Orlando is famous for its family-friendly experiences, but that doesn’t mean five-star isn’t in the cards. Here are the 5 best luxury hotels in Orlando, Florida.
Be sure to also read…
The Best Time of Year to Visit Orlando
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
One of the finest hotels in the state of Florida is The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. Marriott, owner of the Ritz-Carlton and other brands, have developed the Grande Lakes complex as the premier premium destination for visitors to the theme park capital of the world.
Sharing a complex with several other hotels benefits from a cross-utilization of resources. The entire complex can use the facilities, but only Ritz-Carlton members can use its fitness center and yoga rooms, its lounge, and other amenities.
What makes the Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes head and shoulders above other premium properties in the area is its stunning 40,000-square foot spa that it shares with the JW Marriott next door. Though the chain is part of the Marriott family, not all elite benefits are extended to Bonvoy members. However, Bonvoy members will earn and may burn their points for their stay.
JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
Sophisticated travelers recognize the JW Marriott brand as one of the top luxury hotels in Orlando, if not the world. The JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes caters to more than solely the caviar crowd with business and fitness centers, massive pools and restaurants that are premium but not out of reach.
Comfortable linens, spacious rooms, and deluxe furnishings send home the message of quality the hotel intends. As with the Ritz-Carlton of the same complex (featured above), one of the largest spas in the state with 40 private treatment rooms and over 160,000 square feet of meeting space, there’s no question that this property is a world unto itself.
Guests will find the JW’s distinguished service a bargain when compared to the Ritz-Carlton next door with rooms starting in the high $300s per night. Members of Marriott’s Bonvoy loyalty program can earn and spend points at the hotel. Elite members may be able to take advantage of 2 pm checkouts, complimentary breakfast, access to the lounge, and suite upgrades as available at check-in.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Just a two mile drive from Walt Disney World Resort, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando resides in the Bonnet Creek development. Paired with its Hilton Bonnet Creek partner next door, the Waldorf-Astoria shares a massive swimming complex complete with a lazy river, and a championship 18-hole golf course. Nightly, guest rooms that face Disney can witness the fireworks display.
On the topic of Disney, the Waldorf-Astoria and its Hilton sister hotel are both recognized as top luxury hotels in Orlando. As a result, staying at the Waldorf-Astoria means free transportation to any Disney Resort including the very nearby Disney Hollywood Studios in a private coach. The hotel also offers a concierge service that books theme park tickets for Disney and knows parks inside and out.
Nightly rates during the high season start at $590. All Hilton Honors members will earn points and status for their stay and can burn points for a free night, beginning at 80,000, nightly. Elite status members will enjoy the benefits of loyalty with complimentary breakfast, late checkout, and preferential rooms.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The pinnacle of the Walt Disney World Resort experience is Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Sitting on Lake Buena Vista with a perfect view of Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park. Modeled after Victorian properties that filled historical Florida at the turn of the century, its southern charm and ideal location is impossible to beat.
Guests of the Grand Floridian have the best view of nightly fireworks from Disney’s Magic Kingdom, boat access and monorail rides to the parks. Unlike the other properties which participate in the Disney Good Neighbor Hotel program, the Grand Floridian is a genuine Disney Resort.
Character breakfasts will keep kids engaged from the start of the day with Mickey, Minney, and others performing and meeting with families over pancakes and coffee. True Disney Resorts offer 60 days to select FastPass rides and also offer magic bands and Extra Magic Hours.
Compared to the other properties on this list, the Grand Floridian is not as luxurious, and often more expensive. However, for huge Disney fans, the extra benefits of location and genuine Disney Resort experiences may be a worthy justification for the property.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
Without a doubt, one of the most reputable luxury resort brands in the world is the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. The chain’s Orlando edition offers all of the hallmarks of the gilded experience the Four Seasons is known for, but with a Disney angle.
The Four Seasons pool complex has the resort feel that makes guests feel as though they are on an island in the lap of luxury. Poolside service, cabanas, premium beverages, and views for days makes this property so special. Kids are not an afterthought as they are in some luxury hotels. Zero-entry pools make it easy for children of all ages to play in the water, along with kids pools and water attractions as well as for adults-only and blended areas.
The Four Seasons is also a Disney Good Neighbor hotel with all of the benefits and privileges associated with it. We have covered that above, but principally, the most important element for most guests are access to FastPasses that allow families to secure access to their favorite Disney rides months in advance and access to Extra Magic Hours.
Without a doubt, the Four Seasons is the most luxurious resort with respect to proximity to the Disney parks.
The 5 Best Luxury Hotels in Orlando, Florida
The busiest hotel market in the country has often been Orlando. Visitors seeking a premium experience have plenty of choices amongst our list of the 5 best luxury hotels in Orlando, Florida.
What do you think? Would you add one to our list? Is there one that should be replaced?
© 2023 Suites & Lobbies. All Rights Reserved - Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Suites and Lobbies with appropriate and specific directions to the original content.