Orlando has a super-abundance of just about everything that a holiday-maker could desire. From the world-class theme parks to Michelin-rated restaurants, magnificent wildlife and amazing shopping centres, this is justifiably a vacation paradise that ticks all the boxes.
But that hasn’t always been true for boutique-style hotels. Convention hotels, yes; themed hotels, ditto; luxury hotels, got those, too; mass-market resorts, no problem. But genuine small-scale, in-vogue hotels that serve up individual, fashionable style have been harder to pin down.
Happily, recent years have been able to put this to rights with a series of memorable, offbeat and downright ritzy places to stay that offer a genuine alternative to the many big-name brands that Orlando has by the hundred.
And we were reminded of this when we were invited last week to the ribbon-cutting for a newly remodelled and re-named hotel in the Disney-inspired town of Celebration. The new Inn at Celebration was originally the Celebration Inn when it opened in 1996, and it had largely existed in quiet anonymity for much of its life.
Cue the Vision Hospitality Group, who had an authentic vision for the Inn – and shelled out a reported $27.75million to add it to their 42-hotel portfolio. They immediately set about a complete refurbishment of the 115-room hotel, which was completed late last year. And, last Thursday (Feb 6), they unveiled the fresh, new look along with the name change and its addition to the Marriott Autograph Collection.
The Celebration Inn was always one of our favourite little hideaway hotels in the Orlando area, as much for its location in the heart of this cute little town and its iconic setting right on Lake Rianhard, with beautiful lake views. But to see it after its grand makeover is to see a completely new hotel, one with true boutique style and verve.
At just three storeys, it is definitely on a modest scale, but it packs a lot into its 2.2-acre site, including a gorgeous outdoor terrace overlooking the lake, ideal for pre and post-dinner cocktails or breakfast al fresco. The lobby area is designed like “Celebration’s living room,” with library-style bookshelves and cosy seating, plus views out to the patio terrace and the lake.
The eye-catching lobby bar is the centre of the refined communal hubbub and is very much a locals’ hangout as well as an inviting venue for hotel guests (plus, it serves a fab espresso martini!). Main restaurant the Lakeside Kitchen is just beyond, offering its modern take on American fare, along with truly delicious desserts. The Brunch menu alone is worth travelling a long way to sample and features great deals on cocktails. Curiously, this is the only restaurant in Celebration directly facing the waterfront, and it makes good use of that visual characteristic.
The Inn’s 92 rooms and 23 superbly-appointed suites come in four types accommodating from two to five, and the creature comforts – including high-end bathroom fittings, down duvets and bathrobes – are simply sumptuous. Many of the staff have been here for 20 years, or even longer, and make sure it is their pleasure to ensure guests are properly taken care of.
Best of all, it is within walking distance of all the town’s shops, restaurants and other attractions, as well as the miles of walking and biking trails through this lovely residential setting. Of special note for visitors are Evolve Bicycles (bikes and e-bikes for hire) and Celebration Bike Rental (bike hire and self-guided tours).
Unique shops include Gypsy Moon, Apricot Lane Boutique, Soft As A Grape and Market Street Gallery, while the dining choice is positively dazzling and offers a location of the historic Cuban-inspired Columbia Restaurant as well as Celebration Town Tavern, Ari Sushi, The Wine Imperium, Thai Thani and the fun Downtown Diner.
It makes for a compelling and highly original place to stay or visit, just 15 minutes from Walt Disney World and only 18 miles from the International Airport (hence it makes a nice place to spend your final few hours in Orlando before the flight home).
And, if you like the sound of the Inn at Celebration, here are another five possibilities for Best Boutique Hotel in Orlando, most of which have arrived in the last few years and have their own identity and style to make them well worth seeking out for a night or three:
The Alfond Inn: Head to Winter Park for this artful hotel that is just off the main street but perfectly situated for all the attractions. With its lush courtyard, dining patio and elevated pool, it is uber-sleek and stylish, and main restaurant Hamilton’s Kitchen is a real treasure.
The Wave Hotel: Over in Lake Nona (near the airport), the Wave’s high-rise nature makes it feel bigger than it actually is, but the interior is distinctly boutique-y and original. A Michelin- recommended restaurant and unique sculpture garden add real pizzazz.
ette Hotel Orlando: With its luxury spa and elegant interiors, the ette is a real standout in Kissimmee, with gourmet dining, 126 superbly designed rooms and a general feeling of Zen comfort, making for a totally tranquil – and individual – level of comfort.
The Delaney Hotel: Downtown’s newest boutique hotel can be found in the SoDo district, offering a wonderfully chic 54-room property that is full of sharp design and attentive service. Dining at the Delaney Tavern is a highlight, as is the modern art and stylish patio.
Historic Edgewater Hotel: This vintage hotel in the heart of Winter Garden is the one real throwback of this group, dating back to 1926 but reborn as a modern B&B. It boasts genuine antique features but with all modern creature comforts.
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