat eating husband will enjoy!), home baked treats in the afternoon and a glass of wine "on the house" help you to unwind, yet make you feel like you are in your own home (only more luxurious!) Cindy & Joe, B&B owners, are very accommodating. We had to leave early on our departure day and Cindy made our breakfast ahead of time for us!

The Magnolia is so charming, and the breakfast was to die for! My husband & I had just dropped off our son at the University of Florida, and were really feeling blue. Within minutes of checking into the Magnolia we felt much better. They eased our minds,and gave us a glass of wine! Go Gators!

wonderful place to stay! good food, good people, good rooms, good gardens! we had a great time!

Anniversary weekend had a great refreshing stay and will definitely return

Joe and Cindy made us feel so welcome- the rooms and grounds are beautiful - walk to historic homes, restaurants, shopping and entertainment. GREAT place to be ... we will be back!

My wife & I enjoy rail-trail biking and decided to try the Gainesville area this winter. We picked the Magnolia Plantation (for no particular reason) for our stay. Our expectations were greatly exceeded in many ways. The innkeepers were the most helpful we have ever met as far as giving us suggestions to spend our days wisely, making reservations, etc. The location is perfect for access to several trails and walking downtown for a great variety of restaurants. If we return to this area we definitely return to the Magnolia Plantation.

Will be sure to stay again on our next trip to Gainesville. Lots of atmosphere and excellent service.

I proposed to my partner in the Secret Garden on Valentine's Day 2011. It was so romantic! We loved the separate entrance through the garden and the sun room allowed me to set up a dinner table that felt like it was outdoors while still staying warm. The jacuzzi was large enough for two. The innkeepers were very accommodating and served our vegetarian breakfast earlier than their regular hours. I will never forget our stay at this charming little gem of a B&B in the heart of downtown Gainesville!

The Carriage house was very romantic and charming. We throughly enjoyed our stay. It greatly exceeded our expectations and we plan to return again soon.

I was very pleased with my accomdations. The cottage was spacious and clean and the staff provided me plenty of food and beverage during my stay. Thank you for all your hard work.

The inn reeks of history; the cottages, courtyards and grounds are delightfully relaxing. Best of all, are the people and pet friendly owners.

We recently stayed at the Magnolia Plantation in Gainesville Florida. It is a beautiful place, gorgeous grounds, with a pond and waterfall, so relaxing. The house has an interesting history to it and the room was very nice. But one of the main reason we had such a nice time, was that Joe and Cindy, the innkeepers were so very friendly and nice and that makes a place for me. I like to interact with them and with other people staying there. The breakfast was excellent and their dog, whose name I can't remember, was so darn cute! We had a wonderful time. Highly recommend it.

My wife and I had a better time we expected. I can't wait to do it again!

What a wonderful stay! Joe and Cindy are great hosts. The City of Gainesville has gone a long way since my college days of 40 years ago in making the city walkable, fun, and in honoring and preserving its' history. The historic Thomas Center is just a short drive away, and Bo Didley Community Park was only blocks away. A free concert was being held the night that we were there. Art museums and the U of F campus are a short drive as well. The main attraction, though, is the peaceful, beautifully restored, Magnolia Plantation. There are several houses and cottages in addition to the 3 story Victorian Mansion. The houses are filled with wonderful antiques. The grounds beautifully landscaped with fountains and walkways. There are movies and books and you can bring your pet, however it is so quiet, that this serves as the perfect, private getaway. The accommodations are crisp, clean, spotless. I will definitely return- and next time I'll plan to stay longer! Great experience.

This B&B leaves nothing to be desired. We stayed in the Magnolia room for 1 evening. The innkeepers are some of the sweetest, most genuine people we've ever met. Our room was immaculately clean as was the rest of the house and the grounds. It had the perfect combination of modern amenities (dvds, tvs, sound machines, b&bw shower supplies) while not compromising the classic charm. I would recommend staying here without hesitation and look forward to our next visit.

Beautiful B&B and Joe and Cindy were very nice! We enjoyed our stay over the weekend!!

What a beautiful B&B. Our family enjoyed a warm, comfortable, clean and extremely well decorated cottage last year. The landscaping is absolutley gorgeous especially the little pond and water fountain. The entire staff was extremely accomodating and pleasant. We enjoyed our delicious breakfast with several other very pleased guests. We are looking forward to another visit this year.

It is really a great place to stay. The host are wonderful. Setting is perfect. Wine, appetizers and breakfast were outstanding! I can't wait to go back!

The accomodations are exceptional and the Innkeepers and their staff do everything to assure guests enjoy themselves and the Gainesville community. I cannot think of anything that would have improved our stay.

This was our second visit. We really like this place. The people are great and it is very easy going atmosphere. You feel like you are in a secluded place on their compound. Would recommend it highly.

I had my wedding at a location near by and my wedding party stayed in Joe and Cindy's cottages and there cousins down the street. They were absolutely wonderful with my wedding party and everyone loved them. They were very accommodating and it was a wonderful experience for everyone. We look forward to coming back and staying with them again. The Wells Family

The Magnolia Inn is the finest B&B we have ever seen. The owners live on site and they are meticulous innkeepers. We stay at B&B's all the time. This one is the best!

Beautiful house lovingly restored. We so enjoyed our stay. We were there to help our college daughter find an apartment and the b&b offered us an element of holiday while we scoured the town apartment hunting. The room was comfortable and romantic, the house exquisite, the grounds lovely and tranquil and the breakfast YUMMY!

This stay was our second in Miss Huey's Cottage and our first stay at Magnolia Plantation in about ten years. Cyndy and Joe haven't lost a bit. The inn and the owners are charming. We had another great experience.

I stayed at Miss Huey's cottage and I was pleasantly surprised on how pretty and cozy it was. I especially loved the garden setting since I brought my little dog with me and it was so convenient to take her out. I loved sitting out on the front porch with her and my daughter enjoying the pretty scenery. Cindy and Joe were great host and I'm already looking forward to my next visit.

Very beautiful home. Clean and comfortable. Very good breakfast.

As always, I felt like I was home. The owners are so friendly and I love the cozy atmosphere of the cotteges. It's always our number one choice when visiting Gainesville.

We always enjoy our stay at Magnolia Plantation. Joe and Cindy are great hosts! It was a cold weekend, but the Secret Garden cottage was nice and cozy. We especially enjoyed the horse-drawn carriage ride with the champagne and chocolate covered strawberries!

This is the first B&B I ever stayed in back in the 90's and it is, by far, my most favorite. In fact, I base all my B&B's experiences on this one. For this New Year's Eve holiday we spent 2 nights in Miss Huey's Cottage and it was perfectly private, warm and cozy. And as always, the owners Cindy & Joe are the best.

We stayed at the Magnolia Plantation for a short get-away weekend in Gainesville. Joe and Cindy made us feel right at home. It is obvious that they love what they do and they go the extra effort to make everyone feel like part of the family. Cindy hand-irons all the bed linens and that feels soooo luxurious at the end of a day of hiking at Paynes Prairie. We stayed in the Gardenia room which has a wonderful, light-filled reading nook and a working fireplace. Early evening wine and snacks provide a nice way to relax before going out to dinner. The Inn is within walking distance to some outstanding restaurants in downtown Gainesville. Breakfast was delicious and it was so nice to sit around the table and talk with Joe about as he shared stories with us about "Gator Nation".

I love this inn. I've stayed in several of the rooms and cottages. Each has its own charm. I've never been disappointed by the accommodations or the staff. I recommend this site highly

We stayed at Magnolia Plantation for two nights when the temperature dipped into the 30s. Although it was cold outside, we felt warm and welcome inside. Our room had a charming fireplace and our hosts, Cindy and Joe, were gracious and informative. The grounds were unique and rustic in comparison to the cookie-cutter hotels in the area. This was our first experience, but we will definitely be back.

I travel to Gainesville every year to spend Thanksgiving with family and I always stay at the Magnolia Plantation. This beautifully restored 1800's house and surrounding cottages are not to be missed. Peaceful and serene, a stay here is almost like being transported to another time. Joe and Cindy (owners) are always most gracious and provide true southern hospitality and their staff is top notch. I will never stay anywhere else when I travel to Gainesville. Jim P. Los Angeles, California

My friend and I have stayed at Magnolia Plantation on several occasions and always have a wonderful time. The proprietors are incredibly warm and friendly and know how to cook a delicious breakfast! Every detail is attended to in their rooms and cottages and you immediately feel like you are home when you enter this little slice of paradise. I'm always sad to leave but I look forward to my next visit each year. I have frequented many B&Bs around the country- this one is my favorite by far. Go Gators!

My husband and I truly enjoyed our stay this past weekend. The house was lovely. The people very friendly. The room very cozy with the fireplace. We had a very enjoyable horse and carriage ride. I would highly reccommend the place to friends and family.

I was just in Gainesville for an overnight stay, but I look forward to going back. Everything about the place was excellent: the house, the grounds, the service (Blair is a treasure!), the easy access to everything in Gainesville, and, best of all, the sense of serenity and privacy. Thank you, Magnolia Plantation. I can't wait to come back.

Magnolia Plantation is "Home away from Home". The place is clean, warm and cozy. It's a great place to relax or work. Business travelers can relax or work in peace and quiteness with wireless high speed internet. It's well worth giving up those hotel chain points. The homemade breakfast is always a delight and you will love Joe and Cindy. Here you are treated like family. You will not be disappointed when you stay here.

Perfection says it all!!!!!

This plantation was great. More than anything their staff was friendly and absolutely accommodating. We were there for a wedding. We had a large group and stayed in the carriage cottage one night and Key Lime the other. Key Lime was great, clean, large and classy, with 2 porches and a closed in fenced area. It was comfy and fit 6 people. Carriage was gorgeous and we hung out on the wrap around porch all day. We had to leave early in the morning, so the staff dropped off food for us the night before. They also allowed us a late check out as we were in a wedding rush. I just could not believe how friendly they were without being intrusive. They have a great main house with a kitchen you can use, sitting area, guitar, piano and wine at 5pm. I was so impressed. we had a killer time! You should stay here.

Jutta and I really enjoyed the hospitality, the house and room and, most of all, Joe and Cindy. Even though they are Florida Gator fans (and I'm a Georgia Bulldog fan), we found them to be wonderful hosts!

There is NO way to describe this and do it any justice. It is like walking into a "time warp" into another place ... another time. It is often difficult to decide whether or not you will "get your monies worth" just by looking at images on the internet or reading reviews by other guests. The best you can hope for is that it will not disappoint, let alone meet expectations. LOOK NO FURTHER! It will be MOST difficult to find another place that will meet or match the overall rating for the Magnolia. If you like to experiment, or enjoy adventure, keep looking. If you want an experience and not just a "get-away" ... Magnolia is the place for you. In a hotel room ... you will look for places to visit and things to do to get out of the hotel room environment (unless you want to just sleep and sometimes you don't even get that). At Magnolia ... I couldn't wait to get back to our room. There wouldn't be enough space (or time) to even start talking about Joe and Cindy ( the owners ).

As a first timer the experience was awesome. The innkeepers Joe and Cindy made the experience very special.

My then boyfriend and I stayed at the Magnolia Plantation for our 2 year anniversary in May 2003 before we relocated from FL to MA. It was an AMAZING 3 days and Cindy & Joe were incredible with the fine details of our "surprises" that my mother had requested for us. In our 6 years in MA, we've referred friends to stay with Ciny & Joe and MANY occasions. Now, 6 years later, we have permanently moved back to Pensacola, FL and my then boyfriend is now my beloved husband of 4 yrs! :) I'm planning a surprise getaway for us to go back to that magical place in Mar. 2010 for our 5 yr. wedding anniversary. Is it REALLY that special? YES! And when their mountain home is finished in Georgia, I plan to collaborate to take our immediate family to spend either Thanksgiving or Christmas there. Do yourself a favor and spend a few days with the Montalto's, you WILL NOT be sorry! ENJOY! Very Sinceraly, Wendy & Chris Strong Pensacola, FL

This B&B is everything it says it is. Wonderful staff. Awesome owner. Great wine and cheese, and gardens to die for. I would recommend it to all. Clean, relaxing and very comfortable. Will visit it again. Linda Ledyard

Great place to stay and they allow pets. The accomendations are wonderful! It is close enough to walk to many places too.

My husband and I joined another couple for a weekend getaway.. the accomodations were perfect..our own cottage - ( we were in Ginger and Nutmeg) each having a private bedroom w/ bathroom and we loved our shared space: a living room and kitchen, private porch w/ a great view.. we loved the entire property and were very impressed with what Cindy and Joe have done.. it is more than a B&B.. it is a great, funky and peaceful setting with wonderful service. We will surely be back again to enjoy this Gem!

I stayed at Magnolia Plantation when my son was touring the University of Florida. It was wonderful! It beats a hotel any day, I will always stay at Magnolia (if my son gets into UF). Breakfast was amazing, loved the french toast casserole!

Joe & Cindy are wonderful hosts and Innkeepers....They truly make your stay as relaxing as anywhere we have been and feel like extended family. The rooms / units are all unique and make you feel like you are visiting friends. The morning breakfast spread Cindy puts out really gets your day started and Joe's knowledge of the house, cottages and local Gainesville area are second to none. Keep up the good work, we thoroughly enjoyed our most recent stay in your Inn and look forward to our next trip in the area where we can stay a little longer....

Our first impressions were of the grounds which are green and lush. Our family had a separate cottage with full amenities, including a working kitchen, TV, a CD player and CDs and shelves of books. The decor was lovely and high quality. The breakfasts had a selection of high quality food choices. There were snacks and wine in the afternoon. Finally, all the people working at this B&B went out of there way to be helpful.

This was our first BnB but I am certain we could not have stayed at a better place. Cindy and Joe are wonderful, the garden and house are far more beautiful than any photo will ever capture and the atmosphere was so relaxing we didn't want to leave.

We love the Magnolia Plantation Inn Bed and Breakfast. We visit Gainesville to see family, and the stay at Magnolia makes our visit very special. It feels like a retreat. Fountains, gardens, foliage, birds singing, wonderful breakfast, and simply beautiful decor which puts you into history. Our stay is very sweet. The rooms are immaculate, and you feel special. All the comforts of home are there. It's lovely.

Our family had a wonderful time here celebrating the wedding of our daughter and son-in-law. It was such a charming place and so much fun to be able to all stay together visiting each other at our various rooms or cottages. Joe and Cindy were gracious hosts, even helping us with finding a florist and a wedding official. This is a B & B that you don't want to miss!

We had a wonderful stay. We love to come there to paradise and cannot wait to come back for New Years Eve! Sharon & Gene Casey

We were a group of 14 people gathered for the wedding of my neice. There were several beautiful garden locations to hold the ceremony and we selected one by the fountain. It was lovely. Some of our party stayed in cottages on the property. My husband and I stayed in a room in the main house. These arrangements gave us the flexibility to have our privacy or gather as a group. Cindy and Joe were personable without being smothering. Their attention to detail was marvelous. All of the staff were delightful.

We stayed in the Key Lime Cottage. The bedrooms are small and the bathrooms small and quaint. We did enjoy the living room space and the amenities of the kitchen. Breakfasts cooked by the inkeeper were good. Great restaurants in walking distance downtown.

We stayed for our son's graduation from UF. We had stayed with Cindy and Joe many times during his time in Gainesville. Turnign into their driveway is like being home for us. Rock on the porch and take in the beautiful gardens without being responsible for the weeding.

We had the best time. the food and the sevice was great. We asked our teenager if she would like to stay closer to the water park in Ocala and she didn't want to leave. I look forward to returning.

A pleasant stay after an exhaustive day and journey was all I was expecting, but I was delighted that the Magnolia Plantation gave me so much more. Beautiful home, delicious food and even snacks! A Southern treat I would love to enjoy again.

Wonderful staff, Great food and an oasis for the weary

The stay was wonderful. The location and property was fantastic. The unusual breakfast added a special uniqueness to our stay.

Cindy took the time to prepare my Weight Watcher meals so I could stay on track during my stay. That was very much appreciated. Joe told us places to see and eat, gave us maps and we never got lost. Everyone was very friendly and accommodating. Penny from Clearwater, Florida

Once you stay at the Magnolia Plantation you will never go back to a hotel. This charming plantation and its surrounding cottages sit on a beautifully landscaped piece of property walking distance to downtown but set in a quiet neighborhood. The owners go out of their way to make you feel at home and the breakfasts will make you beg for the recipe. So close to the University of Florida campus for visiting family and friends to come and visit. Enjoy sitting by the pond and fountains or the beautiful living rooms in the main house for evening wine and cheeses. Each room and cottage is charming. We will be back again and again.

We came down with our againg female dog and arraved at a clean room and met with Cindy, the owner. Very nice, friendly place., Clean, good food, and the place is just perfect. We will stay again and recommend to our friends and family.. Todd and Angela in NC

We love staying with Joe and Cindy. Over the almost 6 years, we have been visiting Gainesville, we look forward each time to the inn. We feel they are like family. It is a warm, loving, peace-filled home.

Everyone at Magnolia is great...I would recommend it to everyone.

magnolia Plantation is a wonderful, charming, enchanting place. Loved everything about it. Katrina is a wonderful cook and host. She has a lovely personality.

It was the cleanest, warmist, nicest, homiest B & B we have stayed at.

The Magnolia Plantation is a beautiful location. The food is amazing! and the staff is very friendly!

What a wonderful family weekend at this B and B. Our cottage slept 6 and a baby comfortably with privacy and the feeling of being at home! We loved the decor and the innkeepers are fabulous!

We have had the pleasure of staying at Magnolia Plantation several times...Joe and Cindy have never failed to make us feel welcome. Our favorite room is Jessica's Courtyard. What a beautiful and relaxing "mini" house. My wife and I passed away many relaxing hours in the sunroom overlooking the garden. Do yourself a favor and plan some time to enjoy this jewel in Gainesville.

All around wonderful! You two are the best!

For my wedding and wedding night my husband and I stayed in Magnolia Plantation's best room, the carriage house. It was pricey but well worth it. The room was beautiful with a porch wrapping halfway around. The jacuzzi tub had a cascading waterfall and there were plenty of candles for a beautiful and romantic wedding night. The grounds are covered in beautiful gardens, ponds and a fountain. We took bridal party pictures there with the beautiful backdrop. There was a wine and hor d'oeurves hour to mingle with the other guests, but we weren't able to attend. The next morning breakfast was absolutely delicious! The main owners were out of town, but the girls filling in were very friendly. I would love to stay here again without the stress of a wedding. I would probably choose a smaller room, which are very affordable for what you get.

This place is a 'slice of Heaven' right in the middle of everything. great stay. great rooms, family atmosphere. wonderful!

Magnolia Plantation is a wonderful place. Very tranquil, always clean. The owners are friendly and breakfast is always yummy. The gardens are lively and fountains add a nice, soothing touch.

This was my second stay at this wondeful gem in Gainesville. The grounds are inviting with a main house and cottages surrounding lush landscaping. My first stay was in Beths Courtyard, and it was perfect for two people, with an intimate sitting room , a lovely bedroom and big walk in shower, perfect for my elderly parents! My second stay was in Nutmeg, a beautiful section of a Craftsman Cottage. It provided a full kitchen if I wanted to cook a meal (which I did not becasue there are some great restaurants within walking distance) a cute bedroom and again a large walk in showe. The staff is warm and inviting. The main house provides a wonderful atmosphere for afternoon beverages and snacks and who can complain when you are provided a hearty breakfast outside under beautful Oak trees! While my daughter is attending University of Florida I plan this to be our home away from home.

We discovered Magnolia Plantation in 2002 when our oldest child became a Florida Gator and have returned several times each year since. Joe and Cindy are so friendly and welcoming that we immediately felt at home and now count them among our friends we look forward to visiting! We have stayed in most of the rooms and cottages and find them all delightful, each with its own charm. Besides the lovely inn and its equally lovely owners, one of the things we enjoy about Magnolia is meeting the other guests over wine and cheese or at breakfast. Everyone we've met has been friendly and interesting. We can't say enough good things about Magnolia!

My husband and I have stayed in many B&B's in Florida. This was the absolute best!

This is a charming Bed and Breakfast. Owners and staff were friendly and welcoming. Very relaxing place to stay. We enjoyed the ambiance.

This was a wonderful place to stay. Clean, friendly, great food what else can you say.

You can't help but fall in love with Magnolia Plantation and its owners Cindy and Joe. The grounds are a delight and the accommodations are widely varied. We have stayed in the main house and in the more modern cottages and have enjoyed both experiences. Each time we return to Gainesville we make sure to make a reservation. P.S. Their breakfasts are wonderful

We stayed last new year's eve and are again this year. A great place.

Joe and Cindy were wonderful and warm hosts. They went up and above service to have fresh flowers in our room, Carriage ride, and dinner arraingments,there were rose petals in our room and a long stem rose on the bed with music playing and the fireplaces lit. They also arranged for us to have breakfast brought to us , and a massage therapist came to our room. All but the breakfasts were extra but it made our trip that much more special. The Inn was peaceful surrounded by trees and the sound of the waterfall. Our room was clean and everything we expected and more. I loved the swings and rockers and the privateness of the Carraige House.

Everything is always wonderful at the Magnolia Plantation. I have stayed there several times and I always look forward to going back.

We have stayed at Magnolia Plantation many times, and each stay has been perfect: gorgeous rooms, outstanding food, friendly atmosphere with plenty of privacy, and the most beautiful grounds we have experienced. This is the only place we ever stayed when visiting Gainesville during our son's four years of school. It is reasonably priced, and worth every penny!

We were truly blessed to find Joe and Cindy's oasis in Gainesville. Over the years we have become friends and truly look forward to our visits. Jessica’s courtyard is a little slice of heaven, when it is time to decompress. Cindy's breakfasts are second to none. My son and I always special request her Pina Colada muffins...and she always comes through. The grounds are beautiful, and you can quickly forget you are in the middle of the city. Give it a try...you will not be disappointed.