As America's No. 1 travel destination, Orlando is a top draw for families on vacation as well as for meetings and conventions. Two-bedroom suites in hotels that cater to family groups are dotted throughout Orlando, including these conveniently near the major theme parks, Orange County Convention Center or downtown. Each of these two-bedroom suites sleeps six or more, with a layout that offers privacy in a bedroom adjacent to a living room furnished with a pull-out sofa bed. Larger suites have a guest room as well. All are equipped with in-room kitchenettes or full kitchens. To take advantage of Florida weather and with family relaxation in mind, many hotels offer additional recreation options beyond swimming pools.
Hotel guests headed for Walt Disney World Resort can hop on board for free round trip transportation serving all Disney theme parks from these family-oriented properties. One mile away, at Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista, all 336 rooms are two-bedroom suites with doors opening to a kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave, sink and coffeemaker. Start the day with an made-to-order eggs and end the day with a two-hour evening cocktail reception with light hors d'oeuvres. Themed Disney Resort hotels with two-bedroom suites include Disney's Beach Club Resort, where a two-bedroom suite sleeps up to seven, and Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge's two-bedroom club floor suite to accommodate a family of eight. Disney hotels offer free airport and theme park transfers.
At Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort, the family suites with kitchenettes have a sliding partition for privacy between the main bedroom with two queen beds and the living room with a full-size sofa bed. This is the budget option of the four hotels on-site at Universal Resort, where guest benefits include one-hour advance early admission to Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Express Unlimited ride access and free transportation to Wet 'n Wild, SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica. At Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, 18 custom-designed kids' suites adjoining master bedrooms are decorated in the "Despicable Me" movie theme, with missile beds and imaginative Minion décor.
When both space and location are a priority, Caribe Royale's two-bedroom suites comfortably accommodate a larger family group. Each of the 120 tower suites has a king-bedded master with full bath and whirlpool tub, an adjoining double queen room with a second full bath, plus a separate living room with a pull-out sofa bed. The living/dining area opens onto a screened-in balcony overlooking the pool. Amenities include a spa and complimentary fitness center; tennis and basketball courts and two pools, for an accommodation option located 1.5 miles from Walt Disney World. The 20-acre all-suites Floridays Resort provides generous accommodation designed to feel like home. A king-bedded master suite has full bath, walk-in shower and Jacuzzi, a second bedroom has two queens and a full bath. In-room laundry facilities make traveling easier and a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher leads on to the living and dining area with a private, furnished balcony. Free transportation is provided for the 2 miles to SeaWorld or 3 miles to Epcot, as well as to Universal and Wet 'n Wild.
Orlando has a good deal more to offer than Mickey Mouse and friends. When there's an opportunity to mix business with pleasure, the family may be coming along. Walking distance to Orange County Convention Center, Marriott's Residence Inn two-bedroom, two bathroom suites with fully equipped kitchens sleep five. The Westin Orlando Universal Boulevard has king-bedded suites adjacent to a shared lounge with dining for six, perfect for families or two couples traveling together. Handy for travelers staying downtown, generous two-bedroom, two-bath suites of more than 1,000 square feet are found at the Hilton Orlando. For the more budget-conscious, Hilton brand's Embassy Suites Orlando-Downtown is a reliable alternative with free breakfast for all guests.
