Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista

1751 Hotel Plaza Blvd., Walt Disney World, Florida, 32830, United States, Walt Disney World Orlando, Florida, USA

Why We Like It

Location, location, location. A five-minute stroll over a safe, pedestrian bridge takes you to the dining, drinking and entertainment extravaganza of Disney Springs; a shuttle takes you to and from all of the Disney parks, where you enjoy early park entry, and ride-sharing services take you to Universal or SeaWorld, meaning you have no need for a car, and can relax and enjoy being surrounded by Disney.

Fodor's Expert Review

While this hotel offers full service to business travelers, families are not neglected, with scheduled Disney character breakfasts every Sunday and extended theme park hours. Although not huge, rooms have plenty to offer, with white duvet-style bedding, restrained, neutral decor, flat-screen TVs, and work tables with ergonomic chairs. Many of the upper-floor rooms have great views of activities at Disney Springs, just a short distance away, via a safe, elevated pedestrian bridge, but there are restaurants on-site if you don't feel like walking. Two heated pools make swimming a pleasure year-round.

You Should Know The hotel charges a very hefty $30 daily resort fee and $18 daily self-parking fee.

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Room

Rooms and suites are decorated in soothing shades of pale green and cream, with one king or two queen signature Hilton Serenity Beds fitted with duvet style deluxe linens. A work station and ergonomic chair join Wi-Fi and plenty of plugs for charging devices sto keep you plugged in, and a large, flat-scree TV with free HBO along with DVD/CD player keep you entertained. A mini-refrigerator stores a few drinks and snacks, and a Cuisinart coffee maker ensures that early morning jolt of java.

You Should Know Rooms on higher floors have views over Disney Springs, and Epcot fireworks.

Bathroom

A door separates the granite topped, one-sink vanity area from the shower/tub and WC, allowing more than one person to use the facilities at a time. The shower/tub has a scald-proof fixture, and Peter Thomas Roth amenities are provided.

Lobby

This large, bright, two-story space, with very shiny marble floors, has ample reception desks and a concierge desk where you can arrange park tickets. The striking chandeliers above the reception area lend a very modern vibe to the space. Seating areas are scant, as this is a lobby geared to checking large groups in and out. The 24-hour shop, Mainstreet Market opens off the lobby, as does a pleasant lobby bar.

Pool

Two heated outdoor pools ensure pleasant swimming no matter what time of year you stay. Two hot tubs allow you to soak away the effects of theme-park hopping, and a poolside bar offers tropical drinks.

Spa

No spa.

Gym

The hotel has a fully equipped, 24-hour fitness center featuring Life Fitness cardio and strength equipment.

Dining

You have several choices for dining, including Covington Mill, which offers breakfast and lunch daily, and character breakfasts on Sunday. For full service dinners, you have two choices: Andiamo for Italian/American fare, and Benihana Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi, which has teppan tables and performing grill chefs, and which also offers an express lunch service. Mainstreet Market is a 24 hour grab and go shop, and there's always room service if you'd rather stay in and watch a movie in your jammies.

You Should Know As this hotel serves many convention and meeting attendees who travel on corporate expense accounts, expect the prices in restaurants and bars at the hotel to be inflated.

Drinking

Craft beers from local microbreweries, and full bar service is offered at John T’s in the lobby. Rum Largo by the pool offers tropical drinks, cocktails, beers and wine.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

The hotel provides shuttles to all Disney theme parks and water parks, with shuttles beginning one hour before the parks open, and ending two hours after they close. Entertainment options abound just steps away across the safe, pedestrian bridge to Disney Springs, meaning you don't really need a car at all. However, if you choose the independence of a car, remember that the hotel self-parking fee is $18 a day, and the theme parks charge $20 a day to park. Suddenly the shuttles, or ride sharing services, look pretty good.

Restaurants

Disney Springs (5-minute walk) ranks among the most fun neighborhoods in the world, with dozens of restaurants of all types, dozens of bars and lounges, and free entertainment throughout. For two restaurants that combine food and entertainment, try Rainforest Cafe and T-Rex. Rainforest Cafe is topped by a huge volcano that erupts with flame regularly, and T-Rex features animatronic dinosaurs and giant octopi on the ceiling. Also among your vast choices here is the three-story PaddleFish, a modern-day paddleboat, where seafood is king and the outdoor rooftop terrace offers striking views of the lagoon and the entertainment at the Springs. Nearby you’ll find Raglan Road, an authentic Irish Pub owned by celeb chef Kevin Dundon, featuring refined Irish fare and lots of music and dancing; Morimoto’s Asia, an Asian Fusion eatery owned by, and often visited by, famed Japanese chef, Morimoto; and Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ restaurant, showcasing local, Southern food.

Bars

Disney Springs (5-minute walk) offers dozens of places to lift a glass. The rooftop bar at Morimoto's Asia offers high-end sake; Raglan Road's Irish pub pours a mean Guinness; wine connoisseurs can head to Wine Bar George, where a master sommelier dispenses a wide range of domestic and imported wines; and House of Blues is the spot for beer.

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 407-827–4000;800-782–4414-reservations