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Look below for reviews of:
The Caribe Royal
Staybridge Suites
The Wyndham Orlando Resort
Homewood Suites
Hawthorn Suites
Embassy Suites
Hilton Garden Inn SeaWorld
Residence Inn
The Orlando Grande Lakes Resort (which include the J.W. Marriott and the Ritz Carlton)
Check Back Soon for Additional Resort Reviews.
Additional Hotels Well Worth Consideration
As not all hotels in the Orlando (or even throughout the central Florida area) can be listed on this, however there are several others worth pointing out. While most don’t stand out in any particular or spectacular way, each offers roomy accommodations, comfortable surroundings, helpful amenities, and is located within the main tourist areas, near to the attractions you’ve come to experience.
Honorable Mentions coming soon for…
The Hampton Inn & Suites
Hawthorn Suites
Fairfield Inn & Suites
and more…
Caribe Royale All Suites Resort and Convention Center
***
$$-$$$$
Best for families with kids 5 and up though appropriate for kids of all ages
Superior
Location: 8101 World Center Drive
Phone: 407-238-8000
Web site: www.cariberoyale.com
Check-in: 4:00 p.m.
Check-out: 11:00 am
Parking: complimentary parking is available to the side of the resort
In Brief
This all-suite resort, spread over beautifully landscaped grounds, offers an array of spacious suites and villas to suit any family no matter their size. There are plenty of recreational offerings all right at your doorstep, and the guest services seem almost limitless. Casual restaurants, appropriate for families, and even fine dining (best suited for a special adult-only evening out) are all available onsite as well. The resort is located at the southern end of International Drive, an area that’s a bit quieter, but still only minutes (generally around 10 minutes during the off-season) to the slew of restaurants, attractions, and shops that line the busy thoroughfare just a bit further north.
The Highlights
-The very spacious villas and 1-bedroom suites, all nicely decorated and well appointedwith the comforts of home.
-The huge free-form pool with waterfalls, interactive water toys, a 75-foot waterslide, and stunning landscaping all around. A children’s wading pool and playground are nearby. A second quiet pool is located near the villas.
-A more relaxing atmosphere in this quieter section of International Drive.. It is literally only 5 minutes from the entrance to the Walt Disney World Resort, and you don’t even have to get on the highway. (World Center Drive leads you directly to the entrance and the traffic is extremely light no matter what season it is.) You are also only about 10 minutes from all the action of International Drive’s many offerings, with restaurants, attractions, and shops lining the roadway just north of the resort.
In-Room Amenities
The suites, which accommodate up to 6 guests, include: 1 king or 2 queen beds, sleepersofa in living room, 2 TVs, pay-per-view movies/video games, wet bar; 2 phones with voice mail and a data port, a refrigerator, microwave, hair dryer, coffeemaker, iron/board, and safe (fee).
The villas include: 2 bedrooms, the master with a king bed, the second with 2 queen beds; 2 full bathrooms with a Jacuzzi tub and separate shower in the master bathroom; fully equipped full-size kitchen with everything you need to make a meal (except the food); a dining area with room for 4 at the table; a bar with 2 chairs is nearby; screened-in patio or balcony; pull-out sofa in the living room; 3 TVs with pay-per-view movies and video games; 3 phones with voice mail and data ports; iron/board; full-size washer and dryer; and a safe (fee).
Cribs and roll-away beds are available in all accommodations.
Guest Services
-Concierge Services
-A Business Center
-A Car Rental Desk
-Bell Services
-ATM
-Video Check-Out
-Room Service
-Laundry, both coin operated and valet
-Complimentary shuttle to the Walt Disney World Resort, and to other attractions for a fee
Child Care/Children’s Programs
While there is no formal child care offered by the resort, arrangements with an independent service can be made through the guest services desk.
Recreational Facilities
The pool area is not only beautiful, but with the waterslide, water toys, and children’s wading pool, it provides an oasis for the entire family.
Additional facilities include:
-lighted tennis courts
-an arcade
-a fitness center
Dining On-site
There are 4 restaurants at the Caribe Royale, though only 3 are appropriate with kids in tow. The fourth, the Venetian Room, is an intimate, elegant restaurant offering fine dining at its best - a far better choice for an adult evening out. The Tropical is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a rather varied menu (and a kids’ menu too) offering sandwiches, burgers, pasta, and larger entrées for dinner. They’re open from early morning until 2:00 p.m., and again from 6:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. The Café Largo (my favorite for kids) offers pizza, sandwiches, salads, and other deli favorites, all in a casual market-style atmosphere. You can eat in or take it to go - the choice is yours. They’re open from early morning until midnight. Calypso’s is located poolside and offers snacks and light lunches (burgers, chicken fingers, and the like), making it another great choice with kids along.
Staybridge Suites International Drive
***
$$-$$$
Appropriate for families with kids of all ages
Moderate to Superior
Location: 8480 International Drive, Orlando
Phone: 407-352-2400
Web site: www.lbvorlando.staybridge.com
Check-in: 4:00 p.m.; check-out: 11:00 a.m.
Parking: complimentary parking is available around the perimeter of the resort
In Brief
This all-suite hotel offers spacious suites complete with a separate living area and either 1 or 2 bedrooms. The guest building surround a center courtyard area, where you will find a large heated pool, children’s pool, and whirlpool, the entire area landscaped with towering palm trees and lush greenery. The location, on International Drive, ensures that there are plenty of area restaurants, shops, and attractions all within walking distance, with many more just a few minutes drive, or trolley ride, away.
The spacious suites are not only roomy but their unique lay out allows everyone in the family to spread out, relax, and not be on top of one another (or their luggage). The bedroom(s) allow for quiet naps and added privacy, while the full kitchen allows nohassle breakfasts and stocking up on snacks. You won’t even have to go to the grocery store yourself, as the resort offers a delivery service - you simply have to fill out a form and the groceries will be delivered right to your room (the service is free of charge as long as you meet the $25 minimum). If you prefer however to shop yourself, there’s a store (Gooding’s) just a few minutes the road. This is the type of flexibility that’s invaluable when traveling with kids.
Being so close to area restaurants as well as SeaWorld and the smaller attractions along International drive is a great advantage. The Goodings plaza (5 minutes or so away) is full of shops, a large Gooding’s grocery store, a handful of highly recommended restaurants, while International Drive itself is filled with shops, plazas, restaurants, and smaller attractions (including several mini-golf courses), and entertainment venues.
While normally my favorite properties include particularly fabulous pools, on-site casual dining, and some type of child care, this one just has such fabulous rooms and the location is so close to it all that I couldn’t help but add it to the list.
The Highlights
-Large spacious suites, with room for up to 8 people depending on the layout
-Complimentary breakfast buffet with hot items included
-Manager’s reception on select evenings
-24-hour convenience store
-Located within walking distance (really) to area restaurants, shops, and attractions
-Secluded landscaped pool
-Grocery delivery service
-Restaurant delivery service is available
In-Room Amenities
The 1-bedroom suite sleeps up to 4 with a queen bed in the bedroom. The 2-bedroom accommodates 6 -8, depending on the layout. One version has a queen bed in each bedroom with a daybed in the second bedroom; the other has a queen bed in one bedroom with 2 double beds in the other. The overall configuration of all the suites is a bit cozier, as the bedrooms are on either side surrounding the family living area, not off in the distance. In each you’ll find separate bedroom(s) and a living area, a VCR and TV(s), a sleeper sofa, phone(s) with voice mail and a data port, a walk-in closet, free high-speed Internet, a hair dryer, iron and ironing board.
Guest Services:
-complimentary breakfast
-ATM
-grocery delivery service (fee)
-guest laundry and valet service (fee)
-concierge services
-bell services
-business services
Child Care & Children’s Programs
There are no children’s programs onsite however in-room sitting can be arranges through
an outside service.
Recreational Facilities
The nicely landscaped pool area is in the center courtyard of the hotel, which creates a
secluded and relaxing area for playing and splashing about the pool, whirlpool, and
children’s wading pool.
Additional facilities include:
- a 24-hour game room
-a 24-hour fitness room
Dining
Other than the complimentary buffet breakfast (that now includes hot items), there is no dining on-site. However, located close by you will find an array of dining options along International Drive. There is also a restaurant delivery service that delivers meals from local restaurants right to your room. There is a small fee for this, but it’s like having the option of take-out from almost any restaurant you want without having to actually go out to get it.
The Wyndham Orlando Resort
***
$-$$$
Appropriate for families with kids of all ages
Location: 8001 International Drive, Orlando
Phone: 407-351-2420
Web site: www.wyndham.com
Check In: 4:00 pm.
Check Out: 11:00 a.m.
Parking: complimentary parking is available along side the hotel
In Brief
It’s hard to believe that you can find a sprawling 42-acre resort right in the middle of one of the busiest parts of International Drive, but the Wyndham can lay claim to just that.
With over 1,000 rooms, including 212 suites (all recently renovated), spread out over 16 buildings throughout the property, there is a room just right for your family here. The hotel offers an array of room layouts to fit any family, with an equally long list of family friendly services, amenities, and recreational offerings too.
The grounds are full of towering palm trees and tropical gardens, with winding brick walkways that make their way around the lagoons and fountains.
The resort offers quiet surroundings right in the midst of the hustle and bustle of activity found along International Drive, roomy accommodations, and plenty of activities that kids can enjoy.
The Highlights:
-Spacious rooms and suites
-Children’s programs
-Beautifully landscaped grounds
-A location that’s central to the slew of restaurants, shops, and attractions found along IDrive
-onsite dining options in addition to the various restaurants located right nearby
In-Room Amenities:
The room styles range from standard layouts to suites, the most appropriate for families being the Florida Fun Suite. The suite features a separate area especially for the kids, providing them with their own child-sized furnishing, TV, game system, mini- refrigerator, and more. The main area includes 2 double beds, a TV, and all the usual amenities.
Guest Services
-car rental
-concierge services
-bell services
-guest and valet laundry service
-room service
- the Wyndham “We Remembered What You Forgot” and “Wyndham by Request” programs
-complimentary shuttle service to Universal Orlando and SeaWorld
-business services
-currency exchange
-express check in and express check out
-evening turn down
Child Care & Children’s Programs:
The Kids Club is a supervised activity program for kids ages 4 to 12 (must be pottytrained).
The club operates during the daytime as well as in the evenings to provide Mom and Dad with some much-needed time off while the kids enjoy an array of fun activities.
The cost is at an hourly rate, but packages are available that will save you a few dollars in the end. Lunch and dinner (if the kids are participating at the time) are available at for a few dollars more.
Recreational Facilities:
Recreational offerings are extensive and spread throughout the entire resort.
They Include:
- 3 heated pools and 2 children’s pools
- a playground
- tennis courts
-jogging track
-sport court
-an arcade
Dining:
Dining options are plentiful, which is surprising given the hotel’s location smack in the middle of I-Drive. Augustines Bar & Grill and Augustines Market Deli both offer a casual atmosphere with American fare, the deli serving up sandwiches and lighter meals while the Bar & Grill offers more sit down style meals. Gatorville is located poolside and offers appetizers, snacks, sandwiches, and pizza among other lighter fare. To top it all off, you can head to Screams Ice Cream Shoppe for a tempting treat.
Shops:
There are no shops on site however a plentitude of stores and plazas line International Drive and are all only a short walk or a few minute trolley ride away.
Homewood Suites
**
$$-$$$
Moderate
Appropriate for families with kids of all ages
Location: 8745 International Drive
Phone: 407-248-6552
Web site: www.homewoodsuitesorlando.com
In Brief
The Homewood Suites on International Drive offers accommodations that are pretty much the same as at the Homewood Suites in Lake Buena Vista, although there are a few differences in the hotel itself. At this location, you will find that the complimentary breakfast buffet includes a few additional hot items, the shuttle service is to all area theme parks rather than to just the Walt Disney World Resort, and there are grocery and restaurant delivery services available as well. However, there is no convenience store onsite here, as there is at the Lake Buena Vista location.
I would suggest this Homewood Suites if you don’t plan on hanging out at the hotel for an extended amount of time during the day as the recreational facilities are limited and there’s really not al that much to do here. The plus however is that it offers comfortable rooms with homey amenities that are helpful when traveling with kids. The location, off the main road yet close to the action of International Drive, SeaWorld, and even Universal Orlando, is a plus as well.
In-Room Amenities:
The Homewood Suites offer 1 and 2-bedroom suites - spacious and full of the comforts of home - that can accommodate up to eight guests. The kitchen is fully equipped with a dishwasher, stovetop, microwave, full-size refrigerator, coffeemaker, and dishes. There is a pull-out sofa in the living area, as well as two TVs, a VCR, a hair dryer, phone with voice mail and data port, pay-per-view movies, a safe, iron and ironing board, with cribs (free) and roll-away beds (fee) available upon request. The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast buffet daily and manager’s reception on select evenings, with a variety of drinks and snacks.
Guest Services:
-free grocery shopping service (only the service is free – not the groceries)
-free breakfast buffet
-free shuttle to all area theme parks
-business center
-guest and valet laundry
-concierge desk
-evening reception
-small 24 hour convenience store
Child Care & Children’s Program
There are none on-site however in-room sitting can be arranged through an outside service.
Recreational Facilities:
While the facilities are not nearly as extensive as others sited, the hotel does feature a nicely landscaped and secluded pool located in between the buildings.
Also available:
-Jacuzzi
-fitness center
Dining:
Other than the free buffet breakfast and evening receptions, no other onsite dining is available. There are however numerous eateries and restaurants lining International Drive, many of which within walking distance, others only minutes away. The restaurant delivery service offers yet another dining option.
Shops:
There is a small 24-hour convenience store on-site however you’ll find several shopping centers and stores of every sort located right nearby along International Drive.
Hawthorn Suites
**
$$-$$$
Appropriate for families with kids of all ages
Moderate
Location: 6435 Westwood Boulevard (off I-Drive, near SeaWorld)
Phone: 407-351-6600
Web site: www.hawthorn.com
Check In: 3:00 p.m.
Check Out: 11:00 a.m.
Parking: complimentary parking is available around the perimeter and along side the resort
In Brief
Located just off the main thoroughfare of International Drive (though close enough to an array of restaurants, shops, and attractions) in a secluded setting along Westwood Boulevard, this all-suite hotel offers spacious accommodations, landscaped grounds, and all the comforts of home, a perfect combination for vacationing families.
This hotel is a great choice for families of any size with kids of all ages, as it offers plenty of room to spread out and relax, those all-important kitchen facilities, and a large inviting pool area with a wading pool and play area perfect for younger children. The quiet location is close to plenty of restaurants and area attractions along I-Drive, and the interchange to I-4 is close by if you’re heading elsewhere. (The Walt Disney World Resort is about 5 miles away and Universal Orlando is about 4.)
The Highlights
-beautifully landscaped pool and play areas
-spacious rooms with homey amenities
-complimentary extended buffet breakfast
-free high speed Internet
In-Room Amenities
There are both 1 and 2-bedroom suites with separate living areas and kitchens, in addition to deluxe hotel rooms, offering a range of choices to accommodate families of various sizes up to eight guests. The 2-bedroom suites feature 2 full bathrooms. All the suites feature full kitchens (complete with a microwave, range, dishwasher, coffeemaker, cookware and dishes, and a refrigerator), an entertainment center (featuring a TV - with a second TV in the bedroom, VCR, Nintendo game system, and some with an AM/FM cassette stereo), a pull-out sofa bed, dining area, hair dryer, iron/board, and 2 telephones with voice mail and data ports. There are 3 choices of bedroom layout: a 1-bedroom with 2 double beds; a king suite that includes a reclining chair in the living area; or a 2- bedroom suite with 1 queen and 2 double beds.
Guest Services:
-concierge desk
-complimentary shuttle service to Walt Disney World
-guest and valet laundry
-video and video game rentals
-business services
The hotel offers a complimentary hot breakfast buffet daily, and a 24-hour convenience store is located just off the lobby for quick pick-up items like snacks, drinks, sundries, and souvenirs. You can also rent movies and video games there.
Child Care & Children’s programs
While there is no onsite children’s program, in-room sitting can be arranged through an outside service.
Recreational Facilities:
Recreational offerings include a large tropically landscaped and inviting pool area that with a children’s wading pool and enclosed playground. A game room and fitness room are both open 24 hours.
Dining
A free buffet breakfast is offered daily and room service is available between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. There is however no other dining on site. Keep in mind however that International drive is only minutes away and is lined with an array of eateries and restaurants. A restaurant delivery service is yet another dining option.
Shopping
A convenience store is located at the hotel however you’ll find far more shopping venues or every sort and size along International drive.
Embassy Suites Hotel
**
$$-$$$
Appropriate for families with kids of all ages
Moderate
Location: 8978 International Drive, Orlando
Phone: 407-352-1400
Web site: www.embassysuitesorlando.com
In Brief
This hotel is a great choice for families as it includes spacious suites with a microwave, refrigerator, and wet bar, as well as a sleeper sofa, TV (with another in the bedroom), and dining table in the living area. A signature of Embassy Suites is the complimentary full American breakfast (offered daily) and the evening manager’s reception (offered nightly). This Mediterranean-style hotel also offers a casual café, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness room, arcade room, and laundry services (guest and valet). Located right on International Drive, the restaurants, shops, and attractions are right at your doorstep.
Quality Suites Universal Orlando
**
$$
Moderate
Appropriate for families with kids of all ages
7400 Canada Avenue, Orlando
Phone: 407-363-0332
Web site: www.orlandosuites.com
In Brief
This all-suite hotel features a complimentary hot breakfast buffet every morning and a reception each evening. Shuttle service (complimentary) is available to the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and Wet ’N Wild. The suites feature separate bedroom and living areas, complete with a microwave, refrigerator, queen-size sleeper sofa, and other conveniences. There are laundry facilities on-site as well. The small playground and outdoor heated pool are located in a nicely landscaped courtyard area, a great place to spend a quiet relaxing afternoon after a few days touring the parks.
Located just a block off of International Drive, the hotel is close to all of the restaurants, shops, and attractions without being right in the middle of all the action.
Hilton Garden Inn SeaWorld International Center
**
$-$$
Moderate
Appropriate for families with kids of all ages
Location: 6850 Westwood Boulevard, Orlando
Phone: 407-354-1500
Web site: www.hiltongardeninnorlando.com and www.orlandoseaworld.gardeninn.com
In Brief
Literally within walking distance to SeaWorld (though complimentary transportation is available, even including Universal and Disney), this hotel features comfortable rooms appropriate for smaller families (with 1-2 children). The rooms feature a refrigerator and microwave, as well as web TV and a video game system. There is guest laundry on-site. The Great American Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner (kids 10 and younger eat free with an adult) or room service. You can pick up snacks and drinks to go at the Pavilion Pantry (open 24 hours). The pool area is small, but it offers a relaxing spot to splash around in the sun, and there’s a small children’s play area indoors as well.
All in all it is a rather nice hotel, well appointed and nicely decorated, offering practical yet thoughtful amenities families with kids will appreciate. The location is set back off the main road in a quieter area, yet it is still ever so close to the many offerings found along I-Drive.
The Hilton Garden Inn International Drive North
**
$$
Moderate
Appropriate for families with kids of all ages
Location: 6223 Hospitality Way, Orlando
Phone: 407-363-9332
Web site: www.hiltongardeninn.com
In Brief
This hotel opened in 2004 and is located just a bit up the road from the Hilton Garden Inn SeaWorld. It offers almost identical amenities and services (so check out the review just above), including a Great American Grill, a Pavilion Pantry (open 24 hours), and almost identical rooms (with a bit different decor). The only difference that may be of any significance would be that here the complimentary shuttle does not service Walt Disney World.
Residence Inn International Drive
**
$$
Moderate
Appropriate for families with kids of all ages
Location: 7975 Canada Avenue, Orlando
Phone: 407-345-0117
Web site: www.orlandoresinn.com
In Brief:
Located just off of International Drive, the Residence Inn is situated back off the main road in a quiet wooded setting. There are several charming buildings throughout the property with winding walkways leading to the main building, where you will find the lobby and guest services. The hotel features a complimentary breakfast buffet in the mornings and a hospitality hour in the evenings. Hotel services include a complimentary shuttle service to Walt Disney World, grocery shopping service, dry cleaning, and a guest services desk where you can purchase attraction tickets and gather information. There is a
heated pool, sport court, and poolside barbeque grills.
The suites are very spacious, and varying layouts are available, some accommodating up to 8 guests. Many have fireplaces, and all include full kitchens, separate bedrooms and large living areas chock full of the comforts of home.
This is a great choice with kids, as the suites are some of the largest around. The wooded surroundings are peaceful, though the hustle and bustle of International Drive and all its offerings is just a few steps away.
The Orlando Grand Lakes Resort
****
$$$-$$$$$
Luxurious
The J. W. Marriott Grand Lakes
Location: 4040 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando
Phone: 407- 206-2300
Web site: www.grandlakes.com
Appropriate for families with kids of all ages
The Rita Carlton Grand Lakes
Location: 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando
Phone: 407-206-2400
Web site: www.ritzcarlton.com and www.grandlakes.com
Best for families with kids at least 6 and up, preferably older
As a Note:
Because of the elite nature of this resort I have only listed it “in brief”. While the facilities are extensive (and even include children’s activities and supervised programs) the average family will likely find the atmosphere far too upscale - too “adult” when traveling with children. For families seeking a luxurious destination–style resort however, the Orlando Grande Lakes may be just what you’re looking for. While very upscale resort caters to the sophisticated and discerning traveler, the Grand Lakes has given children some very careful consideration, understanding that having a family doesn’t mean you don’t enjoy the finer things in life.
In Brief:
If you are looking for the ultimate in luxury, look no further. The Orlando Grand Lakes Resort, which consists of both the J. W. Marriott and the Ritz Carlton, boasts spectacular grounds, luxurious accommodations, and unparalleled service. Did I mention that it also has the absolutely coolest pool in Orlando?
Between the 2 properties are over 1,500 beautifully appointed rooms, each full of thoughtful amenities for travelers, some (located at the Ritz Carlton) specifically designed with kids in mind, featuring toys, games, and surroundings that are cozy and comfortable. Special touches like quilts on the beds and milk and cookies on the table make kids feel more welcome and at home. Kids even have their own private bath, stocked with bath toys and non-slip stickies in the tub, and the nightlight is a thoughtful touch.
This vast resort spreads itself out over 500 acres of meticulously kept and lushly landscaped grounds, and features its own 18-hole championship golf course (with a very unique golf concierge program as well as an etiquette program for kids), a 40,000-squarefoot full-service spa, a spectacular landscaped lazy river pool, and an array of other recreational activities.
Children are very well taken care of at the Grand Lakes. The resort offers specialized programs that cater to their needs as well as recreational activities that cater to their desire to have fun. Both resorts have pint-sized check-in desks where younger guests can sign the guestbook and receive their very own welcome gift.
The Ritz Carlton features Ritz Kids, a supervised children’s program for kids ages 5-12. Younger guests can enjoy an array of activities under the care of trained counselors while Mom and Dad take a few hours off for themselves. The program runs Friday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to10:00 p.m., and Monday through Thursday from noon to 10:00 p.m.
Other child-care options include the Kids Night Out program, where instead of a day of activities, kids have their own night out of fun. Activities include treasure hunts, fiestas, Glow Nights, and special holiday celebrations. Older kids have not been neglected either. Youth programs are available that include activities such as bike riding, hotel tours, dive-in movies, tennis matches, and running a Survivor-style obstacle course.
If you prefer in-room care for your kids, the concierge can help to arrange a nanny for you. The service currently costs around $20 per hour for up to 3 children. If you have more than 3, you will be required to have 2 nannies. POLO, or Protect Our Little Ones, is a unique and thoughtful safety program offered by the Ritz Carlton to those with very young children. In your room you will find a package of protective devices such as outlet covers to protect little fingers. If you choose, any alcoholic beverages can be removed from the in-room refrigerator, making room for bottles and sippy cups.
Between the amazing lazy river pool, playground areas, child-care programs filled with activities for all ages, and wide open spaces for running about, the kids may never want to leave.
While the dining options throughout the resort are a bit upscale for younger kids, appropriate menus are available at whichever restaurant you choose.
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