DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando East - UCF Area

Framed by a wooded area with a lake nearby, the chain hotel has a retreat-like feel, but interiors are modern and stylish, especially by DoubleTree standards. Two-tone herringbone floors, plush velvet sofas, and lots of tasteful contemporary pink and purple accents throughout the lobby, restaurant, hallways, and lounges make for a sleek and chic aesthetic. Most common areas are bright and airy, so there’s a decidedly friendlier and more casual vibe here than the standard business hotel, complete with the usual DoubleTree chocolate chip cookies on arrival. Since most theme park visitors staying closer to the parks, the clientele here is mostly business travelers and families visiting the University of Central Florida. 

Tucked in a back street off the main drag, the hotel feels secluded, but there are plenty of restaurants (McDonald's, Applebee's, Insomnia Cookies) in the vicinity. The University of Central Florida campus is a three-minute drive or 20-minute walk. Central Florida Research Park is a six-minute drive away. Most of Orlando's famous attractions require a car to reach. Downtown Orlando is a 20-minute drive away, and the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld are all within 40 minutes away by car. Orlando International Airport is 25 minutes away by car. 

Rooms are impressive in their contemporary design, but feel more business-like than cozy. Think: metallic silver bedspreads, headboards, and upholstery, paired with gray desks and bedside tables, and deep purple accent walls. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, with standard rooms available in double or king bed varieties. Standard room amenities include air-conditioning, 37-inch flat-screen TVs, desks with ergonomic chairs, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Cuisinart coffeemakers are supplied, but guests note that the lack of mini-fridges is inconvenient. Ironing equipment is provided. Suites do have mini-fridges in small kitchenette areas along with Keurig coffeemakers and sinks. Suites also have separate living areas with dining tables, plus 50-inch flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations. Standard bathrooms, with tasteful purple accent walls, aren’t huge, but they don’t feel cramped. They’re clean and well-lit. All have shower/tub combos with fixed showerheads, toiletries, and hairdryers. Several rooms on higher floors (many of which are reserved for hotel honors members) come with lovely views of the nearby lake or the hotel pool. Rooms stay quiet for the most part. 

Features are above average for a three-pearl hotel. Study Bar and Grill restaurant is a large, modern, and airy space adjacent to the lobby. The restaurant is designed with the lobby's same herringbone floors, plus trendy light fixtures and smartly upholstered chairs. There’s also a sleek bar area. New and classic American fare is served for lunch and dinner. Breakfast isn’t included in rates and can be pricey, but the selection of both hot and cold items gets solid reviews. Room service is available. There’s also a small cafe in the lobby selling Starbucks coffee and snacks.The hotel’s outdoor pool is well-maintained and spacious. It provides sun loungers, plus tables and chairs with umbrellas for relaxing poolside. The gym is especially impressive with its clean, wooden flooring, separate cardio and weight training areas, and free towels. LifeFitness cardio machines are outfitted with individual media screens. Event halls are available for business meetings, and there’s a two-computer business center. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Other amenities include a coin-operated laundry room with one washer/dryer unit and free parking in the large outdoor lot.