The four-pearl Marriott’s Grande Vista is a sprawling, 164-acre complex that’s designed to be a self-contained resort. It’s chock full of amenities, including a golf course, an excellent fitness center, a full-service spa, and several pools and restaurants. The beautiful complex is built around a large lake where paddleboats can be rented. Its 1,616 rooms and multi-bedroom villas are clean, spacious, and designed for longer stays, each equipped with a full kitchen and screened patio or balcony. Rates are competitive, but daily housekeeping requires a surcharge, and the somewhat isolated resort doesn’t offer shuttles to area amusement parks. A good alternative with comparable rates and amenities is the upscale Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld that offers free shuttles and a spectacular 10-story atrium.
The four-pearl Marriott’s Grande Vista is a sprawling, 164-acre complex that’s designed to be a self-contained resort. It’s chock full of amenities, including a golf course, an excellent fitness center, a full-service spa, and several pools and restaurants. The beautiful complex is built around a large lake where paddleboats can be rented. Its 1,616 rooms and multi-bedroom villas are clean, spacious, and designed for longer stays, each equipped with a full kitchen and screened patio or balcony. Rates are competitive, but daily housekeeping requires a surcharge, and the somewhat isolated resort doesn’t offer shuttles to area amusement parks. A good alternative with comparable rates and amenities is the upscale Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld that offers free shuttles and a spectacular 10-story atrium.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is a sprawling, upper-middle-range property that falls into Disney’s Moderate Resort Hotels category. Centered around a giant lake, the hotel’s meticulously kept grounds feature fake boulders, adobe-style buildings, and plenty of cacti, reflecting its southwestern theme. Its 1,921 rooms are decorated with subtle southwestern flair, and guests can upgrade to multi-bedroom suites. The resort offers up four pools, and the kid-friendly Dig Site has its own water slide. Coronado Springs has a handful of dining options, but the food isn’t a standout, especially compared to other Disney properties. The hotel’s massive convention center is a big draw, too, so business travelers are also in the mix. Be aware that Coronado Springs will be undergoing a refurbishment until the summer of 2019; construction noise should be expected. By comparison, Disney’s Port Orleans - French Quarter serves better food, though it only has one pool.
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort is a sprawling, upper-middle-range property that falls into Disney’s Moderate Resort Hotels category. Centered around a giant lake, the hotel’s meticulously kept grounds feature fake boulders, adobe-style buildings, and plenty of cacti, reflecting its southwestern theme. Its 1,921 rooms are decorated with subtle southwestern flair, and guests can upgrade to multi-bedroom suites. The resort offers up four pools, and the kid-friendly Dig Site has its own water slide. Coronado Springs has a handful of dining options, but the food isn’t a standout, especially compared to other Disney properties. The hotel’s massive convention center is a big draw, too, so business travelers are also in the mix. Be aware that Coronado Springs will be undergoing a refurbishment until the summer of 2019; construction noise should be expected. By comparison, Disney’s Port Orleans - French Quarter serves better food, though it only has one pool.
The Grande Dame of Disney, the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, is a Victorian stunner that pays homage to the Atlantic coast’s golden era. With gorgeous architecture, meticulously kept grounds, and a multi-story lobby with turn-of-the-century grandeur, this luxury property is a destination all its own. The resort's two pools, on-site monorail and boat transportation, and firework-view rooms are great for families, but the hotel also appeals to adults with its Senses Spa and high-end on-site dining. The 867 guest rooms are elegantly decorated, but they don’t feel incredibly luxurious, especially when considering the hotel’s exorbitant nightly rates. For a comparable price, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is a truly luxurious experience, though it’s farther from the Magic Kingdom.
The Grande Dame of Disney, the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, is a Victorian stunner that pays homage to the Atlantic coast’s golden era. With gorgeous architecture, meticulously kept grounds, and a multi-story lobby with turn-of-the-century grandeur, this luxury property is a destination all its own. The resort's two pools, on-site monorail and boat transportation, and firework-view rooms are great for families, but the hotel also appeals to adults with its Senses Spa and high-end on-site dining. The 867 guest rooms are elegantly decorated, but they don’t feel incredibly luxurious, especially when considering the hotel’s exorbitant nightly rates. For a comparable price, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is a truly luxurious experience, though it’s farther from the Magic Kingdom.
The four-pearl Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld is built to impress, with a spectacular, 10-story atrium that features a cascading waterfall. Its location across the street from SeaWorld and free area shuttle attract droves of tourists, and 186,000 square of meeting space brings lots of business travelers, too. The 781 rooms are spacious -- even Standard Rooms are a generous 465 square feet -- and feature roomy marble bathrooms. A full-service spa, several restaurants, large outdoor heated pool, Starbucks, and excellent fitness center are highlights. Rates are attractive for its category, but a hefty resort fee and extra charges for breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi boost the final tab. The nearby, upper-middle-range Hilton Grand Vacations at SeaWorld has lower rates, free shuttles, and rooms with kitchenettes.
The four-pearl Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld is built to impress, with a spectacular, 10-story atrium that features a cascading waterfall. Its location across the street from SeaWorld and free area shuttle attract droves of tourists, and 186,000 square of meeting space brings lots of business travelers, too. The 781 rooms are spacious -- even Standard Rooms are a generous 465 square feet -- and feature roomy marble bathrooms. A full-service spa, several restaurants, large outdoor heated pool, Starbucks, and excellent fitness center are highlights. Rates are attractive for its category, but a hefty resort fee and extra charges for breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi boost the final tab. The nearby, upper-middle-range Hilton Grand Vacations at SeaWorld has lower rates, free shuttles, and rooms with kitchenettes.
An upscale resort that seamlessly blends business savvy with family-friendliness, the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes is a solid option for all kinds of Orlando travelers. Located midway between Disney World and Universal Studios, the JW Marriott appeals to families, and its massive lazy river pool is great for kids. With over 100,000 square feet of meeting space, the hotel also attracts business travelers, and is a popular spot for conventions. The nearly 1,000 guest rooms are tastefully decorated and include mini-fridges and flat-screen TVs. Varied dining options, Starbucks, a lovely spa, and an 18-hole golf course are other standout features, and guests are welcome to use all amenities at the adjoining Ritz Carlton. Expect to pay a resort fee and extra for parking. The Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is located within Walt Disney World, and offers Disney related perks, but rooms aren’t as upscale.
An upscale resort that seamlessly blends business savvy with family-friendliness, the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes is a solid option for all kinds of Orlando travelers. Located midway between Disney World and Universal Studios, the JW Marriott appeals to families, and its massive lazy river pool is great for kids. With over 100,000 square feet of meeting space, the hotel also attracts business travelers, and is a popular spot for conventions. The nearly 1,000 guest rooms are tastefully decorated and include mini-fridges and flat-screen TVs. Varied dining options, Starbucks, a lovely spa, and an 18-hole golf course are other standout features, and guests are welcome to use all amenities at the adjoining Ritz Carlton. Expect to pay a resort fee and extra for parking. The Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is located within Walt Disney World, and offers Disney related perks, but rooms aren’t as upscale.
A five-minute drive from Disney World theme parks, this 1,335-room convention hotel is a great value for budget-minded families. The trade-offs for those who can overlook the dowdy decor include large suites, ample dining options, and features like an enormous pool and a two-story fitness center. Travelers looking for more modern rooms (with private balconies) might prefer Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress -- where the pool's waterslide is 50 feet longer than Caribe Royale's -- though rates are higher.
A five-minute drive from Disney World theme parks, this 1,335-room convention hotel is a great value for budget-minded families. The trade-offs for those who can overlook the dowdy decor include large suites, ample dining options, and features like an enormous pool and a two-story fitness center. Travelers looking for more modern rooms (with private balconies) might prefer Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress -- where the pool's waterslide is 50 feet longer than Caribe Royale's -- though rates are higher.
A 10-minute drive from Walt Disney World, this mid-sized, decor at this three-pearl resort is a bit old-fashioned, but it can be a great value compared to nearby hotels such as Staybridge Suites next door. Multiple room configurations make Cypress Pointe ideal for families and big groups, and layouts range from Studios with whirlpool tubs to Two- and Three-Bedroom Condos with full kitchens and living rooms. Kid-friendly amenities include an erupting volcano feature in the pool, a huge game room, and a playground. However, most buildings lack elevators and housekeeping is only provided once per week. This is a time-share community as well, and guests have been subjected to hard sells and pitches in the past.
A 10-minute drive from Walt Disney World, this mid-sized, decor at this three-pearl resort is a bit old-fashioned, but it can be a great value compared to nearby hotels such as Staybridge Suites next door. Multiple room configurations make Cypress Pointe ideal for families and big groups, and layouts range from Studios with whirlpool tubs to Two- and Three-Bedroom Condos with full kitchens and living rooms. Kid-friendly amenities include an erupting volcano feature in the pool, a huge game room, and a playground. However, most buildings lack elevators and housekeeping is only provided once per week. This is a time-share community as well, and guests have been subjected to hard sells and pitches in the past.
This 1,000-room Hilton is an oasis of adult calm amid frenetic child-centric Disney World -- literally, as it's actually within the gates of Disney. The ample rooms and facilities are modern, sleek, and in great condition, while features and services cater to both business and leisure needs; plus, guests get free access to all facilities at the neighboring Waldorf Astoria.
This 1,000-room Hilton is an oasis of adult calm amid frenetic child-centric Disney World -- literally, as it's actually within the gates of Disney. The ample rooms and facilities are modern, sleek, and in great condition, while features and services cater to both business and leisure needs; plus, guests get free access to all facilities at the neighboring Waldorf Astoria.
The Baymont Inn & Suites is a two-and-a-half pearl family-friendly hotel located within easy walking distance from the restaurants and attractions on International Drive. The hotel offers 230 rooms (and they're in the process of adding another 98). All rooms feature mini-fridges and large safes and many have pull-out sofa beds, ideal for families. Amenities include a large swimming pool with a separate splash pool for kids, a 24-hour fitness center, and a meeting room. While there's no proper restaurant, the hotel does offer a free and extensive breakfast buffet with all sorts of hot options. The Baymont is among the best values in the area, but charges a daily resort fee. Rates are more transparent at the nearby Clarion Inn & Suites At International Drive.
The Baymont Inn & Suites is a two-and-a-half pearl family-friendly hotel located within easy walking distance from the restaurants and attractions on International Drive. The hotel offers 230 rooms (and they're in the process of adding another 98). All rooms feature mini-fridges and large safes and many have pull-out sofa beds, ideal for families. Amenities include a large swimming pool with a separate splash pool for kids, a 24-hour fitness center, and a meeting room. While there's no proper restaurant, the hotel does offer a free and extensive breakfast buffet with all sorts of hot options. The Baymont is among the best values in the area, but charges a daily resort fee. Rates are more transparent at the nearby Clarion Inn & Suites At International Drive.
This family-oriented mega-resort, part of the Starwood timeshare network, features more than 1,000 one- and two-bedroom villas with kitchens, dining areas, master baths, and two or three flat-screen TVs. The property offers a full family-friendly program with plenty of outdoor activities, like tennis, swimming, and jogging. Several on-site dining options (restaurants, picnic spaces, and self-catering in the villas) also make the property a convenient and relaxing lodging pick for those traveling for Orlando's theme parks. But be prepared for persistent sales people who will try to get you to purchase timeshare packages. For even closer proximity, consider Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, where many rooms have views of the fireworks at Epcot and Magic Kingdom (but you'll still have to deal with hard-selling tactics from timeshare reps).
This family-oriented mega-resort, part of the Starwood timeshare network, features more than 1,000 one- and two-bedroom villas with kitchens, dining areas, master baths, and two or three flat-screen TVs. The property offers a full family-friendly program with plenty of outdoor activities, like tennis, swimming, and jogging. Several on-site dining options (restaurants, picnic spaces, and self-catering in the villas) also make the property a convenient and relaxing lodging pick for those traveling for Orlando's theme parks. But be prepared for persistent sales people who will try to get you to purchase timeshare packages. For even closer proximity, consider Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, where many rooms have views of the fireworks at Epcot and Magic Kingdom (but you'll still have to deal with hard-selling tactics from timeshare reps).