Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
117
8,000-square-foot full-service spa. You can't beat the location if you are a fan of Sea-
World—the park is just across from the hotel.
6677 Sea Harbor Dr., Orlando, FL 32821. & 800/327-6677 or 407/351-5555. Fax 407/351-1991. www.
renaissanceseaworld.com. 778 units. $195-$298 double. Extra person no charge. Children 17 and
younger stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $16; self-parking $12. From I-4, take
the Hwy. 528/Beachline Expwy. exit east to International Dr.; go south to Sea Harbor Dr., and then turn
right. Amenities: Restaurant; grill; 3 lounges; babysitting; concierge; concierge-level rooms; golf course
(nearby); putting area; health club; 2 Jacuzzis; outdoor heated pool; kids' pool; room service; 2 lighted
tennis courts; sauna; spa; free transportation to SeaWorld parks and Universal Orlando parks; transporta-
tion to other theme parks for a fee; limited Wi-Fi (fee). In room: A/C, TV, fridge (upon request), game sys-
tem, hair dryer, minibar, MP3 docking station.
Rosen Shingle Creek The flagship of the Rosen group of upscale hotels, this
magnificent Mediterranean-inspired resort evokes thoughts of a bygone era when Flori-
da's legendary grand hotels were bastions of high style. Striking architecture (both inside
and out), lavishly appointed rooms, and exceptional service are signatures of this fabulous
resort. While luxurious by design, the lush natural grounds have been preserved, and
references throughout the property recall both the historical and natural significance of
the area, with rooms named for the Florida's lakes, rivers, and historical landmarks—even
the resort itself, “the Shingle Creek,” is named for the waterway that winds alongside the
property, the headwater to the Florida Everglades. The extensive array of recreational
facilities includes a championship golf course and golf academy, a full-service spa, two
pools (one for families), lighted tennis courts, nature trails, and a playground. Dining
options are just as varied, ranging from elegant to on-the-go. And though it may have
old-world style, modern conveniences, including an on-site airline check-in and bag-
check service, cater to guests' needs. Because it's a distance from the mainstream tourist
district, a car is a must. Shuttle service to Universal Orlando is complimentary, and avail-
able, for a fee, to other parks.
9939 Universal Blvd. (just east of International Dr., beyond the Convention Center), Orlando, FL 32819.
& 866/996-6338 or 407/996-9933. Fax: 407/996-9932. www.rosenshinglecreek.com. 1501 units. $299-
$499 double. Extra person $20. Children 17 and younger stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V.
Valet parking $16; self-parking free. Amenities: 5 restaurants; 2 grills; 3 lounges; babysitting; supervised
children's program; concierge; concierge-level rooms; health club; golf club & academy; 2 Jacuzzis; 2
outdoor heated pools; kid's pool; room service; spa; 2 lighted tennis courts; free transportation to Univer-
sal Orlando; transportation to other parks for a fee. In room: A/C, TV w/NXTV technology and connectivity
panel for laptops and MP3 players, fridge, hair dryer, Internet (fee).
4
Royal Pacific Resort Kids The third of Universal Orlando's three resorts fea-
tures a spectacular beachfront lagoon-style pool with an interactive water play area right
nearby. It's lined with palm trees, winding walkways, waterfalls, and an exquisite orchid
garden, all giving it a remote island feel (though admittedly the screams emanating from
the nearby Islands of Adventure may remind you that you're not so isolated). The aban-
doned floatplane (a scene that reminds more than a few people of Gilligan's Island ) makes
a great backdrop. The rooms, smaller than those at other Universal resorts, are more
reflective of the island theme thanks to the recent addition of bamboo accents, a warm
yet muted color scheme, and upgraded technology (including flat-panel TVs and wireless
Internet access). The decor, however, is rather understated when lined up against that in
comparable Disney resorts. The public areas (whether inside or out), however, are very
impressive and well worth exploring. The addition of the Wantilan Luau Pavilion ensures
that the resort's weekly luau is now held rain or shine. If you're traveling with young
children (6 and younger), the Royal Pacific is the best choice at Universal (the eight new
Search WWH ::




Custom Search