5000 Avenue of the Stars, Kissimmee, Florida, United States | (888) 252-0567
Near Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, Epcot Center, and Universal Studios
Quiet and gated setting away from crowds
Condo-style rooms with kitchens
Large pool complex with water fountain features
Poolside snack bar
Large grocery store and gift shop
Full-service spa and fitness center
Tennis courts, mini-golf, and game room
Free parking and Wi-Fi
Free outdoor movie nights
No restaurants or attractions within walking
distance
No full-service restaurant on-site
Room decor a bit dated
Housekeeping provided weekly, not daily
General maintenance and upkeep issues
The three-pearl Star Island Resort & Club has an enviable position near Walt Disney World in a quiet, secluded area surrounded by lakes and tropical landscaping, just off of Interstate 4. Its many resort amenities include a full-service spa, tennis complex, and expansive pool area. The 466 condo-style suites have kitchens, but pedestrian furniture shows signs of age and housekeeping is weekly. One major downside is the lack of a restaurant and breakfast, though there is a full grocery store and snack bar on-site. Star Island offers attractive rates but many other comparable resort condo-style properties exist, such as Holiday Inn Club Vacations Orlando-Orange Lake Resort.
Scene
Lush waterside landscaping and Mediterranean architecture
Guests arrive at the entrance marked by a large fountain and lush
tropical landscaping that includes large palm trees that grace the entire,
sprawling complex. The bright, two-story lobby is a quiet oasis from the
activity taking place just beyond it. Nice marble tile floors, two-story
windows and drapes, and a comfortable sitting area adjacent to the large front
desk exude an upscale feel. The heart of the resort is on the far side of the
lobby that leads to the expansive pool area. It’s buzzing with activity, with
few empty chairs and two pools full of families and couples. A DJ plays music,
and a snack bar and tiki bar are full of patrons. Outdoor fun is the main
attraction here, with lake activities, a mini-golf course, a waterfront nature
trail that winds through dense foliage, and tennis courts. This is
a resort for active guests and families who want to enjoy time at the resort and exploring Orlando.
Location
On a quiet side road, near major attractions
Star Island is located off of Interstate 4 in Kissimmee, in a
gated community. The resort sits adjacent to two lakes
including the 120-acre Lake Cecile. Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando,
Epcot Center, Universal Studios, and Orange County Convention Center are
approximately 15 to 20 minutes away by car. Orlando International Airport and the
Church Street Station entertainment complex are about a 30-minute drive. The
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center is a 10-minute drive, and Old Town
can be reached in about seven minutes by car. There's nothing of interest within walking distance of the resort, other than what's inside the gate. Parking at the resort is free.
Rooms
Spacious suites with simple, somewhat dated, decor and kitchens or kitchenettes
The all-suites property offers options a variety of room options including Mini-Suites (600 square feet), Deluxe One Bedrooms (850 square feet), and two Three-Bedroom Villas (1,450 square feet), each of which can sleep up to eight and includes a dining room, four flat-screen TVs, and a kitchenette. Each Deluxe offers a full kitchen with full-size
fridge, twin vanity outside the bathroom, two-person whirlpool tub in the master
bedroom, and balcony/patio and washer/dryer in some.Bathrooms are average-size and decorated with typical beige tile floors, pedestal sinks, and a shower/tub combo covered by a fabric curtain. Some suites have walk-in showers enclosed with glass doors. Decor is rather
simple and pedestrian for a resort, with light rattan-style furniture, brown
patterned carpet, island-themed artwork, colorful drapes, and walls painted in light
green and yellow tones. Flat-screen TVs rest on simple dressers in the master
bedrooms; some suites have flat-screen TVs in the living areas as well. Kitchens or kitchenettes include stoves, fridges, dishwashers, microwaves,
coffeemakers, toasters, cookware, and utensils. Free Wi-Fi, DVD players, and
electronic safes are standard. While generally clean, suites show signs
of being a bit dated. Past guests have reported a litany of maintenance-related
issues from clogged drains to irons and whirlpool tubs not
working and issues with cockroaches. Free housekeeping and towel service is provided weekly. Expect to pay more for daily service.
Features
Large pool complex, full-service spa, concierge, tennis complex
The features are the icing on the cake at Star Island Resort and Club, and families shouldn't have any trouble finding something to do outdoors. The pool complex has two pools with water fountains and a whirlpool. A DJ plays music and staff directs various guest activities for kids. The poolside bar has live entertainment at night and another bar above it offers covered pool tables and lounge-type seating. A mini-golf course, putting green, and driving range are offered along with a nine-court tennis complex. Two adjacent lakes offer fishing and paddle boat rentals. A secluded nature trail winds through the complex along the water, and bicycle rentals are available.There are no full-service restaurants but frequent dinner nights
catered by local restaurants are offered. There is a poolside snack bar, and
the deli/marketplace offers hot items, cold beverages, and groceries for stocking condo kitchens. The
full-service spa offers massage and body treatments, facials, manicures, and
salon services. The fitness center has cardio and weight machines and free
weights along with separate locker rooms, showers, a steam room, and sauna. An
arcade-style game room and business center with two computer stations are
available, as are concierge services. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the
complex, and free movie nights are offered on the deck.