Hotel Guide: Orlando, FL
The first hotel in which I reviewed is the four-and-a-half-star-hotel, The Peabody Orlando. This hotel is absolutely perfect due to its central location among all the major theme parks. This hotel is located on International Drive, and is adjacent to the Convention Center, only two miles from SeaWorld, within four miles of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, and is only seven miles from Downtown Disney. The Peabody Orlando is known for being one of the more stylish hotels, guests can watch ducks play in the fountain and enjoy high tea each afternoon in the atrium lobby, with its beautiful palm trees, exotic orchids, and original artwork. Some of the hotels amenities include, a two-level outdoor patio which includes a 180-foot lap pool, a children’s pool with waterfall, a spa tub, and a poolside bar. There is also four tennis courts, which are lighted for night play, and for those fitness buffs, there is The Peabody Athletic Club, which includes a fitness room, sauna, steam room, tanning bed, and massage treatments. Here’s a little tip, when choosing a room, make sure to request a Club Level Room. They cost a little extra, but included in the rate you get unlimited access to The Peabody Athletic Club – which normally has a fee. Here’s another insider tip: Each day at 11AM, the Peabody Ducks exit the Royal Duck Palace on the third floor and make their way to the atrium lobby and the Royal Duck Fountain – they are escorted by the Royal Duck Master. The ducks return to their home at 5 PM. Guests can be honorary Duck Masters for the day by making a request to the hotel prior to their arrival, of course, this is subject to availability. This hotel has 891 rooms in its twenty-seven-stories. All rooms include two flat-screen Televisions: one in the bedroom and one in the bathroom. Wireless Internet access is included in the resort fee.
The second hotel in which I reviewed is Universal’s Portofino Bay Hotel. This four-and-a-half-star hotel is literally inside Universal Studios. Guests can enjoy easy access to Universal, Islands of Adventure via complimentary water taxis and shuttles. The lobby of this hotel has huge columns, domed ceilings, and Italian-influenced furnishings. Some of the amenity highlights of this hotel includes three outdoor splash pools, a 12,300-square foot spa, and a fitness center, which is available for a surcharge. Also, guests bypass regular theme-park lines with complimentary Universal Express ride access. There is also high-speed Internet access available in all public areas for a surcharge. This Orlando hotel offers 750 guestrooms in a five-story main building and a six-story wing. Rooms offer coffeemakers, separate sitting areas, three phones, and high-speed Internet access for a surcharge.
And the last hotel in which I reviewed is The Villas of Grand Cypress. This hotel sits amid the golf courses and ponds of the Grand Cypress Resort. The Villas are a mile from Walt Disney World, and five miles from SeaWorld, and is only nine miles from Universal Studios. The reception center of this hotel houses an intimate lobby with an oversized fireplace and a bar serving complimentary cocktails, soft drinks, coffee, beer, and wine to arriving and departing guests. Some of the highlights of this hotel includes four Jack Nicklaus Signature Design courses: an 18-hole layout and three nine-hole courses. Other recreation options include a swimming pool, tennis courts, horseback riding, jogging, sailing, canoeing, pitch ‘n’ putt golf, and nature trails. This resort offers 146 one-and-two-story villas and club suites with Mediterranean dÃ?©cor. Some of the in-room amenities include wet bars, minibars, complimentary wireless Internet access, and laptop-sized safes.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
The Villas of Grand Cypress
1 North Jacaranda Street
Orlando, FL 32836
Universal’s Portofino Bay Hotel – A Loews Hotel
5601 Universal Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
The Peabody Orlando
9801 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
