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Unlike the many resorts and villas surrounding the famous theme parks of Orlando, the Crowne Plaza Orlando Universal offers a more traditional hotel experience, providing a relaxing haven in the middle of the dynamic International Drive. With easy access to all of the thrilling rides, delicious restaurants and exemplary shopping in the surrounding area, there is plenty to keep you occupied. Modern and contemporary, life here has an emphasis on fitting down time around an active lifestyle. Step into the stunning lobby, which surrounds the private outdoor patio and pool area. Relax in the bubbling hot tub, lined by palm trees, or take a dip in the outdoor pool before savouring delicious tapas and soothing cocktails at the Aqua Tiki Bar. The newly-designed Elements Bar & Grille provides a lively yet casual atmosphere, serving delicious American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As evening falls, the lobby lounge comes to life with vibrant nightlife. Rooms here offer a spacious and relaxing retreat, decorated in neutral colours with plenty of Florida’s natural sunlight streaming through the windows. From Standard Rooms to Suites, each comfortable bed features a delightful pillow top mattress, while the Junior Suites offer an additional sitting area with sofa bed. For an extra level of comfort, upgrade to an Executive Level room or suite where you can enjoy access to the Executive Lounge with complimentary continental breakfast served daily. Enjoy an evening reception each night from Sunday-Thursday and sip on a delicious drink as you take in the panoramic views from the First Floor Lounge.
You’ll have barely stepped through the door before the children have their swimming costumes on and are racing down to the large pool area. Featuring waterfalls, zero-entry pools and plenty of on-site activities, it will be hard to tear yourselves away from this action-filled resort to head to the nearby theme parks. From the vast Super Pool wrapped by palm trees, to the Falls Pool with its exciting water slide, and Cascades Pool with its oversized fountain, fun water jets and child-friendly flooring, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained. As they splash through the water, you can kick back poolside with a refreshing cocktail from one of the bars, lounge in one of the complimentary cabanas, or relax in one of the 8 over-16s whirlpools. You can even learn to scuba dive with Scuba Steve at the resort. If you’re keen to keep your feet on dry land, head to the Kids’ Kiosk where you can get creative with temporary airbrush tattoos and hair braids, or hire a Surrey Bike and make your way around the extensive grounds. With a choice of One-Bedroom or Two-bedroom apartments, each with its own kitchen or kitchenette, washer/dryer and living/dining areas, you’ll have enough space to fit the family and the option to self-cater. As well as the Market Place where you can pick up the ingredients to make your own meals in your apartment’s kitchen, the resort also has an on-site restaurant, food court and bar & grills, where you can enjoy casual yet delicious American cuisine, music and events with al fresco seating
Presenting comfortable self-contained apartments in a resort setting, the obvious lure of the Sheraton Vistana Villages Resort Villas is that it offers the best of both worlds. Private and tranquil, this is a great choice for families who want to be close to the exciting attractions of Orlando with the freedom to come and go as they please. Each apartment features a fully-equipped kitchen or kitchenette, meaning that you don’t have to rely on restaurants and takeaways to feed the family for the duration of your trip. You’ll also find a handy washer/dryer, making long-term stays a worry-free possibility. One Bedroom Villas sleep up to four adults, with a King bed in the bedroom and a comfortable sofa bed in the living area. Two Bedroom Villas sleep up to eight adults, with each bedroom featuring an en suite and the second bedroom two double beds. These also offer a balcony or patio with views out across the tropical gardens or one of the resort’s pools. If the theme parks have zapped all your energy, a day relaxing at the resort offers plenty to entertain. Complimentary cabanas line each of the pool complexes which have fun features from an interactive pirate ship to whirlpools and cascading waterfalls. There also a whole host of other activities on offer, including games rooms, fitness centres, basketball courts and much more. The on-site Villages Marketplace is the place to pick up some groceries, while if you don’t feel like cooking, head to Flager Station Bar and Grill for classic American favourites, or Pirate’s Cove Pool Bar for snacks for the kids and a refreshing cocktail for you.
The Grove Resort Orlando is in a great location, nestled among swathes of palm trees and a quick drive from Walt Disney World. When you’re not visiting the world-famous theme park, the resort has plenty of its own activities to keep you entertained on site. Spend time by the large outdoor pool (kids also have their own pool) and float down the meandering lazy river; hit the surf simulator and water slides at Surfari Water Park; and head to Flip Flop’s Family Fun Center to enjoy a range of arcade games and glow-in-the-dark mini golf. Grab your morning coffee at Alfresco Market, the hotel’s go-to spot for stocking up on snacks and groceries and buying souvenirs. You can enjoy salads and sandwiches to go, or eat al fresco on the outdoor patio. Valencia Restaurant offers daily à la carte breakfast and a buffet on weekends, with a great range of dishes and kids’ menus for lunch and dinner. Enjoy a snack, cocktail or cool beer poolside at The Springs Bar & Grill; and tuck into burgers and BBQ food in the open-air seating area at Longboard Bar & Grill, overlooking Surfari Water Park. If you fancy a quiet night in, you can also have pizza and groceries delivered to your suite. The suites here are modern and spacious; whether you opt for one, two or three bedrooms, each has a fully equipped kitchen and separate living and dining areas.