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Fodor's Expert Review Meliá Orlando Suite Hotel at Celebration

Name: Meliá Orlando Suite Hotel at Celebration
Address: 225 Celebration Pl., Celebration, Florida, 34747, United States
Telephone: 866-404–6662;407-964–7000
Price range: $$

225 Celebration Pl., Celebration, Florida, 34747, United States

Jennifer Greenhill-Taylor

Much like a European boutique hotel in style, the Meliá Orlando is very human in scale, minimalist in decor, and is only minutes from Disney. All the suites sleep at least four and have fully equipped kitchens, including full-sized fridge, dishes, and dishwasher, and pool view rooms have furnished balconies. On the edge of the Disney-created community of Celebration, the hotel is a brief shuttle ride away from the restaurants, cafés, and shops in the village. The buildings form an oasis of calm around a circular pool with a palm-tree-planted tropical island in the middle.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The daily resort fee of $20 covers Wi-Fi, parking and shuttle services to Disney parks.

room

The rooms feature king sized beds with Egyptian cotton bedding and down comforters. The suites add a bedroom and a queen-sized sofa bed, along with a fully equipped kitchen and dining table/chairs. All have a 43-inch flat screen TV, work-desk and chair, and coffee maker with fixings.

bathroom

Bathrooms feature glass-enclosed showers with rain-style shower heads, a bathtub and WC. The vanity has one sink, and plenty of space to spread out your toiletries.

lobby

The rounded entry way leads to a small, functional lobby with a reception desk and a few seats.

pool

An overhead view of this property reveals a series of circles within circles, starting with the perfectly round building, and moving inward to the 360-degree infinity edge pool and its island of palm trees in the center containing a Jacuzzi. Ample lounge chairs ensure plenty of sunning, and a few umbrellas provide shade if needed. Drinks and snacks are available poolside.

spa

No spa on-site, but guests can use Celebration Health Fitness Center and Spa, right next door.

gym

No gym on-site, but guests can use Celebration Health Fitness Center and Spa, right next door.

The hotel will send a car for you if you are weary after your workout.

dining

In a bright, casual space overlooking the pool, 360American Bistro & Bar offers a menu that combines French, Mediterranean and American influences.

drinking

The bar part of 360American Bistro & Bar offers a substantial wine list, along with a wide range of cocktails and suitable poolside refreshments.

LOCATION

Getting Around

Private car services will transport you within Celebration Village, and scheduled shuttles take you to Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World. Nothing is within walking distance of this property, and if you wish to explore further than the parks, or want a little more independence, a car or ride sharing service would be advised.

Restaurants

Chain restaurants line nearby U.S. 192, or Irlo Bronson Highway as it's known locally, a busy commercial strip. But the closest neighborhood for interesting dining is Disney Springs (10-minute drive) where dozens of restaurants both upscale and fast food offer a variety of dining choices. The three-story PaddleFish, a modern-day paddleboat, offers seafood, and striking views of the lagoon and the entertainment at the Springs. Nearby you’ll find Raglan Road, an authentic Irish Pub, 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 (10-minute drive) 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.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Even though this hotel is only a stone's throw from the busy commercial district along U.S. 192, it still feels serene and stylish, and offers spacious suites big enough for a family or group, for a modest price. Only minutes away from the charm of downtown Celebration, or the excitement of Disney Parks and Disney Springs, this lodging combines location, style and price into a winning combination.