Are you in need of a bit of sunshine and fun? Well, Orlando is just the prescription you need to put a little happiness back into your life. Now that you’ve decided on Orlando, where to stay is the next big question.
Whether you are looking for waterparks, VIP cabanas, or a touch of luxury, Florida Hipster Blog has you covered.
No more mind-boggling scrolling!
I’ve gone ahead and uncovered all you need to know when trying to decide where to stay in Orlando. So, follow along and discover the top 10 hotels and resorts for all budgets here in The City Beautiful.
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Where to Stay in Orlando at a Glance:
- Universal Orlando Hard Rock Hotel: This is the place to go for old-school rock and roll vibes and good times, especially at their pool´s underwater sound system
- Cabana Bay Beach Resort: Classic Florida beach hotel theme with fun retro décor and budget-friendly
- Encore Resort at Reunion: The perfect balance of a luxury resort with all your favorite comforts for your dream vacation home near Disney World
- Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin Resort: Located in the heart of all the action at Walt Disney World it is just a fun boat ride away from Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Keep reading for the full guide on where to stay in Orlando for the most epic Florida vacation.
1. Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin Resort
Make all your childhood dreams come true by staying lakeside at one of the most magical places on Earth at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin.
It is literally right in the heart of it all, making it one of the top Orlando resorts to visit.
Why We Love Swan and Dolphin Resort as Where to Stay in Orlando
You can’t get any more convenient than being right between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studies and 20 minutes from Orlando International Airport.
No need to waste your time in traffic missing out on all the fun!
They offer a water taxi every 15 to 20 minutes to Disney´s Hollywood Studios or make your way over to EPCOT if you don´t want to put on the extra steps walking over. Or you can even hop on the free bus that takes you over to the theme parks stress-free.
That is if you can pull yourself away from this incredibly beautiful place to stay in Orlando! With over 25 restaurants and lounges, incredible spa treatments at Mandara Spa, and poolside cabanas, there is so much to do on-site at the Swan and Dolphin Resort in Orlando.
If you book your stay during the fall, you will get the chance to visit the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Festival. Just be sure to book your stay early enough, it is a popular thing to do in Orlando for couples who want to avoid the peak holiday seasons and festivals for foodies.
Pricing and Amenities:
- Average $250 per night with a $45 resort fee and $36 daily parking fee
- Free transportation on the Friendship Boat to Epcot and Disney World Studies
- A free bus shuttle to all Walt Disney World Parks and attractions
- Access to the 24-hour Health Club
- White Sand beach
- Mandara spa on-site
- Full-service hair and nail salon
- Private poolside cabana rentals
- On-site Disney planning centers
- Games room
- Jogging trails
- Camp Dolphin for children ages 5 through 12
- Access to Disney Golf
- Grotto pool with tropical waterfalls and a water slide
- Spring pool, lap pool, relaxation pool, kiddie pool, whirlpool, poolside restaurants
- Self-parking and valet parking
Address: 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
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2. Signia by Hilton
With Hilton in its name, you know it can have only the best. Signia by Hilton’s 482-acre nature preserve property stands out from all the rest.
The poolside tropical paradise will have you forgetting why you even came to Orlando in the first place!
If you want to float all your worries away, you may just spend most of your day winding through their famous 3-acre lazy river.
With private luxurious cabanas, three pools to escape into, massages, and serenity, you may not even realize the airport is only 30 minutes away.
Why We Love Signia by Hilton as Where to Stay in Orlando
There is always something going on at this hotel in Orlando and one of my favorite is their curated dining experience.
The Bonnet Creek Epicurious Progressive Dinner Tour gives you exclusive access to chef-curated menus from some of the finest restaurants of the Hilton Signia Hotel and Waldorf Astoria at Walt Disney World.
It is a gastronomic adventure that spans four hours and includes seven delicious stops.
If it’s not the season for this epicurean journey don´t worry they have lots more great activities.
The resort is packed with fun things to do on-site!
Try out the Scuba Academy, sunset movies at the pool, poolside s´mores, a chance to improve your golf skills at the Waldorf Golf Academy, and plenty more.
Plus they offer pet-friendly rooms so no one in the family has to miss out on your Orlando vacation.
Pricing and Amenities:
- Standard rooms start at $287 with a $50 resort fee and $36 for parking, daily
- Access to Waldorf Astoria Golf Club practice facility
- Fitness center
- Free golf club rental after 2 p.m.
- 20% off spa treatments
- Shuttle services to the theme parks
- Children 5 and under have breakfast for free at Harvest Bistro
- Children 12 and under receive complimentary kids’ dinner with an adult entrée also at Harvest Bistro.
Address: 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Ln, Orlando, FL 32821
3. Encore Resort at Reunion
If you are looking for the ultimate stay then look no further than Encore Resort at Reunion right in Disney’s Maingate West Area.
It’s a vacation adventure with the luxurious comforts you seek for a well-deserved time away — including themed villas!
With over 800 different resort homes to choose from it can be as extravagant as you want it to be.
In-home catering and bartending, personalized itineraries, VIP cabanas and seating, and monthly resort activities are available. Everything is all taken care of for you, including the surprisingly free supervised childcare.
Why We Love Encore Resort at Reunion as Where to Stay in Orlando
There is wet and wild fun for everyone!
Guests get exclusive access to their 10-acre Encore Resort water park with a 60-foot tower for the daring and a surfing safari splash area for the little ones.
If you did want to explore more away from your luxury vacation home then you have so many options nearby.
You have Island H20 Water Park, Orlando Tree Trek Adventure, Celebration Town Center, Disney Springs, and Promenade at Sunset Walk all less than 10 miles away.
Don’t forget to check out their Epic Getaway Package for all the perks.
Pricing and Amenities:
- Average $312 per night with a $40 resort fee ( Resort fee does vary depending on your vacation rental home so be sure to confirm this at the time of booking)
- Parking included
- Cooked-to-order breakfast daily for a fee
- Free children’s club and supervised childcare
- Complimentary theme park shuttle
- Free waterpark access
- Pet friendly with a fee of $40 per pet per day
Address: 7635 Fairfax Dr, Reunion, FL 34747
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4. Disney’s Riviera Resort
The elegance of the French Riviera is right here in Orlando without any jet lag side effects.
Disney’s Riviera Resort brings Europe right here to you.
Why We Love Disney’s Riviera Resort as Where to Stay in Orlando
Seeing the magic of the nightly fireworks from Topolino’s Terrace could possibly make this one of the best Orlando resorts.
Imagine not having to wade through the crowds after the show…priceless. But shhh…don’t let the secret out.
The Parisian-style cafes and rooftop dining, along with a gondola sailing you across the water like a bird to the theme parks, make this spot worth the visit.
I guess you will just have to go and find out for yourself what all the hype is about!
Pricing and Amenities:
- Average $500 a night plus $39 per night for valet parking
- Free theme park shuttle
- Disney Skyliner access
- Three pools
- Movies Under the Stars at the pool
- Daily kids activities
- Fitness center
Address: 1080 Esplanade Ave, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
5. Universal Orlando Hard Rock Hotel
There are endless Orlando hotels but Universal Orlando Hard Rock Hotel treats you like a star.
Enjoy the underwater sound system in the pool, lounge on the sandy beach, or rest in the cabanas at the crystal-clear waters. It’s a rock star’s paradise.
Why We Love Orlando Hard Rock Hotel as Where to Stay in Orlando
Orlando’s International Premium Outlets are only 2.4 miles away. It’s just a 5-minute walk to Universal.
But to be honest, the best could be the complimentary Universal Express passes as part of the resort benefit. Skipping the lines is by far one of the biggest perks!
With suites as large as 2,000 square feet there is more than enough room for everyone in your group. Be sure to check out The Kitchen, I love the brunch with bottomless mimosas, it is absolutely a vacation must.
Pricing and Amenities:
- Average $424 a night with $28 daily parking fee
- Two hot tubs
- 12,000 square foot pool
- Waterslide, kids pool, and activities
- Fitness center
- Cabana rentals
- Complimentary Universal Express passes
Address: 5800 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
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6. Waldorf Astoria Orlando
The Waldorf Astoria Orlando is an experience.
It’s much more than a night’s stay — it’s a way of life.
After a day of adventuring in the theme parks, you can find your way back to this luxurious oasis.
Whether you enjoy a meal, retreat to the spa, or dream by the pool, it’s an escape into paradise.
Why We Love Waldorf Astoria Orlando as Where to Stay in Orlando
This luxurious resort in Orlando has 502 rooms throughout so there is no doubt that you can find your perfect paradise right at this hotel in Orlando.
Lined with palm trees, a poolside bar, and loungers, it is decadent and fabulous.
But what is iconic is seeing the sky light up like the 4th of July while soaking in the pool or getting cozy in the chairs.
Pricing and Amenities:
- Average $277 per night with resort fee of $50 and $52 valet parking fee
- Poolside cabanas
- Golf course
- Driving range
- Fitness center
- Spa
- Health club
- Free shuttle service to theme parks
- 20% discount on spa treatments
- Golf club pro shop
Address: 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Ln, Orlando, FL 32821
7. JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
From upscale to modern, the Marriott always delivers something that is just right for everyone. The JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes is no exception!
The rooms are residentially inspired to make it feel like a home away from home. But it adds a side of luxury with featherbeds, marble bathrooms, and oversized bathtubs to retreat into.
Why We Love JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes as Where to Stay in Orlando
The sprawling, unparalleled views that you can’t put a price on are one of the top reasons I love JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes.
From the twinkling lights of the skyline to panoramic views of the gardens and golf course, it’s an oasis right here in Central Florida.
Recently undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation this hotel in Orlando is refreshed and ready for your next vacation in Florida.
Pricing and Amenities:
- Average $247 per night with $53 resort fee and $36 daily parking fee
- Free fitness classes
- Golf course
- Shuttle to theme parks
- Spa
- Playgrounds
- Pool complex
- Waterpark with a splash cove, sanctuary
- 670,000-gallon Lazy River
- 1,000 square-foot playground
- Mountain bike rentals
- Oasis VIP firepit lounge
Address: 4040 Central Florida Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32837
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8. Universal Orlando Cabana Bay Beach Resort
Go back in time and relive the days of yesteryear! It is time to let loose and have a little good old-fashioned fun.
If you are a fan of 1950s-themed décor then this is where to stay in Orlando. With its vintage theme, you will feel like you are taken back to the classic Florida beach hotels of the 1950s and 1960s with their bold colors and quirky shapes.
Universal Orlando’s Cabana Beach Bay Resort is retro and just simply put, feels good. You can’t help but be happy here!
Why We Love Universal Orlando Cabana Bay Beach Resort as Where to Stay in Orlando
Cabana Bay Beach Resort is ranked as one of Universal’s Prime Value category hotels so if you’re looking to visit Universal Orlando on a budget, then this Orlando hotel is the perfect choice.
Up to one hour early park admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort gives you a huge head start on the crowds.
But it may be hard to leave this hotel in Orlando it has many fun activities right on site.
The arcade room is fully equipped with modern games, there’s a 10-lane bowling alley, you can watch in the movie theater located at the end of the Bayliner Diner, and some days you can even sit on the lawn by the pool to watch a movie.
One of my favorite things to do at this hotel in Orlando is to buy a s’mores kit and gather the family around the fire pit outside the diner to make s’ mores.
It’s a great vacation destination for many visitors to the Universal Orlando theme parks for both solo travelers and family travelers and even those looking for a staycation in Orlando with its beautiful retro décor and budget-friendliness
Pricing and Amenities:
- Average $150 per night with $21 daily parking fee
- Two pools
- Waterslide
- Lazy river
- Theme park shuttles
- Early park entry
- Suites with kitchenettes
- Bathrooms with both bathtubs and showers
- Bowling alley
- Fitness center
- Spa
- Game room
Address: 6550 Adventure Way, Orlando, FL 32819
9. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is synonymous with luxury.
So of course, combine that with the magic of Disney and you have a recipe for perfection.
There’s an adults-only pool for romance, kids-themed activities for the family, an 18-hole golf course, and plunging water slides for the outdoor lover.
It seems they have covered it all.
Why We Love Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort as Where to Stay in Orlando
Yes, it has plenty of all the good stuff adults need to retreat and unwind but they don’t leave the kids out.
A breakfast buffet with Goofy and a prince and princess dress-up package at the spa helps make it one of the best kid-friendly Orlando hotels.
Pricing and Amenities:
- Average $907 per night with $42 valet parking
- Complimentary meal for age 5 and under with purchase of an adult meal
- Lazy river
- Waterslides
- Three pools
- Golf course
- Free shuttle to theme parks
- Spa
- Outdoor tennis court
- Sauna
Address: 10100 Dream Tree Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836
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10. Melia Orlando Celebration
Luxury style but at reasonable and affordable prices. Now I have your attention! Melia Orlando Celebration has received TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice designation for two years consecutively.
Near Old Town and in the heart of Celebration, this is the place to stay if you want to do a bit of shopping. Be sure to make time for the continental breakfast before you venture out.
Why We Love Melia Orlando Celebration as Where to Stay in Orlando
This dog-friendly hotel lets you bring your furry babies along with you, however, there is a fee.
As a bonus, though, they even have a dog park, so they too can enjoy the fun.
Pricing and Amenities:
- Average $91 per night with $32 resort fee and complimentary self-parking
- Continental breakfast
- On-site laundry
- Pet-friendly
- Theme park shuttles
- Fitness center
- Spa
- 360-degree vanishing edge pool
- Electric scooters
Address: 225 Celebration Pl, Celebration, FL 34747
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Orlando, Florida
So, there you have it — the best list of where to stay in Orlando, whether you are looking for premium overnight stays, retro days, or rock ‘n’ roll nights.
Vacations are meant to bring good vibes and happiness, especially when visiting a legendary playground of theme parks and magic. So don’t stress!
Each one of these Orlando resorts and hotels is close to the theme parks, airport, good eats, and most of all, the ultimate place for fun.
Don’t forget to let us know which one you decided to stay at!
Until next time, Happy Florida Travels Hipster!
About the Author
My name is NikkyJ. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves exploring all the hidden gems of Florida!
I was born and raised in Leesburg, Florida which attributes to my passion about for this amazing state.
I want to show you how you can create your own memories while discovering the Sunshine State!
Connect with me on Instagram!
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(Original Article Date: September 5, 2022/Updated by Editor on February 29, 2024)