Orlando is dominated by the presence of Disney and its entertainment empire. Around this add Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Sea World, Busch Gardens and dozens of championship golf courses, and you have a vast concentration of entertainment parks in the world. There are a collection of four-star luxury hotels in the vicinity to meet the demands of all those park visitors.
The Westin Imagine Orlando is a new Art Deco-designed hotel located on Universal Boulevard surrounded by entertainment options. The hotel is an all-purpose property with large convention and meeting facilities, and a leisure heavy clientele. The Westin looks more like a luxury condo building from outside than a four-star hotel, but inside you will find a WestinWORKOUT Gym, heated outdoor pool, valet parking, a Tuscan Italian restaurant and two bars. The 315 guestrooms are designed for comfort with the traditional light color schemes of Florida hotel rooms, angled furnishings of dark wood and neutral drapery, and all come equipped with kitchenette or full kitchen, Heavenly Bed, flat screen TV, paid Wi-Fi, and balcony. Rates for a double start around $249 as of January 2011.
The Parc Soleil Suites by Hilton Grand Vacation Club occupies its own 52-acre patch of land filled with newly built accommodations and recreational activities. This hotel also has a condominium-development feel with gated entry, large swimming pool, basketball courts, tennis courts, video arcade, playground, jogging track, fitness room and pool tables. The Parc Suites are available in studio-, one-, or two-bedroom formats and each comes equipped with kitchenette, all utensils, flat screen TV and free Wi-Fi. The larger suites feature full kitchen, separate living and dining rooms, washer/dryer, two flat screen TVs, balcony and two bathrooms. Rates for a studio start around $98 as of January 2011.
The Orlando World Center Marriott Resort is a step above the norm in four-star accommodations. The resort is set within a 200 acre golf and spa property with tropical landscaping and design and a large collection of activities specially selected for family entertainment. There is a championship golf course, fitness center, six pools, waterfalls, slides and whirlpools, 10 restaurants and lounges, a full-service spa and kiddie play areas. The resort is almost a theme park attraction in itself. Dining options include a steak house, Italian, Japanese, Starbucks and several bars. There are more than 2,000 guestrooms at the hotel and each has large living space, balcony and full wall windows, optional Disney Park views, flat screen TV and hi-speed Internet, as well as several configurations and suite levels to accommodate any requirement. Rates for a double start around $239 as of January 2011.
The Renaissance Orlando Resort at Sea World provides luxury accommodations with the park and tastefully carries the underwater theme throughout the rather adult property without going too far. Do not expect a kiddie hotel with fish characters walking around. Instead you will find an elegantly designed space with understated decor, spa and five restaurants and lounges. The public spaces of the hotel are colorful but relaxed with waterfalls and video panels reminding guests of their surroundings. Recreational options include pool, fitness center, Bocce ball, basketball and tennis courts. The rooms are large and simply decorated with artworks and plush Revive bedding. Each features flat screen TV, hi-speed Internet, double sink, refrigerator and pillow menu. Rates for a double start around $179 as of January 2011.
The Walt Disney World Park has a large selection of Disney operated hotels and resorts within the grounds, many of which are in the four-star category. The resorts vary in theme from water sports to wild animal safari and everything in between. Possible options include the Disney: Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Beach Club Villas, Yacht Club Resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk Villa, Contemporary Resort, Beach Club Resort, Swan, Polynesian Resort, Boardwalk Inn, Dolphin, Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, and a host of other three- and five-star resorts. Rates vary as do amenities, but all are located within the park and deliver the full Disney experience.
