SWEETWATER BRANCH INN, Gainesville
Property overview
Rooms and Cottages
Sweetwater Branch Inn provides rooms and cottages, each uniquely decorated. Rooms are located in the Cushman House and the McKenzie House. Cottages feature full kitchens, living rooms, dining rooms, and outdoor areas; some are pet-friendly. The Rochelle Room recalls North Florida's orange gold rush. The Windsor Cottage highlights southern hospitality with hardwood floors. Annie's Room in Nora Belle's Cottage is outfitted in green with a clawfoot tub. Rosa's Room is decorated in warm brown and red. Rooms feature king or queen beds, private bathrooms, and views. Select rooms include fireplaces, Persian rugs, Italian chandeliers, and spa baths. The Blue Moon Room includes low ceilings, a sitting nook, and a French Provincial queen-size bed. Tiffany Suite features a queen-size Victorian mansion pillowtop bed. Heirloom Suite features a queen-size Victorian roll-top bed and a sunroom. The Cornelia Room offers a quilted maple queen-sized pencil post bed and a spacious walk-in shower. Select rooms have wrap-around porches, hot tubs, sunrooms, or window seats with koi pond views. Amenities include individual air conditioning/heat, flat-screen cable television, and Wi-Fi. Bathrooms provide walk-in showers or Jacuzzi tubs and William Roam soaps.
Breakfast & Catering
The Sweetwater Branch Inn serves a homemade breakfast with frittatas, French toast casserole, bacon, ham, fresh fruit, pastries, coffee, tea, and orange juice. The Sweetwater Catering Company offers catering services for events, including weddings, luncheons, and dinners. Options range from light fare to buffets and sit-down dining, with custom menus available. The company also provides boxed lunches and drop-off services. Private romantic dinners with a personal chef can be arranged in the McKenzie House dining room, covered porches, or gardens.
Leisure and Amenities
Sweetwater Branch Inn features a saltwater pool and spa, a putting green, and gardens. Guests can rent bikes. The inn includes parlors, a library of books and games, and reverse osmosis water coolers. A gift shop offers hand-crafted soaps, local authors, and souvenirs. There are also Tesla chargers available for guest use. Pets are limited to Cottages (excluding the Honeymoon Cottage).
Location and Access
Sweetwater Branch Inn is located in downtown Gainesville, minutes from the University of Florida, Shands Hospital, the Cade Museum, and Depot Park. It is 5 km from Gainesville Regional. Nearby attractions include Kanapaha Botanical Gardens, local breweries, restaurants, and natural springs. The inn is near Sweetwater Park (0.5 km), Flashbacks Recycled Fashions (1 km), and Depot Park (1 km). The McKenzie House is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Services Offered
The Sweetwater Branch Inn provides event planning and catering services. The McKenzie Hall hosts up to 250 guests for hors d'oeuvres and 180 for sit-down dinners. The inn offers event coordination, and a selection of linens, tables, and chairs. WiFi is available, and there is parking. Alachua County Public Schools District Office provides free parking. The staff at Sweetwater Catering Co adept at handling hospitality needs. Some accessible lodging is available. Lilly's and Victoria's Cottages offer ramp access.
Choose your preferred room
Calendar of room availability and rates
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Free parking
- Pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Luggage storage
- Fireplace
- Electric vehicle charging station
Sports & Fitness
- Canoeing
- Cycling
- Golf course
Guest Parking
- Shared kitchen
- Electric kettle
Services
- Laundry
- Welcome drink
Dining
- Picnic area/ Tables
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Business
- Business centre
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Board games
Spa & Leisure
- Saltwater pool
- Sun loungers
- Sun terrace
- Garden area
- Spa & wellness centre
- Jacuzzi
- Massage
Room features
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Shared kitchen
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Parquet floor

