Part Neverland (totem poles and a Peter Pan kids' club) and part Hawaiian resort (nightly luaus and a Volcano Pool), the crowded, 853-room Polynesian remains one of Disney's most popular Deluxe-category resorts for families, thanks to its especially large rooms that sleep five and ideal location on both the Monorail and the beaches of the Seven Seas Lagoon.
Part Neverland (totem poles and a Peter Pan kids' club) and part Hawaiian resort (nightly luaus and a Volcano Pool), the crowded, 853-room Polynesian remains one of Disney's most popular Deluxe-category resorts for families, thanks to its especially large rooms that sleep five and ideal location on both the Monorail and the beaches of the Seven Seas Lagoon.
The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is a luxury showstopper within Walt Disney World Resort. The 443-room Spanish revival stunner outshines the local competition, with the most impressive rooms, amenities, and restaurants in Orlando. The sophisticated decor isn’t overtly Disney oriented -- though fans of Mickey will notice subtle details that allude to the famous locality. The hotel is equally adult- and kid-friendly. The Tranquilo Golf Club, luxe spa, and exquisite dining options attract couples and business travelers, while the free kids' and teens' clubs, lazy river and waterslides, and on-site Disney Planning Center are great for families. Everything about the Four Seasons is expensive (though there's no resort fee or hidden charges), and nightly rates are usually sky high. Travelers looking for more affordable luxury might prefer the nearby Waldorf Astoria Orlando.
The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is a luxury showstopper within Walt Disney World Resort. The 443-room Spanish revival stunner outshines the local competition, with the most impressive rooms, amenities, and restaurants in Orlando. The sophisticated decor isn’t overtly Disney oriented -- though fans of Mickey will notice subtle details that allude to the famous locality. The hotel is equally adult- and kid-friendly. The Tranquilo Golf Club, luxe spa, and exquisite dining options attract couples and business travelers, while the free kids' and teens' clubs, lazy river and waterslides, and on-site Disney Planning Center are great for families. Everything about the Four Seasons is expensive (though there's no resort fee or hidden charges), and nightly rates are usually sky high. Travelers looking for more affordable luxury might prefer the nearby Waldorf Astoria Orlando.
The 213-room Crowne Plaza Orlando Downtown is an upper-middle-range hotel with sleek, contemporary interiors and a convenient location that's under a five-minute drive from many attractions. Modern rooms are tastefully furnished and offer granite wet bars with coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and microwaves, though some get traffic noise from the nearby Interstate. A lovely outdoor pool has spouting fountains and a hot tub, and the on-site Bite Bistro & Wine Bar receives excellent reviews. There's also a large business area and 24-hour fitness center, plus several meeting rooms. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but parking incurs a daily fee. Additionally, the local shuttle provided covers a limited travel area. Travelers might also want to consider the nearby Courtyard Orlando Downtown, a comparable property with an outdoor pool and bistro.
The 213-room Crowne Plaza Orlando Downtown is an upper-middle-range hotel with sleek, contemporary interiors and a convenient location that's under a five-minute drive from many attractions. Modern rooms are tastefully furnished and offer granite wet bars with coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and microwaves, though some get traffic noise from the nearby Interstate. A lovely outdoor pool has spouting fountains and a hot tub, and the on-site Bite Bistro & Wine Bar receives excellent reviews. There's also a large business area and 24-hour fitness center, plus several meeting rooms. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but parking incurs a daily fee. Additionally, the local shuttle provided covers a limited travel area. Travelers might also want to consider the nearby Courtyard Orlando Downtown, a comparable property with an outdoor pool and bistro.
Despite a pesky resort fee, this upper-middle-range property offers a solid value, thanks in part to a long list of freebies –- including shuttle service, parking, Wi-Fi, and poolside activities. The overall vibe is tranquil, and the hotel caters to both families and business travelers with its upscale condo units (complete with fully stocked kitchens) and modern meeting spaces.
Despite a pesky resort fee, this upper-middle-range property offers a solid value, thanks in part to a long list of freebies –- including shuttle service, parking, Wi-Fi, and poolside activities. The overall vibe is tranquil, and the hotel caters to both families and business travelers with its upscale condo units (complete with fully stocked kitchens) and modern meeting spaces.
This Fairfield Inn is a three-pearl family-friendly hotel located right across from SeaWorld. The 200 rooms are pleasant and come with microwaves and mini-fridges, and all but the entry-level Guest Rooms come with pull-out sofa beds, making most rooms ideal for families or groups. The star feature here is the outdoor swimming pool, shared with the adjacent sister hotel -- pool features include a splash area, a whirlpool hot tub, and even a poolside bar and grill (though it's only open for dinner). Other hotel features include a free hot breakfast buffet, a 24-hour gym, free Wi-Fi, a small meeting room, and a game room with arcade games and pinball. All amenities are shared with the adjacent Springhill Suites Orlando at SeaWorld, so travelers may want to compare rates with both to get the best deals.
This Fairfield Inn is a three-pearl family-friendly hotel located right across from SeaWorld. The 200 rooms are pleasant and come with microwaves and mini-fridges, and all but the entry-level Guest Rooms come with pull-out sofa beds, making most rooms ideal for families or groups. The star feature here is the outdoor swimming pool, shared with the adjacent sister hotel -- pool features include a splash area, a whirlpool hot tub, and even a poolside bar and grill (though it's only open for dinner). Other hotel features include a free hot breakfast buffet, a 24-hour gym, free Wi-Fi, a small meeting room, and a game room with arcade games and pinball. All amenities are shared with the adjacent Springhill Suites Orlando at SeaWorld, so travelers may want to compare rates with both to get the best deals.
The four-pearl, 214-room Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection is conveniently located near I-4 and the Orange County Convention Center, a short drive to the area's major theme parks. It offers the appeal of a boutique hotel -- including original artwork, quirky decor, and freshly baked cookies in the lobby -- plus, as a Marriott property, all the features of a major chain, such as a spa, pool, 24-hour gym, and meeting and event facilities. While it does draw families, the Castle Hotel is notably adult-oriented and missing some kid-friendly amenities, like childcare services. And unlike the nearby Hyatt Regency, also an upscale hotel, it doesn't offer tennis courts or extensive water-sports facilities on-site, but The Castle does boast a great bar for hand-crafted cocktails.
The four-pearl, 214-room Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection is conveniently located near I-4 and the Orange County Convention Center, a short drive to the area's major theme parks. It offers the appeal of a boutique hotel -- including original artwork, quirky decor, and freshly baked cookies in the lobby -- plus, as a Marriott property, all the features of a major chain, such as a spa, pool, 24-hour gym, and meeting and event facilities. While it does draw families, the Castle Hotel is notably adult-oriented and missing some kid-friendly amenities, like childcare services. And unlike the nearby Hyatt Regency, also an upscale hotel, it doesn't offer tennis courts or extensive water-sports facilities on-site, but The Castle does boast a great bar for hand-crafted cocktails.
Surrounded by the gated upscale neighborhood of Bay Hill Community and the Butler Chain of Lakes, Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Lodge and its 70 rooms provide guests with a relaxing and quiet atmosphere. Like many resorts in Orlando, a car is needed to access the popular entertainment attractions of the city which are less than a 15-minute drive away. This four-pearl hotel’s main feature is its Bay Hill Championship Course (not open year-round), which is used during the PGA Tour in the Arnold Palmer Invitational and named after the owner, and golf legend, Arnold Palmer, who sometimes interacts with guests. The rooms are large and have private patios, but are less inspiring than the resort’s features: a pro shop, pool, fitness center, tennis courts, several dining options, a salon, and spa. Most of the resort’s amenities close fairly early compared to other resorts in the area and require a strict dress code. Check rates at the nearby Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort for comparable features, a casual atmosphere, and other family-focused amenities like a free shuttle to the Disney theme parks.
Surrounded by the gated upscale neighborhood of Bay Hill Community and the Butler Chain of Lakes, Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Lodge and its 70 rooms provide guests with a relaxing and quiet atmosphere. Like many resorts in Orlando, a car is needed to access the popular entertainment attractions of the city which are less than a 15-minute drive away. This four-pearl hotel’s main feature is its Bay Hill Championship Course (not open year-round), which is used during the PGA Tour in the Arnold Palmer Invitational and named after the owner, and golf legend, Arnold Palmer, who sometimes interacts with guests. The rooms are large and have private patios, but are less inspiring than the resort’s features: a pro shop, pool, fitness center, tennis courts, several dining options, a salon, and spa. Most of the resort’s amenities close fairly early compared to other resorts in the area and require a strict dress code. Check rates at the nearby Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort for comparable features, a casual atmosphere, and other family-focused amenities like a free shuttle to the Disney theme parks.
The 221-room Clarion Inn and Suites At International Drive is a convenient pick for budget-minded families and business travelers with a location convenient to theme parks like SeaWorld and the Orange County Convention Center. The hotel stands apart from any other budget mid-range hotel in the area -- including the nearby Days Inn Orlando Convention Center that is nearly priced the same -- because it has an E-Z car rental shop on-site. There is also a stylish outdoor pool and hot tub with shaded lounge areas. Some guests with heavy luggage found the hotel to be a bit inconvenient, as there is no elevator to the second floor.
The 221-room Clarion Inn and Suites At International Drive is a convenient pick for budget-minded families and business travelers with a location convenient to theme parks like SeaWorld and the Orange County Convention Center. The hotel stands apart from any other budget mid-range hotel in the area -- including the nearby Days Inn Orlando Convention Center that is nearly priced the same -- because it has an E-Z car rental shop on-site. There is also a stylish outdoor pool and hot tub with shaded lounge areas. Some guests with heavy luggage found the hotel to be a bit inconvenient, as there is no elevator to the second floor.
The 146-room upper-middle-range Sonesta ES Suites Orlando is a modern, family-friendly apartment hotel in an excellent location for exploring the theme parks and other Orlando attractions. The ES Suites are also a good bet for business travelers on extended stays, with a 24-hour fitness center and a lobby bar on-site, as well as full-size kitchens in the guest rooms. The one- and two-bedroom suites are fresh and well-equipped with wood floors and clean, modern bathrooms. Suites are well-priced for what the property offers, though guests could also consider Floridays Resort Orlando, which has a gorgeous outdoor pool, lots of family-friendly activities, and homey condo-style units.
The 146-room upper-middle-range Sonesta ES Suites Orlando is a modern, family-friendly apartment hotel in an excellent location for exploring the theme parks and other Orlando attractions. The ES Suites are also a good bet for business travelers on extended stays, with a 24-hour fitness center and a lobby bar on-site, as well as full-size kitchens in the guest rooms. The one- and two-bedroom suites are fresh and well-equipped with wood floors and clean, modern bathrooms. Suites are well-priced for what the property offers, though guests could also consider Floridays Resort Orlando, which has a gorgeous outdoor pool, lots of family-friendly activities, and homey condo-style units.
This value property is one of the most affordable options on International Drive, but for a reason -- features are few and much of the interiors feel distinctively budget. Aside from the low rates, the location at the entrance of Universal Orlando is the main selling point, and the hotel provides a free shuttle to several attractions, as well as a free breakfast. Updated rooms are also decent enough with microwaves, mini-fridges, and pay-per-view movies, though bathrooms need an update and rooms close to the freeway get noise. A large pool with a poolside bar is also a bonus, though the neighboring Rogen Inn also has a pool, plus a restaurant and fitness room.
This value property is one of the most affordable options on International Drive, but for a reason -- features are few and much of the interiors feel distinctively budget. Aside from the low rates, the location at the entrance of Universal Orlando is the main selling point, and the hotel provides a free shuttle to several attractions, as well as a free breakfast. Updated rooms are also decent enough with microwaves, mini-fridges, and pay-per-view movies, though bathrooms need an update and rooms close to the freeway get noise. A large pool with a poolside bar is also a bonus, though the neighboring Rogen Inn also has a pool, plus a restaurant and fitness room.