Hotels at World Equestrian Center Ocala
From the AAA Four Diamond Equestrian Hotel on campus to chain and budget hotels near I-75, find the right place to stay for your next visit to the World Equestrian Center.
Content Freshness
Information verified through our 7-step process.See our standards →
On-Site Hotels at WEC Ocala
World Equestrian Center runs two hotels on its campus at 1750 NW 80th Avenue, west of I-75: The Equestrian Hotel (248 rooms and suites) and The Riding Academy Hotel (390 studios and suites; see our full guide to its dog policy, rooms and fees). Staying on campus puts you steps from the arenas, restaurants and shops.
- Ocala's only AAA Four Diamond resort, according to WEC
- 248 rooms and suites, many overlooking the open-air Grand Arena
- Stirrups steakhouse, Yellow Pony Pub & Garden and Emma's Patisserie inside the hotel
- Calluna Spa, a fitness center, and a zero-entry pool with Horse to Water Pool & Bar
- Luxury retailers inside the hotel and a business center
- One of TIME's 2024 World's Greatest Places, per WEC
Best for: Exhibitors, luxury travelers, and anyone wanting the full WEC experience
- 390 pet-friendly studios and suites
- Next to The Equestrian Manor event and dining venue
- Pool, splash pad and outdoor fireplace
- Dual fitness centers
- Dog park with dedicated play areas
- The Tack Room grab-and-go market for coffee, snacks and pastries
Best for: Competitors and families traveling with dogs, and visitors who want to stay on campus
Other On-Campus Lodging
WEC also offers non-hotel lodging for equestrian visitors:
- RV Park — Nearly 300 slips with full hookups (water, sewer and electric), a general store with a 24-hour laundromat, showers and a gas station
- Home Away from Home — 95 pet-friendly rental units about a five-minute drive from campus, for up to 8 guests, with full kitchens and in-unit washers and dryers
- Crownwood Rentals — Fully furnished two- and three-bedroom units minutes from the center, with in-unit laundry and a community pool
Chain Hotels at I-75 and State Road 200
Ocala's biggest cluster of hotels is around I-75 exit 350, where State Road 200 (SW College Road) crosses the interstate. It is farther from WEC than the exit 354 hotels below (Hilton says Hilton Ocala is 8.7 miles away), but it has the widest choice of brands, restaurants and shopping.
Closest Off-Campus Hotels: NW Blitchton Road (US 27)
The hotels on NW Blitchton Road (US 27) at I-75 exit 354 are the closest interstate cluster to WEC, and most are economy and extended-stay brands. Check current rates on each hotel's own site.
Staybridge Suites Ocala-near Equestrian-Aquatics
Comfort Suites Ocala North
Quality Inn & Suites Ocala I-75
Motel 6 Ocala, FL - Conference Center
Booking Tips for WEC Visitors
Book Early for Big Shows
Rooms on campus and nearby fill quickly during major WEC events. Check the WEC show schedule before you choose dates.
Look at Special Offers
WEC lists special offers and packages for its hotels on its website, such as stay-and-dine and spa packages. Check them before you book.
Confirm Pet Policies
The Riding Academy Hotel is pet-friendly with a dog park. Off campus, call ahead to confirm pet fees and weight limits; Courtyard does not take pets.
Factor in the Drive
WEC is west of I-75 on NW 80th Ave. The hotels on NW Blitchton Road (US 27) are the closest interstate cluster; the SR 200 hotels are about 9 miles away. WEC rents golf carts for getting around campus.
Dining at The Equestrian Hotel
One of the perks of staying on campus is WEC's restaurant lineup. These three are inside The Equestrian Hotel; there are more at The Equestrian Manor and around the campus.
Stirrups Restaurant
Steakhouse inside The Equestrian Hotel with prime steaks, sustainably sourced seafood and elevated Southern comfort food, with a terrace overlooking the Grand Outdoor Arena.
Yellow Pony Pub & Garden
Pub inside the hotel with craft beer, cocktails, a bourbon and whiskey list, elevated pub fare and live music on select nights.
Emma's Patisserie
French macarons, European-inspired pastries, coffee and breakfast sandwiches, with shops in The Equestrian Hotel and The Equestrian Manor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a hotel at World Equestrian Center Ocala?
Yes, WEC Ocala has two hotels on campus at 1750 NW 80th Ave. The Equestrian Hotel has 248 rooms and suites, many overlooking the Grand Arena, and WEC calls it Ocala's only AAA Four Diamond resort. The Riding Academy Hotel has 390 pet-friendly studios and suites next to The Equestrian Manor. Check current rates on WEC's website.
How far in advance should I book a hotel for WEC show season?
Book as early as you can for major shows. Rooms on campus and at the nearby chain hotels fill quickly during big WEC events, so check the show schedule before you pick dates.
Are there pet-friendly hotels near WEC Ocala?
Yes. On campus, The Riding Academy Hotel is pet-friendly and has a dog park. Off campus, Hilton Ocala (up to 75 lb), Hampton Inn & Suites, Residence Inn, Staybridge Suites, Comfort Suites, Quality Inn, Motel 6 and Red Roof Inn list pets as allowed. Courtyard by Marriott Ocala does not allow pets. Fees and limits vary, so confirm with the hotel.
Which hotels off campus are closest to WEC?
The cluster on NW Blitchton Road (US 27) at I-75 exit 354 is the closest interstate group. IHG lists its Staybridge Suites there as four miles from WEC. The bigger cluster at I-75 exit 350 (State Road 200) is farther: Hilton says Hilton Ocala is 8.7 miles from WEC.
Can non-exhibitors stay at The Equestrian Hotel?
Yes. The Equestrian Hotel is open to all guests, and many come for the resort itself: Stirrups steakhouse, Calluna Spa, the zero-entry pool with Horse to Water Pool & Bar, and the shops inside the hotel.
Are there extended stay options near WEC for competitors?
Yes. WEC rents Home Away from Home units (95 pet-friendly units about five minutes from campus, for up to 8 guests, with kitchens and in-unit laundry) and Crownwood rentals (furnished two- and three-bedroom units). Its RV Park has nearly 300 full-hookup slips. Off campus, Staybridge Suites, Residence Inn, Candlewood Suites and stayAPT Suites are extended-stay hotels with kitchens.
Explore More WEC & Ocala Guides
World Equestrian Center Guide
Everything you need to know about WEC Ocala
Calluna Spa at the Hotel
Full-service spa inside the Equestrian Hotel — massage, facials, salon, equestrian recovery
Horse to Water Pool & Bar
Zero-entry pool and poolside bar at The Equestrian Hotel
WEC Campus Map
See where the hotels sit on the WEC campus
WEC Shops & Merchandise
Hotel lobby gift shop plus the wider WEC retail promenade
WEC Careers
Hospitality and hotel jobs at the Equestrian Hotel
WEC Live Stream
Watch the shows online while planning your stay
WEC RV Park
On-property RV alternative to the hotel for show exhibitors
WEC Golf Cart Rental
Get around the WEC campus easily
WEC Show Schedule
Upcoming competitions and events at WEC
WEC Dining Guide
Restaurants and food options at World Equestrian Center
WEC Christmas Spectacular
Over one million lights and holiday fun at WEC each December
Equestrian Events in Ocala
Horse shows, competitions, and events year-round
League of Nations 2026
CSIO5* show jumping recap and results from WEC Ocala
See all Ocala hotels by area
Every Ocala hotel by area, from I-75 to downtown
Hilton Ocala
The full-service Hilton by I-75 exit 350, 8.7 miles from WEC
Things to Do in Ocala
Top attractions and activities in Marion County