Orlando Smart Splurges

Smart Splurges

Planning a perfect Orlando vacation that assures rewarding family time, memorable hotel stays, and select high-end perks that add up to trip-of-a-lifetime memories isn’t just a matter of spending more money – with so many choices, you’ve got to know where to more spend it. From hotels offering just the right combination of location, ambiance, and state-of-the-art élan to destination-defining culinary and shopping experiences, our Orlando Smart Splurges may require a slight increase in your travel budget, but they're absolutely worth the extra dollars.

Smart Splurge    Great Value
Italian renaissance meets upscale bordello in this hip hideaway that's more Vegas than Disney with its jewel tones and Javanese wood. The 250-room property makes theperfect base for exploring Orlando's grown-up side.
325 S. Orange Ave.; Orlando, FL; 866-663-0024; www.grandbohemianhotel.com
Tags: luxury | hotel | trendy | expensive
Business travelers to Orlando frequently book into the Peabody for its free wireless internet and proximity to the Convention Center. For families, however, the ducks are the main draw: everyday the hotel’s legendary web-footed entourage parade through the hotel lobby in a spectacular march that children and adults alike adore. Quacky quirks aside, The Peabody is an über-comfortable property with marble halls, antique furniture, nightly turn-down service, and an Olympic size heated lap pool. There’s even free shuttle service to the theme parks.
9801 International Dr.; Orlando, FL; 407-352-4000; www.peabodyorlando.com
Tags: luxury | family | hotel | business | resort | expensive | spa | editor pick
Discovery Cove
Swim with dolphins, snorkel on a coral reef, and feed birds at Discovery Cove, an all-inclusive tropical park that promotes wildlife conservation. Reserve one to three months in advance (attendance limited to 1,000 people per day). Open daily 9am-5:30pm (check-in begins at 8am).
6000 Discovery Cove Way; Orlando, FL; 877-434-7268; www.discoverycove.com
Tags: family | aquarium | snorkeling | things to do | swimming
Step off the beaten path for this antidote to chain-restaurant overload, which serves its...more
4800 S. Orange Ave.; Orlando, FL; 407-851-6980; www.lecoqauvinrestaurant.com
Tags: restaurant | expensive | french | editor pick
Tabu
The cachet of past celebrity visits, a VIP room with bottle service, and its cool digs inside a renovated 1920s theater keep the buzz swirling around this dance club.
46 N. Orange Ave.; Orlando, FL; 407-839-1847; www.tabunightclub.com
Tags: historic | nightlife | dancing | cover charge | wine | celebrity hangout | editor pick
CityArts Factory
Instead of mouse ears, take home an original hand-blown glass piece from Keila Glassworks or an original painting from a local artist at the Kiene/Quigley Community Gallery. African Shona art from Zulu Exclusive Gallery.
29 S. Orange Ave.; Orlando, FL; 407-648-7060; www.cityartsfactory.com
Tags: art | shopping | specialty | handicrafts
The best place for beef in all of Orlando is this family owned steakhouse in Winter Park. The...more
729 Lee Rd.; Orlando, FL; 407-645-4443; www.delfriscosorlando.com
Tags: romantic | restaurant | expensive | steakhouse | restaurants
Compare Rates
  • Flights
  • Hotels
  • Packages
  • Cruises
  • Cars
Enter your trip details
 
 
 
Enter your trip details
Step 1
 
 
 
Enter your trip details
Step 1
 
 
 
Enter your trip details
Step 1
 
 
 
Enter your trip details
Step 1
 
 
   
 
Compare Rates
  • Flights
  • Hotels
  • Packages
  • Cruises
  • Cars
Travelers:
Travelers:
 

Deals