Most vacationers who come to Orlando are there to visit at least one of the area’s major theme parks, all of which are located outside the city center. In general, most hotels that offer a shuttle service will provide transportation to the theme park closest to them, so if you plan to visit multiple parks, check for the included destinations and arrange for alternative transportation if necessary. Use your hotel concierge to find alternatives and make a backup plan to get back to the hotel if you miss your shuttle – otherwise you’ll be at the mercy of exorbitant taxi fares. Buses between Disney parks are free and frequent, but if your hotel shuttle only covers one park, make sure you allow time to hop on to the next—this can eat up a big chunk of your day. If you plan to drive yourself, beware of resort and hotel parking fees, especially at the high-end properties. All recommended hotels in Orlando have outdoor pools, free WiFi, fitness centers, and shuttle service to at least one park.
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Where to stay for luxury
The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort has really thought of everything, including children-only pools and adult-only pools, in addition to the main pool and five-acre water park with a waterfall, slides and rapids river. Younger children will love the extensive play areas, crafts and activities and the character breakfast, while older siblings will love the teen play area. The resort offers childcare so parents can relax and spend time at the spa, on the golf course or playing a game of tennis.
Also close to the Disney parks is Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, with an astonishing 12 restaurants to choose from, its own golf course and spa, as well as a babysitting service. Their tropically landscaped lazy river pool has a “zero entry” area to keep little ones safe, a water slide, and poolside family activities. In addition to excellent service, the management ensures that this is also an environmentally friendly accommodation, with energy and water saving measures.
If you’re in town to visit the Universal parks in style, the Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando is conveniently located between Volcano Bay and the rest of the complex. Parking is included and there are full resort amenities including a spa, shuttle bus services, children’s activities and babysitting. Family suites are available, as well as self-service laundry facilities.
Where to stay: Mid-range
The area near Universal Studios has some good mid-range options that are also closer to Orlando’s shopping centers. The Drury Inn & Suites Orlando is conveniently located just off International Drive and offers a free breakfast with homemade waffles and several options for those with dietary restrictions. In the evenings there are free snacks and drinks and free popcorn 24 hours a day in the lobby. It is also known for its unique indoor/outdoor pool, which is one of the few indoor swimming options in Orlando. Amenities include microwaves and mini-refrigerators in all rooms, free parking, a fitness center and coin-operated laundry facilities.
Each suite at The Point Hotel & Suites has a kitchenette and washer/dryer, making it a great option for larger families or longer stays. In addition to regular transportation to the Universal parks, the hotel shuttle also takes guests to nearby shopping centers and guests can leave their own vehicle on site for free.
Where to Stay on a Budget
In the Lake Buena Vista Resort Area and just a mile from Disney, the Staybridge Suites is a smaller, less hectic resort-style property offering 2-bedroom/2-bathroom suites with kitchenettes. Breakfast, parking and the shuttle to Disney parks are free and a self-service laundry facility is available. If you want to take a break from the theme parks, there are nice courtyards and shaded seating areas, as well as a children’s arcade and a special children’s pool.
The Rosen Inn is simply a great budget option across the street from Universal’s Volcano Bay and is within walking distance of many other area attractions such as Wet n’ Wild Orlando, Alligator Alley, mini golf and dinner shows, as well as a grocery store and restaurants. There is also a restaurant on site and a breakfast buffet is available at a reasonable price. Rooms include a microwave and small refrigerator, coffee maker, free parking and shuttle service to Universal.
Where to stay for families
Most hotels in the Orlando area focus on family accommodations, but some stand out for their dedication to making a family vacation extra special and worry-free. Marriott’s Cypress Harbor Villas is a beautiful lakeside property, with beautifully manicured grounds that include a golf course (and of course mini golf for the little ones). Guests can use the paddle boats or kayaks to explore the lake or relax by one of the several pools, stroll along the boardwalk, play a game of tennis or take part in one of the many resort activities such as a drive-in movie in the pool evening. Family rooms and suites with a kitchenette are available, as well as laundry facilities and free in-room parking. This property is beneficial located between the Disney parks and Sea World, as well as the Marriott’s Harbor Lake, where you can also book family suites with kitchenettes or individual villas with free parking and access to self-service laundry. The pool complex has a water park with fun features such as a pirate ship with slides and water cannons and a private splash pool for the young ones children. The hotel offers full resort-style recreation facilities, including a basketball court, volleyball court, large coin-operated game room, and even an outdoor fire pit.
The Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando Theme Parks, located close to SeaWorld, is a new property offering suites with a fully equipped kitchen. Prices include free parking; free shuttles to Epcot, Universal and SeaWorld; a free breakfast with Mickey Mouse waffles; and an evening reception with complimentary drinks and appetizers generous enough to count as dinner. Facilities include a fitness center; basketball court; fireplace; and, of course, a large heated swimming pool.
Guests at the Hampton Inn Orlando Lake Buena Vista are less than five minutes by car from Walt Disney World or you can park for free at the hotel and take the free shuttle to the park. Family rooms include a microwave and mini refrigerator, as well as breakfast, and there is a small hotel store with snacks, sweets and supplies, including detergent for the laundry room.
Where to stay for romance
Couples looking for a romantic getaway will find that it can be difficult to avoid the crowds of over-excited children and tired parents, but there are some options that offer close proximity to the biggest attractions without sacrificing privacy.
The Villas of Grand Cypress is a golf resort near Disney which specializes in weddings, honeymoons and couples retreats. One-bedroom villas feature a full kitchen with Keurig coffee maker, washer/dryer, private patio seating area, separate shower and soaking tub, double sinks and dining room. There are several restaurants to choose from, or a private chef is available to prepare your meal in your room. In-room spa facilities are also available. Recreational facilities include multiple golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, a rock wall, racquetball and biking trails.
The five-star Waldorf Astoria Orlando also has a spa and golf club, as well as multiple restaurant options. To ensure the most relaxing experience for its adult guests, Waldorf has entered into an agreement with the neighboring Hilton so that families with children are encouraged to use their child-friendly pool and leave the cabana-lined pools quietly and undisturbed. This hotel is located in a nature reserve of 482 hectares, close to the Disney parks complexand shuttles to the park are free.
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