Caribe Cove Resort Orlando

The entrance to this condo complex is up a short driveway lined with lush tropical plants. Guests then pass through a guarded barrier that leads to a small network of roads that connect the Caribe Cove Resort's six buildings. The resort is ostensibly Caribbean themed, hence the name -- though the bright and airy lobby atrium's only nod to this is a treasure island-style map on the wall. The grounds are tidy and well-tended with box hedges, palm trees, and colorful flowers, and the resort overlooks two brackish lakes surrounded by shrub forest complete with alligator warnings. While lacking much in the way of polish or pizzazz, the Caribe Cove has a simple charm that mainly attracts vacationing families.

The resort is located in central Florida's Osceola County, which is dotted with lakes inhabited by alligators and other regional wildlife, and is a 30- to 40-minute drive to downtown Orlando. While the area's public transportation is inefficient for getting to the attractions, Walt Disney World is a 10-minute drive away, and both Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld are around a 25-minute drive. The Kennedy Space Center takes about an hour and 15 minutes by car, and Daytona Beach is about a 90-minute drive. A three-minute drive from the highway 192, the resort is about a five-minute drive to a 7-Eleven, Papa Johns Pizza, and a Walmart/Target.

Caribe Cove Resort Orlando comprises 76 modern and spacious two- and three- bedroom condos. While the decor is loosely tropical-themed, each unit is individually owned and decorated by the owner (which can mean inconsistent quality). Apartments are generally well-maintained and include living rooms with sofa beds, dining rooms, and fully equipped kitchens. Balconies or terraces have views of the garden, pine forest, or lake -- while some overlook the parking lot. Wi-Fi is free (though it can be slow), and there are at least two TVs with cable channels in each condo. Laundry rooms also come with washer/dryers, and the resort provides starter kits with dishwashers and laundry detergent, but there's no housekeeping service.

The shared facilities center on the resort's heated outdoor swimming pool, which has an edge overlooking a lake and forest, and a poolside jetted tub; it is surrounded by lounge chairs. There's also a small 24-hour gym, along with a steam room and sauna, while in-room massage treatments can be arranged. While there's no grocery store on-site, there is a gift shop selling snacks, and all units include dining guides detailing delivery options from local restaurants. The resort is family-friendly, but there's not much in the way of kid-friendly amenities.