Marriott's Cypress Harbour Villas

This Marriott is situated on lovely, well-maintained grounds with a large lake in the center. That country club-esque vibe has plenty of appeal, though the atmosphere is anything but stuffy. In fact, much about this hotel is geared toward active families. Guests are greeted in a spacious, open lobby with several contemporary sofas scattered about, plus a colorful rug underneath for a little pizzazz. It's a nice enough welcome, though the best aspects of the property are elsewhere. The villas are housed in four-story gray and white buildings with screened porches visible across the front. Walkways lead down to the lake, and a walkway across the lake leads from one side to the other. Guests can sit on the dock and take in the views, and there are plenty of activities all around. This property is ideal for families looking for spacious accommodations and lots of activities. No one should ever get bored here as there is always something to do. Couples, groups, and even business people also stay here -- that Marriott name brand carries a lot of drawing power, after all. In this case, though, it's deserved.

This property is located just off International Drive, one of Orlando's most touristy and tourist-friendly areas. However, unlike most chain hotels in the area, there is no shuttle to any of the area's parks at this Marriott, so guests will need a car. SeaWorld is a 10-minute drive from the hotel, and there are plenty of tourist-friendly restaurants, shops, and attractions along International Drive. The Grande Vista Golf Club can be reached in a few minutes by car, and Universal Studios is about a 15-minute drive. Expect a 20-minute drive to Magic Kingdom, though other Disney parks are a bit closer. Orlando International Airport is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel. 

All accommodations here are spacious Two-Bedroom Villas with nice, fully equipped kitchens. Decor features soft neutral color schemes of beige and gray highlighted by sea blue. Patterned carpets and drapes nicely complement the contemporary dark or medium-toned wood furniture. One bedroom has a king-size bed and a two-person whirlpool, and the other has a queen-size bed and a sofa bed. There's also a sofa bed in the living area, meaning all rooms can sleep up to eight people. In addition to a fully equipped kitchen with full-size stainless steel appliances, there's also a laundry room with a washer and dryer. The dining table seats six, and the bar can seat three more. The living area and both bedrooms have flat-screen TVs, and other features include air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms have granite countertops, tiled shower/tub combos or walk-in showers, plus toiletries. Outdoor spaces are screened in and furnished with a table and chairs. Pool towels are supplied in the villas. Guests who want to cook and dine outdoors can use the grills that are located next to each building. It's worth noting that given the size of the property, some villas are quite far from the hotel's features.

This place is packed with family-friendly features and activities. All on-site dining is casual, with a focus on American cuisine. Breakfast is served in the Marketplace, which also offers lunch and dinner. Other dining options include a Pizza Hut, the Galley Grill, and the Pavilion Bar & Grill with indoor and outdoor seating by the pool. The Galley Grill also has outdoor dining. Guests can also cook their own meals at the outdoor grills and dine alfresco on the picnic tables.The three lovely outdoor pools are all heated, and all have whirlpools. Tall palm trees and other tropical vegetation surround them, providing shade and a nice ambience. The free-form Bayside Pool is a quiet place for relaxing on lounge chairs topped by white umbrellas. The lively Clubhouse Pool is larger and is where volleyball and other activities take place. The Island Pool is next to the sauna and the lake. Guests also can lounge on chairs on the beach by the lake. The full-service Cypress Spa offers a complete menu of treatments, including massage, body wraps, and facials, plus manicures and pedicures.  Recreation options are extensive and include a nine-hole mini-golf course, a games room, table tennis, an oversized outdoor chess board, billiards tables, basketball, shuffleboard, volleyball, and a tennis court. Water sports are available on the lake. The modern fitness center has cardio and weight-training equipment, plus exercise balls. Large windows provide natural light and nice views. In addition to two outdoor pools for the little ones, there's an outdoor playground plus an indoor kids' club suitable for a variety of ages. Other kids' activities include scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and games.  A business center provides two computers and printers. In addition to serving light meals all day, the Marketplace sells packaged foods, beverages, travel essentials, toys, clothes, and gifts. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Parking is also free.