Orlando truly has something for everyone. For kids big and small, Walt Disney World, with its magical atmosphere and four theme parks–Epcot Center, Animal Kingdom, the Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios–is practically synonymous with Orlando, despite the many other fantastic offerings for families to explore, such as Universal Studios, Typhoon Lagoon, SeaWorld and Kennedy Space Center. From thrill rides to magical character interactions to beaches and water sports, Orlando is the perfect family vacation destination. But what about for couples and families that prefer a little more peace and luxury at the end of the day? We've rounded up a few of our favorite hotels that are only a few minutes' drive from all the attractions, yet are a wonderful oasis at the end of the day, providing much needed pampering and superb amenities with service to match:
The Four Seasons Orlando
The new Four Seasons Orlando, when it opens in August 2014, will be the very best Orlando luxury hotel. In addition to its gorgeous, new rooms and suites, many with park views, amenities include an adults only quiet pool, appropriately called The Oasis, with private cabanas. If you're traveling as a family, the kids will love the complimentary Kids for All Seasons kids club set in the expansive Explorer Island with a big family pool, lazy river, waterslides, climbing wall, and plenty of games such as beach volleyball and basketball to soak up their energy.
I've already booked several TravelSort Clients there, with Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits and a Third Night Free offer:
- Daily full American breakfast for two people per bedroom, served through In-Room Dining or in the hotel restaurant (excluding character breakfast)
- Food and beverage credit of USD100
- Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites and villas)
- Complimentary high-speed Internet access for all suite bookings
The most luxurious Orlando hotel, rivalled only by The Ritz-Carlton, the Waldorf Astoria offers stunning views from most rooms of the golf course, and at night, the Disney fireworks. Standard rooms are a spacious 448 square feet, and plush pillowtop beds, a marble bath with soaking tub and separate glass shower, and Salvatore Ferragamo bath amenities. Golfers will be excited to play the challenging championship Rees Jones-designed golf course, and those more interested in truly unwinding may opt to lounge by one of the two pools, or enjoy a facial or massage at the Spa by Guerlain. For a special occasion, don't miss dining at the hotel's Bull & Bear Steakhouse, where specialties include Tomahawk steak for two, Caesar salad prepared tableside, lemon risotto, and mac and cheese. Finish with The Lemon, candied lemon zest with housemade lemon sorbet, fresh whipped cream and shortbread…you can thank us later.
As with the Waldorf Astoria, this is a classically elegant and romantic Ritz-Carlton: think marble lobby with live music in the lobby each evening, expansive manicured grounds, choclates at turndown. The outdoor pool is heated, and the superb spa has its own private lap pool. We love that each room has a private balcony–do try to book one with a lake view. Pillowtop beds are swathed in ultrasoft Frette linens and light down duvets, and spacious marble bathrooms include separate soaking tub and shower, and Bulgari amenities. While perfect for a couple's getaway, the hotel also is kid-friendly, and even small guests are treated as VIPs with their own special amenities, kids' splash pool and Ritz Kids Club.
If the Waldorf Astoria and Ritz-Carlton are a bit too pricey, the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is an excellent choice, especially for a family vacation. Since it's adjacent to the Waldorf Astoria, guests enjoy access to the Waldorf's many amenities: the championship golf course, beautiful outdoor pools and spa, in addition to Bull & Bear Steakhouse and other restaurants. The Hilton is unquestionably large, at 1000 guestrooms and suites, but fortunately its 3 acre lazy river and outdoor pools do a good job of accommodating kids and adults alike. Standard rooms are over 400 square feet, with an in-room coffeemaker, flat screen TV, comfortable bed, and turndown service upon request. Kids age 12 and under enjoy complimentary breakfast and dinner when an adult meal is ordered, a welcome savings to parents.
Just as the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is a savvy way to stay in a 4-star hotel with access to the amenities of the 5-star Waldorf Astoria, the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes is a way to enjoy the incredible grounds, views, Greg Norman golf course, fitness and spa facilities and restaurants of the adjacent Ritz-Carlton, while paying Marriott rather than Ritz-Carlton rates. Standard deluxe rooms are just as spacious as the Ritz, although only some of them have balconies, whereas every room at the Ritz-Carlton has its own private balcony. Marble bathrooms feature both a bathtub and separate glass enclosed shower, although bath amenities are Nirvae, and not Bulgari. The massive lazy river is a hit with kids and adults alike, although if you're craving a bit more tranquility, you can also access the more elegant Ritz-Carlton pool. Golfers won't want to miss a round on the 18 hole Greg Norman course. After 2pm, the $145 fee is reduced to $95 and includes golf cart rental. If you've got a precocious pint-size golf prodigy, golf is even free for kids, with a paying adult. Other kid perks are a playground that includes a giant chess set and tether ball in addition to the usual play equipment; organized arts and crafts activities (some require an extra fee); free family films every Saturday evening; and special kids' menus. You may want to take advantage of hotel-arranged babysitting or use the Ritz Kids Club to enjoy a date night at Primo, a top-notch Italian restaurant by James Beard Award winning chef Melissa Kelly. It's hard not to fill up on the delicious housemade breads, but save room for the wood fired pizza, seared foie gras two ways, butternut squash ravioli with lobster, and duck.
Getting to Orlando:
While there are a number of reasonably priced flights to Orlando from most major cities, you could also use a few British Airways Avios to get you there; assuming it's a direct flight, it will be cheaper to use British Airways Avios than American AAdvantage miles to fly American. Here's an example of a nonstop Economy flight on American Airlines from Chicago (ORD) to Orlando or just 7500 Avios + $2.50 one way (15K Avios + $5 roundtrip). If you recently took advantage of the 50% AMEX Transfer Bonus to British Airways, then that's only 5000 AMEX Membership Rewards points each way.
