So, you’ve decided on a holiday to Orlando...
But with endless opportunities for adventure, one question remains: where should you stay?
From fairytale nights at theme park resorts to waking up among the untold wonders of Floridian nature – staying at a hotel or villa are the two most popular options. The debate about which accommodation type is better is up there with Pepsi versus Coke or Ketchup versus Mayonnaise.
Thankfully, we have the answers for your next trip. Using decades of first-hand experience helping thousands fulfil their travel dreams, this guide will help you decide which type of Orlando holiday is to your taste.
Reasons to Book an Orlando Hotel
Convenience and Amenities Galore.
Orlando hotels are an ideal choice for those who prioritise convenience and amenities. An array of Orlando hotels are located within or nearby theme park resorts. Beyond the well-known favourites such as
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge or
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort, there are also theme park partner hotels that can be more affordable options. This includes the
Drury Plaza Hotel in the Disney Springs Area and the
Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando on International Drive.
What’s more, transport to the theme parks from these hotels is often free of charge.
On-site amenities at such popular theme park hotels range from a room with a ‘Safari View’ to resort pools with lifts for wheelchair users, ensuring everyone is taken care of.
Not to mention the wide range of restaurants, bars, swimming pools, and fitness centres, which can be a great way to unwind after a day of rollercoasters. One of the other great advantages of staying in a hotel is the level of service you will receive. Need an extra pillow? No problem. Want to find the best shops in the area? Just ask the concierge.
However, there are some downsides to staying in an Orlando hotel. Whichever option you choose, there is probably a more affordable villa a few minutes away. And most importantly for some, hotels can be very busy during peak seasons, making the amenities sometimes difficult to enjoy to the fullest.
Reasons to Book an Orlando Villa
Privacy and Home Comforts
Even before the pandemic, avoiding crowds was a popular reason for choosing an Orlando villa. Now more than ever, staying in a home-from-home can provide the privacy you need to truly relax. Villas are typically larger than hotel rooms, offering living spaces for your nearest and dearest to reconnect.
What’s more, the amenities of an Orlando villa may be more modest, but a simple secluded swimming pool overlooked by open-plan living can feel like all you need to disconnect from stress. Better yet, if you choose the right villa resort, you can still enjoy a host of on-site attractions. For example, at
ChampionsGate you can experience 36 holes of championship golf, a resort-style pool, a lazy river, and a variety of dining options.
Another advantage of choosing an Orlando villa is the cost. There are of course luxurious options, but moreover, there’s a home for everyone’s budget – especially if you’re travelling in a group. In fact, from our collection of over 2,000 Florida villas, we can regularly accommodate bookings of more than 20 guests in a single home – turning a celebrity-style crib into a wallet-friendly villa.
The main drawback of staying at an Orlando villa is their reputation for being further away from theme parks. Nevertheless, with the right guidance, you can find a villa that’s still close enough to the action. For example, Windsor Hills Resort is less than 3 miles from Walt Disney World.
Which Accommodation is Right for You?
Ultimately, deciding between an Orlando villa or hotel comes down to your preferred location, budget, and size of your group.
For total convenience and an immersive experience, Orlando hotels deliver. For privacy and affordability, Orlando Villas is your winner.
No matter which option you choose, we can ensure your accommodation lives up to your expectations. Check out a small selection of our range of Orlando hotels and villas below.
4 Preferred Orlando Villas Communities
Reunion Resort – For Luxury & Themed Rooms
Reunion Resort is luxury defined and located a mere 6 miles from the Walt Disney World Resort. Across 2,330 acres of lush landscapes, the resort boasts 3 PGA golf courses, 11 swimming pools, 6 outstanding restaurants and a 5-acre waterpark with a lazy river. What’s more, Reunion Resort Villas have as many as 12 bedrooms, making it another perfect choice for large groups. There are also many themed rooms to choose from, ranging from classic movies to modern pop culture designs.
ChampionsGate – For Wallet-friendly Amenities
ChampionsGate is a sought-after villa community nestled within 900 acres of tropical landscapes just 10 miles from the Walt Disney World Resort. Renowned for its sprawling amenities, it is home to 36 holes of championship golf, a resort-style pool, a lazy river, and a variety of dining options. The villas at ChampionsGate range from 3 to 9 bedrooms and come equipped with private pools, fully equipped kitchens, and spacious living areas that offer bang for your buck.
Solterra Resort – For a Nature Retreat
Renowned for its natural surroundings,
Solterra Resort is ideal for a peaceful stay. Your home will be surrounded by serene lakes, pristine greenery, walking trails, and a picnic area. Plus, you can keep active at a resort-style pool, water slide, and lazy river, as well as at the clubhouse’s fitness centre and game room.
Choose from 4 to 14 bedrooms equipped with private pools, fully equipped kitchens, and multiple living areas.
View more of our Orlando villa options here.
4 Preferred Orlando Hotels
Rosen Shingle Creek - For Proximity to Universal Epic Universe
Holding the title as Orlando's closest offsite hotel to Universal Orlando Resort at 2.5 miles, Rosen Shingle Creek offers more than just an ideal location to Orlando's newest theme park - Universal Epic Universe. Staying here, you'll enjoy four outdoor swimming pools, two hot tubs, an onsite spa, 15 onsite eateries, and an 18-hole championship golf course at the Shingle Creek Golf Club. What's more, as a Universal Partner Hotel, Rosen Shingle Creek offers free shuttles to Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, and Aquatica to whisk you to Orlando's playground of roller coasters and thrilling water slides.
Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando - For Free Meals & Unmatched Views
Opened in December 2022, the
Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando is set to be a favourite for years to come. In addition to everyday free meals, this stunning new hotel offers exciting amenities for all ages. Unmatched views of Lake Buena Vista and nightly views of fireworks from Walt Disney World® Resort keep the magic going throughout your stay. Best of all, the hotel is conveniently located within the Disney Springs Resort Area, just moments away from the sights, the sounds, and the sheer magical delight of Walt Disney World® Resort.
Disney's Art of Animation Resort - For Young Families
Disney's Art of Animation Resort is one of the best family hotels in Orlando. Here, children and the young at heart can re-live their favourite Disney films in storybook rooms. Plus, you will discover the largest swimming pool of all Walt Disney World Resorts – The Big Blue – featuring over 300,000 gallons of water. Another highlight for families is the availability of a sky-liner to and from Hollywood Studios and Epcot.
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn - For Wallet-friendly Convenience
Inspired by sand, sea and sunsets, Universal’s Endless Summer Resort offers the perfect combination of affordability and laidback coastal vibes only five-minute's drive from the thrills of theme parks. Staying at the
Dockside Inn, you can enjoy spacious suites for up to six people and two epic resort pools with kid splash pad zones. And as Universal guests, not only will your whole family get free transport to and from parks, but also exclusive early admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – a whole hour before the muggles!
View more of our Orlando hotel options here.
The Best of Both Worlds?
Villatel Orlando Resort - Florida's first 'villa hotel'
If you can't decide between a hotel or villa, Villatel Orlando Resort could be for you. Here, you can enjoy the benefits of resort-style amenities and the comforts of home. With spacious villas ranging from 2 to 9 bedrooms, each featuring a private pool, you can relax and unwind in style. The resort's array of attractions includes a grand resort pool, water slides, a lazy river, and an onsite bar and grill. Located just steps from International Drive and within 2 miles of Universal Orlando Resort, you're also perfectly positioned to explore the new Universal Epic Universe with ease, including complimentary theme park shuttles.
Are you ready to plan your Florida holiday? With our award-winning packages, your travel dreams are only ever an Ocean away.
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