As Orlando's popularity has soared--with Walt Disney World at the epicenter--hotel proprietors have attempted to stand out from the competition by providing visitors with an experience that is different from all the rest. Within a short distance of Orlando's theme parks, you will find a choice of unique hotels, some that cater to families and others that focus more on adults. The hotels provide shuttle buses to the theme parks and some provide exclusive privileges within the theme parks for their guests.
Imagine waking up and looking out your hotel room window and seeing zebras, impalas or flamingos. The Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge does just that with its hotel, which is styled after an African lodge and set on 43 acres. Some guest rooms and designated viewing areas allow visitors to look into the hotel's wildlife preserve. The hotel also has two restaurants, one of which has an African flair. Guests can take a guided tour of the preserve or swim in the pool, which has a 67 foot slide. Parents who wish to have a kid-free night can take advantage of the child-care facility, which is a activity center with supervision. Located about 30 minutes from Orlando, the lodge provides shuttle buses to the neighboring Disney theme parks and Orlando International Airport.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney's Animal Kingdom Area
2901 Osceola Parkway
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
407-939-6244
disneyworld.disney.go.com
The Gaylord Palms pays homage to Florida's different places: the Everglades, Key West and St. Augustine. Each area sits among lush plants under an large glass atrium, and overlooked by guest rooms. The hotel has two pools; South Beach pool is for adults only and the second, Clearwater Cove, is for families. Clearwater Cove has a waterfall, waterslide and place to make sandcastles. The hotel also has a golf putting course, six restaurants, live entertainment every night, a shopping street and in-room child care. Located only 1 1/2 miles from Walt Disney World, the hotel provides guests with a free shuttle bus to the theme park.
Gaylord Palms Hotel & Convention Center
6000 W. Osceola Parkway
Kissimmee, FL 34746
407-586-2000
gaylordhotels.com
You will find the Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Orlando. The hotel provides luxury accommodation in a elegant setting. The hotel displays more than 150 pieces of rare art and has vaulted ceilings adorned with Italian mosaics. Facilities include a heated outdoor pool, spa, a AAA Four Diamond Award winning restaurant and live entertainment every night. Guest services include a concierge, free newspaper, business center, laundry and bathrobes in the room.
Grand Bohemian Hotel
325 S. Orange Ave.
Orlando, FL 32801
407-313-9000
grandbohemianhotel.com
The Loews Portofina Bay Hotel aims to bring Italy to its guests. The hotel has 750 guest rooms, three swimming pools, a spa, eight restaurants, shops and a harbor. The harbor area is decorated with Vespa scooters and Italian sports cars. Guests of the hotel receive theme park privileges including priority seating at some Universal Orlando restaurants and skipping the theme park queue if they show their room key. The hotel also accepts pets for a one-time fee per stay. Pets even have their own room service menu, which includes catnip, litter boxes, collars, leashes and beds. The pet menu also provides owners with suggestions of where to walk your dog and the contact information of local vets.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando
5601 Universal Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32819
407-503-1000
loewshotels.com
