Orlando, Florida, is the number-one tourist destination in the United States, largely because of the Walt Disney World Resort. Fairytale vacations are made possible at the Disney parks, and staying in a castle hotel can add even more magic to an Orlando trip. Themed hotels abound, both on Disney property and throughout Central Florida, but there are a select few Orlando hotels that are castles, too.
Doubletree Castle Hotel
The spires of the Doubletree Castle Hotel stand out against the skyline along Orlando's International Drive as the only luxury castle hotel in this tourist mecca. The Castle's medieval theme sets the tone for royal treatment that is synonymous with luxury accommodations: pillow-top mattresses in every room, 37-inch LCD TVs, high-speed WiFi access, a heated outdoor swimming pool with a fountain, a hot tub and fitness center.
This castle hotel sits in the heart of the city's bustling tourist thoroughfare, just down the street from the Orlando Convention Center and a 10- to 15-minute drive to all of the area's famed theme parks. The hotel offers daily shuttle service to the Walt Disney World Resort and the Universal Orlando Resort for a fee of $5. The International Drive Trolley provides transportation to SeaWorld and makes regular stops in front of the hotel.
The hotel is an official Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel, which means guests can purchase Disney tickets in the lobby.
Small pets are welcome at this hotel for a $75 fee, which is non-refundable.
Doubletree Castle Hotel
8629 International Dr.
Orlando, FL 32819
(407)345-1511
(800)952-2785
doubletreecastle.com
Magic Castle Inn & Suites
This economical castle hotel offers discount rates and standard accommodations for the no-frills visitor who still wants to stay in a castle. The Magic Castle Inn & Suites is on U.S. Highway 192, just 3 miles from the entrance to the Walt Disney World Resort. Along with low nightly rates, this motel offers a microwave and refrigerator at no extra charge, free local phone calls and an outdoor pool and deck chairs for tanning. A continental breakfast of assorted breads, donuts, juice, milk, coffee and hot tea is included with your stay.
Magic Castle Inn & Suites
5055 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy (U.S. Hwy 192)
Kissimmee, FL 34746
(407) 396-2212
(800) 446-5669
themagiccastleinn.com
Castle View Hotels
If it's a castle view you want, there are three hotels at the Walt Disney World Resort that boast rooms with a view of Cinderella's Castle: Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Polynesian Resort and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. These deluxe Disney hotels sit adjacent to the Magic Kingdom park.
The Contemporary Resort is within walking distance of the Magic Kingdom and as the tallest of these resorts, provides some of the most spectacular views of Cinderella's Castle, especially at night. The Magic Kingdom monorail stops at all three hotels, so the castle is just a short monorail ride away.
Walt Disney World Resort
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Resort reservations (407) 939-7429
Vacation package reservations (407) 939-7675
Disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts
About The Author
Lisa Jay began writing professionally in 2002. She has written for "Focus" magazine and "The Orlando Sentinel" as well as travel Web sites in the Central Florida area. She served as executive editor of "The Valencia Source." Jay earned an Associate of Arts in journalism from Valencia Community College. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in writing at Columbia University.
