Where to Stay - Walt Disney World and Orlando 2010 - page 116

116

transportation is provided to Universal Orlando, but for the other parks, you're on your
own.
Note: In 2010, the Lakeshore Reserve, a Marriott Vacation Club property slated to
include 240 villas and townhomes, will be added to the Grande Lakes lineup. Sharing
facilities with the JW Marriott—and connected by a waterside walkway, the Lakeshore
Reserve will features two pools of its own as well as additional recreational facilities.
4012-4040 Central Florida Pkwy., Orlando, FL 32819. & 800/576-5760 or 407/206-2400 for the Ritz;
& 800/576-5750 or 407/206-2300 for the JW Marriott. www.grandelakes.com. 584 units. $219-$599
double, $599-$6,500 suites. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $20; self-parking free (JW Marriott only).
Amenities: 8 restaurants; 3 lounges; babysitting; concierge; health club; golf course; Jacuzzi; 2 outdoor
heated pools; kids' pool; 3 tennis courts; transportation to theme parks for a fee. In room: A/C, TV, DVD/
VCR (suite), CD player, fridge (suite), game system, microwave, Wi-Fi (fee).

Hard Rock Hotel Kids You can't get any closer than this to Universal Studios
Florida. Opened in 2001, this California mission-style resort sports a rock-'n'-roll theme
with rates a shade less expensive than the Portofino (see above). The atmosphere here is
also more casual (though with an air of sophistication) and teen-friendly (thanks to its
“coolness” quotient) than that of its Universal Orlando sisters. The collection of rock
memorabilia found scattered throughout the public areas of the hotel is impressive. The
pool area, however, takes center stage: A tremendous oasis of palm trees and rocky land-
scaping surrounds a large free-form pool whose most unique feature is a first-rate under-
water sound system that makes sure you won't miss a beat. The rooms and amenities at
the Hard Rock are a cut above some of Disney's comparable properties, even the Animal
Kingdom Lodge (p. 88). Accommodations are very comfortable, with a sophisticated
modern decor. Thanks to a recent multimillion-dollar renovation, rooms now have
flatscreen TVs, MP3 docking stations, and upgraded bedding. Unfortunately, though the
rooms are fairly soundproof, a few notes seep through the walls, so you may want to ask
for one that's away from the lobby area. Tip: One of the biggest perks of staying on
Universal property is that guests get Express-line access to almost every ride at Universal's
theme parks, and preferred seating privileges for shows and restaurants.
5000 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819. & 888/430-4999 or 407/503-2000. Fax [phone]. www.
loewshotels.com/hotels/Orlando, www.universalorlando.com. 650 units. $244-$489 double; $479-
$2,020 suite. Extra person $25. Children 17 and younger stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V.
Valet parking $22; self-parking $15. From I-4, take the Kirkman Rd./Hwy. 435 exit and follow the signs to
Universal. Small pets welcome ($25). Amenities: 3 restaurants; grill; 2 lounges; babysitting; supervised
children's program; concierge; concierge-level rooms; health club; outdoor heated pool; kids' pool; room
service; limited spa; free water-taxi or bus transportation to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and
CityWalk; free shuttle to SeaWorld; transportation to Disney parks for a fee; limited Wi-Fi (free). In room:
A/C, TV, CD player, CD library (concierge-level), fridge (suites; otherwise upon request for a fee), game
system, hair dryer, Internet (fee), microwave (suites; otherwise upon request for a fee), minibar, MP3
docking station.
Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld This resort just goes to show
that you should never judge a book by its cover. What appears to be a rather simple-
looking hotel from the exterior gives way to an inviting and modern interior, with trendy
touches throughout. A glass-covered atrium rises high above a stunning indoor courtyard
where you'll find lush foliage, cascading waterfalls, a chic lounge, the Boardwalk sports
bar, and Mist Sushi and Spirits (each of which features a distinctive open concept within
the courtyard). The tastefully decorated rooms, all recently revamped, are oversized,
providing plenty of space to spread out and relax. After extensive renovations to the pool
area in 2006, 2007 saw a $20-million makeover that included the addition of an

4