Top Orlando Accommodations: Explore Neighborhoods and Areas

Orlando is a city that ranks highly on the itineraries of young adults and Disneyland enthusiasts. As the location of one of the highest concentrations of amusement parks globally, Orlando is undoubtedly among the most entertaining cities in the world.

However, in addition to its prominent amusement parks, Orlando boasts a city landscape that is equally noteworthy. Surrounded by lakes and streams, this urban area offers a touch of nature and numerous spots for picnicking.

One of Orlando’s remarkable features is its expansive international airport, making it one of the most accessible airports in the state. With flights to over 34 different international destinations weekly, the opportunity to visit Orlando at least once in a lifetime is compelling. Furthermore, Orlando is conveniently linked by major roadways, with a trip on Highway 4 westbound to Tampa taking less than an hour and a half.

With a high influx of visitors each week, it is essential to be prepared for a trip to Orlando. While a vast array of hotels and accommodations are available, the most popular choices tend to be booked quickly.

Let us explore the top lodging options in Orlando.

Downtown Orlando

Using the Downtown neighborhood as a base when visiting a major city is typically a wise choice, and the same is true for Orlando. Offering a wide selection of hotels, numerous diners, and ample shopping opportunities, Downtown Orlando fulfills all the criteria for a brief visit.

Downtown Orlando’s strategic location is particularly advantageous, as it is a mere 20-minute drive from the center of the city’s amusement parks. Therefore, for travelers wanting to immerse themselves in authentic Orlando while planning to visit amusement parks over a few days, Downtown is an ideal choice.

Additionally, Downtown Orlando is conveniently located near the highly regarded Orlando Science Center, known for its innovative educational approach in sharing science with young audiences. The center hosts an impressive planetarium featuring multiple screens that present documentaries and mini-lessons.

The SAK Comedy Lab in Downtown Orlando is an excellent venue for a light-hearted evening out.

Suitable For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, History Enthusiasts, Urban Dwellers, Couples, Culture Seekers, First-Time Visitors, Families, Culinary Enthusiasts, Sightseers, Shoppers, Quick Visitors

Neighborhood Highlights: Orlando Science Centre, SAK Comedy Lab, Cobb Plaza Cinema Café 12, Mad Cow Theatre, Orange County Regional History Center, City Arts Factory, Amway Center – Home of NBA’s Orlando Magic, Replica Statue of Liberty, Lake Ivanhoe Park, Harry P Leu Gardens, The Mennello Museum of American Art, Orlando Fire Museum

Hotel Recommendations:

• DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Downtown – This hotel provides comprehensive amenities, including en-suite bathrooms equipped with complimentary toiletries and plush towels, alongside air-conditioned rooms with complimentary WiFi access, a swimming pool, and a fitness center.
• Courtyard by Marriott Orlando Downtown – Situated in the Downtown area, this hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness center, along with on-site laundry facilities and free WiFi throughout.
• Residence Inn by Marriott Orlando Downtown – Ideal for travelers seeking additional space, the spacious suites include kitchenettes, living areas, and private bathrooms, accompanied by excellent service from a highly accommodating staff.

South West Orlando – Universal

Universal Studios serves as a primary attraction for numerous travelers visiting Orlando. The city gained international fame when Walt Disney Studios established its theme park complex decades ago, and now South West Orlando is home to a multitude of theme parks and amusement options.

From the iconic Universal Studios and Epcot to the unique experience of The Holy Land Experience, there is something for everyone in South West Orlando. Travelers could easily spend their entire vacation within this area, thanks to the abundance of rides and shows available.

While Universal Studios is the standout park, there are additional parks in the vicinity worth mentioning. Fun Spot America provides classic entertainment features such as bumper cars, arcade games, and go-karts.

The Escape Game Orlando is another essential visit, offering adventurous experiences that test group dynamics and creativity.

Suitable For: Active Travelers, Urban Dwellers, Couples, First-Time Visitors, Families, Culinary Enthusiasts, Sightseers, Shoppers, Theme Park Aficionados, Quick Visitors, Once-in-a-Lifetime Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, Epcot, The Holy Land Experience, Zombie Outbreak, Gator Golf Adventure Park, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, Lost Caverns Adventure Golf, Universal’s Volcano Bay, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando, Madame Tussauds Orlando, SKELETONS: Museum Of Osteology, Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows, Orange County Convention Center, WonderWorks Orlando, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, Fun Spot America

Hotel Recommendations:

• The Point Hotel & Suites Universal – A modern hotel that has been recently renovated, boasting suites with kitchenettes, living areas, and en-suite bathrooms, alongside a fitness room and hot tub for guest use.
• Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort – A stylish hotel that fully caters to guests’ needs, complete with a bowling alley and a variety of amenities.
• staySky Suites I-Drive Orlando Near Universal – This popular choice features a swimming pool, fitness center, on-site restaurant and bar, along with family rooms and suites suitable for diverse budgets.

South Eola

The quaint neighborhood of South Eola is the ideal location for travelers seeking an Orlando experience devoid of the constant activity of the theme park district. Featuring cozy cafes, a selection of craft brew pubs, and a beautiful park with a lake, South Eola offers a tranquil escape within the city.

South Eola Park is a delightful retreat from the city’s busyness, offering numerous walking trails around the lake, perfect for enjoying a picnic, sunbathing, or even venturing out onto the lake with paddleboats and pedalos available for hire. Feeding the swans is a popular pastime among visitors.

The Abbey serves as the focal point for nightlife in South Eola, cherished by locals and visitors alike. This theater-turned-lounge hosts a variety of performances ranging from comedy to cabaret, ensuring there is always entertainment to enjoy at The Abbey.

Suitable For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Urban Dwellers, Couples, Coffee Enthusiasts, Culture Seekers, Local Experience Travelers, Low-Key Adventurers, Urban Photographers, Off-the-Beaten-Track Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Lake Eola, Lake Eola Park, Simon Bolivar Statue, The Abbey, World of Beer Bar & Grill, Soundbar Orlando, The Social – Event Venue, Downtown Orlando Info Center, Orange County Regional History Center, Dexter’s Thornton Park New American Restaurant, Greenwood Urban Wetlands, Dickson Azalea Park

Hotel Recommendations:

• The Eo Inn – This boutique hotel offers meticulous attention to detail, with private bathrooms featuring walk-in showers and complimentary toiletries. Guestrooms also include flat-screen TVs and free daily coffee.
• Travelodge by Wyndham Orlando Downtown Centroplex – An affordable accommodation option providing easy access to Downtown Orlando. Rooms feature modern amenities including free WiFi, and the property has an outdoor terrace with a swimming pool.
• Embassy Suites Orlando – Downtown – This expansive hotel offers a diverse array of room options, suitable for various budgets, with larger suites accommodating up to six guests. A complimentary breakfast is included in most room rates.

Lake Cherokee

Situated south of South Eola and east of the theme park district, Lake Cherokee is a peaceful area in Orlando. Similar to South Eola, it is an excellent choice for travelers desiring a relaxed and authentic experience in the city.

With a more residential atmosphere than the bustling Downtown, Lake Cherokee fosters a sense of community and is welcoming to families, providing a refreshing break from the frenetic pace of the amusement parks in South West Orlando.

The focal points of Lake Cherokee are Cherokee Park and Lake Cherokee itself, offering spaces for visitors to engage with locals and forge new friendships during their travels.

Moreover, Lake Cherokee is conveniently located near key tourist attractions in Orlando. Universal Studios is only a 20-minute drive, while the Orlando Science Center is just 10 minutes away. Thus, Lake Cherokee presents an appealing balance of tranquility and accessibility.

Suitable For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Urban Dwellers, Couples, Coffee Enthusiasts, Culture Seekers, Local Experience Travelers, Low-Key Adventurers, Urban Photographers, Off-the-Beaten-Track Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Cherokee Park, Lake Cherokee, Universal Studios, Al Coith Park, Delaney Park, Lake Davis Park, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Dr. Phillips House, Sodo Shopping Center, Downtown Orlando Info Center, Orange County Regional History Center

Hotel Recommendations:

• Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando/Downtown South – Medical Center – A well-situated hotel featuring a year-round heated outdoor pool and a modern fitness center. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV and complimentary WiFi.
• Aloft Orlando Downtown – A luxury accommodation characterized by chic design, offering all necessary amenities, including WiFi access, coffee-making facilities, and cable TV, with many rooms providing views of the lake or outdoor pool.
• The Courtyard at Lake Lucerne – A charming locally-run hotel providing free parking and WiFi. This bed and breakfast has a welcoming atmosphere and is known for its delightful cooked breakfast.

Kissimmee

Kissimmee is a small city located south of Orlando. With excellent transport connections to both Downtown Orlando and South West Orlando, where the amusement parks are located, it serves as an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers. As it is somewhat removed from the city center, hotel rates in Kissimmee are generally more affordable. During peak summer season, when hotels in Orlando are fully occupied, many top selections in Kissimmee still have availability for last-minute reservations.

Additionally, Kissimmee provides convenient access to Orlando’s theme parks, with Walt Disney World being just a short drive away.

Kissimmee is situated along the shores of Lake Tohopekaliga, locally known as Lake Toho, which offers numerous grassy areas for relaxation and an abundance of picnic tables.

The Old Town Kissimmee provides an enjoyable space with a shopping complex, vintage fairground rides, and weekly live entertainment.

Suitable For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Urban Dwellers, Couples, Coffee Enthusiasts, Culture Seekers, Local Experience Travelers, Low-Key Adventurers, Urban Photographers, Off-the-Beaten-Track Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Old Town Kissimmee, Walt Disney World, Epcot, Orlando Balloon Rides, Kissimmee Swamp Tours, Topgold Orlando, Crayola Experience, America’s Escape Game, ICON Orlando, Andretti Indoor Karting and Games, The Great Magic Hall, Arcade City Orlando, Airheads Trampoline Arena, i-drive NASCAR

Hotel Recommendations:

• Champions World Resort – This family-friendly hotel provides various budget-friendly lodging options, with every room featuring a flat-screen TV and coffee machine, as well as on-site facilities including a fitness center and swimming pool.
• Seasons Florida Resort – A recommended hotel offering compact yet adequately equipped rooms with wardrobe space, en-suite bathrooms, and air conditioning for the hot Florida summers. A hearty breakfast is included in the room rate along with free parking.
• GreenPoint Hotel Kissimmee – This eco-friendly hotel offers modern accommodations at reasonable rates. Guests can enjoy complimentary access to a fitness center and free parking, with air conditioning available throughout the facility.