The Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Orlando, Florida

Kids will love the pirate-themed plunge pool at the Lake Buena Vista Resort Village and Spa in Orlando
Kids will love the pirate-themed plunge pool at the Lake Buena Vista Resort Village and Spa in Orlando | Courtesy of Lake Buena Vista Resort Village and Spa / Expedia
Nick Dauk

Home to Mickey Mouse, SpongeBob SquarePants, Harry Potter and a parade of other characters, Orlando, Florida, is the number one global vacation destination for families. Between the Universal, Walt Disney World and SeaWorld theme parks, there are plenty of family-friendly hotels where little ones can play, while parents soak up the Florida sun. These animated places to stay lay on easy access to the parks, plus kids’ clubs, pools and spas to kick back in.

1. Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

Resort

A woman slides down into a pool from a flume, with colorful sun loungers on the right, at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
Courtesy of Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress / Expedia

Just 3mi (5km) from Disney Springs, the lush 1,500 acres (607ha) of the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress will make you feel like you’ve jetted off to a tropical paradise. Your active family will love fishing, swimming, canoeing or playing any number of outdoor sports in this adventure haven. If you’re in a rush, skip dining at one of the four restaurants, and grab something from Starbucks from the convenient onsite market instead before hopping on the free shuttle to Disney Springs.

2. Hard Rock Hotel Orlando

Hotel, Luxury

Two stylish, colorful bedrooms at the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando, with artwork portraits of John Lennon and Taylor Swift
Courtesy of Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando / Expedia

Found in the Universal Orlando Resort, the Hard Rock Hotel lets you live it up like a music legend (in a family-friendly environment). With iconic memorabilia on the walls and classic tunes pumped through speakers, rock and roll surrounds you at every turn. You’ll enjoy fast access to all Universal theme parks, including complimentary express passes, which allow you to skip the queues for rides. Let your kids party like superstars in the children’s activity centers while you grab a cocktail and catch a live concert.

3. Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort

Hotel

A shallow outdoor pool at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
Courtesy of Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort / Expedia

Surrounded by all of the Walt Disney World theme and water parks, the Swan and Dolphin Resort is almost certainly the best hotel in Orlando for families planning a magical Disney vacation. The Camp Dolphin kids’ club hosts movie nights, arts and crafts and special dinners with guests like Pluto and Goofy. With worry-free childcare on site, you’re free to hit the golf courses, enjoy a massage or pedicure at the Mandara Spa or work your way through the 17 restaurants at the hotel. Yep, 17.

4. Universal's Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Resort

A terrace designed to look like a ships aft deck overlooks a busy pool, at Universals Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Courtesy of Universal's Loews Royal Pacific Resort / Expedia

Enjoy a South Seas retreat without leaving the Universal Resort at Loews Royal Pacific Hotel. With similar amenities to other Universal options (like early park admission and express queue-jumping passes), Loews has a few unique qualities your family will enjoy, such as an evening torch-lighting ceremony, a biannual craft-beer festival and a lagoon-style pool with golden sands and palm trees. There are also the Jurassic kids’ suites available for dinosaur lovers in search of a special prehistoric playtime.

5. Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate

Resort

A lazy river surrounded by palm trees and sun loungers at Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
Courtesy of Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate / Expedia

A family-friendly getaway that doubles as the ultimate golf and spa vacation, this Omni is a brilliant luxury Orlando hotel within 10mi (16km) of Walt Disney World. A cool 36 holes of championship golf sit alongside a miniature golf course, and there’s a choice between an adults-only and family pool, letting families balance time together and apart. Whether you stay in a traditional guest room or sprawling villa, every suite features lavish decor and luxurious in-room amenities.

6. Hilton Grand Vacations at SeaWorld

Hotel

A family arts and crafts area with tables and red, yellow and orange color scheme at Hilton Grand Vacations at SeaWorld
Courtesy of Hilton Grand Vacations at SeaWorld / Expedia

Only 10 minutes in the car from International Drive, Orlando’s commercial center, Hilton Grand Vacations at SeaWorld is a great family hotel that won’t break the bank and features six accessible suites for guests with specific requirements. The resort has separate pool areas for kids and adults, giving everyone space to splash and play. Though small, there are two fantastic perks you and your kids will love: unlimited movies in your room via DVD Now and two cold bottles of water or fresh cups of Starbucks coffee every day.

7. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

Boutique Hotel, Resort, Spa Hotel, Golf Hotel

A family on a brown and green climbing frame in a wooded area at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes / Expedia

If you’re looking for a luxurious family getaway, you can trust the Ritz-Carlton – one of the best boutique hotels in Orlando – to pamper you. Hit the 18-hole golf course designed by pro-golfer Greg Norman, or relax with a facial at the spa and salon. Grandparents and children can play together on the AquaCourse 360 experience before capturing memories forever with a private photography session against the hotel’s tropical backdrop.

8. Lake Buena Vista Resort Village and Spa

Spa Hotel

A pirate ship with a flume and water cannons on the edge of a pool, at Lake Buena Vista Resort Village and Spa
Courtesy of Lake Buena Vista Resort Village and Spa / Expedia

One of the best spa retreats in Orlando, the upscale decor and furnishings of Lake Buena Vista Resort Village and Spa keep parents pampered. Meanwhile, the games room, kids’ club and pirates plunge pool will have children smiling ear to ear. Along with standard amenities like a pool, fitness center and theme-park shuttle, an onsite convenience store means your family will never go short on the little things. No worries about dinner, either: chow down on fish and chips from Frankie Farrell’s Irish pub, or grab a slice from Pizza Hut Express for the younger ones.

9. Floridays Resort

Resort, Apartment

A bronze villa overlooks a light blue pool at Floridays Resort
Courtesy of Floridays Resort / Expedia

With suites nearly four times larger than the average Orlando hotel room, Floridays Resort provides plenty of space for families of all sizes, including pets. This resort is 20 minutes in the car from Cinderella’s Castle and provides a convenient shuttle service to Walt Disney World, Universal and SeaWorld. Little ones will love the water playscape and splash pad, pool and sandy beach area, while older family members can hang out at the poolside bar or in the Jacuzzi.

Looking for something a little different? Leave the little ones at home and book an indulgent stay at one of the best boutique hotels, one of the best hotels to book in Orlando for every traveler, the best luxury hotels in Orlando. Alternatively, check out the best family friendly hotels across Florida, the best pet-friendly hotels in Orlando, Florida, or these campgrounds near Orlando, bookable with Culture Trip.

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