Cypress Pointe Resort

Part of Diamond Resorts International, Cypress Pointe is tucked into a well-manicured landscape of grass, palm trees, and tropical plants. Guests access the resort via a large circular drive-in/drop-off area with a grassy island that sits in front of the glass entrance.  The reception desk features a roof with Southwestern red tiles and a tile floor lined with a few lounge areas comprising wicker couches and armchairs. Rooms are housed in several three-floor pastel buildings with no elevators, which may be a challenge for small kids and those with mobility issues. The main building that holds the lobby does have an elevator as well as an open staircase winding up to its second floor. There's also a pleasant walking path around Buena Vista Lake that's lined with covered benches, and the hotel draws plenty of families with its kid-friendly features like a playground and pool with a volcano in the middle. Guests should know that the resort is also a time share community and guests have been subjected to sales pitches from the staff in the past, sometimes to secure discounted tickets on park admission. 

The resort is surrounded by other hotels and resorts and there's a small strip mall near the back with a a pharmacy, a liquor store, and Halal, Indian, Mexican and Italian restaurants. It’s a five-minute drive to Disney World, which can be reached on foot in under 20 minutes for the truly ambitious. Epcot Center is a 12-minute drive, Disney Hollywood Studios (formerly known as MGM) takes 15 minutes to reach by car, and Universal Studios takes 17 minutes. Orlando's touristy strip, International Drive, is just over a 10-minute drive from the hotel and Downtown Disney (or, Disney Springs). The Orlando International Airport is a 23-minute drive away.

Cypress Pointe has a variety of rooms ranging from two-person Studios to fully furnished Two- and Three-Bedroom Condos. All units have small private balconies overlooking the pool area or grounds, and the Studios -- while much smaller than the condos -- come with mini-fridges, microwaves, large flat-screen TVs, and a large whirlpool tubs in the middle of the floors near the beds. The walls are yellow or beige and feature wood-framed paintings of palm trees and peach colored textiles, while most rooms contain wooden ceiling fans with frosted glass lights. Curtains feature floral or palm prints and the couches, armchairs, and carpets are green or tan. The look is fine for guests who don't plan on spending a ton of time at the resort, but the style is dated overall and some of the furniture is worn. Condos feature full living rooms, washer/dryer units, and full kitchens with ovens, stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, toasters, microwaves, and crockery. Bathrooms in Studios feature whirlpool tubs and large walk-in showers, plus plenty of counter space. Bathrooms in other units have shower/tub combos, and we did spot a bit of discolored grout. Guests should know that housekeeping is only provided once weekly. 

Cypress Pointe Resort caters to families, a fact that's reflected in the hotel's amenities. Its centerpiece is a large outdoor pool with slides and an erupting volcano feature in the middle. The pool area is also flanked by a dinosaur-themed outdoor playground, and there's an indoor game room complete with video arcade and games with prizes. The hotel has a sand volleyball court, tennis courts, and a fitness center with modern cardio and weight equipment. A gift shop and food mart connected to the lobby sells reasonably priced breakfasts and sandwiches as well as coffee, salads, and desserts to go. There's a patio area near the pool and a bar specializing in tropical frozen drinks such as daiquiris and margaritas. Additionally, the hotel can pre-stock guest rooms with groceries.Outdoor self-parking is free and there is free Wi-Fi access throughout the property. The property is not designed for business travelers, as there is neither a dedicated business center or meeting room area nor a formal bar or full-service restaurant. Massage services and airport shuttles are available upon request. Guests also have access to facilities at the neighboring Grand Villas Resort. Pets are not allowed at this property. Area shuttles are available for a fee.