The 12 best hotels in Orlando for 2025

In a city where everything is over the top, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes delivers its own kind of magic, whether you’re visiting the famous Mouse and chasing theme park thrills or not. Set on 500 lush acres with a string of 11 lakes, the resort’s secluded location is a refreshing pocket of peace amidst Orlando’s sensory overload. Its biggest draw? The natural surroundings: cypress trees, lakeside trails, plentiful wildlife and enough on-property adventures to challenge a day at the crowded parks. The Ritz-Carlton also shares its expansive grounds with the JW Marriott Orlando, giving Ritz guests exclusive access to additional restaurants and a water park. 

Thanks to its naturally wild setting—seriously, there’s a morning safari tour where you might spot alligators or even a bobcat—The Grande Lakes property surprises in the best way. It’s ideal for families craving posh digs and top-tier service with easy access to theme parks, as well as couples and friend groups looking for a relaxed getaway paired with Michelin-recognized restaurants, private poolside cabanas, and a massive spa. Outdoorsy types and parents of energetic kids will be in heaven, with non-stop activities like kayaking, mountain biking, fishing and even falconry. 

Echoing the resort’s tranquil backdrop, rooms and suites envelop guests in soothing neutral tones, cushy carpeting, and regal furnishings worthy of a Ritz stay. Gather on the room balcony at night to watch the theme parks light up the sky with fireworks, and if you’re visiting in the summer, the resort sets off an incredible display that rivals the parks on Saturday nights.  

Dine at the Michelin-recommended Knife & Spoon, where whip-smart service, a come-as-you-are vibe (read: resort casual is totally fine), and a menu grounded in dry-aged steaks, seafood and locally sourced produce, set the tone for a standout meal. Walk over to the JW Marriott for their Michelin-recommended Italian restaurant Primo—the stroll along the lake is gorgeous at sunset—where you’ll say “yes” to the bread service, any of the pizzas and the housemade pasta.  

With a complimentary daily shuttle to the theme parks and close proximity to shopping malls, sports arenas, and entertainment venues, the resort makes it easy to experience every side of Orlando. Yet, you might just find the best part of your trip is never leaving at all. 

Time Out tip: Upgrade to The Ritz-Carlton Club Level—and their newly refreshed Club Lounge is huge. Expect breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, and hearty hors d’oeuvres in the evenings, plus wine and bubbly available all day. Oh, and don’t sleep on the fresh-baked cookies and the irresistible candy bar. Sit outside on the balcony to take in the property’s views or cozy up by the faux fireplace in the back nook.

Address: The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, 4012 Central Florida Pkwy, Orlando, Florida 32837
Price per night: Average rates range between $499 - $3,999
Closest transport: Orlando International Airport, 15-minute drive

Some people only come to Orlando for the theme parks, but for those who crave something different—one rich in art, upscale independent shops, and quiet, natural landscapes—the swanky community of Winter Park is the kind of place where a well-heeled crowd hangs out.

At its heart stands The Alfond Inn, a refined boutique hotel that blends sophisticated hospitality with museum-quality contemporary art. Every gleaming corridor doubles as an art gallery, featuring ever-evolving pieces from The Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art, from the large-scale oil paintings and prints in the lobby to the mirrored geometric works through the atrium. With lush courtyards for sipping coffee or wine, a pampering spa, two pools, and an easy walk to Park Avenue’s best boutiques and cafés, you’ll forget about the madness of the theme parks just half an hour away.

This living art museum has more than 130 works in all mediums, including photography, video, sculpture, and motivating affirmations. You can also feel good about staying here: the hotel is owned by the nearby liberal arts school, Rollins College, and its net income goes directly to fund college scholarships—no other hotel in the world is set up this way. 

The hotel recently underwent a complete renovation, and every inch literally sparkles—like a real museum, it’s kept clean as a pin. Another major perk is its prime location, set within a residential neighborhood made for tranquil daily strolls. And pretty much year-round, there’s almost always a festival or event happening right in town.

Hamilton’s Kitchen is the hotel’s signature restaurant, and it’s all about Southern hospitality and cuisine. Start your morning with breakfast on the outdoor terrace, accompanied by the trickling sounds of the nearby fountain. At night, go for the cornbread made from the chef’s family recipe she grew up with and the daily fish. 

Arrive at the spa to slip into a plush navy robe and take advantage of the amenities, including a sauna, steam room, heated loungers, and an experience shower that hits and massages you from multiple angles. 

Time Out tip: Guests can even take part in 60-minute art tours on the first Wednesday of every month.

Address: The Alfond Inn 300 E. New England Park, Winter Park, FL 32789
Price per night: Off-season rates start at $269, with peak season rates starting at $469
Closest transport: Orlando International Airport, 45-minute drive.

If you don’t immediately whip out your phone to snap pics of the living room–style lobby of the Lake Nona Wave Hotel, then, honestly, you’re no fun. It’s hard to know where to look first—artwork climbs the bookshelf walls and whimsical touches abound, like a statue of an astronaut carrying an umbrella and a flipped-over couch that doubles as a chair. It’s a perfect intro to the hotel’s playful personality, with surprises at every turn.

Lake Nona Wave Hotel is truly off the beaten path, nestled among pastures and fields in the quickly-growing Lake Nona community, which is centered on technology and health innovation. The hotel mirrors this vibe, with guest rooms tricked out in high-tech features and access to a performance club that boasts all the latest gadgets for longevity and wellness.

This light-hearted hotel is the antithesis of a typical Orlando stay—one for the creatives, the tech savvy, wellness junkies, and those who don’t mind being 45-minutes from the theme parks. And who needs theme parks when your hotel is its own bundle of fun? The lobby is a true communal living room, where you’ll see kids and adults playing table games, friends sipping cocktails from the bar in private cubbies, and guests reading or hanging out on the stadium-style bleachers anchored by an Instagram-worthy flowering tree.

More than 500 pieces of art are sprinkled throughout the property, and one of the hotel’s best features is the sculpture garden, dotted with hulking art like Arturo di Modica’s renowned “Charging Bull” statue, also seen on Wall Street in New York City. The garden is also where you can join yoga in the mornings, watch a movie on the lawn, or take part in one of their seasonal pop-up bars.

The hotel also boasts two standout restaurants that draw a foodie-focused crowd from all over the state, plus nightlife options like the Champagne-fueled The Nectar Room.

Time Out tip: Don’t miss the rooftop pool is bright and playful, with turquoise palm tree sculptures and colorful cabanas that you can rent to escape the sun.

Address: Lake Nona Wave Hotel 6100 Wave Hotel Dr, Orlando, FL 32827
Price per night: Off-season rates start at $279, with peak season rates starting at $429
Closest transport: Orlando International Airport, 15-minute drive. 

Book at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando, and you’re not only in for an exceptional experience, but the Walt Disney magic will enhance your stay. Feel your eyes well up as kids rush towards Mickey Mouse at the character breakfast with Goofy and pals, and prepare to be in awe of the hospitality afforded to all guests, young and old alike. It’s a breath of fresh air to be in Orlando within proximity of the Disney chaos but still cocooned in a peaceful, relaxed environment.

This is the largest Four Seasons property in the portfolio in terms of acreage, which means there’s a lot of literal ground to cover on your visit. You’ll find golf (both a Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole course and a practice facility), tennis courts, basketball courts, a magnificent spa and salon, meeting rooms, as well as a grand ballroom, shops, kids’ clubs and several restaurants—including Michelin-starred Capa. 

There’s also a five-acre waterpark called Explorer Island, comprising waterslides, a splash pad, a shallow pool for kids, a lazy river, and interactive fountains. Somewhere in between the chaos of the kiddo area and the calm serenity of the adults-only pool is the family pool next to P&G restaurant, overlooking the lake. This is where you’ll find the dive-in movies on Thursdays and Saturdays. Watching The Lego Movie in the pool was another one of those surprisingly fun moments of the weekend.

The lake-view rooms overlook a calming scene and are an oasis in themselves: spacious and packed with amenities, like a Nespresso coffee machine, a mini fridge, and a giant bathroom (stocked with yummy Atelier Cologne products). 

Four Seasons Resort Orlando is located within Walt Disney World, and guests enjoy complimentary transportation to and from the parks and can enter 30 minutes before the general public. (What a flex!) There’s also a dedicated concierge on site to help you make sense of Disney’s idiosyncratic reservation and skip-the-line programs.

Time Out tip: Take advantage of Kids for All Seasons, the hotel’s day camp for children ages 4 to 12 that’s totally free for overnight guests. From 9am to 5pm, your little one can explore the pools, play video games, make arts and crafts, and participate in outdoor activities under the supervision of the hotel staff while you enjoy a few moments alone.

Address: 10100 Dream Tree Blvd, Golden Oak, FL 32836
Price: Rooms start from around $800 per night
Closest transport: Orlando International Airport, 39-minute drive

Since opening, the Grove Resort & Spa on Lake Austin has been making a splash—literally, and figuratively—in the Orlando hotel market. Right in the center of Orlando, the 106-acre tropical resort is a portal into the Walt Disney World Theme Parks. If you’ve already booked your Disney adventure and want maximum fun, this resort gives you access to non-stop fun and endless amenities, both at the resort and in the city of Orlando.

Stay here and you’ll have easy access to Orlando’s famous water parks and attractions, thanks to the free daily transportation to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld from the hotel. Hit up the water park for guaranteed fun. The Surfari Water Park features high-tech surf simulators in the country, dual water slides, a 695-foot lazy river, kids’ activities pool, a zero-entry pool and—best of all—it’s entirely free to access for hotel guests. If you’d rather watch the action from afar, there are also cabanas where you can sit in comfort while the rest of your group splashes about in the pool. For even more tranquility, adults can escape to The Springs Pools for a quiet swim, poolside cocktails and lots of relaxation.

Look out for a range of special events on the property too, from themed dinners and DJ-sets to kid-friendly pool parties and workshops. Anyone wanting to seek out a bit of nature can head to the nearby Lake Austin for watersports and to soak up the charm of the beautiful expanse of water. 

Inside, the all-suite property oozes casual chic with dark wood furniture, cool grey walls and blue accents: each suite features stainless-steel appliances, a full-sized washer and dryer, and screened balconies, which means it’s perfect for families who are traveling with lots of luggage and laundry to get through each day. 

Time Out tip: After a more adult vibe? The Terraces at The Grove—an upscale and exclusive hotel on The Grove Resort & Water Park’s campus—is a peaceful escape away from the crowds. 

Address: 14501 Grove Resort Ave, Winter Garden, FL 34787
Price: Rooms start from around $249 per night, with free waterpark entry
Closest transport: Orlando International Airport, 33-minute drive away

Staying at the Hard Rock Hotel Orlando means becoming part of the Hard Rock brand’s storied history. The first Hard Rock Cafe originally opened in 1971 in an old Rolls-Royce dealership and filled it with a rock ‘n’ roll atmosphere that attracted regulars like Eric Clapton and Pete Townshend. That feel lives on today in its huge global collection of cafes, casinos and hotels—especially at this Floridian outpost. 

The good times roll at the Hard Rock Hotel Orlando, which has a casual coolness that caters to a younger, energetic clientele. Take the rooms, for instance: they come with spunky checkered curtains and vinyl decor punched up with message pillows and popcorn tray delivery. Club Level rooms give exclusive access to the Rock Royalty lounge, and the sprawling suites tone down the funkiness for a more refined, VIP feel (The Graceland Suite flaunts a Baby Grand Piano and an oversized tub). 

In fact, everything about this hotel feels show-stopping, especially the epic 12,000 square-foot, palm tree-lined pool where you can chill out on a cabana, listen to music underwater and even slip down a giant waterslide. There are also two hot tubs, a sand volleyball court, interactive fountains, and a play area for children. And because it’s the Hard Rock, guests can browse a menu of 20 different lender Fender® guitars and have them delivered to their rooms, or order a Record Player to listen to a specially-curated playlist. 

Grab a bite at one of the five food and beverage outlets, which range from New American cuisine and comfort food at The Kitchen; beef, lobster and Italian specialty dishes at the Palm Restaurant to light snacks and beachside cocktails at Beach Club. While the Hard Rock Cafe Orlando is just a short walk away, where a ‘Coliseum of Rock’ holds more pieces of rock’n’roll memorabilia than any other location. This one's a destination in itself.

Time Out tip: Make the most of the themepark benefits staying at the Hard Rock Hotel Orlando gets you, including unlimited ride access at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure, so you can skip the queues and early entry to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and Universal Volcano Bay. 

Address: 5800 Universal Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32819
Price: Rooms start at around $710.45 per night
Closest transport: Orlando International Airport, 22-minute drive away

Waldorf Astoria Orlando does sophistication without getting overly stuffy: with exceptional service standards and an emphasis on dining, the Waldorf Astoria is best for those with refined palates. There are 12 food and beverage options boasting signature selections like the Peacock Egg—made with lavender Syrup, Blue Curacao, lemonade and gin over an egg-shaped cube—and the Scotch & Cigar menu. The Suite Life Private Dining Experience brings the award-winning plates and wines from Bull & Bear to your room, and local concierge specialists can ensure your favorite treats are stocked in the room before your arrival. 

When you’re not eating, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy. There are two on-site pools, both have attentive poolside attendants who can ferry food and drinks from the pool bar and grill, Aquamarine. There’s a Jacuzzi for lounging, a zero-entry pool for kids, and for the ultimate day of relaxation, treat yourself to a private cabana which comes with complimentary soft drinks, fruit platters and a TV screen. The hotel is also home to an 18-hole championship golf course where towering cypress trees line the fairways, and a spa which uses products with locally sourced ingredients for its program of massages, facials, Normatec leg recovery and Himalayan salt therapy.  

The guest rooms and suites have an air of sophisticated luxury, done out in soft greys with crisp, white bedding and Mid-Century Modern-style furniture. Each one features an Italian marble bathroom with a glass shower, separate soaking tub and sweet-smelling Aesop bath products, a workspace and plush cotton bathrobes and slippers. The suites take the luxury one step further, with more space, expansive views over the surrounding landscape and special touches like daily housekeeping and a wine refrigerator. 

If you’re here for Disney, the hotel has you covered on that front too, with early entry to Walt Disney World for guests every day, daily transportation to the parks, and guests can even request Disney View guest rooms to watch the park’s nightly firework shows from their balcony. 

Time Out tip: Want to bring your pet along? Dogs are welcome here, if not encouraged. You can even book a pampered pet package, which comes with stylish treats for your dog. 

Address: 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando, FL 32821
Price: Rooms start at $953 per night, while suites begin at $1,039 per night
Closest transport: Orlando International Airport, 24-minute drive

The Omni at ChampionsGate has been an Orlando staple since 2004, but since then, Omni has debuted Orlando’s only wave pool and has added over a dozen new cabanas to the property’s existing 850-foot lazy river and kids waterslides. Sprawled across 800 sprawling acres of lush greenery dotted with palms and lakes of sparkling water, the four Diamond-rated resort is packed full of things to do, while also being a haven to reset away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks. 

Take your pick from two Greg Norman-designed championship golf courses, tennis and pickleball courts, a Toptracer range, and numerous activities, from bass fishing, a video games arcade, and a daily firepit where you can toast S’mores in the evenings. There’s also an on-site spa offering everything from facials and massages to manicures and pedicures, which you can enhance with a dip in the resort’s adult-only heated pool or by stopping by the full-service fitness center. 

Inside, the 1,005 guest rooms are light, breezy retreats with soft lighting, striking furnishings, walls dressed with modern art, bathrooms with a soaking tub, and views overlooking the resort entrance. Suites come with extra space, as well as a private dining area, double sinks and balcony views over the resort. Or, opt for a villa which comes with two to three bedrooms and a kitchenette for the ultimate private retreat. 

When it comes to dining, you’ve got plenty of options. There are no fewer than 10 premium restaurants on-site offering a smorgasbord of cuisines. Head to Zen for authentic Chinese dishes as well as an intimate sushi and sake bar; Trevi’s serves up Italian classics and also has a terrace where you can eat light bites and sip sangria on warm evenings; David’s Club is a luxury sports var and grill cooking prime steak dishes, while the Piper’s Grille and ChampionsGate Lounge serves healthy and hearty breakfasts, as well as sandwiches and salads at lunch. In the evenings, hit up the lobby bar for a hand-crafted cocktail or a refreshing glass of vino. 

Time Out tip: For the health-conscious, the rooms and suites in the hotel’s Sunset Lodge have a state-of-the-art fitness center, exclusive pool access, as well as rooms with yoga mats, weighted blankets, lavender pillow spray, and access to an all-day hydration station. 

Address: 1500 Masters Boulevard, ChampionsGate, Florida, 33896
Price: Rooms start from approximately $290 per night
Closest transport: Orlando International Airport, 28-minute drive

The picturesque edifices of the Italian Riviera land stateside at the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. While the crystal blue Mediterranean waters are missed, the red, orange, and peach hotel still makes heads turn. The Portofino Bay Hotel features replicas of Italy’s stone streets and quaint town square, actual Cypress trees, a sparkling harbor, and even a Musica della Notte show, which sees the hotel’s Harbor Piazza come alive with classic opera and festive music every night at sunset. 

There are three themed swimming pools to pick from, the Beach Pool is ideal for families and is equipped with a Roman aqueduct-themed water slide, a sandy beach and an adjacent children’s pool, two hot tubs, and colorful beach cabanas. Meanwhile, the Villa Pool is a place to escape with private cabana rentals and upgraded lounge chairs and the Hillside Pool is a quiet place for relaxing by the water. There are plenty of poolside activities to get involved with, too, from ping pong tournaments to pool basketball. You can even try your hand at Bocce, one of the world’s oldest lawn bowling games. 

Inside, the newly-renovated 750 guestrooms and 45 suites keep up the Mediterranean feel but swap the sun tones found outside for cool blues, seafoam greens, and off-whites reflective of the Amalfi coast, and bathrooms lined with terracotta tiles. Each room comes with 100% cotton sheets, an in-room Keurig coffeemaker and beautiful views over the mock-Italian surroundings. 

There’s enough pasta on the property to fuel a theme-park marathon—and, as an official Universal hub, guests get Universal Express Unlimited ride access and early access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We wish the Despicable Me Kids’ had an adult version: Who doesn’t love being amongst Minions?

Time Out tip: Look out for the hotel’s quarterly wine tasting and jazz event in the Harbor Piazza, designed to capture the ambience of the Mediterranean, featuring select wines, gourmet food and live music. 

Address: 5601 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, Florida, 32819
Price: Rooms start at approximately $575 to $600 per night
Closest transport: Orlando International Airport, 22-minute drive

The Inn at Celebration Hotel is ideal for intimate, kid-free vacations. The peaceful 115-roomed, Autograph Collection Hotel’s striking all-white facade looks reminiscent of a tired wedding cake, while inside it’s decked out in old-world inspirations, creating an ambiance that feels part luxe Safari lodge and part Floridian enclave. All in all, if you want a luxury oasis vibe, Celebration Hotel is for you. 

The rooms are accented with forest green walls and natural elements like gold-dipped branches and have elegantly extravagant touches like the wooden beds with their huge French regency-style headboards and a drinks cabinet. Each one also comes with luxury bedding, a pillow-top mattress, a desk, a spacious bath, a make-up mirror, a signature bathrobe and premium bath products. Look forward to stepping out on a private balcony in the mornings with views of Lake Rianhard and the surrounding town’s picturesque streets.  

Eat at the Lakeside Kitchen & Bar, which oozes Southern charm and comes with a beautiful lakeside setting by the peaceful waters of Lake Rianhard. Here, the kitchen serves up New Florida cuisine, with fusion dishes that use plenty of fresh local produce, whether you’re after a leisurely breakfast, an elegant dinner or sundowner drinks. 

While you won’t find a pool on-site here, the boutique hotel is right in the center of a selection of pretty hiking and bike trails, has a full-service fitness suite and offers activities like sunrise yoga. If you’re in need of some indulgence, the Celebration Health Fitness Center & Day Spa and Salon is nearby.

Time Out tip: Want to explore? Take advantage of the hotel’s free bike rentals. 

Address: 700 Bloom Street, Celebration, Florida 34747
Price: Rooms start from around $300 per night
Closest transport: Orlando International Airport, 25-minute drive

This family-friendly golf resort packs in so many features and activities, whatever kind of vacation you’re after in Orlando, it’s sure to deliver the goods. Combining the best of natural and man-made water features, one of the highlights of the resort is its stunning lagoon pool. The 800,000-gallon pool has 12 waterfalls which run down sculptured rock faces as well as two hot tubs, a splash pad and a waterslide. There’s also access to a private lake with its own beach where you can relax in the sun in a hammock, or adventurous types can head out on the water in canoes, sailboats, paddle boats, or on stand-up paddle boards, hydro-bikes and kayaks.

Golf lovers can take advantage of two spectacular 18-hole courses, including a steeper, challenging course which imitates the Old Course in St Andrews, Scotland. There’s also a basketball court, two pickleball courts, a rock climbing wall, mini-golf and a Pitch ‘n’ Putt course to keep guests busy. Specially for kids, there are indoor and outdoor play areas, a games arcade and fire pits for tasting S’mores.

Inside, you’ll find the hotel’s 779 resort-style rooms and 46 suites, smart and sleek with hardwood furnishings and artistic flourishes. Most feature private step-out balconies with views over the lagoon and the grounds (plus Disney World’s nightly fireworks), as well as a plush bed and a chaise lounge to relax on.

There are three on-site restaurants to pick from, all of which are family-friendly. Celebrity chef Richard Blais helms the kitchen at the Michelin-recommended Four Flamingos, dishing out plates of local fresh seafood in an immersive dining and drinking style. Tuck into sushi at LakeHouse, where you can try creative rolls and sip on sake, or head to the restaurant’s dining room alongside the beautiful 21-acre Lake Windsong for breakfast, lunch and dinner with gorgeous views of the water. There’s also the Marilyn Monroe spa to leave you feeling like a film star, which we’re only mentioning because - oh look! - the hotel also has a babysitting service. Just saying.

Time Out tip: Don’t sleep on the hotel’s brilliant range of unique experiences, from kid-friendly craft workshops, film nights and in-room camping adventures, to cocktail masterclasses and wellness walks for adults.

Address: One Grand Cypress Blvd., Orlando, FL 32836
Price: Rooms start at around $400 per night
Closest transport: Orlando International Airport, 24-minute drive

The Evermore Orlando Resort saw every resort on this list and said: hold my beer. Set around Evermore Bay, this resort offers 20 acres of white sand beaches, endless expanses of blue water and a menu of child-friendly activities so extensive you’ll be hard pressed to have ticked everything off your list before you leave. In short, it combines the best bits of a luxe beach vacation with the whole Orlando theme park experience.

Evermore Bay really is a sight to behold. Only available exclusively to hotel guests, it’s a winding strip of tropical sands and sparkling water with dedicated swim zones, private cabanas, watercraft rentals, and an epic rope swing. Once you’re done making a splash during the day, you can also head there at night to toast s’mores over the beach firepits. On top of that, there’s paddleboarding, kayaking, high jumps, an infinity pool, sandcarving sessions, alfresco beach film screenings, and so on and so forth.

And for the adults? There are two unique Jack Nicklaus-design golf courses where golfers of all skill levels can come to swing a few shots (there are clinics available if you want to improve your game), and there’s a sumptuous spa on top of a water garden and lovely, relaxing stretching classes.

Here, they don’t just offer not just suites but full-on houses (up to eleven bedrooms), some of which come with media theaters and even indoor slides from the third to the second floor. All of them are beautifully designed and bereft for groups of friends and families vacationing together. They’re all designed to make guests feel right at home with a private heated pool, fully-equipped kitchen, games rooms for kids, communal seating areas and outdoor kitchens and a grill. Can‘t be bothered to cook? There are 13 different places to eat in the resort, including four full-service restaurants, six casual options with grab-and-go services, as well as three bars and lounges.

Time Out tip: A shuttle service is available to take guests to the main Orlando attractions: Universal Orlando, SeaWorld and Walt Disney World®.

Address: North Jacaranda Street, Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, FL 32836
Price: Villas start from around $670 per night
Closest transport: Orlando International Airport, 28-minute drive