Nickelodeon Family Suites Resort by Holiday Inn

Description:

• This all-suite property, a former Holiday Inn transformed into the first ever Nickelodeon-branded resort, is one of the best properties in the Orlando area for families. Its two-bedroom Kid Suites feature a second bedroom for the kids with bunk or twin beds, kitchenettes, and a pullout sofa in the living area. Three-bedroom suites are also available and include additional space, a second bathroom, a full kitchen, upgraded amenities, and a trendy decor. One and two-bedroom suites are themed with Nickelodeon colors; characters adorn the kid's rooms. An all-new lobby and mall area, filled with restaurants, an arcade, shops, a temporary tattoo and hair-wrap station (additional fees apply), and nightly entertainment (including Studio Nick), have been added. The resort's two pool areas (with lots of lifeguards) are veritable water parks, with extensive multilevel water slides, flumes, climbing nets, and water jets. Activities are scheduled poolside (including Slime Time), and there are also a wide variety of recreational options, including a small minigolf course, playgrounds, and sand play areas. Required wristbands ensure that only resort guests can access the area. "Nick After Dark," an evening supervised activity program for kids ages 5 to 12, allows parents to take a night off. A daily character breakfast (SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora, and the Fairly Odd Parents oversaw things when I was last there) is offered in addition to the hotel's regular breakfast buffet (at the latter, kids eat free with paying adults). The only downside is that the resort's incredible popularity translates to an incredibly crowded, often overwhelming experience -- combine this with a day at the theme parks and parents may be in need of a vacation from their vacation. Discounted rates are available for stays on off-peak nights and at select times throughout the year.

  Facilities: Restaurant; lounge; several fast-food counters; 2 water park pools; minigolf; fitness center; 2 Jacuzzis; 3 outdoor Ping-Pong tables; 2 shuffleboard courts; game room; supervised activity center for ages 4-12 (fee); kids activities; tour desk; free shuttle to Disney and non-Disney parks; minimart; coin-op washers and dryers

  In room: A/C, TV/VCR w/pay movies, dataport, free high-speed Internet access, full kitchen (select suites), fridge, microwave, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe, Nintendo (in some rooms).

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010

Other features:

In-room ironing boards with iron and kitchens with dishwashers and microwave ovens.