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Best hotels in Orlando

Visiting the theme park capital of the world? Read on to whittle down your options when it comes to choosing a hotel in Orlando.
If you’re heading to Orlando, we’re betting that theme parks feature highly on your list of things to do. This Florida city lines up an unmatched collection of world-famous offerings including four parks at Walt Disney World Resort and another four at Universal Orlando Resort, not to mention a string of sprawling water parks to boot.

If you’re wondering where to stay to tick off as many parks as possible, International Drive is a great starting point. I-Drive, as it’s known, is the equivalent to Las Vegas’ Strip, and many of the hotels here operate shuttle buses to whiz you between Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay.

If Walt Disney World Resort is top of your wish-list, Lake Buena Vista – on Orlando’s outskirts – is the place to base yourself. Hotels here include vast, themed properties like Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, where you can wake up to find giraffes and gazelles grazing outside your window, dine at African-inspired restaurants and swim in a pool styled like a natural watering hole.

Take a look at our pick of five incredible Orlando hotels to get you started.

Disney's All Star Music Resort, in Walt Disney World Resort

This all-singing, all-dancing hotel in Disney's Animal Kingdom Resort area is divided up into five areas themed around different music genres. Giant guitars flank the apartments in the rock and roll area, and the swimming pools are shaped like a huge piano and guitar. The latter has a fountain in the middle featuring Donald Duck and friends, a separate pool for kids, and a bar. The piano pool, meanwhile, is the place to go for a more sedate swim.

The music theme carries through to the hotel’s food court, where you can choose everything from cooked breakfasts to puddings from the different kiosks – with a backdrop of musical greats on the walls, of course. As for entertainment, the hotel hosts movie nights next to the pool and runs a shuttle across to Disney Springs Marketplace, where you’ll find more restaurants, bars and live entertainment.

Book Disney's All Star Music Resort.
A music-themed hotel pool with Donald Duck statue.

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, in Walt Disney World Resort

You’ll feel like you’ve woken up in ancient Mexico at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. There’s a Mayan pyramid in the main pool, and the hotel interiors take their cues from colonial Mexican décor. The apartments themselves are set out in pastel-painted casitas blocks and decorated in a palette of rainforest-inspired hues.

Everything is arranged in three accommodation zones, with a pool for each one plus the main Mayan pool, which also has a big waterslide and a supersized hot tub that fits 22 people. Food-wise, the Maya Grill is styled like a temple and serves traditional Mexican and American cuisine, while rooftop Toledo restaurant majors in Spanish meals and tapas. Guests love the daily campfire by the main pool, where you can toast marshmallows and s’mores, and there’s a free shuttle bus to get you to all the Disney Parks as well as Disney Springs Marketplace.

Book Disney's Coronado Springs Resort.
A view of Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, lit up at night.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, in Walt Disney World Resort

Another property with a touch of Disney magic, this African safari-themed hotel is set in a wildlife reserve, so you can step outside and watch gazelles, giraffes and zebras grazing just beyond your balcony. Pick up one of the hotel’s wildlife-spotting guides for tips on how to see African flamingos, white-bearded wildebeest and impala roaming the grounds, too.

Inside, dark-wood floors, carved furniture and tribal art carries the theme from the bedrooms to the restaurants. You can try African, Indian and Mediterranean dishes at Jiko, while Boma serves traditional African cuisine under a thatched roof, safari-style. Even the hotel pool, which is wrapped in canopy trees, is styled like a natural watering hole. The icing on the cake? As a guest here you can use the free shuttle bus to the Disney Parks and Disney Springs Marketplace.

Book Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.
A family dining at Jiko restaurant.

Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, in Universal Orlando Resort

This place is only a quick walk – or free shuttle journey – from a trio of must-visits: Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal CityWalk. Plus, it’s right next to Universal Volcano Bay, so there’s no need to hire a car if you’re sticking close to the theme parks.

Style-wise, the hotel has a funky 1950s vibe – from the retro bowling alley to the colourful rooms. There’s an old-fashioned diner serving fast food, and another restaurant in the bowling alley. As for outdoor activities, two pools and a lazy river will keep you busy when you’re not out exploring the parks, and there’s even a sandy beach to relax on.

Book Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort.
A Queen room with Volcano Bay view.

Sonesta ES Suites Orlando, International Drive

Prefer to stay in apartment and have a bit more flex to do your own thing? Sonesta ES Suites Orlando has a great location on International Drive, just opposite the Orlando Eye at ICON Park, and only a short drive from Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort. The good news is there’s a shuttle bus that runs to both parks.

In terms of accommodation, you’ve got a choice of one or two-bedroom apartments here, both of which come with things like flatscreen TVs and kitchens and open-plan living areas. There’s a pool, a breakfast restaurant and a 24-hour mini-market, too, so you’re well set up for an Orlando holiday where you get to choose the itinerary.

Book Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - International Drive.
The hotel exterior at sunset, with a ferris wheel in the background.
Can’t wait?

Browse our last-minute holidays to Orlando.

Or, discover the top things to do in Orlando, read our ultimate guide to Florida, and learn how to make the most of Universal Orlando Resort.

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Author: Katie Gregory


Last updated: 30.07.2025