Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection

True to its name, Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection, has a modern-looking exterior of smooth white walls topped by turrets. Inside it's a different story, where velveteen fabrics and bejeweled light fixtures compete for attention. The signature deer-horn logo is omnipresent, in antler-covered wall hangings, a chandelier and sconces, and even woven into the carpet pattern. The color purple is also in heavy rotation, sparkling on walls, furnishings, and in two enormous, aubergine-tinged geodes that flank the gift shop. Meals and drinks can be enjoyed outside in The Rose Garden, which -- being outside between the pool and the lobby -- returns to the sleek modern, airy atmosphere. Despite luxury touches that scream "don't touch with sticky fingers," and restaurant menus not geared toward children (think Brie finger sandwiches instead of Mac and Cheese) the hotel provides cribs free of charge, and does draw families. A rooftop deck offers gorgeous nighttime views, particularly of the Orlando Eye, but can be a bit warm in the daytime and, with only a couple of chairs and a table, doesn't invite more lingering than the time it takes to snap a selfie.

Location doesn't get more central than The Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection, which is just a 17-minute drive from the airport, 13 minutes from SeaWorld, and 18 minutes away from Walt Disney World. On foot, you can reach The Orange County Convention Center, on a pleasant 26-minute walk, the Orlando Eye in six-minutes, or Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Odditorium, in just eight minutes. While it's not walking distance to local theme parks, the hotel's location slightly away from those attractions provides a buffer from traffic. And while central Florida isn't known for its beaches, it does offer nearby hiking, canoeing and kayaking at the Oakland Nature Preserve, about a half hour away by car. Do note, there are fees for parking and/or shuttle service to attractions, including to and from the airport.  

In keeping with the Bavarian theme, guest rooms are decorated with every flourish in mind. As part of its castle-esque style, these spaces feature brocade curtains, gilded mirrors, carved wooden headboards, and even drawer pulls that mimic the antler theme. For guests seeking a more modern feel, Executive Rooms bring additional square footage and sleek tufted headboards, but otherwise the embellishments abound throughout. All the rooms feature pillow-top mattresses, 37-inch flat-screen TVs with premium channels, coffeemakers, safes, iPod docking stations, and free Wi-Fi. Tazo teas and Starbucks coffee are welcome luxury touches. Some rooms have window-seating, in particular the corner turret rooms that come with a settee. Marble-clad bathrooms with roomy vanities and a generic shower/tub combo are also across all room levels. They're stocked with hairdryers and the hotel's own toiletries.

One of the highlights at the Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection is the Garden Bistro near the pool, which is furnished with stylish resin-wicker chairs underneath a canvas canopy. The nearby circular pool features a playful dolphin fountain and outdoor hot tub. Dining options include the bistro, tapas restaurant, or a steakhouse, and there's a trendy cocktail lounge, all of which are open to the public. Wellness facilities include a fitness center with free weights, ellipticals, a stationary bike, and treadmills, in addition to the Poseidon Spa, which features massages and treatments. There's a small business station that includes a fax, printer and  public computer, but the main offering for business travelers are the meeting rooms, which total 8,400 square feet of space. Small pets are allowed for a fee. Though the hotel lacks in water-sport facilities and babysitting services, extra touches like free cribs, free mini-fridges and in-room air purifiers on request make it attractive to families in need of these additional details.