Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld

Image: Renaissance

If you’ve driven to SeaWorld before, you’ve probably driven past the massive white and blue building just in front of the park. It is bold and regal, with the word “Renaissance” calling out from its massive facade.

It is, of course, the Renaissance Orlando resort — an older property, but one of the classic luxury hotels in the central Florida area. It is a bit overlooked, perhaps because it resides next to one of the area’s most controversial tourist attractions: SeaWorld. But, regardless of your feelings on the marine park, the Renaissance is a true gem of a resort.

Featuring a grand atrium, a handful of restaurants and shops, a beautiful pool complex, and easy access to both SeaWorld and its magnificent waterpark, Aquatica, the location is a lovely and luxurious bubble from which to enjoy your vacation. Yes, it’s a bit far from Disney property — and fighting the I-4 traffic isn’t a fun time — but it is right between Disney and Universal, making it a solid jumping-off point for travelers planning on visiting both. And, above all, the resort is beautiful, well-maintained, and comfortable — all things you should expect on vacation.

Plus, it’s comparable in price to Disney’s Pop Century. Considering all you get for the cost, that’s a steal.

JW Marriott Orlando

Image: nanpalmero, Flickr (license) 

If you’ve stayed at a Marriott before, you might wonder what the hotel chain is doing on this list. Yes, they’re classy hotels, but they aren’t on par with some of the other brands listed, like Hyatt Regency and Waldorf-Astoria. However, the JW Marriott is another type of hotel altogether.

Located a bit off the beaten path, the JW Marriott Orlando sits just beside a small lake — offering plenty of peace and quiet for vacationers hoping to escape the stress of daily life. It also offers luxury and sophistication that other Orlando-area resorts often lack.

There are no bright-colored water slides here. There are no Nickelodeon characters or Pokémon. There’s simply high-class regality and an otherworldly pool area. The rooms are spacious, but unpretentious. The restaurants are good, and a step up from most hotel food.

In all, the JW Marriott is a quiet bit of luxury — comfortable, but chic. And, all things considered, no more expensive than Disney’s moderate resorts.

The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando

Image: sarahsj, Flickr (license)

Just next door to the JW Marriott, however, you have the option to take a step up from your step up. If you read that section about the JW Marriott, and thought to yourself, “This all sounds nice, but I need a bit more luxury. I don’t care about comfort and unpretentiousness — I want to feel like the king of the world,” well, there’s a hotel for you.

The Ritz-Carlton is renowned for its commitment to sophistication and precision. Their hotels have all the pomp you associate with staying in a luxury hotel in the 1950s — dedicated bell staff, uncompromising concierge employees, and white-glove treatment for every part of the hotel. 

The hotel is ostentatious, but not gaudy. It is extremely impressive, and it’s very clear that you aren’t on Disney property while you’re here. It is for vacationers who truly know luxury and demand it — even if they have to stay slightly further away from Disney property.

And, yes, it’s still cheaper than nearly all of Disney’s Deluxe resorts.