Orlando and Central Florida each are home to some of Florida’s top hotels and resorts. In no particular order, here’s a look at a few of Spike’s favorites.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World
AAA Five Diamond Resort is the best of all worlds. From its Tranquilo Golf Club, to lazy river to Michelin-Star Capa restaurant, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando is a magical kingdom unto itself. There’s plenty of Disney perks for guests, of course, including character breakfasts, and private character experiences.
Park View guest rooms and suites, each with balconies, are perfect for watching the nightly fireworks at the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge
Walk in the King’s footsteps in the place he called home for more than five decades. The Lodge’s halls are filled with photos and caricatures of Palmer throughout the years as the man who made golf cool for common folks. Lodge guests have playing privileges at the Challenger Course that annually hosts the PGA Tour’s Arnold Invitational. It’s a “must play’’ for any serious golfer.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando
Designed to mirror the seaside town of Portofino, Italy, the resort features a harbor surrounded by restaurants and shops. Guests can get an easy ride to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure via boat from the resort’s dock. Guests also get early admission to the two parks. Portofino Bay has some outstanding eateries, including Bice Ristorante for North Italian cuisine.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort
A landmark resort near the entrance to Disney Village, the resort has one of the top pool decks (complete with caves, water fallas and and a rope bridge) in all of Florida. The property also has three on-site restaurants, including the recently-added Four Flamingos, from celebrity Chef Richard Blais. In addiiton, resort guests have access to the two Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses at the nearby Evermore Resort, set to open in 2024.
Reunion Resort & Golf Club
Located just a few miles from the Disney World entrance, Reunion Resort & Golf Club is the only property in the world that’s home to golf courses designed by Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. Reunion offers a variety of suites, villas, and homes, there is something for families and groups of all sizes. In addition to golf, the resort’s amenities include seven pools, a water park, tennis, pickleball, and mini golf.
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
Four Diamond resort, only a few minutes west of the theme parks, features a pair of Greg Norman-designed golf courses, guest rooms, suites and villas, along with pools, a lazy river and a wave pool. It’s a popular destination for weddings, families and golf buddy trips. The resort plans to open a new guest room wing in Winter of 2023.
Ritz-Carlton, Grande Lakes
The property recently completed an extensive renovation to its guest suites, 14th floor club lounge and public areas. Located adjacent to the J.W. Marriott, Grande Lakes, the Ritz-Carlton has a Greg Norman-designed golf course, water park, spa, and a plethora of dining options, including the new Knife & Spoon steakhouse.
Lake Nona Wave Hotel
The “living room’’ to the 17-square mile Lake Nona community six miles from Orlando International Airport. The Wave is a one-of-a-kind property touted as the most technically advanced hotel in the U.S. How far advanced? The Wave features an outdoor skin called “View’’ smart windows that adjusts to the sun’s rays to keep the inner space cool. Basically, the Wave’s climate adjusts as the sun adjusts.
In addition, each of 234 guest rooms are are equipped with voice-automated controls and Toto smart toilets.
Feature Photo: Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World
Photo Credits: Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World; Loews Hotels and Resorts; Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort; Reunion Resort & Golf Club: Ritz-Carlton, Grande Lakes; Lake Nona Wave Hotel