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Whether you’re taking your family to Disney World for the first time or going with your friends, you want to make it a vacation to remember.
Choosing the right hotel or resort to stay in goes a long way toward making your Orlando vacation perfect. Fortunately for you, we created our site to help readers just like you. Read on to see our top picks and more!
Why You Should Visit Orlando
For most people, the answer to why you should visit Orlando is very simple — Walt Disney World. The world-famous theme park is one of the biggest entertainment complexes on the planet.
It contains four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom — two water parks, golf courses, a shopping center, and more.
Visitors to Walt Disney World can enjoy themed rides that are built around their favorite Disney movies and characters.
The park creates an immersive environment that really transports visitors to their favorite movies, with little details down to bench material and smells calculated with precision.
Some people come to the park and skip the rides altogether, spending their days interacting with characters, eating themed snacks, and visiting different pavilions in Epcot and other parks.
While most visitors to Orlando spend their entire time in Disney World, the city has plenty of other things to offer. Besides Disney World, Orlando is home to other theme parks such as Universal Orlando Resort and Sea World.
In the city, enjoy ICON Park, a newly opened edutainment center, excellent shopping, and more. Orlando is also a great base for exploring what makes Florida unique.
Science lovers should head to Kennedy Space Center, which is just a short drive away. You can also swim with manatees at Crystal River and explore Florida ecosystems at Blue Spring State Park.
Thanks to its status as a capital for family vacations, Orlando has many hotels for people with all budgets and needs. The hard part is not finding a hotel that is good but narrowing it down to the best ones.
The 15 Best Hotels in Orlando
Our travel experts have done the hard work for you; they’ve rounded up the best hotels in Orlando for all types of travel and budgets. Let us be your guide!
1. ette Luxury Hotel & Spa
- Location: Acadia Estates
- Average Price: $591 a night
At ette luxury hotel & spa, you’ll find the all-grown-up version of Orlando. Instead of slightly kitsch themes, the rooms are decorated in an ultramodern, chic style.
Shared amenities include a gorgeous outdoor pool, terrace, bar, and fitness center. Enjoy high-end cuisine at the in-house restaurant, and don’t worry about how you’ll get home — the hotel even covers a free airport shuttle.
2. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
- Location: Williamsburg, Orlando
- Average Price: $1,100 a night
Visitors to Orlando looking for luxury know to make a beeline for the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. The Ritz-Carlton is an all-inclusive resort with a golf course, spa, bike trail, pools, sports facilities, and so much more to keep guests occupied.
If you want to visit one of the theme parks, the resort arranges daily transfers to and from the parks. Every inch of the massive resort is kept in pristine condition, which wowed previous guests.
3. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
- Location: Walt Disney World
- Average Price: $2,000 a night
The Four Seasons Resort Orlando is another name that is synonymous with luxury. The resort is located within Walt Disney World itself, and it makes your theme park vacation easy with effortless access to all four parks and staff at the designated Disney Planning Center.
Of course, that’s only if you’re able to tear yourself away from the giant rooms, resort waterpark, adults-only infinity pool, golf course, and other attractions located on the Four Seasons Resort property itself.
4. Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lounge
- Location: Butler Chain of Lakes
- Average Price: $324 a night
The Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lounge is perfect for golfing fans, not just because it’s named after the famous golfer. The resort contains its own 27-hole championship golf course of a caliber that few other resorts have.
There’s also plenty to do for non-golfers, including playing tennis, working out in the gym or Junior Olympic-size pool, walking along the lake, or just relaxing in the spa. It is a great destination for couples and adults looking for a relaxing getaway.
5. Buena Vista Suites Orlando
- Location: Walt Disney World
- Average Price: $253 a night
The Buena Vista Suites Orlando is a great hotel to relax in after a long day exploring Walt Disney World. All guests stay in suites that contain a living room with a sofa bed, luxurious bathroom, and kitchen.
On-site amenities include a pool, tennis, and basketball courts. Of course, the main attraction is the resort’s close proximity to Disney World, and you can just hop on one of the scheduled transports and easily access the park.
6. JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa
- Location: Lake Buena Vista
- Average Price: $646 a night
JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa is a four-star hotel plush with amenities. Bask in the Florida sunshine at the pool, relax in the spacious rooms, or enjoy the delicious food at the hotel restaurants.
The JW Marriott knows that most people come to Orlando for the parks and offers shuttles to the Disney parks and Disney springs. Reviewers raved about the great service and the delicious breakfast.
7. Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport
- Location: Orlando International Airport
- Average Price: $431 a night
The Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport will spoil you for all airport hotels in the future. The plush amenities include spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and massage services.
It’s a great place to stay the night before a flight, especially since it has an airline ticket counter in the hotel itself. The hotel is also great for longer stays as it is close to local attractions, and excellent soundproofing means you sleep like a baby among the airplanes.
8. The Celeste Hotel, Orlando, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Location: Alafaya, Orlando
- Average Price: $390 a night
The Celeste Hotel in Orlando is a gorgeous 4-star hotel in the town of Orlando itself. Perfect if you want a grown-up retreat, amenities at the hotel include a pool, bar, on-site restaurant, and more.
The location is perfect if you have business in Orlando itself as it is close to the University of Central Florida campus. Reviewers also got a kick out of the space-themed décor, a nod to the nearby Kennedy Space Center.
9. Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando — Disney Springs Area
- Location: Lake Buena Vista
- Average Price: $253 a night
The Drury Plaza Hotel is 4-star hotel reviewers describe as “exceptional.” The towering hotel can house many guests, all of whom enjoy a great personalized experience thanks to the exceptional service from bilingual staff.
Outside of the fully equipped rooms, amenities include a business center, hot tub, and on-site restaurant. The location is close to the theme parks, making it easy to go on trips there.
10. Lake Nona Wave Hotel
- Location: Lake Nona Region
- Average Price: $325 a night
Funky Lake Nona Wave Hotel is the perfect place to stay for a quirky Orlando vacation. The second you see the wave-shaped building, you know you’re in for a treat.
Once you step inside, you’re greeted with colorful lobby décor, beautiful rooms, and even a sculpture garden.
Kick your feet up in a neon poolside cabana, have dinner at the upscale on-site restaurant, and finish the night at the on-site nightclub. Plus, all the charms of downtown Orlando are just minutes away.
11. Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando Flamingo Crossings
- Location: Flamingo Crossings Boulevard
- Average Price: $252 a night
The Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando Flamingo Crossings is a no-frills option for staying close to the park. The comfortable rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV, basic appliances, and private bathrooms.
Fuel up for the day with a free breakfast. If you’re staying with family and need last-minute necessities, stores such as Target are a short walk away, and Walt Disney World is a short drive away.
12. Cambria Hotel Orlando Airport
- Location: Crescent Park
- Average Price: $222 a night
If you have a late night or early morning flight, then the Cambria Hotel Orlando Airport is a comfortable, affordable choice. Rooms are crisp and modern, with private bathrooms and basic appliances.
The hotel provides a free shuttle service to help you get where you need to go. Plus, you can blow off steam in the fitness center or in the pool.
13. Hilton Garden Inn Apopka City Center
- Location: South Apopka
- Average Price: $172 a night
The always-reliable Hilton Garden Inn is located in the town of Apopka, close to Camping World Stadium. It offers comfortable, clean rooms with private baths complete with free toiletries.
Shared amenities include a pool with a terrace, a restaurant, and a bar. The location means that you get great amenities for lower prices than elsewhere in Orlando.
14. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orlando Lake Nona
- Location: Lake Nona
- Average Price: $179 a night
Marriott’s SpringHill Suites are close enough to the Orlando Airport to make this a convenient place to stay but far enough away that you’ll be immersed in Florida tranquility.
Take advantage of the hotel’s free bikes and outdoor pool to explore the surrounding nature. When you’re inside, rest up by watching cable TV in your air-conditioned room. The hotel is simple but will still feel like a home away from home.
15. Fairfield Inn & Suites at FLAMINGO CROSSINGS
- Location: Flamingo Crossings Boulevard
- Average Price: $201 a night
The Fairfield by Marriott Inn is a great option close to the Walt Disney World resort and other theme parks. While you’re at the hotel, make use of the outdoor swimming pool and private gym.
Even better? We love that they have free bikes to help you explore the surrounding area. Guests were fans of the convenient location, just a taxi ride away from Disney, and small touches like Mickey-themed waffles for breakfast.
Making the Most of Your Orlando Hotel Stay
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Many people save up their whole lives to be able to go to Orlando and Disney on vacation. Here are some tips to ensure you make the most out of your stay in Orlando.
Getting to the Hotel
Some resorts include airport shuttles with your reservation. For example, all guests at Disney resorts are eligible for the Magical Express shuttle from the Orlando Airport.
Even if your resort doesn’t offer shuttles, you can book a service such as SuperShuttle ahead of time. For getting to and from the hotel to theme parks such as Walt Disney, most high-end hotels offer shuttles included with reservations.
Crime and Safety
Walt Disney World is one of the safest places to vacation on the planet, as the people running the park leave nothing up to chance.
The city of Orlando itself does have a few more dangerous neighborhoods, but these are far away from the tourist attractions. Stick to the beaten path and don’t go exploring the city alone at night, and you should be fine.
Traveler Tips
Here are some quick tips to make the most of your Orlando vacation:
- The parks get busy, so make sure that you make reservations and book your tickets ahead of time. You don’t want to waste a day buying your passes or get turned away, disappointing your family.
- Some rides have waits of several hours, so be prepared to stand for a long time! Bring snacks and water.
- Walt Disney World may be the most magical place on Earth, but Orlando has other things to offer. Try to explore the city itself or check out some lesser-known theme parks like the quirky Gatorland.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Fellow hotel guests in Orlando also wanted to know the answers to these questions:
How much does Cabana Bay cost per night?
Universal’s Cabana Bay may not be the top-rated resort in Orlando, but it deserves an honorable mention on this list for being relatively affordable. It costs an average of $286 a night.
Is it cheaper to stay in Kissimmee or Orlando?
You may have noticed that even the budget options for Orlando are not exactly budget-friendly. Staying in neighboring Kissimmee can help you save money as hotel prices are much lower. Just remember you will be further away from the attractions.
How many days are enough in Orlando?
Unless you are a die-hard amusement park fan, then three days are enough for a vacation in Orlando. To save time, get multi-day passes such as the Universal Park-to-Park Pass to minimize how much time you spend in line.
Where should you stay in Orlando without a car?
Orlando is a pretty car-centric city, but you can vacation here without one. Make sure you pick a hotel that is close to where you need to go and splurge for one that offers shuttle services. Good options are any of the resorts in Walt Disney World or Drury Inn & Suites.
What is the nicest area in Orlando?
In the city of Orlando itself, the nicest area is Downtown. That is where most of the attractions are concentrated.
So What Is the Best Hotel in Orlando?
In Orlando, the best experience is definitely at an all-inclusive resort within one of the theme parks, such as the Four Seasons Resort Orlando. If that is not in your budget, choose a hotel in close proximity to the theme parks, such as one at Flamingo Crossings.
However, wherever you choose to stay, you can bet that there’s a top-rated hotel just around the corner. So what area you waiting for — book your trip today!