Find out where to stay in Orlando , a complete guide with the best hotels in Orlando and vacation homes separated by the main areas of the city and its surroundings. Whether it’s your first or tenth trip to Disney, this post will help you decipher the main areas of Orlando and choose the perfect hotel (or vacation home) for your trip .
Orlando offers a little bit of everything: large chain hotels, American motels with great value for money, well-appointed resorts and the famous vacation homes, an increasingly popular option in the region and very comfortable for trips with family or groups of friends.
Orlando neighborhoods and regions
Orlando is a city in central Florida famous for its many Disney and Universal theme parks. The area is often referred to simply as “Disney,” but Orlando is much more than just theme parks .
In fact, Magic Kingdom is Orlando’s most famous park — it’s part of the Walt Disney World complex of four theme parks in Orlando , which in addition to Magic Kingdom, also includes Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom . And two water parks : Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.
The city is also home to the Universal Orlando complex , consisting of three parks, Universal Studios Orlando , Islands Adventure and the Volcano Bay water park.
The best-known areas of Orlando are:
- International Drive : the city’s main avenue, very close to shops, malls and Universal parks;
- Lake Buena Vista : a neighboring city of Orlando and home to Walt Disney World;
- Kissimmee : neighboring city considered the world capital of vacation homes;
- Celebration : ultra-exclusive neighborhood within Kissimmee with all the Disney atmosphere;
Where to stay in Orlando? Inside or outside Disney?
Both Disney and Universal have hotels within their complexes. They are, for the most part, more expensive than accommodations outside the parks, but they do have some significant perks.
One of the main advantages of staying at the parks is that you get a few extra (and much quieter) hours to play on the attractions. Guests can usually enter the parks an hour before the general public, which makes a big difference on popular attractions (you spend less time in line and have more time to enjoy other rides).
Staying at a Disney or Universal hotel also means you can enjoy restaurants and shops at any time. Both Disney Springs and Universal City Walk have numerous entertainment options and places to eat.
At Disney:
When staying at Disney, you will have the right to schedule your fast pass 60 days in advance (for people outside the complex, the scheduling is done 30 days in advance). Not to mention themed suites, elaborate leisure areas and the possibility of opting for the convenience of Disney’s dining plans .
At Universal
Some Universal hotels allow you to skip the line on the attractions. This is a benefit that I LOVE and that is totally worth it during the July holidays.
And is it worth staying inside the parks?
It depends on your travel style and your itinerary.
I think the hotels inside the Disney complex are a great option for those who want to spend their entire trip focused on the parks, which is really cool, but in my opinion it ends up leaving behind all the fun side of Orlando and Florida. Did you know that there are dozens of incredible places close to Orlando? The Florida Springs are a great place to rest after a marathon of parks.
Outside the parks: best option for those looking to save money
On the other hand, staying outside the parks is more economical, and no less fun. Hotels like the Hilton Orlando offer a real water park for guests; vacation homes are a great alternative for those who want to save (a lot) on accommodation, without giving up entertainment, and some even have room service!
It is worth mentioning that if you are staying outside of Disney, you will need to rent a car and pay for parking at the parks. Take all of these factors into account when deciding where to stay in Orlando.
Is it worth staying in a vacation home?
A lot! Staying in a vacation home (especially one of those nice ones that offer services and amenities) is a great way to keep your group together. It’s great for large groups of friends and families with children and babies.
Not to mention the convenience (and savings) of being able to make meals at home. I loved my two stays in Orlando and highly recommend it. I stayed at Magic Village in Celebration.
Orlando Hotel Tips
It’s time to talk about our favorite hotels and vacation homes in Orlando, and to help you out, we’ve separated them by region and price range.
Hotels in or near Universal Studios Park
- Inside Universal: Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel , Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort , Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal’s Aventura Hotel
- Near Universal: Hilton Orlando and Hyatt Place across from Universal Orlando Resort
Hotels inside Universal Studios
Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel
With a prime location in Universal Orlando, Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel offers exclusive, unlimited skip-the-line access to Universal theme park attractions to all ticketed guests (valid theme park admission required).
City Walk is less than a five-minute walk away. In addition to a pool with underwater music, a restaurant and free shuttle service to the parks, the rooms are spacious and inspired by rock music. It has accommodations for families, a spa, a gym and all the comforts to relax after a full day at the park.
Book Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel here
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Universal ‘s Cabana Bay Beach Resort offers guests early admission (1 hour before park opening) to Universal’s Harry Potter theme parks and Universal’s Volcano Bay. Valid theme park admission is required and select attractions are available.
The hotel is also highly praised for its excellent restaurant options. The rooms are spacious and colorfully decorated, and some even have views of the parks. The family accommodations are spacious with a fully equipped kitchenette. There are 2 pools with no visible edge, a water slide for children, 10 bowling lanes (for an extra cost), a gym and a games room.
Book Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort Resort here
Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort offers exclusive, unlimited skip-the-line access to Universal theme park attractions to all ticketed guests (valid theme park admission required). You can also enjoy early park admission (1 hour before park opening) to Universal’s Harry Potter theme parks and Volcano Bay.
A very well-designed option within the Universal complex. Universal Lowels has excellent and comfortable rooms with modern decor, free Wi-Fi, shuttle service to Universal parks, a gym, volleyball court and jacuzzi.
There are 6 restaurant options, Royal VIP Area and great accommodations for families
Book Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Universal’s Aventura Hotel
Universal ‘s Aventura Hotel offers early access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Volcano Bay theme park 1 hour before park opening. The rooms are a good size, comfortable, and have a refrigerator and coffee maker.
The hotel has a swimming pool and children’s play area. It offers free shuttle service to all Universal Orlando and Universal CityWalk theme parks.
Book Universal’s Aventura Hotel here
Hotels near Universal Studios
Hilton Orlando
Close to Universal Studios and with an incredible leisure structure, the Hilton Orlando is an excellent choice for families. On my last visit there I tested (and approved) the accommodation. I recommend it without hesitation! The rooms are a good size and the price is good value for money .
In addition to its excellent location, the Hilton has an incredible water park that kids and adults will love. There’s nothing better than relaxing in the pools after a long day at the parks.
Book your stay at Hilton Orlando here
Hyatt Place across from Universal Orlando Resort
Located a 3-minute drive from Universal’s theme parks, the hotel has a restaurant, swimming pool and scheduled shuttle service to the parks. The hotel has a leisure area with a small pool, and one of the favorite things about Brazilians: a good breakfast included in the daily rate !
The rooms are spacious and have a minibar, coffee maker and seating area. There are accommodations for families. Parking is free .
Book the Hyatt Place across from Universal Orlando Resort here
International Drive
International Drive is Orlando’s main avenue and is 18 km long. It is a corridor that connects parks, outlets, shopping malls and is full of good hotel options. Staying here means being very close to all the attractions (it is “halfway” between Disney and Universal).
Hotels on International Drive tend to be reasonably priced, as they are located outside the park complexes, and are a great choice for those looking to stay close to the parks and shopping outlets. Most hotels offer free parking and even shuttles to some parks.
Some good hotel options on International Drive are:
- Fancy Hotels: Hyatt Regency Orlando
- Good value hotels: Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld , Club Wyndham Orlando International and Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection
- Budget hotels: La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Orlando International Drive North and Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando
Fancy hotels
Hyatt Regency Orlando
The Hyatt Regency Orlando is located right in the heart of International Drive and is a short drive from all major Disney parks. It is also a short walk from the Orange County Convention Center, which is connected to the hotel via two pedestrian bridges.
The rooms are a great size and very comfortable. The hotel has 2 swimming pools, a gym, a spa, family rooms and a children’s play area.
Book Hyatt Regency Orlando here
Hotels with good value for money
Club Wyndham Orlando International
Club Wyndham Orlando International has very spacious and comfortable rooms. Well-equipped kitchen. It is just an 8-minute drive from Universal Studios, has a swimming pool and tennis and basketball courts, as well as furnished traditional villas with private patios.
Book Club Wyndham Orlando International here
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
The Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld is very close to Sea World (you can walk there) and offers shuttles to the other parks. The rooms are very comfortable and spacious. There are accommodations for families. The pool has a water park for children to play in and a bar for drinks.
The hotel has 5 restaurants, a gym, a jacuzzi and a games room.
Book Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld here
Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection
The Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection has uniquely designed rooms with decorative headboards and gold-tone doorknobs. All rooms have coffeemakers, safes and marble bathrooms. They are very comfortable and family rooms are available.
It has a swimming pool, gym, luggage storage and 2 great restaurants
Book the Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection here
Budget hotels
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Orlando International Drive North
A great value option in Orlando, La Quinta Inn by Wyndham has spacious and comfortable rooms, a good breakfast, free parking, an on-site mini-market, vending machines and Portuguese-speaking staff.
Book La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Orlando International Drive North here
Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando
Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando features 3 on-site pools, free parking, restaurants, and a shuttle to Universal Studios. The rooms are a good size and comfortable, and are family-friendly. All rooms have a microwave, refrigerator, and coffeemaker, as well as coffee-making amenities.
The hotel has a games room, children’s playground and gym.
Book Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando here
Looking for more hotel options on International Drive? Click the link below and find the ideal hotel for you and your family!
See hotel options on International Drive here
Lake Buena Vista
You know those pictures of houses with lakes and trees around them? You can bet it’s in Lake Buena Vista. The region is actually another city right next to Orlando and the Disney complex. This means you’ll also be very close to Disney Springs, which has several restaurants and entertainment options. It’s a great area to stroll around after a day full of parks.
It’s a great option for those who want to visit Disney but don’t want to limit themselves to the parks. There, you’ll find hotels and rental homes at great prices.
In addition, Lake Buena Vista is home to the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets and The Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores , two great options for shopping in Orlando.
Where to stay in Lake Buena Vista:
- Fancy hotels: Four Seasons Resort Orlando , Waldorf Astoria Orlando , Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
- Good value hotels: Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista , Caribe Royale Orlando , Renaissance Orlando Resort and Spa , Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort Disney Springs
- Budget hotels: Holiday Inn Resort Orlando , Hyatt Place Orlando Lake Buena Vista , SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orlando
Fancy hotels
Four Seasons Resort Orlando
The Four Seasons Resort Orlando is a AAA Five Diamond hotel located in an intimate area that offers privacy to its guests. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and elegantly decorated. Family rooms are available.
The hotel features a luxurious spa, a water park, 6 restaurants including the Michelin-starred Capa Steakhouse, 3 Har-Tru tennis courts and a championship golf course designed by Tom Fazio. It also has concierge service and free luxury shuttle service to all 4 major Disney parks.
Book Four Seasons Resort Orlando here
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
The Waldorf Astoria Orlando is located right next to the Disney parks. The rooms are extremely comfortable and spacious. There are rooms for families. In some units, you can see the fireworks at the Disney parks from inside the room.
Guests of the hotel can enter Disney 30 minutes early and receive a free shuttle service. The Waldorf Astoria Orlando has a golf course, a kids club, 2 swimming pools, a wonderful spa, 11 restaurants and a bar.
Book the Waldorf Astoria Orlando here
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
The Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek has an excellent structure and is located next to the Walt Disney World Resort, in a nature reserve. It offers free shuttles to the parks. The rooms are large and very comfortable, with refrigerators, toiletries, coffee makers and include a safe with capacity for a laptop.
The hotel has a wonderful swimming pool with a current to relax in, a spa, a kids club, 12 restaurants and a partnership with the Waldorf Astoria Hotel that allows guests to enjoy the other hotel’s complex. The Signia has a Disney store with official merchandise and tickets to the theme parks.
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