Best Pool Hotels in Orlando-Walt Disney World

The first Four Seasons property to open at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, this resort – which sits about 5 miles southeast of the Magic Kingdom – aims to fill the park's luxury lodging void. And judging by its amenities, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort appears to be succeeding. With its own 18-hole golf course, 13,000-square-foot spa and rooftop steakhouse, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando is well-suited for travelers who want easy access to the theme parks without the over-the-top kitsch associated with Disney-owned properties. That's not to say that the resort doesn't cater to little ones: The hotel also boasts a 242-foot-long waterslide, an 11,008-square-foot lazy river and the complimentary Kids For All Seasons kids camp. Plus, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando offers its own Disney character breakfasts, complimentary park shuttle service and a Disney Planning Center – a separate concierge desk designed for mapping out your park itinerary and purchasing tickets. Aside from its amenities, this Four Seasons excels in its accommodations, according to recent guests. Rooms are outfitted with large soaking tubs, flat-screen TVs, contemporary decor and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Recent travelers also appreciated the customer service team here, but were not as pleased with the pricey nightly rates.

The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort enthralls its visitors. Its Mediterranean-inspired setting is a treat for the eyes, but the most compelling reason guests rave about this Loews branch is its high-end amenities. Examples of perks travelers love include the full-service Mandara Spa and the elegant atmosphere found in Mama Della's Ristorante (just one of this Loews hotel's four restaurants). The guest rooms also earn high praise for their style and creature comforts, such as flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations and Keurig coffee makers. On the other hand, the ritzy features come with a price tag that guests say can take a toll on your pocketbook. Plus, there are extra fees for valet and self-parking. (However, you can earn perks by becoming a member of the Loews YouFirst rewards program.) As its full name suggests, the Loews Portofino Bay sits on the grounds of Universal Orlando Resort, giving you easy access to the Universal theme parks, like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

This Omni resort has several features that place it above its competitors, especially with visiting families. First, there's the family-friendly swimming pool – a zero-entry one equipped with a 125-foot-long corkscrew waterslide. Then, there's the resort arcade, which stays open 24 hours a day. And lastly, the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate offers supervised children's activities at Camp Omni Kids Escape. The resort also provides scheduled shuttle service to Walt Disney World as part of the property's daily resort fee. Meanwhile, previous guests appreciate that the Omni Orlando Resort doesn't overlook other types of visitors. The resort boasts two championship golf courses and the lighted nine-hole course for putting. And recent vacationers tout the swanky ZEN restaurant – which serves Asian meals – as the front-runner of this Omni's dining establishments. But perhaps most importantly, travelers are impressed by the Omni Orlando Resort's rooms, which feature amenities like flat-screen TVs and, in some instances, private balconies. This super-lush resort stretches across much of the ChampionsGate community in the Orlando area.

The contemporary Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort puts an interesting spin on inside-the-park accommodations. Guests love the Swan and Dolphin Resort's comfortable and clean rooms, which are decorated in soft teal and orange tones and feature the brand's signature Heavenly Beds, crisp white duvet covers and flat-screen TVs. The amenities are bountiful, too, with the Camp Dolphin kids program and advance tee times at Walt Disney World's golf courses. The property also houses the Balinese-style Mandara Spa, multiple pools (including one with waterfalls and a waterslide) and even a beach (complete with sand volleyball courts). However, some recent guests weren't entirely satisfied with their stay, citing customer service snafus and outdated decor as reasons to bed down elsewhere. You'll find the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort just minutes from Epcot by water taxi.

The Hilton Orlando is frequently described by guests as a lovely resort – from the staff, to the furnishings and even to the amenities offered (a nine-hole putting golf course, a fitness center and a lazy river, not to mention two other swimming pools). While staying at this Hilton outpost, you'll have easy access to the Orange County Convention Center, plus you're only 13 miles west of the Orlando International Airport and a short jaunt from Walt Disney World and the Universal Orlando Resort amusement parks. But even some satisfied visitors had a common gripe: The guest rooms' inability to block outside noise from the hallways. On the plus side, past guests agree the accommodations here are comfortable thanks to the their flat-screen TVs, ergonomic desk chairs and spacious layouts. The resort also houses four on-site eateries, including Spencer's for Steaks and Chops, a sophisticated steakhouse. You'll find the Hilton Orlando in southwestern Orlando, on Destination Parkway. Members of the Hilton Honors program can earn or redeem points here.

As is the norm with Ritz-Carlton properties, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes pleases guests with its well-appointed rooms and fantastic customer service. Each of its 582 guest rooms and suites feature private balconies, marble bathrooms (with two sinks) and LCD flat-screen TVs. This immense property also boasts an 18-hole golf course, two pools and access to a massive lazy river at the neighboring JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes (the two resorts share grounds and activities). Craving more quiet relaxation than the kid-congested river can offer? Head to The Ritz's 40,000-square-foot spa, which boasts 40 treatment rooms and citrus-inspired treatments. And when it's time to refuel, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando features a plethora of on-site dining options, offering everything from casual alfresco eats to formal dining restaurants. If you're having trouble booking a room at the ultra-exclusive, ultra-expensive Ritz, consider giving the JW Marriott a try. Keep in mind that this hotel participates in the Marriott Bonvoy program, so members can earn and use points by staying here.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Orlando, Florida, is as opulent as it gets when it comes to Walt Disney World accommodations. The Victorian era is revived in the decor found in the five-story lobby – complete with an open-cage elevator and magnificent chandeliers – and the plush guest rooms. Lodging options here come equipped with amenities like flat-screen TVs and complimentary high-speed internet; however, some travelers say that the rooms in Disney's flagship resort are beginning to feel a bit tired. And though the Grand Floridian is kid-friendly with loads of activities, the posh resort is the best bet for couples looking for a quieter place to stay. Extras like afternoon high tea and daily piano performances in the lobby lend an elegant tone, but there are still fun perks like character breakfasts for the kids. (Youngsters can also indulge in their own afternoon tea with Disney princesses.) Another perk about staying at the Grand Floridian: having an on-site monorail station that is just one stop away from the Magic Kingdom.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge in Orlando, Florida, is one of the more unique Walt Disney World properties. No, it's not the lobby's thatched roof and the chandeliers made out of warrior shield reproductions – although the decor is worth noting – it's the four savannas right outside your door. The resort is set up in a kraal design (a semi-circular shape that's common in Africa) with balconies overlooking wild grasslands, making it all the better for you to see the ostriches, giraffes and zebras that roam the grounds. Guest rooms are pretty standard. Aside from decorative touches like carved wood furnishings and fabrics inspired by Kente cloth, you'll find all the usual makings of a high-end hotel, including complimentary Wi-Fi access, floor-to-ceiling windows and coffee makers. Meanwhile, the downstairs Boma - Flavors of Africa restaurant is highly regarded for its creative cuisine. And when you're not enjoying the park, previous guests recommend making use of the on-site pools and playground. As its name suggests, you can find this Disney-affiliated resort in the Animal Kingdom area of Walt Disney World.

Travelers say this Hyatt Regency makes a convenient choice for those conducting business in Orlando. The hotel sits within easy reach of both Orlando International Airport and the Orange County Convention Center. And for those who've brought their families along for the ride, this Hyatt hotel serves as an I-Ride Trolley stop, meaning guests can quickly get to theme parks like SeaWorld. No matter your reason for visiting, guests say you'll enjoy the Hyatt Regency Orlando's recreational facilities, which include three swimming pools (one of which is equipped with a waterslide for the kiddos), an outdoor tennis court and The Spa at Hyatt Regency Orlando, which houses a 24-hour fitness center and offers a wide array of treatments. Meanwhile, the on-site eateries earn high praise for their tasty cuisine. Travelers also appreciate the comtemporary rooms, which feature a neutral color scheme, flat-screen TVs and coffee makers. However, some past visitors lamented additional fees for amenities like parking. World of Hyatt members can cut costs by cashing in rewards points.

The JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes is a comfortable, reasonably priced option that's about 8 miles northeast of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Recent lodgers describe this JW Marriott property as a good hotel for both business travelers and families (and even better, business travelers who happen to be traveling with their families). Many of the rooms have balconies, but past guests suggest asking for a room that faces the lake for the most scenic views. No matter which room you end up in, you'll find it outfitted with a coffee maker, a 65-inch flat-screen TV and wireless internet (which is covered by the property's daily $35 resort fee). Together, the JW Marriott Orlando's ballrooms alone account for nearly 80,000 square feet of meeting space, and there are also a few places on the grounds that can host business functions and special events. And what is any Orlando hotel without a stellar pool? The JW Marriott Orlando boasts a massive heated lazy river that's surrounded by palm trees. Or, guests can take a dip in the adjacent Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes' pool, as the two properties share many amenities with each other. What's more, Marriott Bonvoy members may earn and redeem points by choosing to stay here. 

Of course Orlando has a Hard Rock resort; this brand is almost a theme park in and of itself. The resort proudly touts more than $1 million worth of music memorabilia from the likes of Elton John, Elvis Presley and Eric Clapton – and that's just the short list. And while you're here, you can create your own music thanks to the Sound of Your Stay program, which allows you to borrow a Fender guitar (plus amps and headphones) for the duration of your stay. Though the property offers its own forms of nightlife, a stay here will also put you within walking distance of the restaurants and clubs found at Universal's CityWalk Plaza. Lodgers vouch for the star-quality treatment that you'll receive in the resort; however, others lamented the expensive rooms and amenities. Accommodations all feature iHome clock radios, Keurig coffee makers and flat-screen televisions. And for an extra dose of R&R, plan on relaxing poolside in a cabana while the kids are kept entertained at Camp Lil' Rock. For most travelers, the best part of staying in the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando is being near the city's best activities. You can walk to Universal's Islands of Adventure and the Universal Orlando Resort. 

Set on Walt Disney World's northwest side, Disney's Polynesian Village Resort features a South Pacific theme: Koi ponds are scattered throughout the grounds, and palm trees support hammocks (and reposing guests) along a stretch of the lagoon's beachfront. The long and narrow buildings have thatched roofs and torch-lit walkways, while the guest rooms are done up in brown and green hues. However, some recent guests comment that the decor makes guest rooms feel a bit dark at night. Meanwhile, other travelers aren't sure if this hotel is worth its high room rates. Still, most praise the Polynesian for its monorail station (which makes it a great home base for exploring the parks), as well as its popular Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show. And travelers with kids say that the Lava Pool (complete with a 142-foot-long waterslide) is a big hit with the little ones. For a little more serenity, head to the Oasis Pool, which offers a more tranquil setting. And when you're ready to eat, venture to one of the resort's multiple dining establishments for a sit-down meal or a casual bite. You'll find this Disney resort in the Magic Kingdom area of Orlando, Florida.

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is definitely eye-catching. Situated along Walt Disney World Resort's Village Lake, this resort looks as though it stepped out of New York's Saratoga Springs area in the late 1800s, when the regenerative springs and horse racing made that town all the rage. But more importantly than looks, recent guests adore the first-rate, personalized customer service they received starting from the moment they checked in. The rooms also earn high praise, especially from larger family groups who appreciate the amount of space each accommodation affords. A consistent guest favorite are the Treehouse Villas, which sit suspended off the ground in a wooden grove. And regardless of whether you choose a studio, a one- or two-bedroom villa or a Treehouse Villa, you can count on staples like minifridges and coffee makers, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi access and Victorian-inspired touches, such as patchwork quilts. Keep in mind that this is one of the few Disney properties that isn't within walking distance of any Walt Disney World sites; still, guests praise the complimentary bus transfers, which run between the resort and the Disney theme parks. Other guest-praised amenities include the High Rock Spring Pool and Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course.

Experience Africa's amazing wildlife at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village – no passport required. Housed within Orlando's Walt Disney World Resort, Kidani Village allows guests to observe freely roaming animals – like zebras and giraffes – without having to rough it in the bush. Accommodations here offer up to two bedrooms and come equipped with flat-screen TVs, tribal-print fabrics and wooden furniture. Recent guests recommend splurging on a villa with a savanna view to get the best taste of Disney Animal Kingdom's unique setting. The Samawati Springs pool and the Uwanja Camp (an animal observation site-themed water playground with three distinctive areas) are ideal retreats for kids who need a break from the theme park. And when dinnertime rolls around, guests recommend the Boma – Flavors of Africa restaurant for its African cuisine. If you're craving more variety, this Disney resort offers multiple dining establishments that serve everything from Indian fare (at Sanaa) to Mediterranean-, Indian- and African-inspired cuisine (at Jiko – The Cooking Place). Book early, though, as many recent guests said a stay here is expensive, especially when considering the high prices for food and parking.

Surrounded by Bonnet Creek and situated about 10 miles southwest of the Orange Country Convention Center and 20 miles southwest of downtown Orlando, the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek is a relaxing – and business-appropriate – alternative to the neighboring Disney resorts. This Wyndham resort caters to both working and leisure travelers: While the hotel boasts 32,000 square feet of event space and a business center with computer access, it also offers the Blue Harmony Spa and shuttle service to transport guests to and from Walt Disney World theme parks (included in the property's daily $25 resort fee). Whether visitors spend their day at the Magic Kingdom or in a meeting, they can catch a break in one of the lounge chairs that line the lagoon-style pool. The Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort also features four dining venues, although some previous guests noted that menu items here can be pricey. However, the rooms earn praise for their style, size and amenities, which include internet access.

Perched a few miles from the eastern edge of Walt Disney World Resort, the Orlando World Center Marriott provides an ideal location for leisure travelers (especially those with kids) and the amenities business travelers expect. Not only is this Marriott outpost close to the theme parks, but it also offers a variety of on-site supervised activities for children. While your youngsters are occupied, you can hit the fairways at the 18-hole golf course, indulge in a treatment at the on-site spa or break a sweat at the 24-hour fitness center. When it's time to refuel, you'll have five dining options to choose from, plus a grab-and-go market. Past visitors raved about the service provided in all of the on-site eateries. In Orlando on business? You'll have access to a 24-hour business center and nearly 400,000 square feet of event space. There are also four pools, including one with waterfalls and three waterslides. But remember, this property charges a daily resort fee of $28.13. If you're a Marriott Bonvoy member, you can help offset resort charges by using points to pay for your room.

If you're in Orlando for Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, then this North World Drive resort could be one of your best lodging options. According to recent guests, it's Disney's Contemporary Resort's proximity to top Disney sights that are the real clinchers for booking a stay. And while families praise the resort's location, business travelers appreciate it's 115,000-square-foot convention center and business center. The resort has well-appointed and varied accommodation options, where rooms offer everything from garden views to lake panoramas and theme park vistas (be sure to specify your view wishes before booking your room). All guest rooms and suites feature complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee makers and minifridges. And as with other Disney resorts, you'll find plenty of dining and recreation options on-site, including the popular California Grill. If you're here with kids, don't miss out on the opportunity to enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet meal with your favorite Disney characters at Chef Mickey's. 

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort offers this more private accommodation option for guests, featuring 360 deluxe studios and 20 overwater Bora Bora-inspired bungalows. Inside each bungalow, travelers will find two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, a private deck with hanging chairs and a pool, and a view of Seven Seas Lagoon and Cinderella Castle. Studios feature queen-sized beds, sleeper sofas and pull-down beds. Plus, bedding down here grants guests shared used of the larger Polynesian property's perks, such as the on-site Seven Seas Lagoon and Lilo's Playhouse kids club. Guests also praise the stellar views – which include Disney's famous evening fireworks – and the on-site ferry and monorail transit options to Walt Disney World. For dining, there's the Hawaiian-themed eatery 'Ohana, which has earned a round of applause from guests for its delicious buffets and kid-friendly activities like coconut races and hula hooping. Because this Orlando, Florida, property is affiliated with Disney, Disney Vacation Club members can redeem points here.

Located in the southeast corner of Walt Disney World, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando feels a lot like its New York counterpart. You'll find similar design elements (like the infamous clock in the resort lobby) and notable dining establishments like Peacock Alley and the Bull & Bear steakhouse reproduced here. But this Waldorf Astoria property is decidedly Floridian, with citrus hues accenting the decor and on-site facilities that make the most of the warm weather and sunshine. The big draw here is the 18-hole championship golf course, perfectly accompanied by the natural wetland backdrop. And the cabana-lined lap pool and zero-entry pool are great for lounging and catching a tan. Meanwhile, guest rooms here come with 55-inch flat-screen LCD TVs, coffee makers and Italian marble bathrooms with glass-enclosed showers and separate soaking tubs. However, some recent visitors said the customer service team could improve. If you're a Hilton Honors rewards club member, you can use or earn points here.

With its prime location less than a mile away from Universal Orlando Resort, the Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando Resort has chosen to entice with what it calls "South Seas" flavor. To that effect, this Loews outpost boasts of Emeril Lagasse's Tchoup Chop restaurant and the weekly Wantilan Luau all-you-can-eat Polynesian buffet (a particular favorite among visiting families), not to mention four other dining venues and character dining experiences. Themes aside, most guests keep coming back to this resort because of its attentive staff and clean, comfortable rooms. Accommodations feature a gray color palette with colorful accent walls and pillows and offer amenities like flat-screen HD TVs, iHome clock radios and Cuisinart coffee makers. But like its sister, the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort, a stay at the Loews Royal Pacific comes attached to a high price tag. Add in additional fees for parking and you may find your vacation funds running low. That said, travelers who have stayed here say the extra cost might be worthwhile due to the property's easy access to the nearby Wizarding World of Harry Potter (at Islands of Adventure). Another bonus: You can enjoy extra perks and benefits if you participate in the Loews YouFirst rewards program.

Disney's Yacht Club Resort is Disney Beach Club Resort's ritzier sister property; the two share a stretch of land along the shores of the lake near Walt Disney World. The stylish Yacht Club Resort echoes the upscale feel of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, complete with dark wood accents and leather furniture; meanwhile, rooms have white furnishings and touches of gold and marble. Accommodations here also feature complimentary Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs and minifridges. This Disney outpost definitely has a more adult vibe than the neighboring Beach Club, but children should feel welcome thanks to the kid-friendly pool, an on-site arcade and the nearby Fantasia mini-golf course. On-site restaurants, particularly the Yachtsman Steakhouse, come highly recommended by previous visitors, though some suggest making early reservations to ensure you get a table. Aside from the amenities, it is the Yacht Club's convenient location that has many recent guests gushing. You can either walk or take a boat to Epcot. All of these amenities and services, however, come at a price some guests felt is too high. 

With 132,000 square feet of meeeting and function space and a full-service business center, the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is popular with working travelers and conventioneers. But this resort is still a great choice for families, too. For example, this Hilton outpost offers free transportation to and from Walt Disney World, and the on-site Harvest Bistro restaurant offers complimentary meals for the kids. In addition to four other in-house eateries, visitors can enjoy the resort's pool and lazy and have access to the nearby Waldorf Astoria Orlando's 18-hole golf course, spa and kids club. Recent travelers are fond of the rooms here, which feel spacious and stylish with ergonomic desk chairs, flat-screen TVs and minifridges. You should note that the resort charges a daily $30 resort fee and that on-site parking will cost you extra, but most visitors believe a stay here is worth a few additional fees. What's more, members of the Hilton Honors loyalty program can offset the price of their stay by using rewards points.

Disney's Beach Club Resort is Disney's interpretation of waterfront New England. Though it shares many amenities with Disney's Yacht Club Resort, the Beach Club has a more casual feel. Plus, you can experience the flavors of the Atlantic coast at the resort's restaurants. Enjoy whimsical boardwalk favorites at the Beaches & Cream Soda Shop, or get your fill of seafood at the Cape May Café buffet. And for something a little swankier, dress up at the nautical-themed Yachtsman Steakhouse. Meanwhile, guest rooms boast complimentary Wi-Fi access, coffee makers and, in some cases, private balconies. What's more, amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, over 100,000 feet of meeting and event spaces and four pools. And there's also a ferry service that will take you to nearby Epcot if you don't feel like making the hike to the theme park's back entrance. Recent guests, mainly staying for the easy access to Walt Disney World, praise the Beach Club's location. However, some others said that housekeeping services need improvement. 

For truly sophisticated digs in Orlando, Florida, consider staying at Rosen Shingle Creek. Located in the southwestern quadrant of the city, this hotel markets itself as a convenient location for meetings and special events. The Orange County Convention Center is only about 3 miles west, and on the hotel premises you'll find approximately 490,000 square feet of available convention space. There's also a sizeable golf course and eight restaurants, where working travelers can kick back and relax when they need a break from the daily grind. But some who have recently booked rooms at Rosen Shingle Creek describe the decor as a little tired, while others say that parking can be a little confusing (the lot is massive, and after you've left your car, you'll need luck to find it again). Yet most guests agree that the customer service is on point, citing friendly staff members and quick responses as reasons to book here again.

This southwestern Orlando, Florida, hotel (located, as its name suggests, by SeaWorld), impresses visitors with its trendy atmosphere and proximity to popular theme parks. Plus, the hotel's guest rooms feature LCD flat-panel TVs, Aveda bath products and marble bathrooms. The rest of the hotel also earns a nod of approval from guests, who praise the hotel's lobby and compliment the flavorful (albeit pricey) cuisine at the in-house Mist Sushi and Spirits restaurant. This Renaissance property also boasts three other dining spots, a water park and an outdoor pool. And when you need to relax after a long day outdoors, you can make an appointment for a massage or a body scrub at the on-site nèu lotus spa. But for some guests, it's not the spa or the water park that makes this hotel a great choice for Orlando visitors; rather, it's the hotel's pleasant, accommodating staff. Another perk about staying here is that this hotel participates in the Marriott Bonvoy program, meaning you can use or earn points by staying here.