Where to Stay - Universal

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).

Description:

JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes is located in Orlando, Florida within one mile of SeaWorld. The hotel offers a number of family-friendly amenities, including a babysitting service, game room and in-room video games. Those with families rave about the enormous pool and its lazy river, while others note the quality golfing available just steps from the hotel. The sushi at the Lobby Lounge particularly impresses guests, though some lament that it is not available later in the evening. Guests warn, however, that the pool area is open to non-customers and often becomes crowded. Others, especially those with families, dislike that the hotel allows drinking in the pool.

Description:

• This picturesque 750-room hotel sits in the heart of Universal Orlando®, just a 10-minute walk or free water-taxi ride from Universal's theme parks and CityWalk®.
• Spacious, pastel-colored rooms have four-poster beds and armoires. The decorative bathroom tiles were handmade in Italy, and beds are swathed in all-white, Egyptian-cotton linens.
• Room keys at this upscale resort allow guests to skip the lines at most Universal theme-park rides and attractions. The hotel has three swimming pools, a spa and fitness center, shops, and eight dining options.

Description:

• Inspired by the South Pacific, this 1,000-room hotel is a 10-minute walk or short boat ride to two Universal theme parks.
• Tasteful guestrooms in tropical decor feature vintage travel posters, bamboo accents, and hand-carved mahogany pieces from Bali.
• Dining options include the acclaimed Polynesian-Asian Tchoup-Chop restaurant. Room keys allow speedier access to park rides.

Description:

Just off the International Drive, lies the 500-acre Grande Lakes Orlando, at the Florida Everglades. The resort comprises of two magnificent hotels, the JW Marriott and the Ritz-Carlton. Panoramic lake views stretch before the rooms, each decorated with Italian furniture and topped with the group's quality amenities. Fine dining comes in the form of a poolside restaurant and a steakhouse, among others. Health nuts can partake of the offerings at the Café after a workout at the 40,000 square foot spa.

Description:

Excitement is in the air at the Four Points by Sheraton Orlando Studio City in the heart of Orlando. Located on the world-famous International Drive, just across from Universal Orlando® Resort, you'll find Orlando's collection of theme parks, attractions, restaurants, shopping, and the nation's second largest convention center just minutes away. You will find as much excitement inside, too. Relax at the Scene One Patio Bar located next to the hotel's lush, tropical outdoor pool. Or retreat to one of the 301 sleek art deco guest rooms where you will find all the comforts of home. Guest rooms feature views of Universal Orlando® Resort, the downtown Orlando skyline and International Drive. Expect star treatment and a flawless meeting experience that takes on a new flair. You'll find the perfect space for your needs with 6,500 square feet of contemporary flexible function space.

Description:

The five mallards that march into a lobby fountain every morning at 11am and then back out at 5pm, accompanied by John Philip Sousa's King Cotton March, are just part of the appeal of this luxury hotel, famous for its friendly (and not stuffy) service. Primarily a business and convention destination, the Peabody also appeals to adults looking for a classy hotel that provides top-of-the-line service, amenities, and atmosphere. If your budget allows the splurge, you won't be disappointed. Rooms sleep up to five and are tastefully decorated and very well appointed. Those on the west side (sixth floor and higher) offer a distant view of Disney and its fireworks displays. Tip: Your best chance at getting bargain rates is in July and August; that's when the convention trade falls flat, and occupancy drops to as little as 20%. Note: At press time, a long awaited expansion was starting to take shape as a second tower (with 750 guest rooms, a full service spa, and grotto-style pool) was in the midst of construction.

Facilities: 3 restaurants; deli; 3 lounges; outdoor heated pool; kids' pool; 4 lighted tennis courts, instruction available (fee); fitness center; spa; Jacuzzi; game room; concierge; guest-services desk; shuttle to Disney and other parks for a fee; business center; shopping arcade; 24-hr. room service; valet; concierge-level rooms

Our Local Expert Says:

Hard Rock Hotel is designed for the rock n' roll fans out there – and deep down, isn't everyone?

Description:

The Hard Rock Hotel in the Universal Resort has more amenities than one could possibly desire. The 650 rooms and suites feature high speed web access, 32-inch flat screen TV, large safe deposit boxes to accommodate laptops, a pantry, video-checkout, hair-dryer, iron with ironing board, coffee maker and complimentary daily newspaper. Guests who opt for the Hard Rock Club Lounge get in-room music and book libraries, and a personal concierge. There are also two hospitality suites, an ATM, a business center, several restaurants, a bar, a pool with a 260-foot slide, children's activity center, game rooms and plenty of rock-and-roll memorabilia here.