Embassy Suites By Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Resort

The Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando/Lake Buena Vista Resort is a little like a landlocked cruise ship, without the ocean. There are activities galore for the families that stay here, and a full-time entertainment staff to keep things lively. The decor features plenty of primary colors and Disney-themed features, and the grounds bustle with activity and noise, including kids playing games and splashing in the water park. The resort never transcends the chain hotel feel, though, and there is more concrete than landscaping, and no real character (except Disney characters). Extras, like furnished poolside cabanas with TVs, or the outdoor spa cabana, are tempting enough that guests might want to spring for them. The hotel is built around a central atrium filled with shops and seating. Each evening, there is a free guest reception with drinks and snacks in the atrium, just as families are returning from the parks. The spa resembles an ordinary beauty salon more than a Zen oasis. This clean, spacious resort offers enough to keep kids occupied as their weary parents relax after a theme park blitz at spots like the Poolside Bar and Grill, which stocks a refrigerator with Red Bull.

The Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando/Lake Buena Vista Resort is in a quiet area just off of Interstate 4, with plenty of restaurants, pharmacies, and grocery stores within a few minutes’ drive. There is a Winn-Dixie approximately a half mile away for guests who want to stock their kitchenettes. The resort is near Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and Wet n’ Wild, and runs a free shuttle to Epcot, from where guests can get to the other Disney theme parks. For business travelers, the Orange County Convention Center and Lockheed Martin are nearby, and there is a golf course within two miles. Orlando International Airport is a 20- to 25-minute drive from the hotel, depending on traffic.

Rooms at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando/Lake Buena Vista Resort are two-room suites, all the same size, with sofa beds and kitchenettes that include microwaves, mini-fridges, Keurig coffeemakers, and sinks. Rooms are pleasant, clean, and spacious, with dark furniture, white walls, and green striped carpeting, although the in-room vibe is a tad stiff for a family-oriented, Florida resort and lacks any local flair. Rooms come with one king or two queen beds with white linens and handsome dark wood statement headboards, while living rooms have light gray and green seating. Abstracted photos in soft hues make up the wall art. Bathrooms are large but not luxe, with shower/tub combos, toiletries, hairdryers, and ample granite counter space. The big difference among rooms is location. Pool-view rooms are more attractive, but they come with accompanying noise. Lanai Suites have views of the pool and the evening "dive-in" movies. Other rooms face the busy highway. Light sleepers may want to request interior rooms that overlook the atrium for the least amount of noise. In addition to kitchenettes, all rooms come with laptop safes, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi.

The Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando/Lake Buena Vista Resort features large indoor and outdoor pools plus a hot tub and kids' water park. The pool is surrounded by sunbeds and beach umbrellas but offers little to no natural shade. There are outdoor cabanas for rent, furnished with TVs and refrigerators, and at night the resort shows “dive-in" movies, which guests can watch from land or water. Other facilities include pool and Ping-Pong tables, a putting green, a tennis court, basketball, and beach volleyball. There is also a spacious, sunlit fitness center with cardio and weight machines, as well as free weights. The spa offers a full menu of massage as well as beauty treatments, hair styling, and mani-pedis. 

The Poolside Bar & Grille serves straightforward American plates with local twists like Gator Bites, and kids can play in the adjacent splash park pool. Breakfast at the hotel is free and cooked to order, although there can occasionally be extensive lines in the mornings. Other food options include a lobby Starbucks plus pizza and ice-cream shops as well as the The Gazebo Restaurant & Grille. The lobby convenience store and gift shop are bursting with Disney souvenirs.

The hotel runs a free shuttle to Epcot Center, from where guests can access the other areas of Disney World. There are fees for parking at the hotel, though Wi-Fi is free throughout (it can be spotty). The hotel has a laundry area and there are several computers for guests to use throughout the hotel as well as a proper business center.