WHILE IT CAN BE FUN TO TRAVEL DURING THE HOLIDAYS, sometimes work or family keeps you at home. Or perhaps you just want to kick back for a few days and let someone else take care of the decorations, meals and clean-up. We support that indulgence, so it wasn’t hard to put together this carefully culled list of suites you’ll want to hole up in during the holidays. Make your reservations ASAP!
For Holiday Fun
If you’re going to visit one hotel for Christmas cheer, it should be Gaylord Palms, hands-down. But be sure to bundle up, it’s home to ICE!, where two million pounds of frozen water is handcrafted to create an unforgettable experience. Each year, it takes on a new theme; this year is “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Watch your favorite characters come to life as intricate ice sculptures.
But Christmas at Gaylord Palms is much more than this icy wonderland—the resort twinkles with more than three million dazzling lights, and there is ice tubing, gingerbread house decorating, photos with Santa and story time with Mrs. Claus, plus an Alpine Village with plenty of opportunities for shopping, watching live shows and sipping on a cup of hot chocolate.
When it’s time to relax, the Gaylord Palms offers three suite types: an executive suite (625 square feet), a deluxe suite (831 square feet) and for the ultimate in luxury, a presidential suite (10 available) that can be booked only at 407.586.0000.
For more information, visit christmasatgaylordpalms.com
We also love JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa for the holidays. From the exquisite tree that welcomes you to the resort to a Holiday Fairy Village crafted by the pastry team, there are plenty of cheerful sights to behold. In addition, the JW offers a full slate of holiday meals, from breakfast buffets to multi-course dinners.
And that’s not all. Through the “Deck the Halls” package, the resort will transform your room into a festive holiday wonderland, complete with a decorated Christmas tree and personalized stockings. Santa may even leave you something under the tree!
Whether or not you opt for the “Deck the Halls” package, hotel stays are always elevated at JW. One of the newer suites available at the property are the Loft Family Suites, designed to foster togetherness with two bedrooms, one with double bunk beds and two sofa beds. In all, there’s 780 square feet of space. marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mcojb-jw-marriott-orlando-bonnet-creek-resort-and-spa/overview
Evermore Orlando Resort’s seasonal décor package.
Evermore Orlando Resort and Conrad Orlando at Evermore offer plentiful options for holiday cheer; everything from private holiday-themed cabanas and special in-room elf visits to holiday meal deliveries. Guests of Evermore can take part in Rudolph’s Reindeer Games on The Landing Lawn every weekend in December, and a select number of Evermore Residences will be decorated for the season. Suite decorating is available upon request at Conrad Orlando. evermoreresort.com
For Fireworks Viewing
Families at Evermore and Conrad can ring in the New Year at a festive noon party at Evermore Bay on New Year’s Eve. But for those wanting to view the fireworks later on (or the nightly fireworks at Walt Disney World), we suggest making a reservation at Ceiba to get the most bang for your buck. If you start your dining experience between 6 and 7 p.m., you’ll be well-set to watch EPCOT’s and Magic Kingdom’s fireworks. Afterwards, retire to one of the Conrad’s luxe suites; the pool view one-bedroom suite with balcony offers 960 square feet of space. hilton.com/en/hotels/orlcici-conrad-orlando
Sister properties Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek are also magical spots for Disney fireworks viewing. When booking or checking in at Signia, request a high-floor room with a Disney view for rooms that offer panoramic views of the fireworks at EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The posh Exec Suite, a 1,255-square-foot stunner, affords such views; features include a powder room, a soaking tub and a kitchenette. hilton.com/en/hotels/orlhhsa-signia-by-hilton-orlando-bonnet-creek
Next door at the Waldorf, you may feel like you never want to leave your suite—and after all, you have everything you need right there. The 1,780-square-foot Disney View Waldorf Suite is a must; you can watch the fireworks from your king-sized bed dressed in Italian linens. And, just announced before our press time, you can keep spirits bright with two holiday suite themed experiences. waldorfastoriaorlando.com/special-offers/holiday-suites
California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Connected by Disney’s iconic monorail,Disney’s Grand Floridian,Polynesian Village Resortand Contemporary Resortall offer excellent spots to watch the fireworks and unforgettable stays.
There are many ways to watch the fireworks at Disney’s Grand Floridian. The marina near the Gasparilla Island Grill has low walls, allowing for a clear view over the water. The “Happily Ever After” soundtrack is piped in, so you can experience the fireworks as intended. You can watch from a lounge chair or the pool itself at the Courtyard Pool. But should you wish to watch the fireworks from the comfort of your private balcony, book a suite with a theme-park view. disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/grand-floridian-resort-and-spa
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort captures the spirit of the South Pacific with its island-style ambiance; it’s been a favorite resort destination for Disney aficionados since 1971. When you’re outside of your room, there are multiple places to view Magic Kingdom fireworks, but we love watching them from the sandy beach along the Seven Seas Lagoon and Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace; both of these spots have the soundtrack piped in. Or make a reservation for a window seat at the ‘Ohana Grill. For the best room views, stay in a third-floor Theme Park or Preferred View Studio at the Moorea Longhouse. disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/polynesian-resort
The shortest walk to the Magic Kingdom (if you are so inclined) is the walking path from Disney’s Contemporary Resort, a five-10-minute trek. So, it should come as no surprise that this resort offers fab spots for fireworks viewing. For rooftop views with music, head to California Grill and Top of the World Lounge. Pro tip: The general public can view the fireworks from the 4th Floor Observation Deck (also with music).
You’re in for stunning sights when you stay in a Theme Park View Room. Spread out across 2,061 square feet of luxury with three separate balconies in the Presidential Suite Club Level. Slightly smaller (at 2,044 square feet) but no less chic, the 3-Bedroom Villa only has one balcony, but has a full-sized laundry room with a washer and dryer. Talk about the comforts of home! disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/contemporary-resort
For General Luxury
You can’t do any better when it comes to a luxurious downtown stay than The Grand Bohemian. Like the Vienna Secession movement it is modeled after, GBO integrates that art into all aspects of its property, using the colors found in a peacock’s plumage as its color scheme. When you stay in one of the 16 jacuzzi suites (636 square feet), you’ll have a view of downtown Orlando from your own tub. If you ever do decide to leave the room, just cross to the other side of Orange Avenue, and Dr. Phillips Center is in front of you. kesslercollection.com/bohemian-orlando
The colorful design scheme at Lake Nona Wave Hotel.
Another property that puts color at the forefront is the Lake Nona Wave Hotel, with its unexpected, eclectic touches and vibrant surroundings. Plus, it’s the most tech-savvy hotel around, and you’ll appreciate that when you can open the curtains to a sweeping view with the touch of a button. The one-bedroom suite, at 875 square feet, is more generous than most other suites of its type and is full of luxurious linens and bath amenities. There is also a lovely deep soaking tub and 65-inch TVs to help you unwind. lakenonawavehotel.com
A luxury hotel full of curated experiences, Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes is a AAA Five Diamond property, has earned four stars from the Forbes Travel Guide and is a MICHELIN one key, a new benchmark by which hospitality is measured. In addition to its top-notch spa, championship golf course and chic pool area, the property has 500 tropical acres to explore and offers fishing excursions, falconry experiences and eco-tours. There’s so much more, we don’t have room for it all here! But you should definitely splurge on a club-level suite; it’s a hotel within a hotel with daily culinary offerings and invite-only cultural experiences. ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/mcorz-the-ritz-carlton-orlando-grande-lakes
Another posh AAA Five Diamond property, Four Seasons Resort Orlando lets you focus on the most important people in your life: you and your family. Sign the young ones up for a magical spa experience, work on your serve at an instructional tennis clinic and enjoy a decadent meal at Capa, the MICHELIN-starred steakhouse on Four Seasons’ 17th floor. Or perhaps you just want to kick back and float down the lazy river. Want a suite with a view? Panoramas are unforgettable from the 16th floor Royal Suites (3,300 square feet), which look out towards the Magic Kingdom. Floor-to-ceiling windows add a grand touch. fourseasons.com/orlando
Other Memorable Views
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Savanna-facing room.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: Imagine waking up, brewing yourself a cup of coffee and opening your patio door to find giraffes, zebras, wildebeests and birds just a few yards away. It’s a reality at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge when you book a Savanna-facing room. Another don’t-miss is Boma—Flavors of Africa (one of our favorite restaurants in town). And if you’re exploring Animal Kingdom—and you definitely should—your room key acts as a free parking pass. disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/animal-kingdom-lodge
The Apollo statue at Universal Grand Helios.
When Universal’s Epic Universe opened earlier this year, we tried all of the hotels. The hands-down winner was Universal Grand Helios. In addition to having its own dedicated park entrance, it’s one of the most gorgeous things we’ve ever seen. Named after the god of the sun, Helios is adorned with celestial patterns and constellation details in its décor. We opted for the “How to Train Your Dragon” kids’ suite (545 square feet), with a separate kid’s room, but next time are lining up for a club-level room with access to a private lounge, continental breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres and personal concierge service. universalorlando.com/web/en/us/places-to-stay/universal-helios-grand-hotel
The AC Hotel Downtown Orlando, a foodie-centric hotel across from the Kia Center, gives you a different perspective of downtown. It offers spectacular views not only from its rooms, but also the AC Sky Bar and the elevated fitness center. Its guest rooms were designed to maximize openness and minimize clutter. All areas are modern, functional and elegant. Book a corner room (377 square feet) for stunning panoramas from multiple angles. marriott.com/en-us/hotels/mcoad-ac-hotel-orlando-downtown