With more than 460 hotels and 120,000 guestrooms, Orlando has a wealth of lodging options. Accommodations range from luxury resorts and themed hotels to charming bed and breakfasts, economy hotels/motels, and campgrounds. Well over 20,000 vacation homes (21,700 in Osceola County alone) are also available for rental, along with more than 25,000 vacation ownership units. Although standards for services and facilities are generally quite high, there is the occasional bad apple, so be sure you know what you’re getting into before signing on the dotted line.
Little Mermaid-themed courtyard at the Art of Animation
Walt Disney World Resort
Reservations and prices
Reservations are generally required, and if you are traveling during the high season you should book several months ahead if you have your heart set on a particular hotel or if you want to stay inside Walt Disney World Resort.
Room rates vary enormously between high season and low season. The Christmas break period (mid–December until New Year) is the most expensive, followed by spring break (mid-February until the end of March) and summer (end of May until the beginning of August). The cheapest times to visit are from New Year until mid-February; September after Labor Day (but be prepared for extraordinary heat); and the first half of December, when the weather is perfect.
Don’t forget to check the hidden charges when booking a hotel. All hotels add a bed tax, which varies from county to county and can be as high as 13 percent. There is plenty of scope to ask for a discount if you are staying for a week or more, or if you are visiting during the off-season, which for many hotels is a lean time.
Room at the BoardWalk Inn
Walt Disney World Resort
Booking the biggies
Both the Disney World and Universal Orlando complexes offer perks to guests who stay in on-site hotels. Disney offers, among other extras, free bus and sometimes boat transportation, free parking, and extra theme-park hours. Some non-Disney lodging facilities that are located on Disney property offer these perks too. At Universal, on-site guests can expect free shuttles, plus ‘Express’ access to nearly all rides and attractions, early admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and priority seating at several restaurants.
Information on all of Disney’s resort hotels can be found at www.disneyworld.com. Likewise, you can book your stay at Universal Orlando hotels online. Visit Universal’s website, www.universalorlando.com, or Loews’, https://uo.loewshotels.com.
Theme-park transportation
There is hardly a hotel or motel in central Florida that does not list ‘free transportation to Disney’ as one of its amenities, but the services most provide are very limited, with one departure and one return from each park per day. The timings are often inconvenient too, meaning you’ll miss the quieter morning hours and the evening shows and fireworks. Instead, you may want to rent a car, or hire a taxi, Uber or Lyft vehicle.
Price for a standard double room for one night without breakfast:
$$$ = over US$200
$$ = US$110–200
$ = under US$110
Walt Disney World Resort
All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports
1991 West Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista; tel: 407-939-1936; $
This is one of three budget Disney complexes. It has 30 three-story buildings divided by themes. Each has a distinctive facade, but aside from a few decorative touches, the size and decor of most rooms are identical: they’re 260 sq ft (24 sq meters), have two double beds, small bureaus, a table with chairs, and bathrooms with separate vanity areas. The All-Star Music hotel also has family suites that sleep six with two bathrooms and a kitchenette. Popular with families, the resort has a game room, playground, outdoor pool, shopping, and food court.
Art of Animation
1850 Animation Way, Lake Buna Vista; tel: 407-938-7000; $$
This hotel – themed around Cars, Finding Nemo, The Little Mermaid, and The Lion King – is considered a value resort even though rates are a bit higher. For the extra money, you get a cleverly designed suite that sleeps six, with ingenious RV-like tricks such as beds hidden in tables, plus two bathrooms and a kitchenette — way less costly than two rooms.
B Resort & Spa
1905 Hotel Plaza Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista; tel: 866-759-9832; www.bhotelsandresorts.com/b-resort-and-spa; $$
Mixing form with function, this chic hotel, located on Disney property but owned by a different company, has high style and low prices – plus Disney perks like free theme-park shuttles. With a pool, bunk-bed options, and an Aveda spa, you’ll have everything you need.
Boardwalk Inn and Villas
2101 Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista; tel: 407-939-6200; $$$
Elaborately detailed buildings with turreted, brightly colored facades and twinkling lights that recreate an East Coast boardwalk circa 1920. Spacious rooms with appropriate theming have extra comforts; the two-story garden suites have private gardens. The villas – Disney Vacation Club units – sleep 4 to 12 and have kitchens, laundries, and whirlpool tubs. Nightclubs, restaurants, midway games, and shops line the boardwalk, which also has free family-friendly entertainment nightly. There’s a supervised evening children’s program, a health club, a large swimming pool with a 200-ft (60-meter) water slide, and boat transportation to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Fort Wilderness Resort
4510 N Fort Wilderness Trai, Lake Buena Vista; tel: 407-824-2000; $–$$
Fort Wilderness Resort has more than 800 campsites for tents and RVs. Another option is to rent a Wilderness Cabin that sleeps up to six people and has air conditioning, color TV, radio, cookware, and linen. The resort is located amid 700 acres (283 hectares) of woods and streams on Bay Lake, east of the Magic Kingdom.
Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
10100 Dream Tree Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista; tel: 407-313-6868; www.fourseasons.com/orlando; $$$
Golden Oak is a new luxury residential neighborhood on Disney World property, and a 443-room Four Seasons hotel beckons behind its guarded gates. Excellence is a basic here. A rooftop Spanish steakhouse, Capa, has an expansive open-air lounge offering seemingly unlimited views of Disney World. Also on property are a golf clubhouse, tennis courts, a water park, an adults-only pool, and a spa.
Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
4401 Grand Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista; tel: 407-939-1936; $$$
The Victorian era in all its splendor is recreated at Disney’s flagship property, an elegant confection of glistening white, wooden buildings with red-shingled roofs, gracious verandas, and turrets. Most rooms in the four- and five-story lodge buildings have two queen-size beds and a daybed; many overlook the Seven Seas Lagoon. Amenities include some of Disney’s finest dining experiences; several bars; a supervised children’s evening program; Senses Spa; three swimming pools; and water activities. Monorail to Epcot and Magic Kingdom, boat to Magic Kingdom. The Villas addition has studio and one- and two-bedroom Vacation Club lodgings.
The Villas are the most recent addition to the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Walt Disney World Resort
The Grove Resort & Spa
14501 Grove Resort Avenue, Orlando; tel: 407-545-7500; www.groveresortorlando.com; $$
Undeveloped land on the western side of Disney World is becoming a small, quiet hotel destination, and The Grove offers an all-suite experience on Lake Austin. The 106-acre (43-hectare) property, opening in stages, will ultimately have 878 suites as well as three pools, restaurants and bars, a spa, a water-sports pier, and a water park with a surf simulator.
Polynesian Village Resort
1600 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista; tel: 407-824-2000; $$$
One of Disney’s most authentic theme hotels recreates a Pacific Island retreat. The centerpiece is the Great Ceremonial House, a tropical extravaganza of plants and waterfalls. Rooms, in 11 two- and three-story ‘longhouses’, vary in size, but most have two queen-size beds, a daybed, and balconies. Those overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon afford front-row seats for Magic Kingdom fireworks. There are several restaurants and bars, two pools, a playground, supervised evening children’s programs, and water activities. The over-the-water bungalows, part of Disney Vacation Club, bring Pacific Island-style luxury to those with the budget to rent them. Monorail to Magic Kingdom and Epcot, boat to Magic Kingdom.
Universal Orlando Resort
Cabana Bay Beach Resort
6550 Adventure Way, Orlando; tel: 407-503-4000; $$
Universal’s sole value-priced resort, Cabana Bay recently expanded to comprise 2,200 guest rooms and suites – some sleeping six with pull-out sofas. The wholesome retro 1950s-60s theme is the backdrop for amenities including two zero-entry pools, a lazy river, and a 10-lane bowling alley. Early admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is included.
Hard Rock Hotel
5800 Universal Boulevard, Orlando; tel: 407-503-2000; www.hardrockhotels.com/orlando; $$$
The accommodations at this Mission-style hotel range from very comfortable standard rooms to large and opulent suites. Just ask, and the staff will deliver a guitar or DJ mixer to your room so you can tinker all you want. It’s part of the Sound of Your Stay program, which also includes music downloads. An eclectic array of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia is displayed tastefully around the building, which nearly surrounds a huge pool with a sandy beach, water slide, and underwater sound system. Several restaurants and bars, a fitness room, an indoor play area, and a Hard Rock store complete the picture.
Italianate Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Universal Orlando Resort
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
5601 Universal Boulevard, Orlando; tel: 407-503-1000; $$$
This is such a beautifully designed and constructed recreation of the real Portofino, you’d be forgiven for calling out buon giorno from your window first thing in the morning, especially after that first cup of stiff Italian coffee. Set on a harbor filled with fishing boats, the hotel offers some of the most luxurious accommodations in Orlando, with large, sumptuous rooms, three elaborate pools, a spa, an indoor children’s play area, and several restaurants, including a local branch of the international Italian chain BiCE. Very expensive, but worth it.
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
6601 Adventure Way, Orlando; tel: 888-273-1311; $$
With a cheerful Caribbean theme, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort has a tropical island feel. Complementing the 1,000 rooms and suites are a pool surrounded by waterfalls, two sand beaches, a fire pit, and two restaurants – one with 75 types of rum. Guests receive special privileges at the Universal Orlando theme parks.
Rooms have a tropical vibe at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Universal Orlando Resort
Downtown Orlando
Eö Inn
227 N Eola Drive, Orlando; tel: 407-481-8485; www.eoinn.com; $$$
This historic inn was built in 1923 and overlooks Lake Eola in the prestigious Thornton Park area. It was converted into a fine boutique hotel in 1999. With only 21 rooms, the service is always personable, and the decor is chic and spacious.
Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando
325 South Orange Avenue, Orlando; tel: 407-313-9000 or 1-866-663-0024; www.grandbohemianhotel.com; $$$
This high-style hotel, across from City Hall, is itself a masterpiece, with more than 1000 pieces of art, including works by Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele. The Bösendorfer Lounge offers nightly entertainment on one of only two Imperial Grand Bösendorfer pianos in the world. The 247 guest rooms and suites are dramatically furnished in dark Java wood tones, soft red-and-purple velvet fabrics, silver paint, Tiffany-style lamps, and the luxurious all-white ‘heavenly bed’. Amenities include a fine restaurant, heated outdoor rooftop pool, spa, massage room, and workout room.
International Drive
Castle Hotel
8629 International Drive, Orlando; tel: 407-345-1511; www.castlehotelorlando.com; $$
Spires, mosaics, and rich purple-and-gold drapes give this mid-range hotel – part of the Marriott Autograph Collection – a touch of medieval whimsy. Amenities include the airy Garden Bistro & Bar, a spa, a lounge, a pleasant heated courtyard pool, two sky terraces, and theme-park shuttles.
The Enclave Hotel & Suites
6165 Carrier Drive, Orlando; tel: 800-457-0077; www.enclavesuites.com; $$
Located just off International Drive, this hotel offers a lot more than the average chain. All the suites include a fully fitted kitchen, and the KidsQuarters suites sleep six in two bedrooms. There are two outdoor pools, one indoor pool, two kiddie pools, a tennis court, a game room, and a playground to keep everyone busy. A food court offers meals and complimentary daily grab-and-go breakfasts.
Rosen Shingle Creek
9939 Universal Boulevard, Orlando; tel: 407-996-9939 or 1-866-996-9939; www.rosenshinglecreek.com; $$–$$$
You could almost forget that this gorgeous 1,501-room hotel is right in the heart of Orlando just a mile (1.5km) from the Convention Center. Set back from the main roads on 250 acres (101 hectares), it has an 18-hole championship golf course (recently redesigned by the Arnold Palmer Design Company); tennis courts; a lap pool, zero-entry family pool, and quiet pool with private cabanas surrounded by pretty gardens; and a nature trail alongside cypress-lined Shingle Creek. And there are 15 restaurants and bars to choose from, including A Land Remembered steakhouse (for more information, click here).
Rosen Shingle Creek, set in sprawling grounds
Leonardo
Kissimmee and Celebration
All Star Vacation Homes
7822 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway (Hwy 192), Kissimmee; tel: 407-997-0733; www.allstarvacationhomes.com; $
This leading property management company has more than 275 fully furnished vacation home rentals within 3 to 14 miles (9 to 23km) of Walt Disney World, ranging from 2- and 3-bedroom condos to fabulous 14-bedroom town homes with private pools. Other amenities include spas, game rooms, home movie theaters, and TVs in every bedroom. The homes are beautifully decorated, well-located and maintained, and a great alternative to traditional hotels, especially for longer stays.
Holiday Inn Orlando SW
5711 West US Hwy 192, Kissimmee; tel: 407-396-4222; www.hicelebration.com; $
Across the road from Old Town/Fun Spot and just 3 miles (2km) from Disney, this spacious hotel offers many family facilities and great value. Its 444 rooms are decorated in sophisticated earthy tones, and have private balconies. Amenities include a large outdoor heated pool, separate kids’ pool, free meals for children under 12, and complimentary theme-park shuttle transportation.
Reunion Resort
7593 Gathering Drive, Kissimmee; tel: 407-662-1000; www.reunionresort.com; $$$
With three signature golf courses designed by leading golf pros plus a tennis center, spa, water park, and biking and walking trails, this upscale luxury resort has something for every member of the family. It covers 2,300 acres (930 hectares) in a burgeoning area 6 miles (9.5km) south of Walt Disney World. Accommodations range from luxury suites and condos to villas overlooking the golf course to private 4- to 12-bedroom homes.
Lakeland/Winter Haven
LEGOLAND Beach Retreat
1 Legoland Way, Lakeland; tel: 877-350-5346; www.legoland.com/florida/legoland-beach-retreat/overview/; $$
This new bungalow-style 166-unit hotel groups its accommodations into 13 themed areas, each with its own play area that is visible from the personal patios (so parents can lounge while supervising). Also on offer: a drive-through check-in service, private family villas with bunk and trundle beds to sleep five, a restaurant, a bar, and a LEGO play area.
LEGOLAND Hotel
1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven; 877-350-5346; www.legoland.com/florida/legoland-hotel/overview; $$
If you can’t get enough of LEGO, be sure to spend at least a night in this thoroughly LEGO-saturated hotel, where the exterior, room decor, play areas, and location (‘150 kid steps’ from the LEGOLAND theme park) offer total immersion. LEGO models, LEGO luggage carts, and a LEGO castle are among the lobby extras. An impressive cafeteria and a bar – flagged by LEGO servers – are part of the fun.
LEGOLAND Hotel
LEGOLAND Resort Florida
Terrace Hotel
329 East Main Street, Lakeland; tel: 863-688-0800; www.terracehotel.com; $$$
This luxury hotel in pretty downtown Lakeland is a good place to stop after a visit to LEGOLAND or en route to Tampa Bay, and makes a nice change from the busier cities without costing you an arm and a leg. Built in the 1920s, it retains lovely period architecture in the Terrace Grille restaurant, with high French windows overlooking Lake Mirror. The 73 rooms are stylishly decorated with beautiful old-fashioned furnishings.
Winter Park and Maitland
The Alfond Inn
300 E New England Avenue, Winter Park; tel: 407-998-8090; www.thealfondinn.com; $$$
Pretty Rollins College’s 112-room boutique hotel opened in 2013. This tasteful, pet-friendly lodging facility near the heart of Winter Park has an extensive art collection with 240+ works, plus comfortable rooms, a lovely bar and a nice farm-to-table restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating.
Room at The Alfond Inn
Leonardo
Park Plaza Hotel
307 Park Avenue South, Winter Park; tel: 407-647-1072 or 1-800-228-7220; www.parkplazahotel.com; $$–$$$
From its wood-paneled lobby to the wicker armchairs on the fern-filled, wrought-iron balconies overlooking Park Avenue, this boutique hotel exudes old-fashioned charm. Built in 1921, it is a landmark in the heart of Winter Park’s main shopping and dining area. Antiques grace the lobby and guestrooms, where wooden floors, ceiling fans, and different beds in every room add to the ambience.
Thurston House Bed and Breakfast
851 Lake Avenue, Maitland; tel: 407-539-1911; www.thurstonhouse.com; $$$
Set on the shores of Lake Eulalia, this pretty Victorian farmhouse is a reminder of days long gone in central Florida. One thing that hasn’t changed is the fact that you can still sit in a rocking chair on the veranda and watch the osprey dive for fish in the lake. Built in 1885 and restored in 1991, this bed and breakfast combines all the charm of a Victorian inn with the modern amenities you would expect in a small hotel.
The Space Coast
Anthony’s on the Beach
3499 S Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach; tel: 321-784-8829; www.anthonysonthebeach.com; $
Cocoa Beach is lined with amenities-rich high-rise hotels, but if you want a real sand-and-surf feel, opt instead for this non-smoking motel that has been around since 1958. Rooms are modest, but priced accordingly.
The Inn at Cocoa Beach
4300 Ocean Beach Boulevard, Cocoa Beach; tel: 800-343-5307; www.theinnatcocoabeach.com; $$–$$$
Gracious and welcoming, this pretty oceanside hotel is a perfect combination of old-fashioned Southern charm and laid-back beach lifestyle. Rooms are individually and tastefully decorated, some with four-poster beds, Jacuzzis, or French country furniture. All have ocean views. The beach is just through the garden gate, and there’s even a colorful parrot for company.
Tampa Bay
Epicurean
1207 S Howard Avenue, Tampa; tel: 813-999-8700; http://epicureanhotel.com; $$$
True to its name, food and wine are at the heart of this hotel. You’ll be greeted with a sip of wine at the crate-themed check-in area, dine in a restaurant with hydroponic herbs growing from the wall, and find fine wines in each guestroom. From spa treatments using edible greens to pool floats resembling citrus slices, this stylish hotel is a dream for the culinarily inclined.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
5223 North Orient Road, Tampa; tel: 813-627-7625; www.seminolehardrocktampa.com; $$$
Owned and run by the Seminole tribe, this Hard Rock Hotel is a great place to stay in Tampa for those who enjoy gaming. The gleaming white tower with its 50ft (15-meter) Hard Rock guitar in front is visible from miles away. The 24-hour casino is chock full of memorabilia from rock ‘n’ roll legends; some items have touch-screens for background history and music videos. Rooms are large and chic. A beautiful pool with cabanas, several good restaurants, and a full-service spa and fitness center provide more places to play.