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Early morning view of the Orlando Florida Skyline

The 10 Best Hotels In Orlando

Early morning view of the Orlando Florida Skyline getty
Beth Luberecki
Contributor
Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
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Beth Luberecki, Contributor

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Orlando is often considered America’s family entertainment capital, and with its many globally famous theme parks, it’s not hard to understand why. Travelers from around the world visit every year to immerse themselves in rides and shows at Walt Disney World, while others line up to live out their Hogwarts dreams at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios or to soar around the world at EPCOT. But this Central Florida city is more than just its parks. The best hotels in Orlando offer an eclectic selection of experiences that will elevate your trip, ranging from theme park hotels with behind-the-scenes access to enchanting retreats that will transport you away from long lines and commotion.

For families who still prioritize luxury on their theme park vacation, we recommend Four Seasons Resort Orlando At Walt Disney World Resort, which features both a Michelin-starred restaurant and breakfast with Goofy. For Universal Studios loyalists, we recommend Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, which offers on-site waterslides and free bus transfers to Universal’s CityWalk. Meanwhile, couples looking for a little romance outside the Magic Kingdom can’t go wrong relaxing in a private cabana at the stylish The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. Below, we’ve selected the best hotels in Orlando, offering everything from high-octane fun to sophisticated stays.

Best Luxury Hotel In Orlando: Four Seasons Resort Orlando At Walt Disney World Resort

Four Seasons Orlando At Walt Disney World Resort

Who Will Love It: Those who seek a little luxury, even on a theme park vacation
All-Star Amenities: Spa; 18-hole Tom Fazio–designed golf course; Har-Tru tennis courts; 24-hour fitness center; complimentary kids club; six restaurants
What Not To Miss: The five-acre Explorer Island amenity with a family pool and waterslides or the lakeside adults-only pool with private cabanas for a grownup getaway
Location: Walt Disney World Resort

As Central Florida’s first AAA Five Diamond Award property, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando satisfies even the pickiest of travelers. The 443-room property delivers easygoing elegance, the largest standard guest rooms in Orlando (with some offering views of theme park fireworks) and a Michelin-starred rooftop steakhouse, Capa, offering Spanish-influenced small plates.

Resort guests of all ages can take advantage of the on-site championship golf course designed by Tom Fazio, rejuvenating spa treatments and a private lazy river. The hotel’s Ravello restaurant even hosts a character breakfast with Goofy and friends on Thursday and Saturday mornings. If Walt Disney World Resort theme parks are on the agenda, there’s complimentary motorcoach transportation between the parks and the hotel. For a true over-the-top vacation, reserve the nine-bedroom Royal Suite or the Ultimate Suites Experience, a buyout of the 16th floor that includes 21 rooms and a private elevator.

Best Resort For Families In Orlando: Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek

Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek

Who Will Love It: Families who want an activity-packed hotel as well as easy access to the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks
All-Star Amenities: 18-hole mini golf course; two splash pads; playground; fire pits; eight hot tubs; shuttles to Walt Disney World Resort theme parks
What Not To Miss: The five different pools and the two lazy rivers located throughout the property
Location: Near Walt Disney World Resort

The 400-room Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort is set up for families with not only standard guest rooms but family bunk rooms featuring a separate sleeping alcove for children. For even more space, Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek next door offers one- to four-bedroom suites complete with full kitchens.

Walking paths circle a 10-acre lake and help guests access the property’s five pools (some with waterslides), two lazy rivers, two kids’ splash pads and eight hot tubs. The whole family can play a round at the 18-hole mini golf course and the kids can burn off some energy at the playground; afterwards, the grownups may even be able to sneak in a spa treatment or a workout session at the fitness center. The hotel offers shuttles to the Walt Disney World Resort when it’s time to head to the theme parks, and certain rooms offer views of the nightly fireworks display.

Best Walt Disney World Resort Hotel In Orlando: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort And Spa

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort And Spa

Who Will Love It: Travelers looking for an elegant theme park getaway
All-Star Amenities: Two pools; spa; fitness center; several restaurants; boat rentals; family campfires and movies under the stars
What Not To Miss: Riding the Walt Disney World monorail to the Magic Kingdom Park
Location: Walt Disney World Resort

The Victorian-style Grand Floridian Resort and Spa on Walt Disney World Resort’s Seven Seas Lagoon offers a refined but still kid-friendly say in the “most magical place on Earth.” Guests might encounter a pianist playing the grand piano in the hotel’s soaring and sophisticated lobby, and memorable meals can be enjoyed at the Mary Poppins Returns–inspired Cítricos restaurant or the acclaimed Victoria and Albert’s.

Accommodations include tastefully decorated guest rooms and suites, as well as three-bedroom villas with full kitchens and in-room laundry. It’s an easy monorail or boat ride from the hotel to the Magic Kingdom Park; you can also opt for a less-than-one-mile walk. Escape the heat at the quiet Courtyard Pool or the sloping-entry Beach Pool, which features a curving 181-foot-long waterslide and kids’ play area. Guests can take in views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the marina area without battling the the park crowds.

Best Universal Orlando Hotel: Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Who Will Love It: Fans of vintage vacations with modern flair
All-Star Amenities: Two pools with waterslides; bowling alley; arcade; fitness center; free bus transportation to Universal CityWalk
What Not To Miss: Early park admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park, which comes with a stay
Location: Universal Orlando Resort

Inspired by classic mid-century Florida beach resorts, Cabana Bay offers guests unique retro charm. That blast-from-the-past aesthetic can be found all over the hotel, from the 10-lane Galaxy Bowl bowling alley and restaurant to the diner-themed food court. Guest rooms feature bright pops of color and modern furnishings. In addition to standard rooms, there are family suites that sleep up to six people and include a kitchenette.

Guests can head to the Cabana Pool to zip down a dive tower-themed waterslide or opt for the hotel’s other pool area with its sandy beach, zero-entry pool and flowing lazy river. A complimentary shuttle bus makes regular trips over to lively restaurant and shopping zone Universal CityWalk, which also leads to the entrances of Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme parks. The biggest perk of a stay here is getting a jumpstart on the crowds with early park admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Volcano Bay, a water park that transports guests to the South Seas.

Hotel With The Best Amenities In Orlando: Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Who Will Love It: Travelers who appreciate white glove service and pampering
All-Star Amenities: Two pools and private cabanas; 18-hole golf course; fitness center; kid’s club and arcade; mini golf course; shuttle service to Walt Disney World Resort
What Not To Miss: The 32-day dry-aged tomahawk rib eye at Bull and Bear; a Himalayan salt therapy at the spa
Location: Near Walt Disney World Resort

It’s the attention to detail that sets the Waldorf Astoria Orlando apart from a sea of resorts in the Orlando area. Nothing has been overlooked, from the plush bathrobes and slippers to the impeccable service to the deep soaking tubes in the 502 spacious guest rooms and suites. The spa is a soothing sanctuary where treatments are customized to each guest and services include locally sourced ingredients like Tupelo honey. It’s also the first full-service resort spa in the state of Florida to have its own Himalayan Salt Room.

The resort’s acclaimed Bull and Bear restaurant has been the recipient of numerous awards, making it the perfect place to enjoy succulent steaks and excellent wine recommendations from skilled sommeliers. For those who want to get active, the resort features an 18-hole golf course designed by course architect Rees Jones, two swimming pools with cabanas and weekend activities that range from yoga and live music to poolside s’mores and “dive in” movies. Guests also have access to amenities at the nearby Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek.

Best Hotel For Couples In Orlando: The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

Who Will Love It: Couples looking for a stylish adult escape
All-Star Amenities: 18-hole golf course; spa with 40 treatment rooms; 24-hour fitness center; tennis and pickleball courts
What Not To Miss: Reserving a private cabana by the outdoor pool, which comes with a private butler, wireless internet and HDTV
Location: Grande Lakes Orlando

Fresh off a top-to-bottom, multimillion dollar renovation, the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes offers a sophisticated stay for discerning couples at the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. The hotel’s 582 guest rooms and suites are done up in soothing shades and feature balconies and marble bathrooms with dual vanities. Seven dining options serve everything from morning coffee and smoothies to Southern cuisine and handcrafted cocktails.

Couples will have no trouble staying active here. The 24-hour fitness center offers weights, cardio equipment, fitness classes and a heated lap pool, and the Greg Norman–designed championship golf course has 18 holes. Any great couple’s retreat includes pampering, and guests can find a treatment to suit every one of their needs in the vast 40,000-square-foot spa, like a hot stone massage or energy balancing treatment. Couples can also book various private tours and experiences, from a falconry class to a sunrise safari for taking in the 500-acre property’s natural beauty.

Best Hotel For Golfers In Orlando: Omni Orlando Resort At Championsgate

Omni Orlando Resort At Championsgate

Who Will Love It: Golf-obsessed travelers and families
All-Star Amenities: The two 18-hole golf courses; mini golf; pool with waterslides and lazy river; spa; tennis and basketball court
What Not To Miss: Playing the lighted nine-hole par 3 course; Orlando’s only resort wave pool
Location: ChampionsGate, a community southwest of Walt Disney World Resort

Legendary golfer Greg Norman designed the two challenging and unique 18-hole courses at Omni Orlando Resort, one offering a British links–style experience while the other featuring a traditional American design. Guests can also opt for something less intense at the resort’s family-friendly mini-golf course. Golf lessons are available for individuals and families, and travelers can send their clubs right to the resort using the Ship Sticks service. A recent expansion project has seen the debut of a golf entertainment venue with 30 bays equipped with technology to track the speed and distance of your shots.

But guests can do more than hone their golf game. There’s a tranquil adults-only pool and a family pool area with waterslides, a lazy river and a wave pool. The Mokara Spa offers a heated bamboo stick massage, CBD oil pedicure and facials. And for those looking to eat well, the resort’s multiple restaurants, from the Asian fusion Zen to the Italian trattoria Trevi’s, offer cuisine that is varied and delicious.

Best Water Park Hotel In Orlando: Orlando World Center Marriott

Orlando World Center Marriott

Who Will Love It: Thrill seekers and water lovers
All-Star Amenities: Two pool areas; 18-hole golf course; 24-hour fitness center; spa; mini golf; daily shuttles to Walt Disney World theme parks
What Not To Miss: The 425-foot-long “Boomerango” waterslide at the River Falls Water Park
Location: Near Disney Springs and Epcot

As one might expect, the world’s largest Marriott property offers a multitude of amenities, including a pool scene of epic proportions. The 2,010-room Orlando World Center Marriott’s Falls Pool Oasis features a zero-entry, lagoon-style swimming pool; two twisting waterslides; a 90-foot speed slide and a splash zone for kids. The new River Falls Water Park (included in the daily resort fee) offers even more watery fun with three action-packed inner-tube waterslides, an “aqua playground” and a 575-foot-long lazy river that conveniently passes the Cargo Bar along the way.

After toweling off, guests can hit the links on a Robert Cupp Jr.–designed golf course, head to the arcade or fitness center, or enjoy pasta, sushi or tropical cocktails at the resort’s many restaurants. For a taste of spectacle, head back outside in the evening to witness the nightly laser light show at Falls Pool.

Best Spa And Wellness Hotel In Orlando: Lake Nona Wave Hotel

Lake Nona Wave Hotel

Who Will Love It: Techie types and active travelers
All-Star Amenities: Pool with cabanas; complimentary valet; high speed WiFi 6; autonomous shuttle service and EV charging; complimentary bicycles; access to Lake Nona Performance Club
What Not To Miss: A Welltech guest room with beds engineered to improve sleep quality
Location: Lake Nona

The future of hospitality might look a lot like the Lake Nona Wave Hotel. This cutting-edge property has sleek wave-inspired architecture and tech-savvy guest rooms with voice automated in-room controls, windows that use predictive intelligence to adjust tint levels and Toto smart toilets. The hotel’s Welltech rooms even go a step further, with Bryte beds that adjust based on a sleeper’s preferences throughout the night and Nollapelli bedding that is reported to improve skin and hair. Despite being so tech-forward, the property itself is warm and lively. Guest rooms feature splashy pops of color and the Living Room Bar has a funky, retro vibe.

The hotel calls its multiple free amenities, like complimentary valet parking and bicycle rentals, an “anti-resort fee.” Guests also receive complimentary access to the nearby Lake Nona Performance Club and its more than 150 pieces of cardio and resistance equipment and fitness classes, as well as access to the Aquatics Center, featuring a lap pool and whirlpool. The hotel’s restaurants and bars include the Michelin-recommended Bacán, offering Central and South American-influenced cuisine by executive chef Guillaume Robin.

Best Hotel For Business Travelers In Orlando: JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes

JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes

Who Will Love It: Travelers who want to mix business and pleasure
All-Star Amenities: Six restaurants; fitness center; access to golf and tennis at the nearby Ritz-Carlton; activities for kids
What Not To Miss: The new water park experience with a lazy river, waterslides and poolside restaurant
Location: Grande Lakes Orlando

The JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes is located just 5 miles from the Orange County Convention Center, but business travelers won’t need to leave the property to take advantage of more than 150,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Recently renovated guest rooms are complete with plenty of outlets, dedicated work spaces and hi-speed WiFi. After work, guests can unwind at the lobby lounge and play golf at the adjacent Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes.

As most Orlando hotels and resorts are, the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes is also family-friendly. New family suites offer two- and three-bedroom spaces with built-in bunk beds for the kids, king-size beds for the grownups, separate living areas and nightly treats like milk and cookies. And the hotel’s water park experience, which includes a lazy river, three waterslides and a poolside restaurant, will bring lighthearted fun to even the most stressful of business trips.

About Beth Luberecki, Your Orlando Guide

I have been a professional writer for more than 25 years covering a range of topics including travel, business, real estate and home decorating. My travel stories have appeared in publications and on websites such as USA Today, FamilyVacationist, Smarter Travel, TripAdvisor, Times of the Islands and Gulf + Main. My work has also appeared in the Washington Post’s Express and Florida Trend. I have lived in the Sunshine State for almost two decades and have written about it extensively, from tips and advice on visiting Walt Disney World to where to stay for a romantic getaway or fun family trip. The Orlando area is a region I know well. I’m always looking for new places to discover in Florida with my husband and teenage daughter.

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Beth Luberecki
Beth Luberecki