Lake Buena Vista, United States
Great location a five- to 10-minute drive from Disney theme parks
Rooms are modern and spacious, with large TVs and mini-fridges
Four restaurants ranging from seafood to bar food plus a coffee shop
Room service available from early morning until late night
Large outdoor pool next to a small lake
Long list of pampering options at Blue Harmony Spa
A proper, window-lined gym with modern cardio and weight equipment
Spectacular meeting and convention space
Free shuttle to and from Disney World
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Nightly resort fee
Breakfast not included in most room rates
Parking subject to nightly fee
Some areas of hotel can get noisy
This large, four-pearl resort is an upscale option a five- to 10-minute drive from the Disney theme parks. The 400 rooms are spacious and modern, done in on-trend colors, and including enormous flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges. A few of the pricier suites feature balconies with nice views of a nearby lake. As a self-contained town of sorts, the resort has four restaurants, a coffee shop, a huge pool, spa, and a fitness center -- not to mention a free shuttle to Disney World. It's ideal for anyone looking for a high-end alternative to one of the nearby Disney resorts, though there's a resort fee per night and parking isn't free. Those seeking a bit more style and personality should consider the nearby, kid-friendly B Resort & Spa, which has lower rates.
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Scene
Spacious, classy hotel popular with families visiting nearby theme parks
This enormous, 14-floor hotel resembles a Las Vegas monolith but has no particular theme (a bit of a blessing in the theme-mad Disney area). Expect to see sharp interiors that include classy hooded lights and lots of handsome shades of off-white, warm wood, and deep blue. Ceilings are high and furniture has an elegant, almost Old World look, while eye-catching metal light fixtures and artsy treatments hang from the ceiling. A gray wall of rugged stone serves as the backdrop of the front desk and there are several comfortable armchairs throughout the lobby. Much of the activity takes place outdoors as well, especially around the large pool, where Disney’s fireworks are partially visible at night. The vibe here is definitely lively -- as it is at many of the resorts in the Lake Buena Vista area -- in part because of the sheer abundance of families with kids. Guests also include young couples, business travelers, and the occasional older couple.
Location
On a small lake a five- to 10-minute drive from the Disney parks
As part of the hotel-packed Lake Buena Vista area, this hotel doesn't have much of interest within an easy walk -- its neighbors are other hotels that overlook the small adjacent lake. The Waldorf Astoria
Golf Club is just across the street for golf enthusiasts. Walt Disney World Resort is a five-minute drive or shuttle ride away, while Epcot
Center is less than a 10-minute drive away. Orlando Premium Outlets -- with
numerous name-brand stores -- is less than a 15-minute drive away, and it's about 20 minutes by road to the touristy trappings around International Drive. Universal Studios is also about 20 minutes away. Orlando
International Airport will take 25 minutes to reach from the resort by car.
Rooms
Spacious, modern rooms, some with balconies overlooking the lake
There are a number of different types of rooms at this 400-room resort, but even the lower category rooms are spacious and modern. Furnishings are contemporary -- with dark wood dressers, mirror frames, headboards, and nightstands -- and colors are all on-trend shades of blue and gray. Framed prints of seaside landscapes hang on the pale blue walls, and blue-and-tan patterned carpets lie across the floors. Beds are made with white duvets and sit under exaggerated wooden headboards that make an eye-catching statement.All rooms include 40-inch flat-screen TVs, safes, air-conditioning, plush beds, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. Suites are well-suited to families and larger groups, with separate living areas that include coffee tables, armchairs, sofa beds, and wet bars. Family Rooms come with bunk beds built into wide hallways. Several rooms have balconies featuring nice views of the adjacent lake and the pool. Every room offers a thick bathrobe and slippers for guest use and bathrooms are equally sharp. They include black granite countertops, wood details, patterned wallpaper and gray tile floors. Suites have shower/tub combos, while other rooms have walk-in showers.
Features
Free shuttle to Disney, large fitness area, outdoor pool, and banquet space
Like any proper resort, there's a lot on offer at this massive property. Dining ranges from a coffee shop selling over-the-counter bagels and danishes to the elegant Blue Seafood Grill, which serves a full breakfast. The grill also offers an array of American fare for lunch and dinner, plus international dishes like fresh sushi and also has a large wine list. Buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner is served at the open and casual Tesoro Cove, while Bar 1521 is a classy place to grab a craft beer and a burger. Sandwiches and drinks are also served at the pool bar and room service is available from morning until night. Keep in mind that breakfast is not included in most room rates. The main pool is clover-shaped and spreads around a nicely manicured island of shrubs. The on-site spa offers numerous massage and beauty treatments with its own soaking pool and relaxing room, several massage rooms and a mani/pedi salon area. The hotel has a huge fitness room with plenty of stationary bikes, treadmills, and weight machines; the wall of windows mean that the space stays bright. Other features include a gift shop selling everything from drinks and snacks to sun hats and Disney souvenirs. Garage parking is available for a nightly fee, and the resort offers a free shuttle to and from Disney theme parks. Each stay is subject to a nightly resort fee, and pets are allowed for a small extra fee. There are expansive and attractive conference and meetings rooms on-site, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.
