Best places to stay in Orlando: Hotels, Resorts, & Villas

Not sure where to stay in Orlando? Our experts have all the insider know-how to help shape your perfect Orlando holiday. Whether you want to wake up moments from the rides, retreat to a more tranquil space nearby the thrills, or stretch out in your own private villa, we’re here to breakdown your options.

Universal Orlando Resort

Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando 

At Universal Orlando Resort, your hotel isn’t just somewhere to rest your head – it’s part of the adventure. Universal Orlando Resort has plenty of options, but if you really want to make the most of your theme park days, three hotels stand out. Why? Because they come with the perks that make staying onsite irresistible: FREE Universal Express Unlimited to enjoy shorter wait times, Early Park Admission, and effortless transport to the parks via water taxi or shuttle.

Hard Rock Hotel® at Universal Orlando: pure rock-star energy: music-inspired design, a buzzing pool with underwater speakers, and service that makes every guest feel VIP.

Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando: offers a tropical escape, all swaying palms, lagoon-style pools, and exotic cocktails – a Polynesian paradise at your doorstep.

Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando: you’re whisked away to the Italian Riviera, complete with pastel façades, charming waterfronts, and a relaxed pace that feels miles from the rollercoasters whilst being really close to the parks.

If you want the same on-site fun but are looking for a more budget-friendly stay, Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a great choice. Bursting with retro 1950s flair, colourful family suites, two sparkling pools, and an impressive lazy river, this resort is the perfect mix of convenience, charm, and budget-friendly fun. Plus, enjoy great benefits such as Early Park Admission and complimentary transport.

Walt Disney World Resort in Florida

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

Live the story with a stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, where every detail is designed to immerse you in the Disney magic. With themed rooms and 30-minute early entry to all 4 Theme Parks every day of your stay, it’s little surprise that staying onsite is top of everyone’s wishlist. Top hotel picks include:

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort: vibrant, playful, and unapologetically fun, with larger-than-life Disney film theming. Pools, games arcades, and whimsical décor make every corner feel like a storybook come to life. 

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: a masterclass in relaxed tropical charm. Colourful Buildings, hammocks by the water, and gentle Caribbean rhythms make it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of park-hopping. It’s a place where mornings can start slowly with a coffee by the lake, and evenings end with a sunset stroll that feels straight out of a postcard.

In short, staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel isn’t just about being close to the Parks, it’s about being part of the story. And the best part? You don’t have to leave that magic behind when you head back to your room.

Offsite Resorts

The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando 

Swap the buzz for balance at an offsite resort and choose to stay close to the parks but with a bit more breathing room. Two of our top picks include:

The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando: a perfect example of how to do Orlando differently. Set across a 106-acre tropical landscape, it combines the energy of a full-scale resort with the calm of a natural retreat, and you’re just minutes from Walt Disney World Resort, with complimentary daily transport to both Disney and Universal. Days here can be as busy or as blissful as you like. Dive into the action at the onsite water park, complete with multiple slides, a dual-rider surf simulator, a lazy river, and four swimming pools, or slow things down with lakeside views and non-motorised water sports. Spacious multi-bedroom accommodations make it an ideal choice for families or groups who seek more room to relax after a day at the parks. Perfectly positioned, this resort keeps you close to the magic while giving you the freedom to explore more of Orlando. This is Orlando, but with a softer edge.

Margaritaville Resort Orlando: serves up a polished slice of paradise, where welcome cocktails, palm-lined views and top-tier service set the tone from the start. While Orlando’s iconic theme parks are close by, the resort itself is a destination, with spacious suites, private cottages and villas, plus a spa and laidback beach club. For a splash of fun, dive into drop slides, wave pools and lazy rivers at Island H2O Water Park (admission required).

Villas

Villa at Champions Gate Resort 

There’s something special about having everyone under one roof, and a villa is a perfect option for families travelling together or for those planning a multigenerational escape. A private villa in Orlando or Kissimmee gives you that space, along with the freedom to holiday entirely on your own terms. Think private pools, fully equipped kitchens, generous living areas, and even games rooms for laid-back evenings in. Some of Orlando’s most popular villa communities take that experience even further. Our top picks include: 

Champions Gate Resort: here you’ll find a touch of five-star living woven into your stay, with access to a full-service spa, two championship golf courses, multiple restaurants, sparkling pools, and even an 850-foot lazy river. It’s a stay that feels as indulgent as it is effortless.

Storey Lake Resort: perfectly positioned for getting out and exploring everything Orlando has to offer. Set within lush, tropical surroundings, it pairs spacious, flexible villas with a lively, family-friendly atmosphere complete with a resort-style pool, lazy river, waterslides, and a vibrant clubhouse. It’s an easy, well-connected base with plenty to enjoy.

Windsor Palms Resort: a secure, gated villa retreat just 3 miles from Walt Disney World Resort, blending the freedom of home with resort-style perks. Guests can choose from villas, townhouses or condos, all with access to top-notch facilities including a clubhouse, cinema, gym, spa, and Olympic-size saltwater pool. Families will love the arcade, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, children’s splash pad and playground. It’s the perfect mix of space, fun and convenience for a magical Orlando escape.

Windsor Hills Resort: a charming villa retreat just 2 miles from Walt Disney World Resort, and just a short drive from Universal Orlando Resort. The resort’s clubhouse is a hub of fun, featuring a huge lagoon-style pool with a waterpark, plus a children’s playground, fitness centre and sports courts for volleyball, basketball and tennis. Entertainment continues indoors with a 40-seat movie theatre, video arcade and billiards. Perfect for families or groups, it combines space, convenience and endless activities for a true Orlando getaway.

Whichever you choose, a villa stay is all about space, comfort, and a little extra luxury whilst staying close to the magic of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort. A villa truly gives you the flexibility to do Orlando your way.

Can’t decide? You don’t have to.

When it comes to your Orlando holiday, there’s no need to pick just one style of stay. A twin-centre escape lets you have the best of both worlds.

Kick off your trip with a few nights immersed in the action at an onsite hotel, whether it’s the thrills of Universal Orlando Resort or the magic of Walt Disney World Resort, and make the most of all those exclusive perks. Then, when you’re ready to slow the pace, retreat to a villa or offsite resort, where space, comfort, and relaxation take centre stage. It’s the perfect blend of energy and escape, giving your Orlando holiday a touch of luxury and freedom.

Book your holiday to Orlando with Kenwood Travel 

Whether you’re dreaming of staying onsite at a Disney Resort hotel or Universal hotel, unwinding in an Orlando villa, or finding the best places to stay in Orlando outside the parks, our team or Orlando travel experts at Kenwood Travel are here to help. From booking the perfect theme park hotel to arranging private villa stays, we take care of all the details so you can focus on making magical memories.

A trip to Orlando isn’t complete without time in the parks and when booking your stay with us, you can also secure your theme park tickets to Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Whether you’re heading to the magic of nature at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park or the excitement of the four theme parks at Universal Orlando Resort, our dedicated Orlando travel experts are here to guide you every step of the way. With insider knowledge, tailored recommendations, and great-value ticket options, we make planning effortless, so that you can focus on making unforgettable memories.

Browse our special offers here or call 0203 966 8921 and let our Orlando experts craft your perfect getaway today.