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With tens of thousands of lodging choices available in the Orlando area, from tents to deluxe villas, there is no lack of variety in price or amenities. In fact, narrowing down the possibilities is part of the fun.
More than 72 million visitors come to the Orlando area each year, making it the most popular tourism destination on the planet. More upscale hotels are opening as visitors demand more luxurious surroundings, such as luxe linens, tasteful and refined decor, organic toiletries, or ergonomic chairs and work desks. But no matter what your budget or desires, lodging comes in such a wide range of prices, themes, color schemes, brands, meal plans, and guest-room amenities, you will have no problem finding something that fits.
Resorts on and off Disney property combine function with fantasy, as befits visitor expectations. Characters in costume perform for the kids, pools are pirates’ caves with waterfalls, and some, like the Gaylord Palms, go so far as to re-create Florida landmarks under a gargantuan glass roof, giving visitors the illusion of having visited more of the state than they expected.
International Drive’s expanding attractions, including the Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds, and a widening array of eateries, are drawing more savvy conventioneers who bring their families along for the fun.
Many hotels have joined the trend toward green lodging, bringing recycling, water conservation, and other environmentally conscious practices to the table. Best of all, the sheer number and variety of hotel rooms means you can still find relative bargains throughout the Orlando area, even on Disney property, by researching your trip well, calling the lodgings directly, negotiating packages and prices, and shopping wisely.
Adjacent to the LEGOLAND Hotel and theme park, this hotel is all-things pirate, from the decor in the rooms and restaurant to the LEGO displays. Here you'll find nighttime kids entertainment, bunk beds for the little ones, a heated pool, miniature golf, and pontoon-boat rides. Some rooms overlook Lake Eloise.
This 300-acre, island-themed resort pays homage to the late, great Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville lifestyle, with accommodations ranging from typical guest rooms to eight-bedroom cottages. Margaritas are never far away at the three sandy beach and pool areas, the onsite St. Somewhere Spa, and the resort's multiple dining options. Don't miss seeing the resort's lobby chandelier made of 311 margarita glasses.
Set back from traffic on the south end of I-Drive, this condo hotel offers a good deal for a family, with suites that have separate bedrooms, flat-screen TVs, full kitchens with dishwasher, and bathrooms; the I-Ride Trolley passes the front door.
Small and intimate, this beautifully updated 1922 establishment charms with its fern-bedecked wrought-iron balconies and such offerings as free Wi-Fi and coffee and tea service in the lobby. The best accommodations are suites that open onto a flower-filled balcony over Park Avenue itself. The separate but high-end BoVine Steakhouse is in the same building.
In the center of the entertainment triangle bounded by I-4, Florida's Turnpike, and the Beachline Expressway, this all-suites resort is close to Universal, outlet shopping malls, I-Drive attractions, and the convention center, making it a good option for family vacations, romantic getaways, and business travel.
With a 10-story atrium full of ponds and palm trees, this SeaWorld neighbor features a wine bar in the lobby, as well as rooms that feature a king or two queen beds, sectional couches, flat-screen TVs, lush bedding, and ergonomic work areas.
Connected by a covered sky bridge to the Orange County Convention Center, this 24-story resort with a half-dozen on-site restaurants attracts business customers but doesn't ignore families. The large pool, full-service spa, and easy access to Universal, SeaWorld, Aquatica, and all the I-Drive entertainment complexes give families plenty to do.
Close to the convention center, this 14-story hotel caters to its corporate clientele, but leisure travelers also like the prime location and long list of amenities, including a heated swimming pool, fitness center, babysitting services, and a vibrant nightclub that opens onto the pool.
This is perfect place to hunker down for a holiday trip at the Disney parks. The Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek has something for everyone with plenty to do on the property outside of the parks. Wind down in the Blue Harmony Spa with great services and a private small pool area away from the kids having their fun in the pool on the other side. Head to the new Back Bay Pool Bar & Grill for lunch after the spa. Their Buddha bowl with fresh tuna is a must-try. A swim or a walk around the lake before dinner at the deep blu Seafood & Grille makes for a great day, and you never even left the resort grounds.
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