Hilton Grand Vacations at Tuscany Village

Set on sprawling, grassy grounds filled with palm trees on the banks of Lake Alexander, this gigantic apartment resort property feels upscale from the get-go. While the grounds are gorgeous, its amenities and rooms keep it squarely in the upper-middle-range category. The resort sits at the end of a long drive, separated from the road by a large guard gate manned by guards. Registration takes place in a lovely mission-style clubhouse building, with pale yellow stucco exteriors and column-supported archways and an elegant courtyard fountain, while rooms are spread across a series of tall "villas" -- seven in total -- each of which looks out over the lake. This property gets a fair few longish-term business travelers due to ample conference facilities and the fact that all of the rooms are self-catering. However, the majority of  travelers here are vacationing families as well as some older couples. 

The resort is located right on International Drive South in the southern part of Orlando. The area has plenty of other hotels and resorts, and there's a large Publix Supermarket and an Outback Steakhouse across the street. The resort is just next door to the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, (Adidas, Banana Republic, UGG, J. Crew, and Nike are a few of the shops) a one-minute drive or seven-minute walk away. Walt Disney World is a 12-minute drive away, while it's about a 20- to 25-minute-drive to Universal Studios. Downtown Orlando can be reached in around a half-hour depending on traffic. Getting to the Orlando International Airport takes about 25 minutes (again, traffic permitting). 

This hotel offers a solid range of room options from entry-level Studio Suites, which measure 364 square feet (34 square meters), up to 1,219-square-foot (113-square-foot) Two-Bedroom Suites. Three-Bedroom Suites are also available, but note that these are actually two-bedrooms combined with connecting Studio Suites. Decor is homey with dark patterned carpeting, medium-wood furniture, and plush, soft-hued solid and striped sofas and armchairs in living rooms. Lamp lighting and cream-colored walls add a softness to the rooms. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs with cable and DVD players, safes, irons and ironing boards, and free Wi-Fi. Studio Suites come with kitchenettes featuring dishes, coffee- and tea-making facilities, toasters, and microwaves. Higher-category rooms all have proper kitchens, complete with four-burner stoves, ovens, dishwashers, and full-size fridges. Bathrooms are big, with granite countertops (many with double vanity configurations) and separate walk-in showers and whirlpool tubs. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. All units have balconies with patio furniture; some with views of the lake.

This hotel's star amenity is without a doubt the gorgeous Clubhouse Pool, a sprawling lagoon pool with multiple fountain features including a large waterfall-style cascade on one end. There's also a small whirlpool hot tub plus a splash area. Regular activities range from volleyball to poolside arts and crafts to giant chess. Right next to the pool is the hotel's main restaurant, Toscana Pool Bar & Grill, which serves pastas, paninis, and pizzas from lunchtime until late, along with beer, wine, and cocktails. Adjacent to the restaurant, the Fresco Market & Deli serves smoothies, sandwiches, and Starbucks coffee plus a variety of hot breakfast items. A second Laguna Pool with its own snack bar is a nice alternative for those looking for a quieter place to swim laps. Grilling cabanas for DIY barbecues are dispersed throughout the property. Wellness amenities include a fitness center with high-end cardio machines and free weights, plus a basketball court and a jogging track. There's no proper spa, but there is a massage room in the clubhouse for simple treatments. For kids, there's a small play room with toddler-appropriate toys plus a game room with a pool table, air hockey, and a bunch of arcade games. The resort runs a regular schedule of family-friendly activities, from tie-dying workshops to karaoke nights. For meetings, weddings, and other events the hotel offers a range of meeting rooms, the largest of which seats up to 200 people theater-style. The business center offers four computers and a printer with free printing. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Parking is free and abundant and the hotel offers shuttle service from the parking lot to rooms for those who don't want to walk.