Downtown Hotel near Orlando's Amusement Parks
Just 2 miles from the hustle and bustle of downtown Orlando, leafy trees and jogging trails surround the peaceful Lake Ivanhoe, neighbored by eclectic antique shops and restaurants. Although the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Downtown overlooks Lake Ivanhoe's tranquil scene, its prime location—fewer than 15 miles away from Walt Disney World and Universal Studios—makes it conveniently close to the major attractions that define Orlando.
In the earth-toned guest rooms, 300-thread-count sheets cover Sweet Dreams king or queen beds topped with several jumbo, hypoallergenic down pillows. A 37-inch flat-panel HDTV with video games and consoles ensures thumbs stay limber for texting battles.
Classic Italian and central Floridian fare sits on elegant, creamy-beige tablecloths at the on-site Sixty South Restaurant & Bar. Breakfast fare such as a build-your-own omelet ($16) tempts early risers, and dinnertime brings penne toscana ($14) and a 12-ounce new york sirloin ($28). On the rooftop, a heated outdoor pool and whirlpool relieve sore muscles after a day spent capering about amusement parks.
Orlando: Nonstop Entertainment in Central Florida
The kid-friendly entertainment capital of Florida, Orlando attracts families from around the world for its famed amusement parks and thriving cultural scene. Sixteen miles southwest of the hotel, the mouse reigns supreme at Walt Disney World, featuring four theme parks, two water parks, five golf courses, and more. Younger children will enjoy rubbing elbows with princesses and villains at Magic Kingdom, home to tot-friendly classic rides including Peter Pan's Flight, It's a Small World, and Dumbo The Flying Elephant. Adults prefer the educational and cultural charm at Epcot, where the World Showcase brings together the food, arts, and wares of 11 countries, from Italy and Morocco to Japan.
Nine miles away from DoubleTree, Universal Studios boasts two theme parks, with the Islands of Adventure catering to a slightly older set with whirring roller coasters and high-speed adventure rides, including Jurassic Park River Adventure, The Incredible Hulk Coaster, and an entire wing dedicated to Harry Potter and his spell-casting cohorts. Though DoubleTree does not provide shuttle service to Walt Disney World or Universal Studios, it does provide a shuttle to the nearest Lynx bus stop from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
For a break from theme parks, the Orlando Science Center—located fewer than 2 miles from the hotel—hosts exhibits for the science curious, including the 5,000-square-foot touring display on the guitar's history and evolution. Visitors marvel at dinosaur skeletons in DinoDigs, race on the derby track at Science Park, or interpret the Doppler radar to estimate a tornado's path and astrological sign at the Severe Weather Center.