In a town known for kitschy family-oriented resorts, the Waldorf stands out as one of the only true luxury hotels in Orlando (with the Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grand Lakes as perhaps its only real competition). The building is new as of 2009, but great pains were taken to make the design posh and classic, if perhaps with a Florida twist. Everything is top notch: The staff is extremely gracious, there's a beautiful 18-hole golf course just steps from the front door (one of the hotel's main draws), and the breakfast buffet at Oscar's is not to be missed -- to name just a few impressive details. Although families abound and the hotel is just minutes from Epcot, you won't find any traces of Mickey or Minnie here, so those seeking more Disney-centric luxury should consider Walt Disney World's Swan and Dolphin hotels.
In a town known for kitschy family-oriented resorts, the Waldorf stands out as one of the only true luxury hotels in Orlando (with the Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grand Lakes as perhaps its only real competition). The building is new as of 2009, but great pains were taken to make the design posh and classic, if perhaps with a Florida twist. Everything is top notch: The staff is extremely gracious, there's a beautiful 18-hole golf course just steps from the front door (one of the hotel's main draws), and the breakfast buffet at Oscar's is not to be missed -- to name just a few impressive details. Although families abound and the hotel is just minutes from Epcot, you won't find any traces of Mickey or Minnie here, so those seeking more Disney-centric luxury should consider Walt Disney World's Swan and Dolphin hotels.
It's primarily a business hotel -- it's across the street from the Orange County Convention Center and has loads of its own meeting space -- but the 1,334-room Rosen Centre also includes a large pool, a humdrum spa, and tennis courts. It's adequate, but its features, like its rooms, don't rise above Orlando's stiff leisure resort competition.
It's primarily a business hotel -- it's across the street from the Orange County Convention Center and has loads of its own meeting space -- but the 1,334-room Rosen Centre also includes a large pool, a humdrum spa, and tennis courts. It's adequate, but its features, like its rooms, don't rise above Orlando's stiff leisure resort competition.
This Best Western is like many mid-range properties in the Disney area; it offers affordable rates and a location within easy reach of Disney attractions. Although the hotel is technically within walking distance of Disney theme and water parks, it offers a free shuttle that runs every half hour and other freebies like Wi-Fi and parking pack on the value. However, while rooms are clean and modern, decor is bland and some rooms feel small by Orlando standards.
This Best Western is like many mid-range properties in the Disney area; it offers affordable rates and a location within easy reach of Disney attractions. Although the hotel is technically within walking distance of Disney theme and water parks, it offers a free shuttle that runs every half hour and other freebies like Wi-Fi and parking pack on the value. However, while rooms are clean and modern, decor is bland and some rooms feel small by Orlando standards.
Though less Disney-centric than resorts within the park’s gates, the Wyndham caters to families visiting the Disney parks and provides plenty of family-friendly perks; the extensive breakfast buffet is visited by Disney characters three days a week, the large pool area has numerous water features and a playground, and the hotel provides a free shuttle to Disney parks. Rooms are neither luxe nor rundown. However, Standard Rooms are small, with exterior entrances, cramped bathrooms, and no work desks (it's worth upgrading to a Tower Room). Nonetheless, it’s a solid mid-range choice for those who do not need to be within the gates of the park –- or may prefer not to be.
Though less Disney-centric than resorts within the park’s gates, the Wyndham caters to families visiting the Disney parks and provides plenty of family-friendly perks; the extensive breakfast buffet is visited by Disney characters three days a week, the large pool area has numerous water features and a playground, and the hotel provides a free shuttle to Disney parks. Rooms are neither luxe nor rundown. However, Standard Rooms are small, with exterior entrances, cramped bathrooms, and no work desks (it's worth upgrading to a Tower Room). Nonetheless, it’s a solid mid-range choice for those who do not need to be within the gates of the park –- or may prefer not to be.
The Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport is a three-and-a-half-pearl godsend for those with cancelled flights or early morning departures. The 10-story hotel includes spacious and contemporary rooms with some cool views of the departure lounge (or a less-cool parking garage, depending on the room) via a private balcony. There's a splash pool on the 6th floor sun deck and a 24-hour fitness center. Parking is limited to airport parking and can be expensive depending on the length of stay. Guests have access to restaurants and shops inside the airport, but it's not a very convenient home base for those who are in Orlando to visit the theme parks. If Mickey Mouse is the reason for your visit, compare rates at the three-pearl Wyndham Lake Buena Vista.
The Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport is a three-and-a-half-pearl godsend for those with cancelled flights or early morning departures. The 10-story hotel includes spacious and contemporary rooms with some cool views of the departure lounge (or a less-cool parking garage, depending on the room) via a private balcony. There's a splash pool on the 6th floor sun deck and a 24-hour fitness center. Parking is limited to airport parking and can be expensive depending on the length of stay. Guests have access to restaurants and shops inside the airport, but it's not a very convenient home base for those who are in Orlando to visit the theme parks. If Mickey Mouse is the reason for your visit, compare rates at the three-pearl Wyndham Lake Buena Vista.
This quiet property features privately owned condos and townhouses, and mostly attracts families with its safe, neighborhood vibe. The club house acts like the local country club; not only does it feature a fitness center and game room, but it also has a business center. The real highlight is the lovely pool area, which offers a view of the adjacent Lake Cay. While decor can vary slightly from unit to unit, all condos have separate living rooms and dining rooms, fully-stocked modern kitchens, and washer/dryers. Though many of Orlando’s main attractions are just a short drive away, there are no restaurants on-site.
This quiet property features privately owned condos and townhouses, and mostly attracts families with its safe, neighborhood vibe. The club house acts like the local country club; not only does it feature a fitness center and game room, but it also has a business center. The real highlight is the lovely pool area, which offers a view of the adjacent Lake Cay. While decor can vary slightly from unit to unit, all condos have separate living rooms and dining rooms, fully-stocked modern kitchens, and washer/dryers. Though many of Orlando’s main attractions are just a short drive away, there are no restaurants on-site.
It's primarily a business hotel -- it's next to the Orange County Convention Center and has loads of its own meeting space -- but the 832-room Rosen Plaza also includes a large pool, a notable steakhouse, and a small, windowless gym with Life Fitness equipment. Rooms have coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, and traditional decor that's pleasant enough. The hotel is adequate overall, but its features and lackluster service doesn't rise above Orlando's stiff competition. It may be worth comparing rates with the Westin.
It's primarily a business hotel -- it's next to the Orange County Convention Center and has loads of its own meeting space -- but the 832-room Rosen Plaza also includes a large pool, a notable steakhouse, and a small, windowless gym with Life Fitness equipment. Rooms have coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, and traditional decor that's pleasant enough. The hotel is adequate overall, but its features and lackluster service doesn't rise above Orlando's stiff competition. It may be worth comparing rates with the Westin.
This 400-room hotel just off of International Drive is a solid upper-middle-range pick in Orlando. Not only does it feature up-to-date amenities that include a well-equipped fitness center, a large business center, and an outdoor pool complete with a whirlpool, but it also boasts spacious and modern rooms with iPod docks and large flat-screen TVs. A free shuttle to nearby attractions and a free breakfast buffet for children under 10 adds to the value, but fees for in-room Wi-Fi and parking are disappointing.
This 400-room hotel just off of International Drive is a solid upper-middle-range pick in Orlando. Not only does it feature up-to-date amenities that include a well-equipped fitness center, a large business center, and an outdoor pool complete with a whirlpool, but it also boasts spacious and modern rooms with iPod docks and large flat-screen TVs. A free shuttle to nearby attractions and a free breakfast buffet for children under 10 adds to the value, but fees for in-room Wi-Fi and parking are disappointing.
The 146-room Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort, a luxurious Hyatt hotel, sits on 1,500 acres of landscaped grounds, including a lake and a 45-hole golf course. All rooms were completely renovated in 2013. While the resort is especially geared toward golfers and can make a great adult golf getaway, there are activities for all ages, including fishing, boating, bikes, a pool, and tennis courts. It would be a good family destination even if Disney were not right next door.
The 146-room Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort, a luxurious Hyatt hotel, sits on 1,500 acres of landscaped grounds, including a lake and a 45-hole golf course. All rooms were completely renovated in 2013. While the resort is especially geared toward golfers and can make a great adult golf getaway, there are activities for all ages, including fishing, boating, bikes, a pool, and tennis courts. It would be a good family destination even if Disney were not right next door.
The large, moderately priced Holiday Inn & Suites Across From Universal Orlando is an adequate and value-priced base of operations for families with theme parks on the agenda. The 256 rooms and suites all feature coffeemakers and safes; Full Rooms add microwaves and mini-fridges and suites have kitchenettes. A pool and mini splash park for kids and an on-site TGI Fridays where kids under 12 can eat for free make this a good pick for families. Alternatively, guests may want to check out the similarly priced Cabana Bay Beach Resort on site at Universal, which offers retro style and tons of fun family activities, including a bowling alley.
The large, moderately priced Holiday Inn & Suites Across From Universal Orlando is an adequate and value-priced base of operations for families with theme parks on the agenda. The 256 rooms and suites all feature coffeemakers and safes; Full Rooms add microwaves and mini-fridges and suites have kitchenettes. A pool and mini splash park for kids and an on-site TGI Fridays where kids under 12 can eat for free make this a good pick for families. Alternatively, guests may want to check out the similarly priced Cabana Bay Beach Resort on site at Universal, which offers retro style and tons of fun family activities, including a bowling alley.