Where to Stay in Downtown Orlando: Aloft Hotels

Where to Stay in Downtown Orlando – A family trip to Orlando is very tiring especially if you plan to visit all of the Orlando theme parks. We took a 2-day break in Downtown Orlando after visiting Disney World to recuperate and it’s the best way to get away from it all yet still be in the middle of the action.

disclosure: Our stay was hosted by Aloft, all opinions are our own. This post may contain affiliate links.

WHERE TO STAY IN DOWNTOWN ORLANDO

We stayed at Aloft Hotels which is perfectly located near Amway Center where the hubby went to watch an Orlando Magic game the night we arrived at the hotel. The combination of jet lag, time difference, and non-stop theme park fun got the kids and I all wiped out so we stayed in for the most part.

Our room was a corner suite and it was the right size for our growing kids. The bedroom and lounge area are divided by a sheer curtain so it gave just the right division for the parents and the kids but enough to still see them as they watch their favorite cartoons on TV.

I had a really good sleep at Aloft Hotels. The pillows and the bed were really comfy. If we are to stay at a non-Disney resort when visiting Orlando, this is where we’ll stay again. Everything was walking distance so even if we did bring a car – restaurants and activities are just a stone throw away.

Because we had a corner suite and the entire room was L-shaped, the bathroom was on the other end. The room came with a safe, coffee machine and a mini-fridge. There was no tub, which I actually preferred. The shower had a glass enclosure instead but is within a shower/toilet room separated by a sliding door.

The desk at the lounge area was also pretty huge. It gave me an opportunity to write up articles for my blog while the Lil’ one played with her LEGOs and I didn’t have to pack up my stuff to accommodate her need for space.

The room had an adjoining door so it looks like you can even join rooms together if you are coming with a bigger group. I’m looking into finding those cute green rocking chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames, the girls really loved them. It would be cute in their rooms!

The hotel lobby was also beautiful. There are multiple sitting areas, TVs, pool table, a bar for cocktails and lite bites and there’s even a breakfast/snack bar just adjacent to the reception area.

There’s also a fitness room at Aloft Hotels but we didn’t get to visit this time. I think all the walking at Disney World days prior was enough. LOL.

Just outside is the pool and an outdoor lounge. We were in downtown Orlando but it was actually pretty quiet so you won’t have a problem relaxing poolside. I’d say grab a cocktail and lounge here. Perfection.

WHERE TO STAY IN DOWNTOWN ORLANDO

Just diagonal to Aloft hotel is the Dr. Philips Center for the Performing Arts where they have 3 theaters including a Walt Disney Theater where they hold musicals, concerts, and other shows. Upcoming shows include Lion King the Musical, Star Wars – the Empire Strikes Back in Concert, Anita Baker concert, Shopkins Live and many more.

If you feel like staying in like we did, you also have the option to order food via the DoorStep Delivery app. It listed the various restaurants in Downtown Orlando and you get to order from the entire menu. Delivery charge was mere $3-$4 per restaurant. If everyone is craving different dishes, I’d say just order from which restaurant one wants and just pay the delivery charge for each. Everyone will be happy!

The first night, we had Italian food and I enjoyed a good calamari while the kids had their cheese pizza. The next night was congee and roasted duck since Downtown Orlando actually has a ton or a street load of Asian restaurants. Just what I needed after many days of eating theme park food.

But of course, it’s also best to explore Downtown Orlando for those traveling to eat. You can have tapas for lunch or visit Wahlburgers (from actor Mark Wahlberg’s family). For me, on our next visit, I’d like to try a few of the Asian restaurants that line E Colonial Dr and N Mills Ave especially King Bao. We simply didn’t have enough time during this trip as it was our first visit to Orlando.

What’s also cool about staying at Aloft Orlando Downtown is that even though everything is walking distance, you also have the option to try the FREE bike share (there’s a bike station beside the hotel) or the free bus service – LYMMO.

If you’re visiting Downtown Orlando, you should also visit the beautiful Lake Eola and go for a swan ride. Check back tomorrow for our Downtown Orlando Guide for all the Fun Things you Can Do near Aloft Orlando Downtown.

WHERE TO STAY IN DOWNTOWN ORLANDO

Aloft Orlando Downtown offers 6 types of rooms. King Room, Double Queen Room, Accessible Room, Suite, Savvy Suite, and a Corner Suite. We stayed at the Corner Suite.

You should also consider staying at Aloft and make it your base to see all the Orlando attractions. You can drive East to Kennedy Space Center in Titusville or drive South to the various theme parks. Disney World is merely 30 minutes away while the Orlando International Airport is merely 23 minutes away.

Check more Florida Travel Tips for more fun things to do in Orlando:

• Kennedy Space Center Discount Tickets
• 15 Ways to Save on an Orlando Vacation
• Legoland Florida VS Legoland California
• 10 Tips for Visiting Kennedy Space Center
• 10 Tips for Planning a Disney World Vacation
• The Ultimate 2 Week Orlando Itinerary

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