Best Luxury Hotels in International Drive, Orlando

Midway between Universal Studios and Disney World, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes is one of few five-pearl properties in Orlando. Its 582 rooms and suites are stylishly decorated and outfitted with luxe amenities, and the hotel is packed with great features. Families can take advantage of the gorgeous pool, outdoor kids' splash zone, and the Ritz Kids club, while couples and business travelers can check out the spa, modern fitness center, and 18-hole golf course. Four excellent dining options appeal to all kinds of travelers, and the adjoining JW Marriott’s amenities are free to use. The Ritz isn’t affiliated with any nearby theme parks, which may not be ideal for families. The Four Seasons Resort Orlando is located within Walt Disney World, and offers Disney related perks, but rates are pricier.  

Located next to the Orange County Convention Center, the Peabody's impressive array of services, beautiful interiors, and top-notch restaurants make it one of Orlando's classiest hotels. The hotel added a 32-story tower, a revamped pool complex, and a huge spa and fitness center as part of a massive expansion completed in 2010.

The Hilton Orlando is an enormous, 18-story business hotel located right by the Orange County Convention Center and across from SeaWorld. There are 1,417 rooms and suites in total here, all of which feature simple, contemporary furniture, safes, and mini-fridges. While rooms are pleasant, the real draw to this hotel are its myriad features, including multiple meeting rooms, two swimming pools (one for adults, one with a waterslide), a lazy river, a huge 24-hour fitness center, and a spa with a eucalyptus steam room. Dining options are equally abundant and include a steakhouse with private dining options, a sports grill, and a pool bar with meals and frozen cocktails. Travelers looking for something equally upscale and with a grotto-style pool, may want to also consider the Hyatt Regency Orlando nearby. 

An upscale resort that seamlessly blends business savvy with family-friendliness, the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes is a solid option for all kinds of Orlando travelers. Located midway between Disney World and Universal Studios, the JW Marriott appeals to families, and its massive lazy river pool is great for kids. With over 100,000 square feet of meeting space, the hotel also attracts business travelers, and is a popular spot for conventions. The nearly 1,000 guest rooms are tastefully decorated and include mini-fridges and flat-screen TVs. Varied dining options, Starbucks, a lovely spa, and an 18-hole golf course are other standout features, and guests are welcome to use all amenities at the adjoining Ritz Carlton. Expect to pay a resort fee and extra for parking. The Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is located within Walt Disney World, and offers Disney related perks, but rooms aren’t as upscale. 

The four-pearl Las Palmeras, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club caters equally to leisure and business travelers, and is located across from the Orange County Convention Center, just 10 minutes' drive from SeaWorld. All of its 315 spacious, modern rooms have private furnished balconies, kitchenettes, and furnishings that were updated in 2016. There's no spa, but the outdoor pool and hot tub are set in a pretty brick sundeck. Dining options are limited as there's just one restaurant serving Italian cuisine, but there are both a lobby and poolside bar. The resort and parking fees, plus the hotel's lack of a spa are notable downsides. Travelers looking for more amenities need not look farther than the nearby Hilton Orlando, though rates are a bit higher.