Parc Soleil by Hilton Grand Vacations

Parc Soleil by Hilton Grand Vacations Club is a sprawling plantation-style time-share resort with a gated entry, sprawling grassy grounds, and a large lake. The resort is set at the end of a long red-brick road that (at the time of our late 2017 visit) was flanked on both sides with housing developments and time-share properties under construction. Admittedly, this does give the resort an isolated feel, but it's actually a 10-minute drive from Disney World, which is one of its major selling points for the primary clientele: vacationing families. Most of the hotel's amenities are concentrated in the main Tower 100, where the lobby is located, and the poolside Tower 200, which houses the restaurant, market, and fitness and activity rooms. Apartments are spread across seven towers, though at the time of our 2017 visit, units were still for sale and only two towers were occupied. 

This hotel is located in southern Orlando, a 10-minute drive from Walt Disney World Resort. The immediate area is a bit isolated, without much to walk to, but the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets are a six-minute drive from the hotel and there are a few supermarkets and ethnic restaurants (Chinese, Indian, Brazilian) about 10 minutes by car. Further afield, Universal Studios is about a 25-minute drive from the resort, while downtown Orlando takes 30 or so minutes to reach. It's also about a half-hour by car to get to the Orlando International Airport. Note that while most travelers have cars, those without their own transportation can take the number 50 bus from right in front of the hotel to both Disney World and SeaWorld.

This hotel offers a wide range of rooms and suites with accessible options available across categories. All units have fully equipped kitchenettes or full kitchens, from the entry-level Studio King units clear up to gargantuan Three-Bedroom Penthouse Suites that sleep up to eight guests. Note that some of the three-bedroom units are actually studio and two-bedroom apartments connected to each other. Although all the units here are privately owned time-shares, decor is consistent. Expect polished wooden floors, soothing cream-colored walls, and bright pops of color in wall art and on lime-green headboards behind beds. Along with kitchens or kitchenettes with microwaves, rooms feature ironing facilities, large electronic safes, and flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms are huge, and come with granite countertops and glass-walled walk-in showers. Hairdryers, linens, and Peter Thomas Roth toiletries are provided. Many rooms have furnished balconies that overlook the pool. 

This resort is heavy on children's entertainment, with regular activities ranging from arts-and-crafts to scavenger hunts. The restaurant also offers a children's menu and high chairs and there's both a shaded outdoor playground by the main pool and a colorful play room with toys and a TV for young guests. There's also a game room with pool, table tennis, and an arcade game. For adults, the hotel offers great sports facilities, including a jogging track, outdoor tennis and basketball courts, and a modern fitness center with Precor cardio and weight-training equipment plus free weights. For guests of all ages, there's a huge main pool with a waterslide, a shallow splash area, fountain features, and tons of lounge chairs, plus a whirlpool and some charcoal grills off of the pool deck.For a resort of its size, the Parc Soleil is a bit short on dining options, likely because many guests cook in their rooms. Next to the pool, Cafe Soleil is open for all three meals, with indoor and outdoor seating and a good selection of cocktails and pub fare. There's also a deli, The Marketplace, with brick-oven pizzas, groceries, wine, and grab-and-go items plus Starbucks coffee. Note that room service is not available. Other amenities include a business center with free printing, an ATM in the lobby, and a tour desk for booking area excursions. Free parking is secure behind a guarded gate and both garage and surface lot options are available. Wi-Fi is fast and free throughout the property.