Prince of Wales Motel

Prince of Wales Motel occupies a spot on South Scenic Highway, the historic ridge road that winds through Lake Wales past some of the city’s oldest neighborhoods and closer to the downtown core than the motels clustered along US 27. The property is registered with the state as an independently held motel rather than a franchise, operating under a single owner’s LLC, and it has served the local budget lodging market in Lake Wales for years under the Prince of Wales name, a nod to the town’s British-inspired street names that also gave nearby Prince Edward Street and other roads their titles.

Rooms here are basic but functional, with amenities that include air conditioning, a refrigerator, a desk, and telephone service, aimed squarely at travelers who need an affordable place to stay rather than a resort experience. A 24-hour front desk means guests arriving late from the highway or leaving early for work can check in or out without waiting on limited office hours, a detail that matters in a town where agricultural and citrus work schedules do not always follow a nine-to-five clock. Laundry service on site is a practical touch for extended-stay guests or families traveling with kids, and the motel does offer family rooms for parties that need more than a single queen bed.

Guest reviews of Prince of Wales Motel are candid about its limitations. Several recent write-ups describe an aging building in need of consistent maintenance, with complaints ranging from musty odors to spotty housekeeping, alongside other guests who mention a friendly, down-home feel and appreciate the walkable distance to attractions like Bok Tower Gardens. This split reflects the reality of many small independent motels operating on tight margins in rural Florida: the ownership keeps rates low and the doors open, but the physical plant shows its age. Prospective guests should read current reviews closely and set realistic expectations, treating this as a true budget option rather than a mid-range hotel alternative.

Despite the mixed feedback, the motel remains an active, bookable property as of 2025 and 2026, appearing on major travel platforms including Tripadvisor, Expedia, and Hotels.com, and it continues to accept guests paying with American Express and Discover in addition to cash. Its location on Scenic Highway puts it within a few minutes’ drive of downtown Lake Wales, Lake Wailes itself, and the general Bok Tower Gardens area, making it a workable if unglamorous base for travelers on a tight budget who prioritize price and proximity over polish. Anyone considering an extended stay or a booking for a specific event in Lake Wales should call ahead directly to confirm current room conditions, since renovations are reportedly ongoing in parts of the property and availability of upgraded rooms may vary by the week.