Looking for the very best lodge close to Common Studios Florida and Islands of Journey? This ranks & evaluations all resorts at Common Orlando, with execs & cons, and a rundown of the perfect lodging for households, honeymooners, solo, adults, and different vacationers so you’ll be able to select the proper lodge in your trip! (Up to date August 2, 2024.)
The rankings listed here are based mostly upon our firsthand expertise by precise stays at all the accommodations at Common Orlando. Most different information or checklist is inconsistent as a result of being crowd-sourced, cobbled collectively from oblique expertise, or reliant upon a number of completely different reviewers. For higher or worse, at the very least these rankings and evaluations are from a singular and constant viewpoint.
With that stated, they’re additionally fully subjective. There’s no pretense of objectivity right here, and we’re not utilizing any type of quantitative metrics like room dimension, common bus or boat frequency, or time in minutes to stroll from the lodge to the resort. All of that’s taken under consideration, however so too are private preferences in the case of theme, environment, pool high quality, and extra.
As Common Orlando jockeys to grow to be a trip vacation spot unto itself, relatively than only a diversion from Walt Disney World, it has seen a lodge explosion in the previous few years. A number of of the resorts reviewed listed here are latest additions, with extra on the horizon as Common develops its third Florida theme park, Epic Universe.
We don’t but know when, precisely, Epic Universe will open in 2025 (listed here are predictions). Nonetheless, we do now know that Common Stella Nova Resort will open on January 21, 2025 and Common Terra Luna Resort opens on February 25, 2025. Each are close to Epic Universe and can be within the Prime Worth Lodge tier, proper together with Common’s Aventura Lodge and Cabana Bay Seashore Resort. Each are above the lowest-tier Worth Resorts, which is a slot occupied completely by Common’s Countless Summer time Resort – Dockside Inn & Suites and Surfside Inn & Suites.
Then there’s Common Helios Grand Lodge, which would be the new flagship resort at Common Orlando Resort, above something on this checklist–extra on par with Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Actually, the Grand Californian at Disneyland is a greater comparability, as that’s a luxurious lodge that’s (partially) inside a theme park and provides direct entry. Common Helios Grand Lodge guarantees a divine escape with dazzling views of Epic Universe, stunning particulars of celestial patterns and constellations adorn the lodge with a chic Mediterranean-inspired really feel.
For these rankings, we’re just about disregarding the Limitless Specific Cross supplied by Portofino Bay, Exhausting Rock Lodge, and Royal Pacific. This can be a seemingly arbitrary transfer, and we debated whether or not to do it. In any case, it’s far and away the most important perk supplied not simply by this trio of Common Orlando accommodations, however by ANY theme park adjoining resorts in Orlando.
Which is why we’re disregarding it. If considered, these Premier Resorts would make up the highest 3–and by a large margin. Nonetheless, that assumes you need and want Limitless Specific Cross, which gained’t be the case for some events. (That’s going to sound like heresy to some, however there have been occasions we didn’t want it–cut up stays work at Common, too.) The purpose is that you must weigh these rankings in another way if Limitless Specific Cross is important to you.
With these caveats out of the way in which, let’s get on with the Common Orlando resort rankings! Clicking on any lodge title (that’s clickable) or hyperlinks to the evaluations will open the detailed overview containing extra pictures, information, and ideas on that lodge in a brand new window…
8. Common’s Countless Summer time Resort – Dockside Inn & Suites (Worth Lodge) – This rating is a bit deceiving. The rooms at Dockside Inn supply super worth for cash that’s nice not simply by theme park requirements, however actual world ones as effectively. Regardless of its environment friendly nature, it’s not overly spartan, with a good quantity of persona and enough facilities. It’s nice for many who gained’t be spending a ton of time on the resort—however nonetheless wish to benefit from the occasional meal or use the pool sometimes.
The explanation we don’t suggest Dockside Inn & Suites–and why it ranks lifeless final right here–is just as a practicality. Dockside Inn is one half of Common’s Countless Summer time Resort, and the easy incontrovertible fact that a greater model of the identical factor exists subsequent door at Surfside Inn for a similar worth. That’s as a result of the most important draw back of this resort is its dimension and scale, which can lead to huge crowds. Surfside Inn has considerably fewer rooms, thus at the very least partially negating that situation.
Make no mistake about that—if Surfside Inn & Suites didn’t exist, we’d be recommending Dockside Inn & Suites with enthusiasm. Common’s Countless Summer time Resort complicated is a gamechanger for theme park worth accommodations, surpassing Walt Disney World’s incarnations of the idea whereas doing so for considerably decrease costs. If Surfside Inn isn’t an choice or is costlier for some purpose, don’t hesitate to e-book Dockside Inn. That such a strong providing ranks final is a testomony to the energy of Common Orlando’s lodge recreation. Click on right here to learn our full overview and see room pictures.
7. Common’s Aventura Lodge (Prime Worth Lodge) – A contemporary and streamlined lodge with no theme that caters to solo enterprise vacationers and a few {couples}. Aventura is good for many who primarily view the lodge as a spot to bathe and sleep, favor a condensed format, and wish quieter or much less crowded lodging. It’s additionally nice for followers of sophisticated tv remotes.
Common’s Aventura Lodge could have restricted enchantment to most different vacationers. Guests on a funds are arguably is perhaps higher suited by one of many Countless Summer time resorts, and households ought to as an alternative go for Cabana Bay or one of many Premier Resorts. These alternate options are both extra economical or supply considerably extra perks.
With that in thoughts, Aventura’s strengths are a rooftop bar with breathtaking views of Common Orlando, useful and environment friendly rooms with “good” options, and handy (and underutilized) facilities. It checks all the packing containers, however in the end underwhelms anybody wanting an precise resort expertise. Click on right here to learn our full overview and see room pictures.
6. Common’s Countless Summer time Resort – Surfside Inn & Suites (Worth Lodge) — The most cost effective lodge at Common Orlando Resort with beginning charges beneath $100/evening, Countless Summer time delivers strong however fundamental lodging. The lodge has a surf or seashore stylization, and whereas not closely themed, it evokes the sensation of an infinite summer season.
Unsurprisingly, worth is the most important promoting level. Every thing else favors operate over kind, from the swimming pools to the meals court docket to the rooms. Talking of which, visitor rooms have sufficient particulars and little touches that it feels inviting relatively than sterile, it has a number of good useful design decisions, and the colour scheme coupled with the big (usable!) window made it mild, ethereal, and welcoming. The most important draw back past these compromises is that the Countless Summer time Resorts are the one two accommodations that aren’t simply walkable to the parks (you can stroll, it’s simply not an ideal or easy route).
If you happen to’re comfy with a lodge that’s mild on theme and facilities, it’s an ideal choice with good rooms, inside hallways, a compact footprint, environment friendly bus transportation, and handy entry to Common Studios Florida and Islands of Journey. It’s good for rope drop to park shut theme park ‘touring commandos.’ Click on right here to learn our full overview and see room pictures.
5. Loews Royal Pacific Resort (Premier Lodge) – Themed to the South Seas, Royal Pacific has a way of journey, and evokes a bygone period of unique and opulent world journey. Opposite to some misguided comparisons, it’s not analogous to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, which is themed to tiki tradition and Americana.
Far and away the most important promoting level is that Loews Royal Pacific Resort is usually the least costly Premier Lodge, making it the candy spot for households on considerably of a funds, however recognizing the worth of Limitless Specific Cross and never needing as a lot from their lodge. Past that, the opposite benefits of Royal Pacific are its strolling distance proximity to Common Studios Florida and Islands of Journey, environment friendly transportation, sturdy facilities, and a mixture of luxuriousness and depth of theme.
Downsides are that it has weaker and smaller rooms than the opposite Premier Resorts and a extra underwhelming pool by comparability. Generally, Royal Pacific ranks 3/3 among the many Premier Resorts in each regard, which is why it’s additionally the most affordable of the trio. Guide right here if worth is the figuring out issue otherwise you actually love the unique theme. Click on right here to learn our full overview and see room pictures.
4. Exhausting Rock Lodge (Premier Lodge) — Anybody who lived by the 90s is probably going aware of Exhausting Rock Cafe. For individuals who didn’t, that is basically that in lodge kind–a tribute to rock & roll, with a mode and angle to match. Which isn’t to say it’s edgy or taste-specific. Whereas I really like the tributes to the Eagles, Led Zeppelin, and different traditional rockers, up to date musicians like Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, and different names I don’t acknowledge are additionally featured.
Exhausting Rock Lodge can be the closest resort to Common Studios Florida & Islands of Journey–solely a ten minute stroll to the parks. Apart from that, Exhausting Rock Lodge’s promoting factors are Limitless Specific Cross at each theme parks, a formidable slate of facilities, spacious rooms, enjoyable eating, and free music tools leases. Exhausting Rock Lodge additionally has an unlimited pool encompassing that’s 12,000 sq. toes in dimension and provides a sand seashore, scorching tubs, sand volleyball court docket, interactive fountains, play space for teenagers, and a 260-foot pool slide.
Exhausting Rock Lodge’s rockin’ fashion isn’t going to be for everybody, however it’s comparatively delicate and acceptable for households. Nonetheless, Exhausting Rock Lodge can be most appreciated by {couples}, notably these sufficiently old to acknowledge its tributes (or anybody with good style in music). Past that, the most important weak spot might be the visitor rooms, that are a tad older (however nonetheless well-maintained and completely comfy). Moreover, eating is just so-so, with strong desk service choices however missing on the meals court docket entrance. These are actually minor quibbles for an in any other case improbable lodge. Click on right here to learn our full overview and see room pictures.
3. Loews Sapphire Falls Resort (Most popular Lodge) – Themed as an island paradise, from the stone turret within the foyer to the intense blue accents to flowing waterfalls that cascade over lush grounds. Nonetheless, Sapphire Falls toes the road between kind and performance, with sufficient fashion and particulars to convey its targets, but in addition with a robust give attention to comfort, facilities, and luxury. The lodge by no means lets theme “get in the way in which” of that.
Sapphire Falls’ execution is near-flawless, with relaxed environment, sturdy rooms (higher than Royal Pacific, which is a tier above it), water taxi transportation, and nice location. One other important promoting level is that Sapphire Falls boasts the biggest pool space at Common Orlando, with a bar, scorching tub, prolonged waterslide, and extra. Moreover, Sapphire Falls’ eating choices pack a strong punch, with the foyer bar specifically being wonderful. Past that, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort’s biggest energy is its steadiness and good vibes, for lack of a greater time period–it’s only a nice place to be.
The most important draw back is bang for buck. Whereas not costly (it prices about as a lot or lower than a Walt Disney World Worth Resort), it’s the priciest resort at Common Orlando that doesn’t supply Limitless Specific Cross. If you happen to don’t want that however wish to splurge considerably on superior lodging, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is a superb alternative for anybody–households, {couples}, solo vacationers, and so forth. Click on right here to learn our full overview and see room pictures.
2. Common’s Cabana Bay Seashore Resort (Prime Worth Lodge) — We completely adore this romanticized and elevated Fifties-60s period motel. Cabana Bay provides unparalleled worth for cash amongst theme park adjoining resorts and options way over you’d anticipate from the price-point. It’s notably engaging to households, however anybody who appreciates mid-century trendy may also adore it.
Cabana Bay’s promoting factors are a superb slate of facilities, together with a variety of eating choices, bowling alley, big swimming pools with a lazy river, super thematic integrity, and high quality rooms for a funds resort. The vary of the facilities is de facto spectacular, and all of this makes Cabana Bay work a bona-fide resort the place you’ll have a number of enjoyable with out even going to the parks.
Its largest weak spot is the dimensions. This shouldn’t come as an enormous shock since a boutique lodge isn’t going to assist all the aforementioned facilities, however Cabana Bay is colossal. Past navigating the big property (which really isn’t dangerous), this could imply crowds throughout busier occasions of yr. There are occasions when the meals courts, pool areas, and major foyer are all overwhelmed with company, and even with as a lot as we love Cabana Bay, we wouldn’t e-book a keep right here throughout Spring Break, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New 12 months’s, and so forth. Click on right here to learn our full overview and see room pictures.
1. Loews Portofino Bay Lodge Evaluate (Premier Lodge) — Theme is Portofino Bay’s sturdy go well with, with its personal harbor, cobblestone streets, quiet courtyards, intimate walkways, and extra that evoke the seaside city of Portofino. Loews Portofino Bay Lodge is our favourite resort at Common Orlando and considered one of our prime 10 theme park accommodations wherever on the planet. Furthermore, Portofino Bay is the what we’d take into account the Common resort “for Walt Disney World followers.” With regards to immersive themed design, that is on par with Imagineering’s finest accommodations in Florida.
Past that, Portofino Bay has the biggest normal rooms at Common Orlando, and a latest refresh has modernized them, too. With regards to eating, Portofino Bay provides 9 eating places and lounges that includes a variety of Italian and American delicacies at just about each worth level. Lastly, there are two wonderful pool areas, considered one of which is extra laid again and the opposite with an array of options–each are prime of sophistication. All of this makes it interesting to all kinds of visitor demographics.
With all of that stated, Portofino Bay is just not good. For one factor, it’s sometimes the costliest lodge at Common Orlando, so funds alone will rule it out for some events. There are some areas that really feel barely missing intimately, or which have a Nineteen Nineties fashion. Thematically, it exhibits its age in some regards, although upkeep is usually improbable. Moreover, it’s a colossal resort with a sprawling format, which is a distinction to Common’s present method of all the things underneath one roof. We completely love Portofino Bay and would give it the win by a big margin–however like all the things, that’s not a one-size matches all suggestion. Click on right here to learn our full overview and see room pictures.
Want journey planning ideas and complete recommendation in your go to to Central Florida? Ensure that to learn our Common Orlando Planning Information for all the things about Islands of Journey and Common Studios Florida. Additionally try our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Information for all the things about these parks, resorts, eating places, and a lot extra. For normal updates, information & rumors, a heads up when reductions are launched, and far more, join our FREE e-mail publication!
YOUR THOUGHTS
How do Common Orlando’s resorts rank for you? Any lodge right here that’s too excessive–or too low–for you? Do you usually keep at Common Orlando or Walt Disney World? What are your key issues when figuring out the place you keep? If you happen to’ve beforehand been loyal to WDW, are you contemplating Common (or different off-site) accommodations in your subsequent Florida trip? Do you agree or disagree with our rankings and overview? Any questions we can assist you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even once you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
