Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (Orlando; tel. 407/934-7639 or 407/824-3000): This magnificent Victorian inn -- Disney's best hotel -- has an opulent five-story lobby complete with a Chinese Chippendale aviary. An orchestra plays big-band music every evening near Victoria & Albert's, the resort's five-star restaurant.
Gaylord Palms (Lake Buena Vista; tel. 877/677-9352 or 407/586-2000): This destination resort features impeccable service, themed guest rooms (the Emerald Bay rooms are the best) with luxe amenities, a lush 4 1/2-acre glass-topped atrium, and (best of all) a branch of the renowned Relâche Spa.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort (Orlando; tel. 800/233-1234 or 407/239-1234): This standout has some impressive treats, including a half-acre pool with a dozen waterfalls and 3 spas, 12 tennis courts, 4 Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses, and a 45-acre nature walk. All that adds up to luxury, pure and simple.
The Peabody Orlando (Orlando; tel. 800/732-2639 or 407/352-4000): Adding to the main hotel's classically elegant ambience is the new $450-million Peabody Tower, featuring chic rooms with posh touches (miniature LCD TVs embedded in the bathroom mirrors, among them), a full-service spa, and a sophisticated piano lounge. Add to that the Peabody's signature pampering, and the end result is an impressive and luxe lineup.
Reunion Resort Orlando (Reunion; tel. 888/418-9611 or 407/662-1000): Lavish villas, stunning private homes, and the posh Wyndham Grand Resort are just the tip of the iceberg at this luxury pick. The personalized service will simply spoil you, while the extensive recreational facilities -- top-notch golf courses, a full-service spa, water park, and kids' club -- will make you think twice about ever wanting to leave.
Ritz-Carlton Orlando (Grande Lakes; tel. 800/576-5760 or 407/206-2400): Perks at this posh getaway, set in the Grande Lakes Resort, include luxurious rooms with first-class amenities, a 40,000-square-foot spa, a championship golf course, excellent child-care facilities, and a lazy river pool.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando (Lake Buena Vista; tel. 800/925-3673 or 407/597-5500): The elegance of New York's original Waldorf Astoria is not lost at this, the second of only four Waldorf Astoria resorts in the world. Boasting an impressive address (surrounded on three sides by Disney World and nestled against the Bonnet Creek Nature Preserve), this grand hotel brings with it luxurious rooms, unmatched service, a formal cabana-lined pool, a Guerlain Spa, a championship golf course, a variety of dining options, and even private transportation to Disney.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
