If you have kids, you’ll have a vacation to Orlando sooner or later! Home to over a dozen theme parks, travelers come from all over the world to enjoy Disney World and Universal Studios. When families travel to Orlando to visit these magical theme parks, many look to find the best family hotels in Orlando Florida, close to both parks or even inside the parks! Trust us, a good family hotel in Orlando can make a huge difference in your trip! The thing is, with so many options competing for your attention, it can be hard to figure out which hotel looks good and which is truly good! After all, a water slide and a pretty bedroom don’t guarantee you’ll have a memorable family trip! So, to help you pick the right one, we’ve selected some of the best family hotels in Orlando Fl that are worth your money! Keep scrolling to take a look at them!
Table of contents
- Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
- Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
- Orlando World Center Marriott
- Embassy Suites by Hilton – Lake Buena Vista Resort
- JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes
- Sonesta ES Suites Orlando International Drive
- Floridays Orlando Two & Three Bed Rooms Condo Resort
- Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
- Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel
- Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
- Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Disney Area Orlando
- Where to Stay in Orlando
- Recommended Family Restaurants / Bars in Orlando
- Recommended Family Activities in Orlando
Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
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Apart from Disney, Universal Orlando also offers an excellent experience for families, and one of the best is at Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel! As soon as you arrive, you’ll be transported to beautiful Tuscany with all the color and flair of an authentic Italian experience. As one of the best family hotels in Orlando Florida, it’s loaded with many family-friendly perks. This hotel has a surprise up its sleeve for kids who can’t get enough of Universal Studio’s characters, including from the movie Despicable Me! Our favorite is the Minion Suite, a 650 square feet room that offers posh luxury in the living area and a cute bedroom full of minions.
King or double queen rooms are also available, and suites can accommodate more family members. Other amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, a safe, a flat-screen TV, and a coffee maker. Besides the proximity to the Universal Orlando theme parks, guests can relax at the swimming pool, complete with a water slide, sand beach, children’s pool, hot tubs, and cabana rentals. If you and your kids want to split up, this hotel offers Resort Kids’ Camp for kids ages 4 to 14, including games, crafts, movies, and other fun activities. While they’re having a blast, visit the Mandara Spa and spoil yourself there! After all, this is one of the best spa hotels in Orlando!
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
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Here we have another Universal hotel, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort! It’s considered one of the best budget family hotels in Orlando Fl, but it’s truly anything but budget. Perfect for family vacations, this luxury hotel in Orlando boasts tons of suites with two double beds. There’s also a spacious living area with a sofa bed and a small kitchenette with a fridge. Although it has limited cooking appliances, it’s perfect for families who want breakfast in the room! Other amenities include a flat-screen TV, coffee maker, and huge bathroom.
When it’s time to leave the room, we recommend swimming in one of the two huge pools. One has a great splash area and a slide, while the other has an enjoyable lazy river. Trust us; your kid will never want to leave this area! Apart from that, there’s also a free shuttle to, of course, Universal! Staying at this family hotel in Orlando also gets you access to early entrance to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Want to work out? Feel free to pay a visit to the on-site fitness center as your kids are playing in the game room.
Orlando World Center Marriott
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For one of the best family hotels in Orlando Fl, look no further than the Orlando World Center Marriott! It’s a sprawling property just down the road from Walt Disney World that’s jam-packed with things your family will love. As one of the closest Marriott properties to WDW, families can get to all the fun in a hurry. So, what’s so special about this family hotel in Orlando? For starters, it boasts four heated swimming pools and a whirlpool. One pool is indoors, allowing you to swim when the weather isn’t friendly. Another has a splash zone for younger kids to enjoy, and a third has three water slides, two of which are 200 feet tall!
Other amenities that can entertain you and your kids are the gaming lounge, arcade, table tennis, volleyball, and kids’ activity center with face painting and LEGOLAND-themed events. Moms and dads can enjoy some time at the spa while the kids spend at Kids World or Kids Night Out. When it comes to the guestrooms, this hotel boasts 2,009 rooms! Standard rooms can sleep four with several suites available to give you more room. Many of them even have balconies that overlook the pools! Moreover, dining options at this resort are plentiful, with 10 restaurants and lounges to choose from. The resort does charge a 25USD per day resort fee, but it covers transportation to Walt Disney World, Wi-Fi, two bottles of water, and a few other things.
Embassy Suites by Hilton – Lake Buena Vista Resort
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Another excellent family hotel in Orlando that’s worth your attention is the Embassy Suites by Hilton – Lake Buena Vista Resort. With perks like all-suite rooms, complimentary Evening Reception, and free made-to-order breakfast, Embassy Suites is an easy choice for families wanting to have a memorable vacation without breaking their bank. Other impressive amenities that we love include indoor and outdoor swimming pools with dive-in movies, a putting green, fire pits, tennis courts, and fishing docks! Plus, this resort is located right in between Sea World and Universal Orlando to the north and Walt Disney World Resort to the south, making it easy to get to wherever the fun may take you.
Rooms, as you might expect, are incredibly spacious! Your kids can run around freely, and you can relax without any worry. Of course, things like a mini-fridge, safe, microwave, hairdryer, and free Wi-Fi are standards. Apart from that, cribs and high chairs are also available! While there are many exciting things to do at the hotel, parents might easily be tired. So, if you need to rest and rejuvenate your body, book a treatment at the spa where you can get some relief from sore and tired feet. Do your kids want to tag along? Cool, as the spa also has treatments for your little ones!
JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes
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The JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes is, without a doubt, among the best family hotels in Orlando Fl! One of the first things you and your kids will notice is none other than its lazy river. It’s probably the hotel’s best amenity! Here, your whole family can soak up the Florida sun, sip on your cold juices and drinks, and float away until the sunsets. This lazy river alone can turn your vacation into an awesome one. Of course, as one of the best family hotels in Orlando Fl, it has more to offer than just a lazy river. Located right next door to this hotel is the sister property, Ritz-Carlton. So, if you want to stay fit by swimming a few laps or working out at the gym, you can do it next door at the Ritz-Carlton.
If you want to hit the links, the on-site Ritz-Carlton Golf Club is the perfect place to do it! It’s worth noting that this hotel charges a resort fee of 35USD a day that includes bike rentals, shuttle service to area theme parks, high-speed internet, access to the driving range, floats for the lazy river, and credit for photography services. So, make sure to take advantage of all the amenities! When it’s time to feast, there are seven dining options at the resort. They range from Starbucks to farm-to-table cuisine at Whisper Creek Farm: The Kitchen or fine Italian dining at Primo. While you’re out by the pool, don’t forget to enjoy snacks and beverages at Quench, the poolside bar, and the grill!
Sonesta ES Suites Orlando International Drive
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Families who don’t want to stay at a theme park but still want to be close to many of Orlando’s popular activities must consider staying at Sonesta ES Suites Orlando International Drive. This all-suite hotel is right across the street from The Wheel at Icon Park and nearly endless shops and restaurants on International Drive. Furthermore, the one and two-bedroom suites will keep families comfortable. They’ll also provide a good home base for exploring the area. Meanwhile, the suites can accommodate four to eight guests, making this one of the best hotels for families in Orlando Florida. Plus, budget-minded families will love the complimentary breakfast buffet served in the mornings and the complimentary shuttle service to Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World!
On top of that, you can also take the I-Ride Trolley to shops and attractions along International Drive! Sounds convenient. Other amenities at this family hotel in Orlando Fl include a fitness center, outdoor heated pool, whirlpool, a small lounge, and a 24-hour convenience store for snacks and drinks. Plus, families can save time and money with a local grocery delivery service right to their room! So, make sure to take advantage of the full-size kitchen! Lastly, free Wi-Fi, free parking, on-site laundry, and in-room safes are also available.
Floridays Orlando Two & Three Bed Rooms Condo Resort
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As you can guess, the Floridays Orlando Two & Three Bed Rooms Condo Resort is a condo-style, all-suite property that’s perfect for unpacking and staying awhile. Deemed as one of the most popular family hotels in Orlando Fl, it’s clear that this is an excellent place for your family. Each room is a two or three-bedroom suite equipped with a full kitchen and well-appointed bedrooms. Thanks to the kitchen, you can save a considerable amount of money cooking your meals! It’s the perfect amenity for those wanting to stretch their vacation dollars. There are also plenty of living spaces to make your visit as comfy and homey as possible!
Other great amenities at the resort include a huge pool area with two swimming pools. There, your kids can float on water for as long as they want. If they don’t swim, they can have fun in the game room instead! While your kids are busy playing, you can burn some calories at the state-of-the-art fitness center. Moreover, guests can also enjoy complimentary shuttle service to and from the hotel to the local theme parks and attractions. Your whole family will always have something to do nearby! But if you prefer to stay in, take in a movie at the pool, enjoy some live music, or even enroll in Mermaid Academy!
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
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Want to give your family their best vacation? Then you should book a room at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek! This family hotel in Orlando Fl, recently went through a rebranding and is now Hilton’s first Signia hotel, a new upscale, premium brand in Hilton’s portfolio. With a 3-acre lazy river, pool, and water slide complex, all within minutes of Walt Disney World, you and your kids will never get bored. For families with smaller children, high chairs and cribs are available. Other resort amenities include a lounge, baggage hold service, and laundry service. Plus, rooms and suites at this family hotel in Orlando can accommodate most families in comfort. Things like the flat-screen TV, safe, mini-fridge, and coffee-maker are all standards. For some extra kid-approved vacation cred, you can book a room that comes with a view of the nightly fireworks show at nearby Hollywood Studios.
Finding something tasty to eat around this resort won’t be an issue either. Around the hotel, there are twelve restaurants, cafes, and bars to choose from. From snacks by the pool to an elegant dinner, you’ll find it there! If you have children under 12, you must try dining at Harvest Bistro! There, your little ones can eat free off the children’s menu. This is a nice perk and is included in the daily resort fee. As one of the top family hotels in Orlando Fl, this accommodation offers a complimentary shuttle to Disney Springs and the Walt Disney World theme parks, which is great for families!
Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel
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If you’re looking for a hotel at Universal Orlando, then you should give Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel a shot. By spending your family vacation at this family hotel in Orlando Fl, you’ll get amazing perks like Universal Express Unlimited for the entire family, but with a rock and roll attitude as well as a pool complex to match. It’s one of the best family hotels in Orlando Fl! As you can expect from this upscale resort, the service is nothing but fantastic. Meanwhile, the rooms are huge and well-appointed. That said, families with budding artists may want to book the Future Rock Star Suite! Even better, all guests will receive a complimentary Fender guitar rental!
Families will also love access to the parks from this hotel. It’s the closest of any Universal resorts to the parks, and CityWalk restaurants are within easy walking distance. Want to spend time at the other resorts? Well, shuttles and riverboats are available! Furthermore, the pool complex at this resort is one of the best. It has a 260-foot water slide and underwater speakers pumping out tunes day and night. It has this party vibe that kids will 100% love! A zero-entry beach and cabanas round out the offerings, and activities like ping-pong, beach volleyball, and kid-friendly fountains will keep everybody happy. Want to have a special time with your significant other? Have a much-deserved break at the jacuzzi or spa! Speaking of which, this inclusive hotel is also deemed as one of the best gay-friendly hotels in Orlando!
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
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When talking about the best family hotels in any destination, Four Seasons usually always makes the cut. And if you’re searching for top family hotels in Orlando Fl, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort should be your priority! Like other best family hotels in Orlando Florida, services are excellent, rooms are comfortable and welcoming down to the last detail, and there’s plenty of unique programming and activities for your kids. We’re sure families will love the water slides, lazy river, and splash zone. There are two pools in total, and one of them is adults-only, which is perfect for couples. It also makes this hotel one of the most romantic hotels in Orlando! Even better, this hotel is one of the few properties that reside inside the gates of the WDW resort!
Another perk of staying at this hotel is that there are no resort fees! Yes, this means the cabanas at the pool, kids club access, table tennis, pool tables, bocce ball – it’s all included. Excellent family-friendly touches include kid-sized robes, spacious, comfortable rooms arranged with families in mind, staff that engages the kids, on-site Disney vacation planning and tickets, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi. Families will also love the complimentary luxury coach rides to all Disney parks. Shuttles run all day, so you will never miss a thing! Best of all, any purchases made in the parks can be delivered to your room, so you don’t have to carry them around all day!
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Disney Area Orlando
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The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Disney Area Orlando is truly an oasis, and those looking for first-rate family hotels in Orlando Fl should take a look at this resort. As soon as you and your family walk through the door, you’ll be greeted by the hotel’s ambassador, Merlot, the scarlet macaw. Of course, you can expect nothing but great amenities from this family hotel in Orlando. It boasts an incredible pool complex complete with water slides, waterfalls, hot tubs, spa, golf course, tennis, paddle boats. The list goes on and on, and there’s something for everyone! Don’t worry; activities are included in the resort fee, which is great for fun-loving families! Thanks to this hotel, you might second guess venturing out to the nearby theme parks!
However, if you decide to get out, you should know that this resort is only a short drive away from Walt Disney World Resort, with easy access to all of its parks, attractions, and shopping. Meanwhile, Disney Springs is only about a five-minute drive away and offers a one-stop shop for good dining options and your fill of Disney souvenirs. But if you’re too tired to explore the nearby eateries, there are plenty of on-site options to enjoy. There are three on-site restaurants in total, including Hemingway’s, specializing in seafood and juicy steaks. There’s also LakeHouse, which serves classic American cuisine. Lastly, there’s On The Rocks Pool Bar & Grille, where you can enjoy snacks and drinks delivered right to your pool chairs.
Where to Stay in Orlando
There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Orlando, Florida. And if you and your family want to stay in the most popular area, you should spend your days in Southwest Orlando. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. It’s where you’ll find a handful of world-famous theme parks, including Universal Studios, Disney World, and many others!
Another neighborhood worth considering is Dr. Phillips. Set outside of the city center, it’s where you can enjoy all the benefits of the suburbs while still being close to the city and its top attractions. Or, you might want to stay in Downtown Orlando, the heart and soul of the city. It’s a bustling and vibrant place that’s packed with restaurants diners, and it’s where you’ll find the best hotels in Downtown Orlando!
Lastly, you should consider staying in Celebration! Just like its name, it’s one of the unique neighborhoods in Orlando. Located south of Orlando, it was initially developed by the Walt Disney Company as the quintessential American neighborhood. It evokes feelings of the 1930s with its beautifully designed buildings and overall charm.
Recommended Family Restaurants / Bars in Orlando
- Sweet Mama’s Restaurant – When you’re up early and everyone’s stomach is rumbling, this restaurant is the place to go! Breakfast is the specialty here. You’ll find all the southern classics like grits, pancakes, biscuits, bacon, and everything in between.
- Nick’s Family Diner – This restaurant is old-school and done right. It’s perfect for a family breakfast in Orlando before a day at the theme parks. We’re sure you’ll enjoy the homey atmosphere and all the classic diner foods. Some of the go-to orders include award-winning burgers, Belgian waffles, and bacon.
- Mrs. Potato Restaurant – This Brazilian-American family restaurant is packed with both authentic South American cuisine and some American classics. Here, everyone will be able to find something they love. One of our favorites includes the Picanha steak, the most popular cut of steak in Brazil!
Recommended Family Activities in Orlando
- Sweet Mama’s Restaurant – When you’re up early and everyone’s stomach is rumbling, this restaurant is the place to go! Breakfast is the specialty here. You’ll find all the southern classics like grits, pancakes, biscuits, bacon, and everything in between.
- Nick’s Family Diner – This restaurant is old-school and done right. It’s perfect for a family breakfast in Orlando before a day at the theme parks. We’re sure you’ll enjoy the homey atmosphere and all the classic diner foods. Some of the go-to orders include award-winning burgers, Belgian waffles, and bacon.
- Mrs. Potato Restaurant – This Brazilian-American family restaurant is packed with both authentic South American cuisine and some American classics. Here, everyone will be able to find something they love. One of our favorites includes the Picanha steak, the most popular cut of steak in Brazil!
