Renovations add luxury rooms, lazy river to Orlando hotels

By Pamela Mareghni

Whenever I’ve planned a Florida vacation, the Walt Disney World®Resort is usually the first place that comes to mind. And a Disney vacation really does have it all — with over 20 theme resort hotels, four theme parks, two water parks and two nighttime entertainment districts. Now it has even more to offer with the newly renovated Regal Sun Resort. I can’t wait to see all their updates on my next Florida vacation. Beyond the Walt Disney World®Resort, there are many Orlando hotels to choose from, including the new Hilton Orlando and currently-under-renovation Peabody Orlando.

Newly-Renovated Hotel in the Walt Disney World Resort: Regal Sun Resort

The Regal Sun Resort’s $25 million renovation was just completed in fall 2008. Just a few of the highlights include all-new rooms, a new large hot tub overlooking Lake Buena Vista, a pool area twice as big as before with a gradual “beach entry” and a kids’ interactive water playground. There is also a 24-hour café in the lobby and two new lounges, one with a view of the lake.

New Orlando Hotel: Hilton Orlando

The Hilton Orlando is slated to open in September 2009. While you have many Orlando hotels to choose from, this one really stands out. It is both a business traveler’s dream — being connected to the North/South building of the Orange County Convention Center via a covered walkway — and a pleasure traveler’s escape — having two resort pools and a lazy river. It also has a full-service spa, a 9-hole putting golf course, restaurants and a 24-hour marketplace. I could see myself drifting in the lazy river or putting around and never even making it over to Disney World!

Orlando Hotel Expansion Project: The Peabody Orlando

The Peabody Orlando is undergoing a $420 million expansion project with an expected opening of Fall 2010. Some of the highlights of the renovation include over 1,600 luxury rooms, a unique grotto pool with a pool bar, poolside cabanas with high-speed Internet access and a Napa Valley wine-themed restaurant. I think having a meal at this restaurant overlooking the grotto pool would be an absolutely enchanting dining experience.

With all these great new additions to the Orlando hotel scene, I know I will have a lot of choices to ponder before booking my next Florida vacation. Basically, whether you want to explore Walt Disney World®Resort or the greater Orlando area, there are many great new and updated Orlando hotels to choose from, both inside Walt Disney World®Resort and just outside it.

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Pamela Mareghni loves exploring cultures and languages through her voyages, which range from Fargo to France. Next to traveling, her second favorite thing to do is write about traveling.

Tagged: Disney, Family time, Florida