Here is an in-depth guide to the best hotels in Orlando, Florida, detailing location, accommodations, dining, amenities, and proximity to Orlando International Airport (MCO).
The Ritz‑Carlton, Orlando, Grande Lakes
Nestled within the lush, 500-acre Grande Lakes resort, The Ritz‑Carlton sits 11 miles (20 minutes) from Orlando International Airport (MCO) and is ideally positioned between Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. Its secluded, lakeside setting offers a serene escape without sacrificing easy icon access.
Rooms & Suites
The resort boasts 582 rooms and suites, many offering lake, golf-course, or nature preserve views . Guestroom categories include:
– Lake View Rooms (~480 sq ft) with private balconies, marble baths, separate tubs & showers.
– Suites: separate living areas, upgraded amenities, and exclusive Club Level access.
Each room features Frette linens, ergonomic workspaces, luxury bath products, and spacious layouts.
Food & Drinks at the Ritz‑Carlton, Orlando, Grande Lakes
– Highball & Harvest: upscale farm-to-table fare sourcing produce from on-property Whisper Creek Farm.
– Splitsville: stylish bowling alley and lounge.
– On-site cafés & bars: casual grab-and-go options, poolside bars, and in-room dining.
Amenities
– Ritz-Carlton Spa (40,000 sq ft) with citrus-based facials, detox treatments, steam rooms, and separate men’s and women’s lounges.
– Golf: an 18-hole, 72-par Greg Norman course.
– Pools: multiple including the main pool and adjacent JW waterpark with lazy river, slides, and cabanas.
– Family-friendly: Ritz Kids program, fishing, kayaking, and nature tours.
Distance to Airport
Approximately 11 miles (~20 minutes) from MCO.
JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
Co-located with the Ritz‑Carlton on Grande Lakes, this full-service resort shares many facilities and offers the same 11-mile proximity to Orlando International Airport.
Rooms & Suites
Over 1,000 rooms—including suites and multi-room setups suitable for families—all appointed with marble bathrooms, 65″ HDTVs, luxury bedding, and scenic balconies.
Food & Drinks
– Knife & Spoon: a Michelin-level steak and seafood restaurant by Chef John Tesar.
– Primo: elegant Italian fare.
– Whisper Creek Farm offers casual eats and craft beer focus.
– Water Park snack bars: quick service for families enjoying the pools.
Amenities at JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
– Waterpark features: lazy river, slide tower, cabanas, and family zones.
– Golf & Spa: access to Greg Norman-designed course and adjacent Ritz-Carlton spa.
– Fitness: dedicated center; bike & watercraft rentals.
Distance to Airport
11 miles from MCO; shared shuttle services with Ritz‑Carlton.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
Located within Walt Disney World Resort—approximately 18 miles (25–30 minutes) from MCO—this Five-Star property offers exclusive benefits like character breakfasts and early park entry.
Rooms & Suites at Four Seasons Resort Orlando
443 rooms, including 68 suites with separate living rooms, turndown service, and private balconies. Rooms are elegantly appointed with luxury bedding, spa-style bathrooms, and custom furnishings.
Food & Drinks
– Capa: rooftop steakhouse (Michelin-starred) with views of the Magic Kingdom fireworks.
– Plancha: poolside Cuban-Latin bites.
– PB&G: casual eatery at the front entrance.
Amenities
– Five-acre water park with lazy river and splash zones.
– Adults-only Oasis pool, full spa, fitness center, and private cabanas.
– Kids Club for ages 4–12.
Distance to Airport
About 18 miles (30 minutes) from MCO.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Location
Set adjacent to Walt Disney World on Bonnet Creek, about 17 miles (25 minutes) from MCO.
Rooms & Suites
445 upscale rooms and 59 suites, with spa-style baths, Nespresso machines, separate seating, and floor-to-ceiling views. Signature amenities include plush robes and refined décor.
Food & Drinks at Waldorf Astoria Orlando
– Bull & Bear: inspired by London’s Gentlemen’s clubs.
– La Luce: Italian trattoria.
– DZS: Asian cuisine.
– Shula’s Bar & Grill: famous for steaks, sports ambiance.
Amenities
– Spa: wellness retreats, massages, and salon.
– Pools: family and adults-only master pools.
– Golf & Tennis: nearby championship courses.
– Kids Club: interactive activities.
Distance to Airport
Approximately 17 miles from MCO.
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Located on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon at Walt Disney World—11 miles (20 minutes) from MCO—this Victorian-era flagship Disney resort exudes luxurious nostalgia.
Rooms & Suites
867 rooms across six buildings, with 25 suites including the Presidential and Grand Suites. Rooms average 400 sq ft, featuring Victorian décor, plush bedding, sundecks, and marble baths.
Food & Drinks at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
– Victoria & Albert’s: Walt Disney World’s only AAA Five-Diamond restaurant.
– Citricos & Narcoossee’s: renowned upscale dining.
– Enchanted Rose Lounge: Belle-themed lounge.
Amenities
– Full-service spa with massages and salon.
– Pools with slides, waterways, and cabanas.
– Monorail access to Magic Kingdom and Epcot.
Distance to Airport
About 11 miles from MCO.
Hyatt Regency Orlando
On International Drive beside the Orange County Convention Center—strategically placed for events, dining, and entertainment. It’s about 13 miles (20 minutes) from MCO.
Rooms & Suites
1641 rooms in a 31-story tower, including 110 suites. Rooms offer plush bedding, work desks, and floor-to-ceiling windows; Family Suites abound.
Food & Drinks at Hyatt Regency Orlando
– Harvest Bistro: farm-to-table American fare.
– International Drive’s restaurants within walking distance.
– Lobby lounge & pool bar
Amenities
– Pool complex: resort pool, slide, splash zone, children’s pool.
– Fitness center, spa treatment rooms, and business center.
– Valet & convention spaces (largest pillar-free ballroom globally).
Distance to Airport
Approximately 13 miles from MCO.
Orlando World Center Marriott
Location
Adjacent to Walt Disney World, off World Center Drive—16 miles (25 min) from MCO.
Rooms & Suites
2008 rooms, including 110 suites. Configurations range from deluxe rooms to expansive multi-bedroom suites and villas.
Food & Drinks
– Nine onsite restaurants and lounges, offering steak, Italian, Asian, and casual cuisine.
– Caribe Crossings: quick-serve café.
Amenities at Orlando World Center Marriott
– Lagoon-style pool complex featuring a water slide and splash zone.
– Indoor rock wall and event space.
– Spa & fitness facility.
Distance to Airport
Approximately 16 miles from MCO.
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld (formerly Royal Plaza/B Resort)
Location
In Lake Buena Vista near SeaWorld and Disney Springs—15 miles (20–25 mins) from MCO.
Rooms & Suites
394 rooms and suites, including 15 suites and 3 penthouses. Decor is modern-meets-historic, following a 2023–2024 renovation.
Food & Drinks
– American Kitchen: on-site American dining.
– Grove Café & Brew: relaxed fare.
– Pool bar and room service.
Amenities at Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
– Outdoor pool & splash area.
– Fitness center and indoor/outdoor event space.
– Pet-friendly policy and free Wi-Fi.
Distance to Airport
Approximately 15 miles from MCO.
Which Orlando Hotel Fits You?
– Ultimate luxury & spa: Ritz‑Carlton or Four Seasons.
– Silky upscale resort with great Disney access: Waldorf Astoria or Grand Floridian.
– Convention/business travel: Hyatt Regency or World Center Marriott.
– Value-focused with updates & theme park proximity: Renaissance*.