Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge

Yesterday, I attended my fifth Arnold Palmer Invitational here and very little changes over time.
The golf course is excellent and annually tests the best players in the world.
There’s a reason that Tiger Woods won here so many times… because during those years he was truly golf’s best player. And that’s why the most recent major winner, Jason Day, won yesterday.
Mr. Palmer clearly takes a lot of pride in every aspect of hosting this event (Just like Mr. Nicklaus does at his event in Ohio later in the year).
Concessions, portable bathrooms, patio-​style sitting areas with Arnie’s signature umbrella are featured throughout the course. (And I always find it funny how the residents whose homes border the golf course often sell water, soda and snacks too)
While I wouldn’t call the event the most spectator friendly event on the PGA Tour, that’s simply because of the nature of the golf course. Think about it. If one entire side of a hole is bordered by water, you obviously can only watch from one side of that hole.
And I personally respect how Mr. Palmer has not followed the growing trend of other major golf tournaments in making one hole sort of a party destination… where people care more about drinking and talking than anything else. That does not exist at Arnie’s event, yet everyone seems to be having a good time and there is plenty of cold beverages available in appropriate places like the Ketel One Lounge off the 10^th tee.
There’s a real sense of community at this event. Not only do most people who live in the bordering homes watch from their backyards or patios, but the ONLY time we even had to show our tickets was when entered the community… not the actual golf course.
Oh, and the course is so conveniently located just a few blocks down from Restaurant Row on Sand Lake Road.
I do not even remember seeing a single piece of trash on the ground the entire afternoon as we walked the course watching the action.
When a property handles this many people and the best golfers on the planet so well, it shows you what a good host they can be for smaller groups or just for an individual stay and play package.
Thank you, Mr. Palmer. I’ve always enjoyed attending your event and being on the grounds.

Really good service, and good rooms. But we couldn’t have breakfast because my friend had a white shirt, I mean why do people have to dress up with colored clothes just to have breakfast. I will never go back there.

We stayed here for 3 nights while visiting family nearby. Overall, we were very happy with our stay, but there were a couple of hiccups. First the pros, the room was very clean and comfortable. There isn’t much noise to be worried about, which was a concern prior to our stay, since Disneyland is nearby and kids are bound to be present in most hotels. The beds were comfortable and the AC worked perfectly to help us recover from the Florida heat outside. The check-​in and check-​out process was simple and painless. I must note that this place does not have elevators since they only have 2 floors. Still if you have large bags maybe you want to ask for assistance. We checked in very late so we did not have this option. The hiccups I mentioned early were related to the room service. Our room came with a balcony accompanied by great views, so wanted to take full advantage and enjoy our breakfast in the morning. We ordered room service twice and the first time they forgot half of our food so we had to wait for the rest of our order and then on the second day they got my breakfast order wrong. I did not want to wait a again so I ate what was delivered. We did leave a comment card so hopefully they will work to improve this for future visitors. I had hoped that for such a nice place they would have their room service issues figured out by now. I would certainly stay here again due to the comfortable room, the location and overall quality of the hotel.

I enjoyed my one night’s stay here. It’s a nice lodge, although I’m surprised the TVs in your room are small. Obviously the draw here is Bay Hill, and, as expected, the golf course is incredible! Unfortunately, while I’ve played Bay Hill before, I was unable to get a round in this trip. I’d definitely stay here again.

We thought we were going the wrong way when we came to the lodge… Yes, it is where the club house for the Golf Course is, just drive inside the parking lot and at the far righthand side is the main entrance. You feel as if you were walking into a «northern state» lodge… Lots of wood, stairs, 2 floors and maybe hoping to see some snow outside… But nooo… No snow! A golf course… And WARM.
The golf course is being repaired, therefore our view was of a putting green being repaired and the driving range with yellowish grass… It should be very nice when they finish! Maybe that is why we got a break in price… Worth it!
Room is cozy and comfortable… ASK FRONT DESK FOR YOUR CHOICE OF PILLOWS! I did not and had an awful night… When I told the front desk the next morning, they told me they had about every choice I would want… We did arrive late and this place does not seem to have lots of staff, so When I decided to go to bed, it was too late! The bed itself is ok, just that, they should have a duvet instead of sheets, blanket and a duvet type on top… Mattress was a notch below average.
They do not have many places where to charge your electronics… I had to place my phone on a side chair and plug on the wall. Closet space is ok. They did have a tiny balcony and when the course is in optimal condition, it might be a place to relax and read, but it is tiny… Bathroom has a shower in the tub, no separate shower… 2 sinks and Arnold P. Amenities, they were quite nice. Towels very on the above average side. Shower is missing power.
We did go to the pool and it is quite nice, they have a bar next to the pool and you can actually do laps in the pool… It is a nice size pool. They do give yountowels in the pool, but these were way below average.
Overall, I was pleased with this lodge and for a short stay where you want to relax and be away from the noise, this is the place.

The lodge at Bay Hill is a great get away for small groups looking to include golf in their experience. Classic rooms, outstanding vibe for nightly conversation around the bar or fire pit. Best morning coffee station east of the Mississippi

Staff is amazing, course is playing wonderfully and our rental house was cozy and on the water. The clubhouse is great and very friendly, helpful staff! Loved my guest house experience.

What a wonderful experience!
The entire Bay Hill experience is unforgettable! My wife and I throughly enjoyed our time. We were greeted like old time friends when we arrived, and treated as such until we’ve left. Rooms are quaint, quiet, and have a wonderful view if you’re on the golf side. Don’t expect a resort, expect and welcomed quiet release. This is a perfect place to stay, play golf, then hit up a park. Prices are very fair. Dining at the Lodge is a must! Dress codes are enforced, but I appreciate it! Makes the experience more special.
Wonderful historical touch, and lots of Palmer memorabilia around the course and clubhouse.
Cons: I wasn’t a fan of was the attitudes of the gentleman in the pro shop. I understand I’m a twenty-​something guest at a prestigious country club, but the arrogant, nonchalant demeanor towards my wife and I was very disappointing.
Also, the course was in pretty tough shape around the tee boxes… Very, very gnawed and dry. I expected a little more from a world famous course.
All in all, my wife and I will be back, probably more than once!

Friendly staff and I met The King! Bought a flag and a ball marker. Prices not too bad unlike Pebble Beach.
He is as good to his fans as they say he is…
Thanks Arnie for taking the time to meet a teacher from Arizona!

Very old and outdated rooms and decors. Bed is squeaky and very old, no microwaves or refrigerators. Staff is pretty friendly, scenery is nice. I personally will not be staying here again.

Love this Arnold Palmer course. Great friendly staff. Excellent concierge.
Pro shop has okay collection but, the staff are willing to order anything if there’s something you’d like to order from them.
The hallway is full of history… as well as the locker rooms. My favorite part is looking at the locker room name plates. I chocked up when I read Winnie Palmer’s.
The course is in great shape, of course. Fast greens. I absolutely love the putting green and chipping area.
The driving range, it’s pretty normal. They give you the range balls in a cloth bag. But keep an eye out for a pro might be next to you practicing :)
I had a wonderful experience overall.

The place reminds me of the Colorado Lodges I stayed with my family as a child. Friendly staff and great service. Front desk Manager was very pleasant as soon as we walked through the doors. Accommodated us with a golf view, even though our reservation was for a neighborhood view. The rooms are a little outdated but were comfortable. The bathrooms were recently updated. The view to the golf course is a plus. Complimentary coffee in the dining room. You have access to the members only dining room for breakfast, lunch and dinner as long as you are a guest of the Lodge. Food was fantastic. A great perk to the stay, was getting a glimpse of the MAN, Mr. Palmer himself. He usually is a regular at his own club.