Orlando is a Central Florida city of about 320,000 people (about 2.8 million in the metropolitan area) and the world's best-known theme-park hub, with Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld Orlando nearby, plus a walkable downtown, lakeside Winter Park, Mills 50 dining and International Drive attractions.
Accommodation overview
Orlando's hotels fall into a handful of distinct clusters. Downtown, Thornton Park and Mills 50 have business and boutique hotels around Lake Eola and the Church Street entertainment district, with SunRail and the free LYMMO circulator nearby. International Drive and the Orange County Convention Center form the big tourist-and-convention strip, with the Rosen, Hyatt and Hilton towers and many budget chains. The Universal Orlando Resort has its own themed hotels on Universal Boulevard and Adventure Way, linked to the parks by walking paths, water taxis and shuttles. Lake Buena Vista and Disney Springs have Hotel Plaza Boulevard hotels and Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress; Walt Disney World Resort itself contains Disney-owned hotels from the value Pop Century and All-Star Movies to the luxury Grand Floridian and Four Seasons; and Bonnet Creek and Grande Lakes hold the Waldorf Astoria, Signia by Hilton, Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott. Winter Park has the Alfond Inn and the historic Park Plaza on Park Avenue; Lake Nona and the airport corridor around Orlando International Airport (MCO) suit business and overnight stays; and Kissimmee and Celebration, which lie in Osceola County just outside Orlando, offer resort stays about 15 to 25 minutes from the Walt Disney World parks. Peak season includes the December holidays, spring break and Easter, and summer; September, early November and January are usually the cheapest. June 1 to November 30 is hurricane season. Many non-Disney hotels charge a daily resort fee of roughly $25-$50 USD and a parking fee, and Orange County adds combined sales and tourist taxes of about 12.5% to the room rate. Rates, fees and room types in this guide are typical ranges and change by date, so confirm the total price on the hotel website before booking.
- Budget
- $90-$200 USD per night (Disney value resorts such as Pop Century and All-Star Movies, the Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando and airport-corridor chain hotels in low season), plus resort or parking fees at some properties
- Mid-range
- $150-$450 USD per night for most chain hotels near International Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Downtown Orlando, Universal Boulevard and Kissimmee, plus resort fees of roughly $25-$50 USD at many off-site hotels
- Luxury
- $350-$1,800+ USD per night at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes, Four Seasons Orlando, Waldorf Astoria Orlando, Disney's Grand Floridian, Loews Portofino Bay and the Alfond Inn
- Where to stay
- Downtown Orlando or Lake Eola for a city base with SunRail and LYMMO access; International Drive or Lake Buena Vista for the widest choice of prices near the parks; Universal Orlando Resort hotels for Universal-focused trips; Disney resorts for Walt Disney World; Winter Park for a quieter, walkable stay.
Hotels by budget
Find accommodation that fits your travel budget.
Budget-friendly
Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando
Budget hotel beside the Pointe Orlando shopping and dining complex on International Drive.
Check rates on Booking.comDisney's Pop Century Resort
Pop-culture themed Disney value resort with a Skyliner gondola to Hollywood Studios and Epcot.
Check rates on Booking.comDisney's All-Star Movies Resort
Disney value resort themed around animated films, with two pools and a food court.
Check rates on Booking.comMid-range
Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, Autograph Collection
Art-filled Downtown hotel on South Orange Avenue with an outdoor pool, a bar and lounge and a restaurant.
Check rates on Booking.comCourtyard Orlando Downtown
Marriott mid-range hotel on North Magnolia Avenue north of Lake Eola, with an outdoor pool and on-site restaurant.
Check rates on Booking.comAloft Orlando Downtown
Design-led Marriott hotel on South Orange Avenue with a pool, a lobby bar and walkable Downtown access.
Check rates on Booking.comEmbassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Downtown
All-suite Downtown hotel with free cooked-to-order breakfast, an evening reception and an outdoor pool.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Eo Inn Orlando
Small boutique inn beside Lake Eola in Thornton Park, within walking distance of the district restaurants and the park.
Check rates on Booking.comResidence Inn by Marriott Orlando Downtown
All-suite extended-stay hotel on North Orange Avenue, with a kitchen in every suite and free breakfast.
Check rates on Booking.comRosen Shingle Creek
Large convention resort on Universal Boulevard with an on-site golf course, several pools and a spa.
Check rates on Booking.comRosen Centre Hotel
Full-service convention hotel on International Drive beside the Orange County Convention Center, with a lagoon-style pool.
Check rates on Booking.comHilton Orlando
Large Hilton beside the Orange County Convention Center, with a pool, several restaurants and a fitness centre.
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One of the largest hotels in Florida, on International Drive and linked to the Orange County Convention Center.
Check rates on Booking.comRenaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
Atrium hotel across from SeaWorld Orlando, with a pool, spa and restaurants.
Check rates on Booking.comResidence Inn by Marriott Orlando at SeaWorld
All-suite hotel near SeaWorld Orlando, with a kitchen in every suite and complimentary breakfast.
Check rates on Booking.comFairfield Inn & Suites Orlando International Drive/Convention Center
Mid-range Marriott hotel near the Convention Center with free breakfast and an outdoor pool.
Check rates on Booking.comOrlando World Center Marriott
Very large resort-convention hotel near Walt Disney World, with multiple pools, a lazy river, a golf course and a spa.
Check rates on Booking.comHard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando
Rock-and-roll themed Universal hotel with a beach-style pool that plays underwater music.
Check rates on Booking.comLoews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando
South Pacific-themed Universal hotel with a lagoon pool and walkable or water-taxi access to the parks.
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Retro 1950s and 1960s-themed Universal resort with a lazy river, a bowling alley and family suites.
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Modern high-rise Universal hotel with a pool, a bar and views over the resort and the city.
Check rates on Booking.comLoews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando
Caribbean-themed Universal resort with a pool beneath a waterfall and a lagoon setting.
Check rates on Booking.comHilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs Area
Large hotel on Hotel Plaza Boulevard beside Disney Springs, with a spa, pools and views over the Disney parks.
Check rates on Booking.comDoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando - Lake Buena Vista
All-suite hotel on Hotel Plaza Boulevard beside Disney Springs, with a pool and the signature warm cookie.
Check rates on Booking.comHoliday Inn Orlando - Disney Springs Area
Mid-range hotel on Hotel Plaza Boulevard with a pool and walking access to Disney Springs.
Check rates on Booking.comCourtyard Orlando Lake Buena Vista at Vista Centre
Marriott mid-range hotel off Palm Parkway near Lake Buena Vista dining, with an outdoor pool and restaurant.
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Resort set on a large wooded property beside Lake Buena Vista, with a lagoon pool, golf and a spa.
Check rates on Booking.comDisney's Contemporary Resort
A-frame landmark resort whose monorail runs through the lobby, with a walk to Magic Kingdom.
Check rates on Booking.comDisney's Polynesian Village Resort
South Pacific-themed Disney resort on the Seven Seas Lagoon, with a monorail stop and a sandy beach.
Check rates on Booking.comDisney's Wilderness Lodge
Rustic national-park-lodge style Disney resort on Bay Lake, with a boat to Magic Kingdom and a geyser outside.
Check rates on Booking.comDisney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
African-themed Disney lodge where many rooms overlook savanna grounds with giraffes and zebras.
Check rates on Booking.comDisney's Yacht Club Resort
New England yacht club-style Disney resort with Stormalong Bay pool and walk or boat access to Epcot.
Check rates on Booking.comWalt Disney World Swan Resort
Marriott-operated hotel on Disney property between Epcot and Hollywood Studios, with large rooms and many restaurants.
Check rates on Booking.comWalt Disney World Dolphin Resort
Marriott-operated hotel next to the Swan, with a large grotto pool and boat or walking access to Epcot.
Check rates on Booking.comDisney's Art of Animation Resort
Disney resort themed around Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King and The Little Mermaid, with family suites and a Skyliner stop.
Check rates on Booking.comDisney's Coronado Springs Resort
Southwestern-themed Disney resort with a Skyliner stop, multiple pools and the Gran Destino Tower.
Check rates on Booking.comDisney's Riviera Resort
Disney Vacation Club resort with European Riviera theming, a Skyliner stop and studio and villa rooms.
Check rates on Booking.comDisney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
Moderate Disney resort styled as a Louisiana countryside and bayou, with a boat to Disney Springs.
Check rates on Booking.comSignia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
Large upscale Hilton resort at Bonnet Creek, near Walt Disney World, with a pool complex and a lazy river.
Check rates on Booking.comWyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
Wyndham Grand resort at Bonnet Creek with a pool complex and walkable access to the Hilton and Waldorf resorts.
Check rates on Booking.comGaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
Large Kissimmee resort near Orlando with glass-roofed Florida-themed atriums, pools and a spa.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Alfond Inn
Boutique hotel owned by Rollins College, with a contemporary art collection and a restaurant, steps from Park Avenue.
Check rates on Booking.comPark Plaza Hotel
Historic 1922 boutique hotel on Park Avenue in Winter Park, with a balcony over the street.
Check rates on Booking.comLake Nona Wave Hotel
Contemporary hotel in Lake Nona Town Center, near Medical City and the USTA National Campus.
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Hotel inside the main terminal at Orlando International Airport, with a pool and restaurants.
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All-suite hotel near the airport with free breakfast, an evening reception and an airport shuttle.
Check rates on Booking.comMarriott Orlando Airport Lakeside
Marriott mid-range hotel near the airport with a lakeside setting, a pool and an airport shuttle.
Check rates on Booking.comMargaritaville Resort Orlando
Island-themed resort in Kissimmee near Orlando, with a pool complex, restaurants and an adjacent water park.
Check rates on Booking.comOmni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
Golf resort in ChampionsGate, about 25 miles from Downtown Orlando, with a lazy river, spa and two courses.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Inn at Celebration
Small hotel in the walkable town centre of Celebration, near Orlando, on Lake Rianhard.
Check rates on Booking.comLuxury
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando
Italian Riviera-themed Universal resort hotel on a lagoon, with three pools, a spa and water-taxi access to the parks.
Check rates on Booking.comDisney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Victorian-style Disney flagship resort on the Seven Seas Lagoon, with a monorail to Magic Kingdom and a spa.
Check rates on Booking.comFour Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
Luxury resort inside Walt Disney World, with a lazy river, spa, golf course and several restaurants.
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Luxury Bonnet Creek resort beside Walt Disney World, with a spa, golf and a large pool complex.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Luxury Ritz-Carlton resort at Grande Lakes with a large spa, golf and several pools.
Check rates on Booking.comJW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes
Upscale JW Marriott resort at Grande Lakes with a lazy river, spa and golf.
Check rates on Booking.comBest neighborhoods to stay
Choose your base based on your interests and travel style.
Downtown Orlando / Thornton Park
The city centre around Lake Eola, with business and boutique hotels, Church Street nightlife, restaurants and SunRail; 25 to 40 minutes from the theme parks.
Best for: All travelers
Mills 50
A neighbourhood north of Downtown known for Vietnamese and Asian restaurants, bars and murals; mostly small independent venues, with Downtown hotels the nearest option.
Best for: All travelers
International Drive / Convention Center
The main tourist strip with large chain hotels, restaurants, attractions and the Orange County Convention Center; heavy traffic but many price levels.
Best for: All travelers
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal-owned hotels on Universal Boulevard and Adventure Way within walking, water-taxi or shuttle distance of the parks and CityWalk.
Best for: All travelers
Lake Buena Vista / Disney Springs
Hotel Plaza Boulevard and Lake Buena Vista hotels beside Disney Springs and Walt Disney World, with resort dining nearby.
Best for: All travelers
Walt Disney World Resort
Disney-owned hotels from value to luxury, linked to the parks by bus, monorail, Skyliner and boat.
Best for: All travelers
Bonnet Creek / Grande Lakes
Large golf-and-spa resorts including the Waldorf Astoria, Signia by Hilton, Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott, a few minutes from the parks or SeaWorld.
Best for: All travelers
Winter Park
A leafy college town north of Downtown with Park Avenue shopping, the Morse Museum and boutique hotels; quieter and about 25 minutes from the parks.
Best for: All travelers
Lake Nona / Orlando Airport
Southeast Orlando around MCO, with Lake Nona Town Center, Medical City and airport hotels; convenient for flights, not for park access.
Best for: All travelers
Kissimmee and Celebration (near Orlando)
Osceola County resort areas just south of Walt Disney World, including Gaylord Palms, Margaritaville Resort and Celebration town centre; not within the City of Orlando.
Best for: All travelers
Our top picks
Handpicked recommendations for every type of traveler.
Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando, Autograph Collection
Art-filled Downtown hotel on South Orange Avenue with an outdoor pool, a bar and lounge and a restaurant.
Check rates on Booking.comCourtyard Orlando Downtown
Marriott mid-range hotel on North Magnolia Avenue north of Lake Eola, with an outdoor pool and on-site restaurant.
Check rates on Booking.comAloft Orlando Downtown
Design-led Marriott hotel on South Orange Avenue with a pool, a lobby bar and walkable Downtown access.
Check rates on Booking.comEmbassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Downtown
All-suite Downtown hotel with free cooked-to-order breakfast, an evening reception and an outdoor pool.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Eo Inn Orlando
Small boutique inn beside Lake Eola in Thornton Park, within walking distance of the district restaurants and the park.
Check rates on Booking.comResidence Inn by Marriott Orlando Downtown
All-suite extended-stay hotel on North Orange Avenue, with a kitchen in every suite and free breakfast.
Check rates on Booking.comBooking tips
Get the best deals and avoid common mistakes.
Compare the all-in nightly price: US federal rules require mandatory resort and destination fees to be shown in the headline price, and many Orlando hotels outside Disney add $25-$50 USD per night on top of the room rate.
Budget separately for parking: Downtown, International Drive and Lake Buena Vista hotels commonly charge for parking, so check the hotel's parking policy; Disney resort guests can park free at most hotels, but rules change.
Book early for the winter-holiday period, spring break and Easter, and for big conventions at the Orange County Convention Center, when International Drive and Universal Boulevard hotels fill and minimum-night rules apply.
For a Universal trip, Universal-owned hotels give Early Park Admission and walking or water-taxi access, but benefits change: check the Universal Orlando website for the current terms before booking.
For an early flight, the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport sits inside the terminal; the Embassy Suites and Marriott Orlando Airport Lakeside offer airport shuttles. The airport information line is +1 407-825-2001.
Kissimmee and Celebration properties are near Orlando, not in the city: they are 15 to 25 minutes from Walt Disney World, so a rental car or rideshare is usually needed.
September, early November and January are the cheapest periods, but June to November is hurricane season; choose a refundable rate and consider travel insurance that covers named storms.
Without a car, base in Downtown Orlando (SunRail and LYMMO), at a Universal-owned hotel, or at a Disney resort with Disney transport; International Drive has the I-Ride Trolley but heavy traffic.
Alternative accommodations
Beyond traditional hotels, consider these options.
Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses offer authentic local experiences and often include home-cooked meals. Great for cultural immersion.
Serviced apartments
Ideal for longer stays or families. Kitchen facilities help save money and provide flexibility.
Hostels
Budget-friendly option for solo travelers. Dorms and private rooms available with social common areas.