We found the lakeland Courtyard to be well located for exploring the town of Lakeland, except that everwhere you go on a highway has a toll. The Court yard sits alongside a Residence Inn on the outer ring of a new mega (for Lakeland) shopping center. Several well know franchise restaurants are within walking distance.
The Courtyard has the old syle rooms but updated beds and is everything you expect from a Courtyard, which is quite alot!
A nice touch is computer access in the lobby.
Almost equal travel time to Tampa or Orlando airports too.

We are locals to the area, moved out of town a few years ago but come back about every 4 months to visit. We always stay at the courtyard. It is by far the nicest place in Lakeland and the prices are very competitive. There are several restaraunts within walking distance.(chili's, Longhorn, Mimi's, Starbucks). And the mall is right behind the hotel so there is easy shopping dining and entertainment right at you door. Another advantage is location. It is on the south side of town out of the busy traffic, and in the nicer area of Lakeland.

Stayed here for three nights in mid-July. The hotel and room were clean, pleasant and smelled nice. The staff was very accomidating and pleasant. The housekeeper saw my wife icing down milk for our three-year old and without asking or charging us had a small microwave and refrigerator wheeled into our room. The pool and whirlpool were enjoyable. Breakfast buffet was good and for $ 7.95 included cook-to-order eggs instead of dried out scrambled eggs that is normal buffet fare at that rate. Lot's of dining choices with a steakhouse, Chili's and Mimi's Cafe all right next door. There is a mall and movie theater right behind the hotel as well. I would definitely stay there again and recommend the Courtyard Lakeland to anyone else travelling in the area.