Ultimate Guide to Top-Selling Hotels in Orlando

04:49 pm | Wednesday, 19 June 2024

Home to the Happiest Place on Earth, Orlando draws millions of mouse-eared visitors every year. This means there’s a huge number of family-friendly hotels to choose from. Whether customers are after proximity to the Disney parks, a little luxury, or somewhere lighter on the purse strings, the Sunshine State has something for everyone. And as the largest Florida specialist of our kind in Europe, choosing from our top-selling hotels in Orlando can ensure their holiday ticks all the right boxes...

Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando

Best for location

Orlando, a hub of activities, is best experienced when staying on International Drive. The Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando, located in the heart of the city, ensures this convenience. It's just steps away from the Pointe Orlando shopping centre, WonderWorks, and top-notch dining options like Bahama Breeze and Olive Garden, making your stay hassle-free and enjoyable.

Not only are Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando within a 6-mile radius, but customers are also perfectly positioned to make the most of their complimentary 7-day I-RIDE Trolley Pass, one of 5 Orlando experiences exclusive to Florida customers, worth up to $549 per family of four.

Back at the hotel, customers can be sure of a great night's sleep in their deluxe rooms with comfy double beds that will feel like sleeping on a cloud. The rooms also come equipped with a mini-fridge, HD TV with cable channels, and fast free Wi-Fi. This family-friendly hotel also offers a kids eat free program, as well as scheduled shuttle service to Universal Orlando and SeaWorld, making it a valuable option on top of its convenience.

Floridays Orlando Resort

Best for bigger families

At Floridays Resort Orlando, the whole family can experience the holiday of a lifetime. It offers condo-style accommodations with up to three-bedroom suites that are almost four times larger than the average Orlando hotel room, so there’s plenty of space for everyone. Accommodating up to eight guests, the suite boasts a fully equipped kitchen and dining area with granite countertops, as well as breathtaking views of the pools and ponds from the comfort of customer's own private balcony.

When customers are able to tear themselves away from the luxurious private pad, the resort itself has much to offer. Two pools offer vastly different vibes. They can opt for the kid-friendly main pool, featuring a fun water playscape, or the ultimate in relaxation in the quieter pool, which even comes with a jacuzzi. And when hunger strikes, they can take a seat at the Palm Café Pool Bar, where they can enjoy a choice of wings, pizza, and burgers. Or they can retreat to the comfort of their own room and take advantage of room service for a small fee of $2. The resort also features Palm Café, where customers can start their day right with a Starbucks coffee.

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

Best for Disney dreams on a budget

Customers can experience the magic of Disney and the exhilaration of rock 'n' roll at Disney's All-Star Music Resort. This music-themed Disney hotel not only places them just moments away from theme park bliss but also provides complimentary bus transportation. Ideal for music enthusiasts and Disney fans alike, this value Walt Disney World accommodation offers the enchantment of a Disney stay without the high price tag of some of the other Disney hotels.

Five themed areas pay homage to different genres of music, and customers can even find a guitar-shaped pool and jukebox headboards in their bedrooms. Come dinner time, they can boogie on down to the Intermission Food Court, featuring a range of serving stations plus a deli-style market. For the icing on the cake, music lovers will appreciate the song and dance surprises throughout the resort and Disney fans will love Movies Under the Stars, where they can watch classics by the pool.

We would also like to give honourable mentions to Disney's All Star Sports and Art of Animation Resorts, which are fantastic Prime Value hotel alternatives.

Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando

Best new hotel

Located within the Disney Springs Resort Area, the Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando is an ultra-modern and value-for-money option for holiday accommodation. Complimentary breakfast is included, as well as the 5:30pm Kickback, where guests are treated to free food and drink, the perfect way to ease into your evening.

The hotel goes the extra mile by providing free shuttles to Walt Disney World, so customers are always close to the magic. What's more, they will be treated to a range of amenities like a pool, hot tub, fitness centre, and arcade - all free to access without paying any resort fees. Considering neighbouring hotels charge up to $39 plus tax per night, opting for the Drury Plaza Hotel provides excellent value and saves customers a substantial amount that they can use for other memorable experiences.

And when it comes time to rest up for the night, you can do so in complete comfort. Choose from spacious two room suites or rooms featuring deluxe Queen- and King-sized beds that sleep a family of five. You will also find an abundance of in-room luxuries, including free Wi-Fi, TV, microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker for that morning pick-me-up.

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites

Best for amenities & theme park perks

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort - Dockside Inn and Suites will keep you entertained from dawn till dusk. And with spacious two-bedroom suites that sleep six, the whole family can join the fun.

Customers can take poolside activities to another level with a game of ping pong and connect four. And if that’s not enough competition, there’s also a full games room to enjoy, equipped with classic arcade favourites and video games.

As for dining, there’s plenty for guests to sink their teeth into, from grab-and-go market food, to pizza delivery, and even Starbucks. Or customers can soak up the laidback vibes at the Oasis Beach Bar. Plus, there’s even a handy kitchenette in the suites for a more intimate family meal.

Last but not least, as this is a Universal hotel, guests are also treated to an array of amazing perks, such as early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, free shuttles to Universal Orlando Resort, souvenir delivery, and resort-wide charging via each guest's room card.

For any other recommendations, just ask our USA experts!

Important Information for Clients Affected by Hurricane Milton

We're here to keep your client's holiday dreams safe and secure, with the latest weather warnings and travel advice.

This information is correct as of 15:30 GMT (BST) on 10th October 2024.

10th October 2024 at 15:30pm
Tampa International Airport & Florida Theme Parks Expected to Reopen from Friday

Following minimal damage from Hurricane Milton, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced that Tampa International Airport (TPA) should reopen on Friday 11th October after repairs.

DeSantis also urged those affected to exercise caution, particularly around storm hazards. He advised people to avoid walking through floodwaters due to risks such as downed power lines and debris from fallen trees.

While Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and other parks in Orlando and across Florida remain closed, they are expected to reopen on Friday 11th October.

If your clients have partially-used multi-day Walt Disney World tickets impacted by the closures on Thursday 10th October, their tickets will be automatically extended, allowing them to use the remaining days until 11th October 2025. For clients with wholly unused Walt Disney World tickets that were affected by Hurricane Milton, these may be adjusted to a new start date. If your clients hold a ticket for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party dated Thursday 10th October, these will be refunded.

For clients with Universal Orlando Resort tickets dated Wednesday 9th October or Thursday 10th October, these tickets can be used on any day up until Wednesday 18th December 2024. If your client has a Halloween Horror Night ticket for either date, it can be used on any remaining nights of the event.

10th October 2024 at 9:00am
Hurricane Milton Makes Landfall on Gulf Coast, Heads Towards Florida's Northeast Coast

Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key in Sarasota County at 8:30pm (EST) on Wednesday 9th October as a Category 3 storm. It has since weakened to a Category 1 hurricane and is now moving towards Florida's northeastern coast. Despite the reduced intensity, there remains a significant risk of heavy rain and severe flooding.

The storm has left nearly 2 million people without power, and extended outages are anticipated. Your clients can monitor real-time power outage updates here.

If your client's travel plans are affected, they can contact us on 020 3814 2198 for help rearranging their flight and accommodation. In case of emergency, your clients can call 001-407 421 1584 (an out-of-hours number monitored from 5pm to 8am GMT).

9th October 2024 at 8:30am
Walt Disney World to Close From Wednesday at 1PM With Other Florida Theme Parks Due to Follow

In the interests of public safety, Walt Disney World has announced a phased closure starting Wednesday 9th October at 1pm, with a strong likelihood that the park will remain closed on Thursday 10th October. This will impact all Disney theme parks, as well as Disney Springs, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, Winter Summerland Miniature Golf, and Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf.

Please note that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom on Thursday 10th October has been cancelled. If your clients have purchased tickets for this event, they will be refunded.

Additionally, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will be closed from Wednesday 9th October, through to Sunday 13th October. If clients need to rearrange accommodation, they can reach out to our Orlando based team on +1 407 390 6422.

Universal Orlando Resort will close Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal CityWalk starting at 2pm on Wednesday 9th October (subject to change based on weather forecasts). These areas will remain closed through Thursday 10th October. As a result, Halloween Horror Nights will be cancelled for those two nights. If your clients have tickets for Halloween Horror Nights dated Wednesday 9th October, or Thursday 10th October, they can use their tickets on any remaining nights of the event. Universal Volcano Bay will be closed on both Wednesday and Thursday.

Other Orlando and Florida attractions, including SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa, Aquatica Orlando, Gatorland, and Kennedy Space Center, will also be closed on Wednesday 9th October, and Thursday 10th October.

8th October 2024 at 11:30am
Melbourne Orlando International Airport to Close From 2PM Wednesday

In response to Hurricane Milton becoming a Category 5 hurricane, Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) will close commercial flight operations from 2pm on Wednesday until 9am on Friday.

“MLB will remain open during the duration of the storm for emergency operations,” said a MLB spokesperson, “We remind the public that the airport is not a shelter, and travellers are encouraged to check their flight status directly with the airline.”

If clients are already in resort and find themselves without accommodation, they can reach out to our Orlando based team on +1 407 390 6422.

8th October 2024 at 8:30am
Orlando International Airport to Suspend Operations From 8AM Wednesday

Orlando International Airport (MCO) has announced they will suspend all commercial and cargo operations from 8am (EST) on Wednesday in preparation for Hurricane Milton's landfall on Wednesday 9th October.

If clients need to extend their stay at a property, due to a missed flight or an accommodation transfer, we are happy to arrange this extension. If clients are required to pay any fees for extending their stay, please ensure they keep a receipt of the payment so that they may seek to claim the expenses back via their travel insurance.

If clients are already in resort and find themselves without accommodation, they can reach out to our Orlando based team on +1 407 390 6422.

7th October 2024 at 3:30pm

TPA to Suspend Operations From 9AM Tuesday

Ahead of Hurricane Milton making landfall on Wednesday, Tampa International Airport (TPA) will suspend all commercial and cargo operations from 9am (EST) on Tuesday.

The airport will not be equipped to use as a shelter during the storm and is expected to be closed to the public until it can be checked for damage after the storm passes.

If a client's flight is affected, they can expect their airline to rearrange their flight free of charge on the earliest available date. However, if they voluntarily cancel their flight, perhaps due to concerns about the aftermath of the hurricane, they may be expected to cover the additional cost.

7th October 2024 at 10:30am

Important Information for Ocean Beds Customers Affected by Hurricane Milton

We have important information for Ocean Beds customers regarding Hurricane Milton, including its current weather pattern and what to do if your client's holiday is affected.

Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall on Wednesday 9th October as a category 3 or 4 storm, with large-scale evacuation plans proposed for the west coast of Florida and its barrier islands.

Current forecasts anticipate that Hurricane Milton will hit the Tampa Bay area before travelling over Orlando, causing widespread damage and disruption as it passes through.

If your clients are currently on holiday with us or due to travel in the coming days, we recommend that you take the time to read all the guidelines below to ensure that your clients are as prepared as possible to enjoy a safe stay in Florida.

What to Do in a Hurricane Warning

Your clients must pay attention to the weather and news updates on local TV & radio stations. As such, it is useful for them to know which county they are staying in, and if they are unsure, they can find out using this helpful county locator map.

What to Expect

There may be a curfew, or evacuations planned during the hurricane, and it is crucial for your client's protection that they adhere to these rules. Details around curfews or evacuations will be announced on all local TV & radio stations, and we shall also be in touch with you directly to confirm what we know.

There may be power outages during and after the hurricane, which could disrupt the electricity supplied to their home. Rest assured, this issue is usually temporary, and utility companies will fix the supply as soon as it is safe to do so.

Preparing for a Hurricane Checklist

- Make sure that all your client's travel documents and valuables are in a safe place so they can access them quickly if necessary.
- Ensure your clients pack a small bag with essential personal items, such as medication, toiletries, and a change of clothing.
- Advise your clients to have some cash – should the power go down, cash machines may not work. Ensure that your clients have enough gasoline in their car, as they may not be able to refuel during or soon after the hurricane.
- Help your client identify a safe place in your their home – ideally an area with no windows and away from outside walls.
- If safe to do so, have your clients place all exterior movable objects into the garage (i.e., trash bins and BBQs). Advise them to place all outdoor furniture into the pool to prevent them from being blown around and causing damage.
- Ensure your clients purchase water: 1 gallon/3 litres per person – if bottled water is unavailable, they can use zip-lock bags, fill them with water, and place them in the freezer. Emergency supplies at our Orlando office are available but limited to 1 gallon per family.
- Purchase food for your clients: ready-to-eat, ideally non-perishable, packed, or canned food items, considering the potential power loss.
- Ensure they have a torch/flashlight.
- For clients travelling with small children, ensure they have enough wipes, nappies/diapers, and baby food. Consider books and games to keep them amused.
- Suggest a battery-operated radio.

During a Hurricane Checklist

- Advise your clients to stay inside. It is critical they do not go outside during the hurricane, even for a short time.
- While the power is on, ensure they keep up to date via local TV & radio stations.
- Warn them that when the eye of the storm passes, the calm may be mistaken for the end, but the wind will return suddenly and often with greater force. They should not go outside until advised by local authorities. Instruct them to follow all local authorities' instructions.
- Encourage them to stay as calm as possible.

Contacting Us During Hurricanes

Please note that our Orlando telephone lines may not be working, and our Orlando-based staff may not be able to get into the office, including adherence to any curfew that has been issued. Our contact details are as follows for clients: phone +1 407 390 6422 and dial option 1 for customer service.

We also have an emergency after-hours line available for your clients to contact us when we are not in the office. The number is +1 407 421 1584. Alternatively, if your clients are unable to reach any of our staff in Orlando, we recommend they contact their booking agent directly for assistance.

If Your Clients Are Currently Staying in Gulf Coast Villas

Please note that their villa is hurricane-proofed; therefore, it is unlikely your client will need to evacuate to local shelters. They will only need to evacuate if advised by the police or government, and it is vital they follow any local authority instructions.

If your clients need to extend their stay due to a missed flight or an accommodation transfer, we are happy to arrange this. Please call us on +1 407 390 6422 to check our reservation options at their current property or explore alternate accommodations when safe to do so. If any fees are required to extend their stay, advise your clients to keep the receipt to seek reimbursement via travel insurance.

If Your Clients Are Currently Staying in Gulf Coast Hotels

Your clients can expect hotel management to contact them regularly regarding hurricane safety procedures. If they need to extend their stay, the hotel should be able to accommodate them due to the circumstances. If any fees are required for the extension, advise your clients to keep receipts to claim through travel insurance. If the insurance does not cover natural disasters, please contact us regarding additional accommodation costs.

If your clients find themselves without accommodation, please contact us on +1 407 421 1584.

The Best Florida Villas for Large Groups

When it's time to get the whole gang back together, clients can look no further than our collection of large group Florida villas.

From our collection of 3,000 holiday homes, we're shining the spotlight on five stunning homes that are spacious enough for privacy, yet amenity filled for family fun...

Reunion Ultimate Villa Ocean – 683, Reunion Resort

Sleeps: 18 guests
Best for: Multi-generational families

Why we love it: Located just 12 minutes’ drive from Disney, it’s easy to reach Orlando’s big draw card from here, especially if clients take advantage of the resort’s dedicated Disney shuttle service. Back at the villa, there are six spacious bedrooms, private balconies overlooking the pristine pool, and a home cinema. Any kids will love their Star Wars and fashion-themed bedrooms. And the west-facing terrace with its fire pit is a blissful spot for a sundowner.

About the resort: The Reunion Resort is a favourite spot for a luxurious Florida villa holiday. It offers an impressive array of amenities, including three golf courses, a vast water park, a tennis centre, seven community pools, and a whole host of dining options on-site if clients fancy eating out.

Solterra - Ocean 672

Sleeps: 28 guests
Best for: Celebrating milestones, large extended families

Why we love it: If clients are gathering for a big celebration and need a lot of bedrooms, this capacious luxury villa has 14 of them – and a grand total of 11 bathrooms. The vast living space includes a huge, covered veranda and deck, and the pool with adjoining spa pool is the perfect place to cool off in the Floridian sunshine. With Disney just a 20-minute drive away, clients are in another ideal place to recharge their batteries after a day at the parks.

About the resort: The villa is located in Solterra, a stunning gated community in Davenport just minutes from Orlando’s theme parks and other attractions. The resort amenities include a clubhouse and restaurant, fitness room, tennis and volleyball courts and children’s play area. Holidaymakers of all ages will love floating down the lazy river. And while the kids play on the resort’s water slide, parents can indulge in a frozen cocktail from one of the community poolside cabanas.

ChampionsGate - Ocean 660

Sleeps: 16 guests
Best for: Golfing groups, friends with kids.

Why we love it: It’s good times only in this fun-packed villa featuring a games room that houses a karaoke system and stage! When clients aren't belting out the ballads, they can retreat to the home theatre – complete with a popcorn maker – for a movie night. Or even enjoy a film under the stars using the outdoor projector. Inside, the décor is elegant neutrals with fun, themed bedrooms for the kids. The huge kitchen makes a perfect entertaining space and the outdoor covered terrace, overlooking the private pool, offers delightful shade for group lunches or evening drinks.

About the resort: If clients enjoy a round of golf, this is the resort for them. The gated community of ChampionsGate is home to a 36-hole golf course designed by golfing legend, Greg Norman. And if golf isn’t their thing, they can still indulge in the huge spa and fitness centre, the formal pool with private cabanas, the family pool with water slide or Orlando’s only resort wave pool. After all the excitement, they can recharge at a choice of five on-site restaurants and lounges or order-in from 24-hour room service. All this, and clients are just 12 minutes from Walt Disney World Resort which can be easily accessed by car or the resort’s dedicated shuttle service.

Solara Resort - Ocean 052

Sleeps: 18 guests
Best for: Multi-generational families

Why we love it: A beautifully appointed nine-bedroom, six-bathroom villa, this home-from-home has the space to keep each and every group entertained and relaxed. The crisp white kitchen is a gorgeous space to prepare meals together, while the soothing, neutral-toned bedrooms offer calm, cool and quiet. Complete with a games room, pool table and themed rooms for teens and younger children, there really is something for all the family. At the end of the day, everyone can gather together on the beautiful poolside terrace or rest tired limbs on one of the ample sofas in the living area.

About the resort: Located in the Orlando/Kissimmee area, this resort is a wonderful base for an unforgettable group holiday in Florida. Ideally situated close to Interstate 4, it’s less than 10 miles from Disney and offers easy access to Universal Studios, SeaWorld, International Drive and much more. Solara is one of the region’s newest resorts on the Florida villa holiday scene. It features first-class amenities, including a fitness centre, a green area for outdoor exercise, beach volleyball and basketball courts, a splash pad for little ones and a surf-simulator enjoyed by grown-ups and kids alike. Tweens and teens can escape to a dedicated hangout centre, and the whole group can gather in the bar & grill at the end of a fun-fuelled day.

Disney Area Ultimate Villas

Sleeps: Various
Best for: Celebrity-crib style experience

Why we love them: These Disney Area Ultimate Villas are the crème-de-la-crème of villa accommodation in Florida. Located across several of the region’s resorts, clients are guaranteed to be within 35 minutes’ drive time of Walt Disney World Resort. And when they are not in the parks, they can live like a king or queen. We love the opulent yet tasteful décor, state-of-the-art mod cons, and jaw-dropping pools of these villas. Plus, many have games rooms where clients can enjoy a bit of healthy family competition. And some properties even feature indoor bowling alleys!

About the resorts: Situated in the most celebrated Florida resorts – many of which we’ve featured above – you can expect spectacular pools, beautifully manicured grounds, championship golf, an abundance of eateries and world-class service. Think MTV Cribs, Orlando edition.

Villatel Orlando Resort: What Makes Florida’s First ‘Villa Hotel’ Special

Orlando’s first 'villa hotel', Villatel Orlando Resort, has opened its doors. So if clients like the idea of having their own space, but want the amenities of a big resort or hotel – head this way, as we lift the lid on what’s in store...

Overview

So firstly, what do we mean by a ‘villa hotel’? Well, these luxury villas are set on a 77-acre site, but come with hotel-style facilities. So, guests get the best of both worlds – a villa with a fully-equipped kitchen and living space, along with the amenities they would expect from a hotel, like a waterpark, bar, sports courts and a gym – all coming for 2025.

Location-wise, it doesn’t get much better. The resort’s on International Drive, less than 10 minutes’ drive from the theme parks – so day trips to Disney and Universal are super doable. Plus, it’s within easy reach of I-Drive’s restaurants, shops and attractions.

The Villa Options

Guests can choose between a range of villas, from two to nine bedrooms, meaning there’s plenty of room to bring the whole family, including space for up to 18 guests in the larger properties. Plus, select homes promise themed rooms for little ones or big kids, as well as cinema and games rooms.

Each and every home has its own pool as standard, yet all provide a living space and kitchen area with all the mod-cons, so guests can prepare breakfast and dinner at home, or pack up lunches when they are on-the-go. Laundry facilities and free Wi-Fi are some of the other amenities that every guest can expect, along with spacious master bedrooms and en suite bathrooms.

What’s New for 2025?

The resort isn’t quite finished yet. Lots of the villas are open, but they’re still working on the communal facilities - which will be worth the wait. In 2025, the resort will add a waterpark, lazy river, pool, poolside bar-cum-grill, sports courts and a gym to the facilities list. There will also be a clubhouse and a children’s playground.

Something Out of the Ordinary

If clients are looking for that something extra, Villatel Orlando Resort can easily deliver. Lots of the villas feature extravagantly themed kids’ rooms – like the wildlife-inspired Jill’s Jungle Villa and Medieval-style Carter’s Castle. The five-bedroom Villa Fantastique includes a themed kids’ room with a slide, while The Stunning villa stars a water-view pool and hot tub, along with a whole room dedicated to gaming. In fact, plenty of the villas come with their own cinema or arcade rooms for added entertainment.

And, if that wasn’t enough, there are certain VIP perks that come with a stay here. The resort runs a free shuttle service to and from Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, so guests can avoid any extra car parking or taxi costs. Plus, Florida’s biggest indoor attraction, Dezerland Park Orlando, is just down the road. There’s a lot packed into this place, from go-karting and trampolines to laser tag and mini golf.

And, if guests are ever in need of any help while you’re away, there’s a dedicated concierge service from 8.30am-8.30pm.

Other Important Things to Know

Resort fees

As you’d expect from a resort of this calibre, there will be a daily resort fee that’s payable on arrival at the resort for 2025 stays. It applies per day, per home – but only for those arriving after January 2025. In this case, guests will need to leave a credit card on file when they check in. This will grant access to the resort’s waterpark, sports courts, grill and gym. Plus, it also includes the concierge service, linen and towels, and the toiletries and pantry items that all the homes are stocked with when they arrive.

The resort fees are:
$20 for 2-bed condo
$30 for 3-bed condo
$30 for townhomes
$40 for homes

These rates are all per day and are subject to a 12.5% tax.

Ongoing Construction for 2024

It’s worth remembering that there are still some facilities under construction at Villatel Orlando Resort. Facilities like the waterpark, sports courts and bar & grill won’t be open until late 2024, ready for the 2025 season. But there’s never been a better time for clients to get ahead of the crowd, and secure their spot at Orlando’s first ‘Villa Hotel’ in all its glory….