Where to Stay - Walt Disney World and Orlando 2010 - page 114

114

Smaller Homes Away from Home Tips

Several area timeshare resorts rent rooms or apartments to tourists when the
owners aren't using them. The Disney Vacation Club ( & 407/939-7775; www.
dvcresorts.com) offers studios and one- to three-bedroom villas at its timeshare
resorts. Some have small fridges and microwaves; others have full kitchens. Rates
start at about $295 per night and can run up to $2,215 per night.
Outside Disney World, per-night rates begin at around $189 per night for one-
and two-bedroom apartments with kitchens. As with hotel rooms, you can get
major discounts off the rack rates (as low as $79 a night) for these properties if
you do your homework. An especially nice choice is Sheraton's Vistana Resort
( & 800/325-3535; www.sheraton.com/vistanaresort or www.sheraton.com/
vistanavillages). Other good places to look include the Marriott Vacation Club
( & 800/845-4226; www.vacationclub.com) and the Hilton Grand Vacations
Club ( & 800/448-2736 or 407/239-0100 for the SeaWorld location, 407/465-
2600 for the International Dr. location, or 407/465-4000 for the new Lake Buena
Vista location; www.hiltongrandvacations.com).
One minor caveat: Because each room and apartment that's rented is individ-
ually owned, quality can vary, so be sure to specify your exact requirements
when booking.

and occupancy drops to as little as 20%. Note: At press time, a long-awaited $420-million
expansion was starting to take shape as a second tower (with 750 guest rooms, a full-service
spa, a grotto-style pool, and more) was in the midst of construction.
9801 International Dr. (btw. Beachline Expwy. and Sand Lake Rd.), Orlando, FL 32819. & 800/732-2639
or 407/352-4000. Fax [phone]. www.peabodyorlando.com. 1,641 units. $297-$395 standard room
for up to 3; $550-$1,875 suite. Extra person $25. Children 17 and younger stay free in parent's room. AE,
DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $20. Amenities: 4 restaurants; 2 delis; 3 lounges; babysitting; concierge;
concierge-level rooms; health club; Jacuzzi; 4 outdoor heated pools; kids' pool; room service; 4 lighted
tennis courts instruction available (fee); shuttle to Disney and other parks for a fee. In room: A/C, TV,
WebTV (fee), fridge (select suites), hair dryer, Internet (fee), minibar.

4

Portofino Bay Hotel Finds Universal's first hotel is as grand as Disney's
Grand Floridian and is a perfect getaway for couples and adults seeking a romantic,
upscale atmosphere. This resort is a replica of the village of Portofino, Italy, complete
with a harbor and canals on which boats travel to the theme parks. Old-world ambience
is carried throughout the public areas, restaurants, and rooms. The luxurious rooms are
large (with sleep space for five), and hypoallergenic rooms are available. The beds have
Egyptian-woven sheets, and the pillows are so soft you'll want to take them home. Rooms
feature top-notch amenities and a sophisticated decor; ask for a view overlooking the
piazza and “bay” area. The Portofino doesn't just have swimming pools; its beach pool
has a fort with a water slide, and the villa pool rents several private cabanas. The resort's
privately run Mandara Spa (www.mandaraspa.com) features a state-of-the-art fitness
center and full-service spa. The drawbacks: There are stairs everywhere you turn (be
prepared for some exercise), and the sheer size of the resort can make it difficult to find
your way around. Look for a review of the resort's premier restaurant, Bice, on p. 160.
Note: Guests enjoy special privileges at the Universal Orlando theme parks, including
Express-line access to rides and preferred seating at shows and restaurants.