Best Places to Stay in Orlando, Florida, From Visitor Who’s Tried 50+

My go-to place to stay at when visiting Disney World is its Swan and Dolphin and Swan Reserve — a complex of sister properties managed by Marriott.

Many of the rooms have excellent views of the neighboring theme parks. Plus, it’s walking distance to my two favorites, Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Since it’s both a Disney and Marriott hotel, a stay here gets me early access to Disney parks and earns me Marriott Bonvoy points.

All that said, it’s the property’s on-site amenities that truly wow me, from the incredible pools to amazing dining options. This complex is home to two of my favorite restaurants in Orlando: Amare and Rosa Mexicano.

Four Seasons’ high-end feel and standout hospitality keep bringing me back to the hotel chain.

Its Orlando location has an added touch of Disney magic, from views of Magic Kingdom from the property to an incredible character breakfast (with a fairly relaxed vibe).

I love its many outdoor amenities, including a lazy river through winding palm-tree pathways and an adults-only Oasis pool.

Between the amazing dining at its Michelin-star rooftop restaurant and Ravello — which serves the best Italian — I rarely leave the property during my stay.

If I do choose to leave, I can book the hotel’s luxury motorcoach to Magic Kingdom.

The star of this mega-resort is Evermore Bay, a private beach with an 8-acre crystal lagoon.

I could hang here all day, especially if I’ve booked one of the property’s overwater bungalows that look like something from Bora Bora.

The property is a few minutes from several famous theme parks, but it’s easy for me to forget I’m in Orlando when I stay at this paradise of a resort.

With accommodations as large as an 11-bedroom luxury flat, the Evermore is also a great place for traveling with a group.

Located less than a 10-minute drive from Universal, the Villatel Orlando has spacious villas for rent that combine the comforts of home with the feel and amenities of a hotel.

Each villa has a full kitchen and several bedrooms (the smallest has four), and larger ones include features like a private pool, arcade, theater, and themed rooms with slides.

I can often save money when I stay at a villa on this property because I can cook in a full kitchen instead of dining out for all of my meals.

This is my go-to budget hotel when I visit Disney parks.

It has the bells and whistles of a Disney resort, with complimentary theme-park shuttles and Mickey waffles, but for a more affordable rate.

I’ve often scored clean, updated rooms at the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista for under $100 a night. I also appreciate that the hotel is just steps from Disney Springs, which has a nice variety of shopping and dining options.

I’ve stayed at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort at least a dozen times — and it’s become my go-to property when I’m visiting Universal parks on a budget.

I’ve been able to book the hotel for rates under $100 a night, even on holidays and popular times, including Christmas and Memorial Day weekend.

Despite the low price, this property still offers a full, nice resort experience with its spacious rooms and on-site restaurants, bars, and coffee shop.

Plus, Endless Summer offers complimentary shuttles to the nearby Universal parks.

This is my favorite Disney hotel and my go-to when I’m looking to really enjoy my time at a resort. I especially like its recently remodeled “Mary Poppins”-inspired rooms.

Though the Grand Floridian is just steps from Magic Kingdom, I prefer to just enjoy the hotel’s on-site pools and dining, which includes Disney’s first-ever Michelin-star restaurant.

The property’s waterfront restaurant, Narcoosee’s, also has great views of the park’s fireworks.

Definitely visit the Grand Floridian during the winter holidays — the resort goes all out with its holiday decor, which includes a life-size gingerbread house.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is also a favorite of mine and a great pick when I want to spend the bulk of my trip at a resort.

My favorite rooms are the ones overlooking the savannah, which is home to hundreds of animals, including giraffes.

The property has stunning African-inspired decorative elements and standout dining options, from Sanaa with its famous bread service to Victoria Falls Lounge with its great selection of South African Wine.

I love the upscale tropical vibes at this official Universal Orlando hotel, which has a great pool and sandy beaches. The entire resort has a modern, welcoming feel.

It’s also home to one of my favorite places in Orlando, Strong Water Tavern, which serves the best mai tai in town.

When I’m visiting the parks during my stay, I take advantage of the resort’s complimentary water taxi to and from Universal Citywalk. It’s convenient, and the ride comes with picturesque views.

Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel is home to my favorite pool in Orlando.

It’s complete with sandy beaches, palm trees, and energetic music — and the pool even has underwater speakers. Plus, I love the slide.

I’ve also found the hotel has some of the best happy hour deals in the city at its restaurant, The Palm.

Lastly, this resort is a great pick if I plan to hit up Universal parks. They’re a short walk from the hotel, and stays at this Hard Rock Hotel include line-skipping passes.