DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld
10100 International Dr., Orlando, Florida, 32821, United States, Orlando, Florida, USAWhy We Like It
The serenity of these 28 acres is a rarity on International Drive, a busy thoroughfare that throbs with activity late into the night. The rooms are lovely, the price is agreeable, there are ample activities for the whole family, and, if you like, you can walk to SeaWorld.
Fodor's Expert Review
On 28 acres near the Convention Center, this hotel with Bali-inspired decor and serene vibe combines low bungalow-style buildings and a 17-story tower, and offers families and conventioneers a warm welcome and a comforting escape from hectic International Drive. Delights include just-baked cookies at check-in, lush linens and cool blues and greens in the guest rooms, two pools, and tropical landscaping. The hotel is about midway between the airport and Disney, within walking distance of SeaWorld and Aquatica, and just a few minutes from Universal.
You Should Know The hotel can be tricky to get to, because while the address is International Drive, the entrance is around the corner on Westwood Boulevard.
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Room
With decor reflecting the greens and blues of the surrounding landscape and pools, the rooms offer a serene escape from theme-park frazzle. Standard rooms have two queen beds, piled high with pillows, a workstation and chair, a 42-inch flat screen TV, armchairs, and a coffeemaker and fixings.
You Should Know For those who like to read in bed, the queen-bed room only has a single nightstand and one lamp between the beds. The king bed has nightstands and lamps on both sides.
Bathroom
Vanities have one sink, and plenty of room for toiletries on the side. Some of the bathrooms feature striking vessel sinks and mosaic tiles. Some have bathtub/shower combos, some have glass enclosed stand-alone showers.
Lobby
The smell of fresh baked cookies wafting through the air is a wonderful greeting if you've been stuck on a plane, train bus, or in a car for hours. The cookies are also unexpected, as the vibe in this soaring, palm-filled, Asian inspired entrance is far from vanilla cookie territory. But there they are, and it's hard not to be cheered by their presence. A few groupings of chairs give members of your party a spot to sit and enjoy the cookies during check-in. There's also a pleasant lobby bar where eligible adults can partake in stronger cheer.
Pool
The property has two substantial, heated pools, one for families to splash and enjoy themselves, the other a quieter oasis for sunning and more relaxed swimming.
Spa
No spa.
Gym
The fitness center, with plenty of cardio and weight training equipment is open 24 hours a day.
Dining
The hotel has several eateries that offer casual menus all day, from breakfast and lunch at Laguna, to tapas-style small bites at the Sonoma Lobby Bar, to coffee, pastries, deli sandwiches, pizzas and salads at The Market, and to-go items from The Pantry, open 24 hours a day.
You Should Know If you are looking for fine dining, or at least a wider menu, check out the many nearby hotels with more sophisticated restaurants, or drive a bit farther up International Drive. The offerings at this property are fairly slim.
Drinking
A good choice of wines and beers are available at the Sonoma Lobby Bar, and The Barefoot Bar at the pool offers frozen cocktails and other drinks.
Golf
It's a very simple 9-hole mini-golf course, but it's right on property, and thus perfect for an afternoon or evening of family fun without the expense of another theme park.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The hotel offers free shuttles to Universal, SeaWorld and Aquatica, and the I-Ride Trolley stops nearby, giving you access to the shops, restaurants and entertainment on International Drive, thus a car is not absolutely necessary. The hotel will arrange shuttles to Disney World for a fee, or you can make your own arrangements with a ride-sharing service or a taxi.
Restaurants
Pointe Orlando (5-minute drive) on International Drive is home to dozens of restaurants, including The OceanAir Seafood Room, where seafood is king; Capital Grille, a classic chop and steakhouse; the atmospheric Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar. Farther along I-Drive, The Boston Lobster Feast (8-minute drive) is exactly what its name implies, an all you can eat seafood feast, including lobster. Look for the giant, red lobster consuming a small car. Shake Shack (10 minute drive) is a popular American burger spot. I-Drive offers dozens of chain eateries serving everything from burgers to pizza to tacos to American home-style comfort food.