Las Palmeras by Hilton Grand Vacations

Formerly the The Westin Orlando Universal Boulevard, the hotel changed hands in 2016 to become the Las Palmeras, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club with a repainted exterior and updated rooms (plus a renovated pool area set to follow in 2017). Public spaces and rooms mostly lean heavily on a neutral-tone palette, with elegant decor accents. The airy lobby has thick wooden columns, a couple of contemporary seating arrangements, and lots of open space around the front desk. Fiorella's restaurant has a similar color scheme, but adds a few bright colors of art on the walls, and it has outdoor seating arranged around fire pits. Once a more prominent business hotel, the guests are now a mix of tourists and convention center visitors, thanks to the on-site pool and free shuttles to theme parks. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and quiet.

The hotel is situated across from the North/South Concourse of the massive Orange County Convention Center on Universal Boulevard. Universal Boulevard runs parallel with International Drive, a 14.5-mile road parallel to Interstate 4 that's packed with hotels, strip malls, outlet shops, and restaurants. There are no notable tourist attractions within walking distance, but both SeaWorld and Universal Studios are about a 10-minute drive. Downtown Disney is about 20 minutes away by car or the hotel's free shuttle. Downtown Orlando is also about a 20-minute drive, with a notable dining and nightlife scene along Orange Avenue. Expect a 20-minute drive to Orlando International Airport. Self and valet parking are available for a pricey fee.

The hotel's 315 studios, and one- and two-bedroom suites are some of the largest rooms in the immediate area, and were updated with contemporary furnishings in 2016. The upscale neutral-tone design features wood floors, dark wooden furniture, and beige or white seating. Pops of color come from pretty blue-and-green artwork. All rooms come equipped with private furnished balconies and sitting areas with tables. Studios have kitchenettes stocked with dishes, mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers. Suites add separate living areas with sofa beds and kitchenettes stocked with dishwashers, full-size refrigerators, and two-burner stovetops. They also have two flat-screen TVs (55-inch in the living rooms and 50-inch in the bedroom), versus just one in Studios. Two-bedroom suites have two bathrooms, and some add full kitchens. Bathrooms have walk-in showers, Peter Thomas Roth toiletries, and hairdryers.

Though not extensive on child-friendly facilities and lacking a spa, Las Palmeras has a lovely brick sundeck featuring a freeform pool and adjacent hot tub. They're surrounded by manicured lawns with plenty of comfortable loungers and umbrellas, plus there are a ping-pong table, cornhole game, and some covered seating along with a poolside bar. Inside, the lobby bar functions as a coffee spot serving Starbucks in the morning and afternoon, before transitioning into a cocktail bar in the evenings. Fiorella's is the sole restaurant, with a focus on Tuscan cuisine and a matching wine list. It also has seating on a nice outdoor terrace with gas fire pits. The bright fitness center has big windows looking out onto the pool, as well as modern cardio machines, free weights, and a weight trainer. A meeting room can accommodate 105 guests and a business corner has a pair of computers and a printer. The hotel operates daily shuttles to the big theme parks (such as Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios), but not to the airport. The resort fee covers Wi-Fi throughout and use of amenities.