Orlando Resort Hotels

First let's start with the Waldorf Astoria Orlando. There are so many different trips that could bring you to the second Waldorf Astoria built in the world after New York. If you are a family looking to visit Disney World at a more elevated hotel, this is a great option. They have a free shuttle that goes to the Disney parks, as well as Disney Springs which is 7 minutes away. (For those who don't know, Disney Springs is a free Disney-themed shopping center with fun shops, restaurants, games, and activities). The best perk is getting 1 hour early access to the Disney parks when you stay at the hotel. That's a huge plus to avoid the hectic crowds. There is also an extensive kids club for the non-Disney days that operates daily and weekend evenings. They have babysitting services but the kids club is free to any child accompanied by an adult with great events like a kids movie night at the pool. The sister hotel next door, Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, has a lazy river for kids and adults alike to enjoy! Signia is also a great option for something a little less elevated but at a more affordable price point.

If you are on an adults vacation, the spa is very appealing. There are 22 treatment rooms with lounges, showers, jacuzzi, and steam room. Treatments they have available are massages, facials, hair salon, nail appointments, and even time in the salt room! There are 12 dining options at Waldorf Astoria Orlando which include a high-end steak house, Asian fusion, Italian, and more that can be charged back to the room at either Hilton hotel you are staying at.

This summer they were going through a renovation that gives a new, modern look to all the rooms. With some bigger room and suite options, I think this could even be a great bachelorette party destination! A day at Disney, a day at the spa, maybe even a ride down the lazy river, or vibing out at the pool's cabannas! Peak season here is October, Christmas/NYE time, and Spring Break, so if you're looking to visit then when the kids are out of school or to escape the cold at home, book early!

For the next Orlando resort hotel, we have Loews Portofino Bay Hotel At Universal Orlando. This hotel is perfect for anyone visiting Universal Studios since it is the closest hotel to the park, actually residing on Universal Studios property. The hotel comes with the following perks exclusively for their guests:

FREE* Universal Express Unlimited ride access to SKIP THE REGULAR LINES in Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure all day, a benefit worth up to $129 per person, per day. (valid theme park admission required, not valid at Universal’s Volcano Bay.
Select hotels only).
• Complimentary transportation to all three theme parks and Universal CityWalk.
• Early Park Admission to Universal’s Islands of Adventure or Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Volcano Bay up to one hour before the theme parks open. (Valid theme park admission required; select attractions.)
• Resort-wide charging privileges with room key card.
• Complimentary delivery of merchandise purchased
throughout the resort to your hotel.

The transportation to the parks is actually a cute gondola you can take right outside, but it is also close enough to walk. The concept of this resort is to recreate the Italian village of Portofino, so you don't feel like you're in the U.S. anymore. Walking around is an activity in itself, seeing all the themed shops and restaurants, live music in the piazza, and umbrellas covering those dining al fresco. It transports you to a romantic place in Italy. There is a family pool and adults pool to suit everyone's needs. I had the pleasure of seeing a suite well suited for a family with a full fridge, kitchenette, dining room, patio space, multiple bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, and even a murphy bed for extra guests.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel At Universal Orlando has similar peak times to Waldorf Astoria, including October when Universal goes all out for Halloween with Horror Nights, which I received overwhelming recommendations for!

Between these Orlando resort hotels, you can find your place for a bachelorette party, a family spring break, a romantic mini-moon, or anyone visiting Disney World or Universal Studios. I have you covered in Orlando, so reach out ASAP!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Orlando. In need of further inspiration? Check out Tanail Canty‘s guide, 5-Day Universal Studios Itinerary: Best Food, Hotels & More.