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The Hotels and Resorts |
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With well over 500 hotels and resorts in the greater Orlando area, it was difficult to whittle down the list to a reasonable number. Several, however, stood out among the scores of area lodgings as being particularly well suited for families – you’ll find these listed on this site in detail (and by area). Some may not have any particular outstanding features; others do. Some may offer extensive amenities, others only the basics. Some offer roomy or particularly well-appointed accommodations, others unique or extensive recreational facilities, while still others feature unique dining options or a vast array  of particularly helpful guest services. All, however, offer comfortable rooms, plenty of casual dining either on-site or truly close by, pools to splash in, and services and amenities that families will truly appreciate when traveling with their children.
Explanations and Basic Information
Keep in mind that if a property has been listed in this site, it is a hotel or resort or restaurant where you and your family can truly feel comfortable. In other words, you won’t find yourself disappointed upon arrival by unexpected surprises (like the fact that it’s central location is really central to the state - not to the theme parks, or that it’s actually located in a questionable section of town regardless of the fact that otherwise it’s a relatively decent property, and so on).
As all of the properties listed on this site are recommended for 1 reason or another, the rating system simply differentiates between them, bringing to the forefront those properties that stand out among the others, catering to the special needs of families in at least 1 if not several areas catering .
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| Resort and Hotel Star Ratings Explanations |
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* A basic, no-frills, though a reasonably comfortable hotel that’s appropriate for families
** Additional amenities, recreational offerings, and guest services ensure that you don’t have to do without, that you’ll be reasonably comfortable during your stay, and that your experience is more vacation like and enjoyable. Some of the available services, amenities, and recreational facilities are specifically geared for families
*** Exceptionally child and family friendly, offering the comforts and conveniences of home and then some. Numerous activities and recreational offerings are available onsite, many of which are appropriate for the entire family.
A variety of restaurants and shops are also available onsite allowing for added convenience. This rating generally indicates a property that’s the perfect place to bring the family
**** The best of the best in every way. Extensive and often luxurious facilities (though generally with a price tag to match) ensure that you may never even have to leave the property – or even want to. Practically every guest service and amenity, a goof portion of which are indulgent and luxurious, is available. As a Note: only a very few resorts meet this criteria and as a general rule they cater to
families accustomed to an extremely lucrative and refined lifestyle (there are however exceptions and they are noted as such within the individual listings).
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The Hotel and Resort Rates Explained
Rates are based on the highest published rack rates (which means that the rates are in no way discounted – they are often the rates you see posted on the back of the door) during peak season. Keep in mind that often times hotels and resorts offer discounts (whether for AAA members, members of AARP, or frequent travelers programs – whether theirs or airlines who have partnered with them).
Additionally they often offer promotional or package pricing though this changes frequently throughout the year. What all of this means to you is that it is highly unlikely that you will pay the prices I have listed - instead you should plan on paying roughly 10 to 20 % less (sometimes with certain promotional offers even less with additional perks to boot).
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| Hotel Rates |
$ Under $100
$$ $101.00 - $175.00
$$$ $176.00 - 275.00
$$$$ $276.00 and up
Properties that offer suites may run into the next category up however the listings include a rating based on a per night double occupancy rate.
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Resorts Categories:
Budget: located within a reasonable distance from the main tourist offerings (generally no more than 18 miles though often much less), clean and reasonably comfortable rooms and public areas, includes basic amenities though there are generally few to no frills, usually there is a pool though generally no other recreational offerings, and most often there are no restaurants located onsite though occasionally a complimentary continental breakfast may be available. Think 1950’s motel but with modernized facilities and you’ve got the basic idea. Per night rack rate pricing (base on double occupancy) runs under $100
Moderate: located within a reasonable distance from the main tourist offerings (generally no more than 18 miles though often much less), comfortable rooms often featuring a variety of types (suites, kitchenettes, Kidsuites, an so on), often includes additional amenities and conveniences such as a mini fridge and or microwave in the room, there are often 1 or more casual restaurants located right onsite, sometimes a convenience-style market or store (selling souvenirs as well as sundries and select supplies), features a pool and often a small number of additional recreational facilities, may offer onsite childcare, limited business services may be available, may offer complimentary continental or expanded
buffet breakfast. Per night rack rate pricing (based on double occupancy) runs between $101 and $175 per night
Superior: located within a reasonable distance from the main tourist areas (generally no more than 18 miles though often times much less), spacious well appointed rooms, usually offers several room types (suites, Kidsuites, kitchenettes, and so on), extensive amenities (both in-room and throughout the entire resort), numerous guest services, extensive recreational facilities, guest services or a concierge is available and usually sells tickets to area attractions, often has a concierge level or club level available, generally offers several restaurants catering to varying clientele including everything from fast food to
fine dining, usually features a variety of shops selling everything from souvenirs to designer resort-wear to snacks and supplies, at times including a larger marketstyle or convenience-style store, a variety of business services are generally available, usually offers some type of onsite childcare as well as children’s activities, often extensively themed or offering a particularly impressive interior décor along with landscaped grounds. Per night rack rate pricing (based on double occupancy) runs between $176 and $275 per night.
Luxurious: located within a reasonable distance from the main tourist areas (generally no more than 18 miles though often times much less), spacious well appointed rooms, offers a variety of room types (suites, Kidsuites, and so on), extensive and luxurious amenities, numerous guest services many of which are indulgent, extensive and often very unique recreational facilities, concierge service, concierge or club level rooms are usually available, the resort often times exudes an extremely upscale atmosphere and lavish luxurious facilities throughout, extensive business services available, lavishly decorated and landscaped throughout, onsite child care is generally available, onsite dining is generally the best in the area though family appropriate casual dining is not always available, often caters to a very discerning clientele unless otherwise noted. Per night rack rate pricing (based on double occupancy) runs $276 and up.
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