CLC World Florida at Encantada

The Encantada Resort could easily be mistaken for an upscale gated community. The grounds are beautifully landscaped, and a lovely paved courtyard leads up to the main building -- a Spanish-style structure that fits right in with the surrounding palm trees. The interior of the lobby is bright with white walls and lots of natural light. Furniture is contemporary and tasteful, done in neutral colors with orange accents. Clusters of armchairs and coffee tables provide space for lounging, and the bar, and playroomare also housed in the lobby.

The exteriors of the main building and townhouses -- arranged in rows throughout the property -- are painted in warm tones of brown, red-orange, deep yellow, and beige. Each unit really does look like a home, with a lawn and palm trees in front. A path paved with checkered stones leads to the lake at the center of the property. A gazebo is located on the lake's edge, and there is a common area with seating where guests can use a barbecue grill. Like other hotels in the area, the Encantada attracts families visiting nearby theme parks, but other large groups also enjoy the flexibility of the accommodations.

The resort is located less than six miles from Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios. For guests heading to Old Town, ESPN Wide World of Sports, or Celebration shopping center, the drive is just eight miles. Sea World is a 14-mile drive, and Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are both 18 miles away. There are also plenty of stores located within a five-minute drive of the resort, including Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Super Target, and 7-Eleven. Restaurants within a five-minute drive include Bruno’s Italian, Pizza Hut, McDonald's, and Taco Bell.

The resort offers the options of Two- or Three-Bedroom Townhouses, which feature simple, but stylish decor, and modern furnishings. Small touches go a long way to make the units feel more refined: beds have fabric-covered headboards, nightstands are wooden with metal legs, and the dining table chairs are also covered in fabric. A major benefit is the fully-equipped kitchen in each house -- it comes with cookware, utensils, and dishes. Though most units have a full bathroom, plus an extra powder room, they don't all include a bathtub, which isn't great for families. Single sinks are basic and don't provide much storage. Some units have views of the lake, and the lushly landscaped walking trail, while others overlook the parking lots out front. Each townhouse also has two flat-screen TVs, and a patio with hot tub. A washing machine and dryer combo is an added bonus, though one caveat is that Wi-Fi costs an additional fee.

There is no true on-site restaurant, but the hotel does have a bar that serves light snacks, coffee, beer, wine, and soft drinks. There are two outdoor heated pools, one outdoor Jacuzzi, a playground, and a private lake surrounded by a walking trail. The clubhouse features a reception area, the bar, a pool table, an arcade, a fitness center, and a large meeting space. Video game consoles are available for rent, as are cots, highchairs, and GPS systems. Shuttle rides and car services are available for a fee. The hotel also offers free childcare for children four years and older. Wi-Fi is free in the public areas.