Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Jacuzzi; and the romantic Carriage Suite, which has a four-poster bed and an antique
claw-foot tub. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom Keylime Cottage ($169) sleeps four and
has a full kitchen.
115 N. Summerlin Ave., Orlando, FL 32801.
&
800/420-6822
or 407/849-0321. Fax 407/849-0321, ext.
24. www.theverandabandb.com. 12 units. $99-$189 double; $269 2-bedroom suite; $209 cottage. Rates
include continental breakfast. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Self-parking free. Children are not permitted. From I-4,
take exit 84, Hwy. 50/Colonial Dr.; go left 1 mile to Summerlin, turn right, and go 1 mile, crossing Robin-
son St. The inn is 1 block up on the left.
Amenities:
Jacuzzi; outdoor pool.
In room:
A/C, TV, fridge, hair
dryer.
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DOWNTOWN ORLANDO
The major reason travelers usually give for staying in downtown Orlando is to avoid the
hustle and bustle (and crowds) of the theme-park zone. One other plus: Those traveling
without children may greatly appreciate the lack of them in the downtown hotels, which
generally cater to business travelers.
But if you're traveling in the middle of the peak season, including summer or around
the December holidays, you'll likely find yourself bumping into other people no matter
where you go. And if you plan to spend most of your days in the theme parks, and nights
at CityWalk, then you're better off staying in the thick of things. Unless you avoid driv-
ing during rush hour from 7 to 9am and 4 to 6pm, you'll likely spend a lot more vacation
time on I-4 and in its traffic than you'd like. It will also be harder to escape back to your
hotel for an afternoon swim or a nap.
In my opinion, unless you're getting a really fabulous discount at one of downtown's
many business hotels, there's only one property that really stands out in the area and is
worth the schlep.
EXPENSIVE
Grand Bohemian Hotel
Finds
Part of the upscale Kessler Collection of hotels,
Downtown Orlando's jewel opened in spring 2001 with an early-20th-century Euro-
Bohemian theme. It caters almost exclusively to the business and romance crowds, which
means—much to the satisfaction of the adult guests here—you'll find almost no children
on the premises. The comfortable and plush rooms have an Art Deco look with plenty
of chrome and reds or purples. The upper floors on the east side overlook the pool; those
on the north side face downtown. The classy hotel, which is entirely smoke-free, has
more than 100 pieces of 19th- and 20th-century American fine art, and its lounge fea-
tures a rare Imperial Grand Bösendorfer Piano—one of only two in the world and valued
at a cool quarter of a million. The downside: You'll have to pay for transportation to all
of the theme parks.
Check out the hotel's location on the “Accommodations & Dining Elsewhere in
Orlando” map on p. 173.
325 S. Orange Ave. (across from City Hall).
&
866/663-0024
or 407/313-9000. Fax 407/313-6001. www.
grandbohemianhotel.com. 250 units. $199-$599 for up to 4; extra person $25; $279-$619 suite. AE, DC,
DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $19. Take I-4 to the Washington St. exit, merge with W. Robinson/Hwy. 526, and
then head south on Orange St. The garage is 2 blocks west on Jackson St.
Amenities:
Restaurant; 2
lounges, concierge; concierge-level rooms; health club; heated outdoor pool; room service; shuttle to the
theme parks for a fee.
In room:
A/C, TV, CD player, game system, hair dryer, minibar, Wi-Fi (fee).
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