Where Is The Best Area To Stay In Orlando, Florida?

Where is the best area to stay in Orlando?

By Diana McCarthy. December 08, 2023

Millions of people around the world dream about planning a once-in-a-lifetime visit to Orlando Florida, excited for the opportunity to visit some of the most famous theme parks in the world, enjoy warm sunny weather, and fill their days with excitement. Orlando is a diverse and inclusive city with lots to do; including museums and art galleries, a bustling downtown district, great food, live entertainment, and a vibrant art and culture scene.

 

If you are planning your Florida vacation, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is about where to stay. If you are looking for 24-hour entertainment, live music, family-friendly activities, and a premier shopping destination, there’s only one place to stay: International Drive.

 

International Drive, (or I-Dive as locals call it) is an 11-mile stretch of tourist attractions, shopping destinations, restaurants, and gift shops in the heart of Orlando. Is extremely walkable, so it’s easy to get from your hotel to local attractions. Whether you’re exploring ICON Park, enjoying the diverse dining options, or shopping at the Orlando International Premium Outlets, I-Drive is the perfect hub for an unforgettable Orlando experience.On the map, which shows the most convenient area to stay in Orlando, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.

 

 

If you are interested in where to stay in Orlando, you may also be interested in where to stay in Miami, where to stay in Key West, where to stay in Fort Lauderdale and where to stay in Tampa.

International Drive, the best area to stay in Orlando

 

Disney / Universal / Seaworld / Families / Without a Car

 

 

While Orlando offers countless opportunities for vacation accommodations, we consider International Drive the best area to stay because it’s central to all the main parks. The Northern end is the intersection of Westwood Boulevard just south of Sand Lake Road. The southern end intersects with World Center Drive, near the Orange County Convention Center, Seaworld, and Aquatica. In between, you’ll find lots to see and do.

 

Some of the can’t miss attractions on I-Drive include Kings Dining and Entertainment Sea World, Aquatica, and the Orlando International Premium Outlets. Icon Park features a 400-foot-tall observation wheel that offers breathtaking views of Orlando. The park has restaurants, shops, and attractions like Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium.

 

International Drive is lined with hotels, ranging from budget-friendly motels to luxury resorts with water parks and on-site entertainment.

 

When you stay on International Drive, you’re just 17 minutes from Universal Studios, 10 minutes from Disney World, and 8 minutes from Seaworld and Aquatica.

 

 

Hotels in International Drive

Other areas to stay in Orlando

 

Downtown

 

Adults / Nightlife / Not Disney

 

 

Downtown Orlando is a great option for couples, business professionals, and people who like to party. It is a diverse and bustling business district settled around the beautiful Lake Eola that combines open green spaces, cozy cafes, and an energetic nightlife scene. Downtown Orlando is historic and charming and has a social calendar packed with events like the Farmers Market, movies in the park, and an array of cultural festivals. Whether you go for the classic charm of a historic inn or the convenience of a modern hotel, downtown Orlando has accommodations that suit every taste and budget. So, if you’re into good food, art, or just want to see the local side of Orlando, downtown is a great choice.

 

When you stay in Downtown Orlando you’re just 15 minutes from Universal Studios, 20 minutes from SeaWorld and Aquatica, and 22 minutes from Disney.

 

Downtown Orlando scores 76 out of 100 on the walkability scale, meaning it’s very walkable, and you can complete most errands on foot. There are Uber and Lyft drivers everywhere, so its easy and convenient to grab a ride if needed.

 

 

Hotels in Downtown Orlando

 

 

 

 

Kissimmee

 

Disney / With a Car / Cheap / Families

 

 

Kissimmee (pronounced Ka-sim-ee) has the most hotels and places to stay out of any city in the United States. It is ideal for families with small kids, large groups of friends, and theme park enthusiasts. Kissimmee is home to a chain of lakes that are popular for water sports and fishing and is home to miles of walking trails, public parks, and open green spaces. Just a short drive from the theme parks and home to lesser-known attractions like Fun Spot, Kissimmee offers entertainment beyond the mainstream.

 

Explore Old Town, a charming area with shops, dining, and classic car shows. Take an airboat ride through the Everglades to experience Florida’s unique ecosystems. For history enthusiasts, the Osceola County Historical Society Museum provides insight into the region’s past.

 

When you stay in Kissimmee you’re just 28 minutes from SeaWorld and Aquatica, 24 minutes from Disney, and 30 minutes from Universal Studios.

 

Kissimmee has a Walk Score of 30, classifying it as a city that heavily relies on cars. While it’s primarily car-dependent, Kissimmee does offer some public transportation options.

 

 

Hotels in Kissimmee

 

 

 

 

Celebration

 

Disney / Families / Without a Car

 

 

Celebration, FL is a great option for families with kids, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts. Built by Disney in the ’90s, the entire area is designed to look like a storybook illustration. The houses are classic and colorful with white picket fences and welcoming front porches, the streets are lined with trees, and it all centers around the downtown area known as Town Center. Here you’ll find locally owned shops and restaurants, a walkable waterfront area, and a cozy, small-town vibe.

 

Golf enthusiasts can tee off at the Celebration Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. If you enjoy art and wine, consider attending the Celebration Art & Wine Stroll, or enjoy local music and food trucks at Lakeside Park.

 

When you stay in Celebration you’re just 9 minutes from Disney, 23 minutes from Universal Studios, and 22 minutes from SeaWorld and Aquatica.

 

Celebration has a Walk Score of 61 out of 100, which means it is easy to get to neighborhood attractions on foot. You’ll need a car to venture out of Celebration and get to the theme parks though.

 

 

Hotels in Celebration

 

 

 

Lake Buena Vista

 

Disney / Families / Shopping

 

 

Lake Buena Vista is a popular option for large families and groups of friends, as well as retirees and solo travelers because it’s close to the theme parks and the area’s main attractions, but also has this calm, scenic vibe with lakes all around. You’ve got plenty of places to eat and things to do, plus it’s easy to get to the major attractions. Lake Buena Vista is home to Disney Springs, a sprawling entertainment and shopping complex where you can listen to live music, eat at the T-Rex Cafe, or build and play until your heart’s content at the giant Lego store! This area is also known for its world-class golf courses, exciting dinner shows and world-class dining options.

 

When you stay in Lake Buena Vista you’re less than five minutes from Disney, 15 minutes from Universal Studios, and 12 minutes from SeaWorld and Aquatica.

 

To really enjoy Lake Buena Vista, you’ll need a car. The neighborhoods are good for walking and biking, but having a car significantly enhances your ability to explore the diverse offerings both within Lake Buena Vista and the broader Orlando area.

 

 

Hotels in Lake Buena Vista

 

 

 

Davenport

 

Disney / With a Car / Affordable / Families

 

 

Ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed escape near Orlando, Davenport, Florida, is perfect for those who appreciate a quieter atmosphere after exploring the bustling theme parks. Families and budget-conscious travelers find Davenport particularly appealing, as it strikes a balance between proximity to attractions and a laid-back vibe.

 

The town offers a variety of vacation rentals and affordable accommodations, making it a practical choice for those watching their budget. Families that like to stay active and spend time outside will appreciate all of Davenport’s sports fields, golf courses, walking trails, and the easy access to Lake Play, a recreational area with water-based activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding.

 

Davenport is pretty good for walking around, with a score of 58 out of 100. You can easily reach nearby places by foot. But if you want to go to the theme parks or explore outside Davenport, you’ll need a car.

 

 

Hotels in Davenport

Our recommended hotels in Orlando

Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in Orlando Note: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.