Marriott's Orlando World Center

Description:

• An upscale resort that caters to both business and leisure travelers alike. Golf, tennis, and spa lovers will find plenty to do at this 230-acre resort, as will families. The lobby's centerpiece is a 28-story tower, the decor contemporary and open with dramatic stories-high ceilings. The large, comfortable, and beautifully decorated rooms sleep four, and the higher poolside floors offer views of Disney. For a large-scale resort, it is surprisingly easy to get around, as it is not so much spread out as up. The largest of its five pools has water slides and waterfalls surrounded by plenty of space to relax among the palm trees and tropical plants. There's plenty of on-site dining, ranging from counter service casual to gourmet cuisine; the Mikado Japanese Steakhouse headlines the hotel's four restaurants. The location, only 2 miles from the Disney parks, is a fabulous plus. Special offers (in the past, these have included getting a second room or an early booking bonus at a substantial savings) and vacation packages (often associated with area theme parks, most notably SeaWorld) are offered throughout the year (including plenty of extra perks) making the resort more affordable than you might otherwise think.

  Facilities: 4 restaurants; 2 lounges; 3 heated outdoor pools; heated indoor pool; kids' pool; 18-hole golf course; 8 lighted tennis courts; health club; spa; whirlpool; sauna; concierge; car-rental desk; transportation to all theme parks for a fee; business center; salon; 24-hr. room service; massage; babysitting; laundry service

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010

Other features:

Dry cleaning service, irons/ironing boards, on-site ATM, golf and tennis courts.