The Best Hotels to Book Near Orlando International Airport

If you thought Orlando was a haven for theme parks, just wait until you discover all of the golf courses surrounding Rosen Shingle Creek. Stay and play on their Palmer-inspired course then take on the King’s own greens at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge only 15 minutes away. Forgot your game at home? Take private lessons at the Brad Brewer Golf Academy on-site and review your green notes while relaxing in the hot tub.

Get to know Orlando’s wealthy whereabouts during a stay at the Alfond Inn. This boutique hotel has a vibrant contemporary art collection that reflects the talent and vision of its proprietor, the liberal arts institution Rollins College. An in-room wine tap will tempt you to spend your entire trip lounging in a robe and slippers with a glass in-hand. Do rest assured that plenty of vino, award-winning restaurants and charming local shops are right around the corner on popular Park Avenue.

Tell the kids that the Grove Resort & Spa has its own Surfari Water Park, and they’ll forget all about the House of Mouse. This wet and wild wonderland is included in your stay, which means endless lazy river rides, water slides and glides on the FlowRider surf simulator. The only reason they’ll want to dry off is to play games and make crafts at the activity center and family fun center – until they’re ready to dive back into the pools.

Blue Heron Beach Resort brings the beach to you. No need to drive all the way to the coast; the shores of Lake Bryan are just outside of your cozy Sunrise Suite. Jet skis, pontoon boats and ski boats are available for rent if you need a day spent topside; there’s also a tiki bar beside the pool if you need a day spent tipsy. A complimentary shuttle service can transport you to the theme parks if you need a break from this beachy bliss.

Had enough with the theme park queues? Caribe Royale is primed for your relaxation. Send the kids off to ride the water slide umpteen times while you watch from a luxurious cabana. If you can convince the little ones to stay put in the game room, you may be able to sneak over to the Island Spa for a detoxifying dry brush exfoliation. You’ll enjoy your down time at Caribe Royale so much, you’ll find it difficult to leave your queen suite the next morning.

You won’t need to step outside this hotel on the tourist haven of International Drive. An arcade, cafe, mini-market and three pools surround comfortable guest rooms. But when you do, stride up and down I-Drive to spend all day shopping at Pointe Orlando, dining on nearly every cuisine imaginable and laughing all on the thrill rides at ICON Park.

In the rare hours when you aren’t riding roller coasters and snapping photos with iconic fictional figures, the Berkley has you covered. Hit the swimming pool when the sun’s up and the pool table or arcade in the moonlit hours. You’re welcome to kick back in your two-bedroom villa, unless you’re with the whole family in a four-bedroom unit, of course. You’ll find a few hours of popcorn and peace in the private movie theater on-site.

It may not be on a literal island, but the sparkling pool, boat rides on Lake Cecile and quiet putting green at Star Island Resort will make you feel miles away from Central Florida. Don’t let this oasis fool you; your spacious suite with a full kitchen, private patio and jacuzzi tub are right around the bend from Falcon’s Fire 18-hole course and an evening of jousting at the theatrical Medieval Times restaurant.