Resort Hotels
Orlando boasts some of the most famous resort hotels in the world, many of which are situated close to or even within popular theme parks such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. These hotels offer a complete vacation experience for guests.
Features:
All-inclusive Amenities: Resort hotels usually feature opulent swimming pools, relaxing spas, golf courses, children’s clubs, and a variety of dining choices.
Themed Stays: Numerous resorts feature elaborate themes, like Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort. Offering guests a fully immersive experience.
Convenience to Attractions: Resorts often include shuttle services to nearby parks, early park access, and exclusive guest benefits.
Family-Oriented: Many places offer fun options such as character breakfasts, play areas for kids, and family-friendly suites.
Chain Hotels
Home to numerous major hotel chains that accommodate various budgets. These options are perfect for travellers looking for reliable service at a reasonable price.
Features:
Wide Price Range: Chain hotels can vary widely in price, from affordable options such as Motel 6 and La Quinta to more luxurious choices like Marriott and Hilton.
Convenient Locations: Many establishments are conveniently situated close to popular tourist areas such as International Drive, Lake Buena Vista, and Orlando International Airport.
Standardised Service: You can look forward to standard features such as free breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi, fitness centres, and business services.
Reward Programs: Guests have the opportunity to accumulate loyalty points by participating in programs such as Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors.
Apartments and Vacation Rentals
This is an excellent choice for families, big groups, or anyone looking to stay for a longer period.
Features:
Privacy and Space: Vacation rentals and apartments offer several bedrooms, spacious living areas, and kitchens that come fully equipped.
Cost-Effective: A fantastic option for families or groups sharing expenses. These accommodations typically offer access to community features such as pools and gyms.
Flexibility: Guests have the freedom to prepare their own meals, create their own schedules, and enjoy a cozy, homey atmosphere.
Locations: You can find options close to theme parks, in cozy residential neighbourhoods, or in the peaceful outskirts such as Kissimmee or Davenport.
Campsites and RV Parks
The Orlando area is a great destination for outdoor lovers, offering a variety of campgrounds and RV parks.
Features:
Budget Friendly: Camping offers one of the most budget-friendly options to stay in Orlando.
Nature-Oriented: Campgrounds provide an opportunity to experience the stunning natural beauty of Florida, with numerous sites situated close to lakes, hiking trails, or conservation areas.
Varied Options:
- Tents: Plots for pitching tents, typically featuring communal bathroom amenities.
- RV Parks: Locations that offer connections for electricity, water, and sewage.
- Cabins: Many campgrounds provide rustic or fully equipped cabins, allowing for a more enjoyable and comfortable experience.
Amazing Locations:
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
- State Parks for example Wekiwa Springs or Kelly Park
Every kind of accommodation offers a distinct experience, whether you’re looking for luxury, ease, freedom, or excitement. The best choice for you will depend on your travel habits, budget, and personal tastes!
Orlando Accommodation
Where to stay in Orlando: Hotel districts guide
The first step when planning your vacation is to decide where to stay in Orlando and what type of accommodation to choose. Disney or non-Disney budget or luxury, a hotel with an onsite swimming pool, luxury accommodation loaded with amenities, or anything else. Many factors will shape your decision.
Orlando is a big city with an abundance of hotels and resorts with somewhere to stay for every budget and requirement. You’ll also find options in every part of town, including staying on-site at theme parks, International Drive, the heart of downtown and all other points throughout Orlando.
Hotel districts in Orlando
Orlando has several key hotel districts catering to different preferences and attractions:
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort is a huge entertainment complex comprising several attractions, including two theme parks.
International Drive (I-Drive)
This area is bustling with hotels, resorts, restaurants, and entertainment options – also close to major theme parks like Universal Studios and SeaWorld.
Lake Buena Vista
Situated near Walt Disney World Resort, this district hosts numerous hotels and resorts. Many accommodations here offer shuttles to the Disney parks. Kissimmee
While not in Orlando city limits, Kissimmee, just south of the city, is another area with a multitude of hotels and resorts catering to visitors exploring the theme parks.
Disney Springs Area
Close to Walt Disney World Resort, this district features hotels within walking distance of Disney Springs, a lively shopping, dining, and entertainment complex.
Downtown Orlando and Winter Park
Downtown Orlando and Winter Park feature a variety of hotels, especially for business travellers or those interested in exploring the city’s cultural and dining scene.
Universal Boulevard
Adjacent to Universal Orlando Resort, this area has a selection of hotels and resorts suitable for visitors wanting easy access to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
Airport Hotels
Orlando International Airport offers a variety of hotels nearby, catering to different preferences and budgets. Typically providing shuttle services to and from the airport.
Reunion
Reunion is a resort located within Four Corners in Osceola County. With restaurants, golf courses, pools, waterpark features and proximity to theme parks.
Each district offers its own unique atmosphere and advantages, so choosing the best one depends on your preferences, itinerary, and the attractions you plan to visit.
Key points to consider when staying in Orlando
During the height of tourist season Orlando is very popular so making reservations as soon as possible for hotels, restaurants, shows, and theme parks is advisable to avoid disappointment.
Orlando covers a huge area, the main metro area of Orlando, including Downtown Orlando, is in Orange County. However, many of Orlando’s top amusement parks and resorts sprawl into neighbouring counties. All popular destinations are connected by major roadways if planning on driving in and around Orlando take a look at the city on google maps. Keep in mind that parking lots to major attractions may fill up fast and some hotels will charge you an extra fee to park your car on the premises.
Prepare for the weather, especially if visiting in the summer months (June through October) when it gets very hot and humid. As well as summer heat comes afternoon rainstorms so pack an umbrella, poncho, or raincoat. If you want to avoid the heat, April and May are great months to enjoy cool spring weather!
Safety in Orlando
Orlando is a relatively safe city, but it is still advisable to take precautions. Be alert to pick pockets, particularly in crowded areas such as amusement parks. Lockers are available at most of the major attractions for valuables, bags etc. and it is not advisable to walk around with your phone in your hand. Take normal common-sense precautions. At night stay in busy, well-lit areas, use rideshares to get you home after nightclubs or shows.
If your passport goes missing, you must contact the embassy of your home country immediately.
Resort Fees
Resort fees, which can also be called destination fees, are an additional amount of money charged by hotels or resorts for specific amenities. The resort fee amount varies by property and location, but the fixed amount is typically charged daily, so it can add up over your stay. Fees are charged for amenities such as Internet access, Parking, Shuttle Service, Fitness Suite etc.
You can look on a hotels website before booking to see if a resort fee is charged, although it might be in the small print. Or check with your hotel before booking to see if resort fees apply.
Disney Hotels
Disney Hotels a brief description.
A “Disney Hotel” is a hotel owned and operated by Disney. It is staffed by Disney Cast Members and will include Disney perks. A non-Disney hotel is any other hotel, including other hotels on Disney property.
Perks of staying in a Disney hotel include early entry to every theme park. Disney transportation to all the parks, both water parks and Disney Springs. Free parking at Disney resorts and parks. Complementary towels at water parks.
Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotels are not owned by Disney but instead have partnerships with the company. A Good Neighbor Hotel carries a special designation that denotes its ties to Disney World, and it’s a signal that you can expect a certain level of care and quality when you stay at one. Some offer early park entry and other perks. Note: It is advisable to check with your hotel before booking to confirm perks as they can change frequently.
More information is available on the Walt Disney World® Official Site