15 Best Hotels in Orlando, Florida
Booking a hotel in Orlando can be a complicated proposition. With so many major theme parks in the area, it’s no surprise that a number of resorts have special perks like early entry to the parks and free transportation to entice their guests—but what if you’re looking for a relaxing retreat away from the bustle? You don’t necessarily have to choose one or the other. Our list of the best hotels in Orlando covers Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, as well as some luxury resorts and art-filled boutique hotels across town.
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Don Riddle/Courtesy Four SeasonshotelFour Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
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Readers' Choice Awards 2023The Four Seasons Orlando makes a dramatic entrance. Hidden behind the gate of Disney’s upscale Golden Oak neighborhood, the 17-story building towers in the distance as you wind through the well-manicured streets. Inside, you’re greeted with fireworks; more than 30,000 crystals hang from a chandelier, forming a dozen bursts of light. The spacious one-bedroom suites feature absurdly comfortable beds, abundant closet and drawer space, and two full bathrooms. The bedside tablet can be used to order room service or connect with hotel staff. One huge perk? The concierge desk is staffed by a Disney Cast Member who will assist with park tickets, dining reservations, and any other questions.
Kevin Kolczynski/Courtesy LoewshotelLoews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2019The bright and airy lobby sets the tone at Sapphire Falls. A playful chandelier, composed of what looks like dozens of wicker beach balls, draws your gaze up and toward the picture window overlooking the resort. The pool area is the gem of this Caribbean-inspired resort, with a sand beach, water slide, fire pit, and rentable cabanas. This is one of the newer hotels at Universal Orlando Resort, which has been rapidly expanding. It falls toward the middle of Universal’s price spectrum, but its dining and amenities—think, the Strong Water Tavern, which stocks more than 60 rums of various regions—set it above the competition.
Courtesy Walt Disney World ResortshotelDisney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022From the live jazz orchestra on the balcony of the soaring, Victorian-inspired lobby to the scent of green clover and aloe that wafts from its doors, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa knows how to make an impression. As Disney World’s flagship resort, the Grand Floridian is its most opulent—and most expensive. Club-level rooms, which are stocked with fresh flowers and super-plush spa robes, also offer access to a private concierge desk and a lounge with a continental breakfast and snacks throughout the day, and wine and beer in the evenings. If you can, take advantage of the Grand Floridian’s waterfront location and rent a boat on Seven Seas Lagoon. There are several options for self-piloted water adventures, or you can charter Disney World’s only 52-foot yacht—including a personal captain and deckhand—for an even more luxurious experience.
Matt Stroshane/Courtesy DisneyhotelDisney's Polynesian Village Resort
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2021The warm glow of tiki torches welcome you to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, where the landscape overflows with lush tropical plants and hidden lagoons that recall the South Pacific. This was one of Disney World’s first hotels to open, in 1971, and it has hung on to its campy tiki vibes ever since. Best to put on a flower lei, grab a pineapple Dole Whip, and lean into it. The Polynesian is home to one of Disney World’s most-talked about breakfast dishes—after Mickey waffles, that is. Tonga Toast is two pieces of thick-sliced sourdough stuffed with banana, then deep fried and rolled in cinnamon sugar. You can get it at Captain Cook’s, the resort’s quick-service dining spot, but order from Kona Cafe or the room service menu, and you'll get it with strawberry compote to drizzle on top.
Courtesy Waldorf AstoriahotelWaldorf Astoria Orlando
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022The Waldorf Astoria Orlando echos the elegance of its under-renovation New York counterpart, with casual elegance suited to its Central Florida setting. The black-and-white marble floor and iconic clock tower in the center of the lobby rotunda contrast with a bright blue mural. Guest rooms have plush bedding and dark wood furniture with accents of yellow, teal, and tangerine, and bathrooms are spacious and well-designed, with separate walk-in showers and soaking tubs—a plus for families with young children—plush spa robes, and Ferragamo Tuscan Soul toiletries. Get outside to enjoy the 18-hole championship golf course, designed by acclaimed course architect Rees Jones, or the serene, cabana-lined pool, where attendants are on hand with prosecco popsicles. Want a night out without the kids? Astoria After Dark provides dinner and activities on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Courtesy The Alfond InnhotelThe Alfond Inn
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023The terracotta roof and Mediterranean-style architecture of The Alfond Inn is quintessentially Florida, and the airy, light-filled lobby showcases a rotating collection from The Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art at Rollins College, which guests can take a guided tour of every Sunday at 1 p.m. (Owned by Rollins College, the hotel was partially funded by a grant from the Harold Alfond Foundation and its profits are used to endow a scholarship fund at the school.) The hotel is on the former site of the Langford Inn, which hosted high-profile guests including Eleanor Roosevelt, June Carter Cash, and Nancy and Ronald Reagan, who celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary here. Guest rooms are comfortable and clean with pops of lime green and peacock blue; bathrooms are modern and spacious, and many rooms have walk-in showers.
hotelLoews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2018, 2019The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel may be located in the heart of Universal Orlando Resort, but it feels like an (Atlantic) ocean away. A winding, cypress-lined driveway leads to the main building, which looks like it's been transported from the Italian Riviera. Pass through the pale marble lobby to the main piazza, where the pastel-hued buildings line the harbor and classically trained musicians perform opera classics every evening at sunset. Of course, a hotel modeled after Portofino had better have amazing Italian cuisine, and this one delivers with a range of options. BiCE is the best option for a kid-free date night (try the osso bucco); the Italian classics and strolling musicians at Mama Della’s Ristorante will please the whole family. Finish the evening at Gelateria, because what respectable Italian village doesn’t have a gelato shop?
Courtesy Walt Disney World ResortshotelDisney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021It’s impossible to talk about Animal Kingdom Lodge without first mentioning the 74-acre animal reserve that wraps around the resort. About 200 animals live on the property—and yes, they're visible from the guest rooms and the public viewing stations. (If you can, spring for a savanna-view room, and you might wake up to the sight of a giraffe or a gazelle grazing outside your balcony.) Suffice it to say: This hotel offers an experience unlike any other in Central Florida. Combine that with its relatively low price—at least compared to Disney’s other deluxe resorts—and it’s absolutely worth a stay. Just be aware that because of its location, the only way to get to Animal Kingdom Lodge is via car or Disney bus; unlike other Disney deluxe resorts, there's no boat or monorail service here.
hotelVillas of Grand Cypress
$$$Drive onto the verdant grounds of the Villas of Grand Cypress and there’s no mistaking that you’re at a golf resort. There are 45 holes designed by Jack Nicklaus: the 27-hole North/South/East course tests your accuracy, while the new 18-hole course is an homage to the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland, with steep bunkers and slopes. The vibe here is secluded and residential, with bungalow-style buildings spread across 1,500 green acres. Villas are spacious and modern, each with comfortable furnishings, a private terrace, a fully equipped kitchen, and stellar views of the waterways and fairways. The bathrooms have in-mirror lighting, walk-in showers with multiple jet options, and generously sized soaking tubs. Make use of the complimentary bikes, which are perfect for exploring the surrounding trails.
Courtesy DisneyhotelDisney's Beach Club Resort
$$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2022You may question whether you’re still in Central Florida when you pull up to the Beach Club Resort, which was designed in the image of a New England beach club. Though modern, the lobby presents itself as a Victorian seaside cottage, and a cool blue-and-beige color palette carries across the sprawling resort. The location and features make it a particularly good option if you’re planning to spend a lot of time at one of Epcot’s seasonal festivals, or relax outside the theme parks. Don’t skip a visit to Beaches & Cream, a soda shop, for burgers and ice cream. If you can’t snag a reservation to challenge your group with the Kitchen Sink sundae—yes, actually served in a kitchen sink—the walk-up window is a fine second choice.
DisneyhotelDisney's Wilderness Lodge
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2022Your gaze naturally travels upward when you enter the Wilderness Lodge—to the six-story-tall bundled log columns, the massive stone fireplace in the corner, and the pair of carved totem poles that flank the expansive lobby. The resort was designed in the image of Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone National Park, and even has a bubbling hot spring that flows from the lobby out to the grounds. The resort feels isolated, but it's actually just a short boat ride to the Magic Kingdom, giving you the best of both worlds: convenience and relaxation. If you're on the hunt for grub, know that servers can be a little sassy at Whispering Canyon Cafe, just off the lobby, but if you don’t mind being asked to bring a dozen bottles of ketchup to a neighbor’s table—yes, really—the never-ending skillet of smoked brisket, pulled pork, mashed potatoes, and cornbread is worth it.
hotelGrand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, Autograph Collection
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2021From the outside, the Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando blends in with its Downtown surroundings, but step into the art-filled lobby and the tone shifts considerably. Far from the candy-colored, cartoonish vision you might have of Orlando, the hotel has dramatic gold-trimmed columns that divide the room, and large sculptures and paintings along its walls. An onsite gallery features works by local and international artists, and everything there is available for sale. At The Boheme Restaurant, guests and locals alike dig into Sunday brunch, where the buffet is stocked with raw oysters, snow crab legs, and prime rib and servers keep the Champagne flowing for bottomless mimosas.
Courtesy Ritz-CarltonhotelThe Ritz-Carlton, Orlando Grande Lakes
$$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023Rows of palm trees herald the entrance to the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, a towering, Italian-inspired resort where attentive staff greets you at the porte-cochère and welcomes you into the marble lobby with a glass of sparkling wine. Guest rooms are modern and subdued with private balconies and ultra-plush bedding, and the large, marble bathrooms have plush terry-cloth robes, oversize towels, and Asprey Purple Water toiletries. If you can fit it in, make time to check out the spa: The Ritz-Carlton’s massive, 40,000-square-foot space has 40 private treatment rooms, a cafe, and a serene outdoor pool. The Grand Citrus Escape treatment uses herbs and citrus grown onsite and honey from the resort’s bees to hydrate and soothe your skin from head to toe.
Courtesy JW MarriotthotelJW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
$$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023The towering JW Marriott Orlando sits on 500 acres at the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. Step through the grand, marble-tiled lobby to the outdoor patio and relax with a glass of wine by the firepit. Rooms are spacious and serene, with neutral decor and pastel highlights. Business travelers will appreciate the large desk and ergonomic chair; the pillowtop mattress and superb bedding guarantee an excellent night’s sleep. The JW Marriott also happens to have one of the best hotel pools in Orlando; float past waterfalls and under bridges on the lazy river, or take a dip in one of the many onsite pools. Lounge chairs and shade umbrellas are plentiful.
Courtesy Marriott International, Inc.hotelWalt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
$$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2018, 2022The Swan and Dolphin Resort contains two separate hotels operated by Marriott; the Swan is part of the Westin brand, while the much larger Dolphin is part of the Sheraton brand. And though the resort isn't actually onsite, it's about as close as you can get—plus, there are plenty of perks. Guests receive advance FastPass+ booking and Extra Magic Hours in the theme parks, and can use Disney’s complimentary park transportation, including boat service to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The parks are so close that you could also walk. The resort houses 17 restaurants and lounges, including four signature restaurants. Start your day at Fresh for Mickey, which serves waffles and fresh-pressed juice, and wind down at Todd English’s Bluezoo.
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