Workers were busy taking down the swirly, glass-globe chandelier in the huge domed foyer of the marbled lobby of the Waldorf Astoria Orlando when I arrived. It seemed perfectly OK to me, but it was about to be replaced with a fancy crystal one from the Czech Republic, complete with handmade leaves.
After a year-long, multi-million dollar, top-to-tail rolling renovation, this glittery fixture is the finishing touch to the reimagined hotel. It hangs over the imposing clock centerpiece — a reference to the iconic Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan, which opened in 1931.
One of 34 hotels under the Waldorf marquee, a division of Hilton Hotels, the Orlando outpost is the only purpose-built hotel in that portfolio (aside from the original). Nestled on Disney property within the 482-acre Bonnet Creek preserve, it opened in 2007 and was looking tired. Now, the livery hotel blends Art Deco with South Florida motifs.
Designed by Parker Torres, gone are dark spaces. Light has been let in throughout, and neutral palettes and giant green fronds added.
“The design concept ties everything together,” said Ryan Fitzgerald, The the hotel’s general manager, of Torres’ “holistic approach.”
The Peacock Alley bar, which used to be all leather and red velvet in a pub-like space, now has an uncluttered, mirrored backdrop and a mid-century-themed lounge. Comfortable conversation seating runs between that and the enhanced meeting rooms (which boasts a new, grandiose Central Park Ballroom) and the refreshed, full-service spa. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the landscaped, expansive pools and an 18-hole Rees Jones-designed golf course beyond (par 72, 7,000 yards, for aficionados).
The 502 guest rooms, including 171 suites, provide clean lines and uncluttered furnishings while offering a luxurious feel (from $652; suites from $812). They’re also spacious, with some offering sweeping views of the Disney parks and beyond to the horizon.
“We wanted to ensure [the Waldorf Astoria Orlando] was a shining example of genuine luxury hospitality.”
Ryan Fitzgerald, general manager
Result? Theme park goers can return from the fray to relax (or play) in serenity and luxury, sans any sign of Mickey. Bliss.
Aside from chilled vacationers, you’ll find plenty of dedicated locals at the onsite Bull and Bear steakhouse, already consistently in Orlando’s Top 10 lists, which now offers an upscale space with a Manhattan feel — dark wood and soft grays. Chef Juan Suarez has also upped the menu ante, including what has to be the world’s most exotic baked spud (jamon iberico de bellota, sour cream, gold leaf and caviar).
What hasn’t changed? Amazing hospitality. The first Waldorf invented room service, so you have to figure customer satisfaction is at the forefront of the brand, but here’s a happiness quotient here that feels sincere.
“The guest experience is always of the utmost importance to us, and having a hotel you’re excited to stay at further enhances the stay,” Fitzgerald said. “We wanted to ensure [the Waldorf Astoria Orlando] was a shining example of genuine luxury hospitality.”
Hungry for more? Here’s a look at Orlando’s others best new openings.
Surf & turf
The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando opened in 2017, but on May, it’s unveiling a highly anticipated adult-centric retreat: The Terraces at the Grove. Expect a more exclusive experience, including separate check-in and VIP treatment. It will have 160 units, including 360-square-foot studios, 650-square-foot one-bedroom suites, and 708-square-foot two-bedroom suites which come with kitchenettes. While guests will have access to all of the resort’s amenities including Surfari Water Park, the Springs Pools and Lake Austin, they won’t need to venture out (where the kids and crowds are) to find food and fun.
In addition to a grab-and-go market, Byte, and a swanky lounge, Dyve, The Terraces will boast its own pool area, complete with private cabanas and poolside bar (from $189).
Billion-dollar beach
Building “Orlando’s first beach paradise” from the ground up was an expensive endeavor. Rumor has it the new 1,100-acre Evermore Resort — centered around a 348,000-square-foot crystal clear lagoon — cost $1.5 billion. Opened in January, much of the budget went toward importing soft sand for its 20 acres of waterfront fun. If the setting looks familiar, that may be because in a past life this property was Villas of Grand Cypress. Featuring 12 unique food and bev establishments (including a rooftop restaurant and a VW van repurposed as a beach bar), you’ll definitely need a map to get around this resort.
Accommodations include flats, villas and houses for a total of nearly 1,500 rooms. Overdue for a family reunion? Book the 7,800-square-foot, 11-bedroom house. It sleeps 32 and comes with a private saltwater pool. It’s also gated, so you don’t need to worry about gators (from $400).
Eating it up
Also opened in January and located within the Evermore Resort complex, Orlando’s first Conrad Hilton hotel is an oasis within an oasis. Although it’s just minutes from Walt Disney World’s theme parks — accessible via the complimentary shuttle included with the $50 per day resort fee — this new 433-key property feels a world away from the masses lining up to throw up at Tower of Terror.
Instead, guests can drop their kids off at the club and relax in the spa or book a daybed by the zero-entry pool. There are also two Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses to choose from. (Pro tip: Don’t underestimate the par 3 with the island green; it’s tricky.)
Its five on-site restaurants include the contemporary Mexican spot Ceiba (views of the nightly fireworks over Cinderella’s castle are complimentary) and the Polynesian-themed Papaya Club (from $435).
Down on Palm Beach
Guests of the Brazilian Court Hotel — a posh Palm Beach Island institution, where rooms start at $1,500 per night in season — can now book a complimentary two-hour excursion aboard the hotel’s 44-foot Italian Solaris Power Yacht with a full-time captain and mate.
While aboard this $1 million house-owned boat that’s docked at the nearby Palm Beach Marina, sailors can order from a menu by world-renowned Chef Daniel Boulud (who has an eponymous restaurant in the hotel) for a fee. A dedicated yacht concierge helps with reservations. Free excursions are limited to once per room, per week.
Since the Brazilian Court doesn’t have direct access to the beach like some other Palm Beach hotels, owner Bobby Schlesinger said the boat offers guests something his competitors can’t. “That’s why the idea for the boat came about,” he said. Since hitting the seas in January, the Brazilian Court is now “the only hotel in South Florida that owns its own yacht for complimentary daily guest use,” he added.
The hotel is offering further extras ashore, including a teak custom-made pool bar, slated to open this month, and new programing with the Potential Project, an event series featuring eminent wellness practitioners. The initiative kicks off with the residency of New York plastic surgeon Dr. Lara Devgan. On Feb. 24, she will offer nonsurgical facial optimizations and “Mimosas & Conversation” the next day. The hotel’s lobby and 80 studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom suites were renovated in the fall.
