Thirty thousand acres. That’s how much land Walt Disney quietly acquired in Central Florida in the 1960s, a parcel about the size of San Francisco. His dream wasn’t just to build another theme park, it was to create an entire ecosystem—a self-contained world of transportation innovations, cutting-edge hotels, landscaped green space and curated experiences. This intended utopia would fully immerse guests in a modern, experimental new world, without the intrusion of roadside souvenir shops or off-brand distractions.
Sixty years later, Orlando is still living and evolving in the wake of that visionary Disney spirit. Though Walt didn’t get the chance to see his Florida vision brought to life exactly as he imagined, the region has still evolved into a creative, food-forward metropolis, where (as Disney had hoped) new ideas thrive beyond just the gates of the parks. Still, for most visitors, the phrase “Orlando hotel” conjures up images of character breakfasts and all-you-can-eat buffets. The reality is that Orlando is much more than its theme park attractions. Its hospitality reputation is one driven by innovation, art, global influences, and whole-body wellness.
This hospitality scene is evident looking at The MICHELIN Guide Orlando. In addition to the 52 restaurants with a Michelin distinction (including six Stars and one Two Star), Orlando has also accumulated Three MICHELIN Keys for hotels with outstanding excellence. Fifty years ago, the thought of world-class luxury hotels would have been unimaginable standing upon central Florida’s vast, untouched swamp habitat. But Disney’s presence brought economic growth to Orlando, and over half a century later the city has put itself on the global map for exceptional hospitality beyond just the themed entertainment. And this is what many visitors don’t realize—that everything in Orlando is not plastered with mouse ears. When it comes to these Key distinctions, that’s certainly true. The Keyed properties embody something truer and more eternal about Orlando, a quiet elegance found in Florida landscapes, its golden light, restorative nature and entrepreneurial spirit.
Atmosphere: Contemporary, colorful, cutting-edge
Perfect for: Staying healthy on your Orlando vacation
Lake Nona Wave Hotel is curvaceous, modern and unconcerned with gripping to nostalgia or a “way things have been done.” Located in Orlando’s newest neighborhood just south of Orlando International Airport (MCO), the Lake Nona District, Wave hotel is far enough away from the attractions to develop its own identity. That identity is one rooted in high-tech amenities and guest features, like intuitive smart glass windows that adjust their shade with the sun’s intensity to aid in better sleep and more efficient energy consumption for the entire property. Punchy, colorful, contemporary art greets guests upon arrival (over 500 different works). This doesn’t include the Lewis Collection of privately owned sculptures, which reside in the dappled shade of the tropical sculpture garden.
But its exclusive guest access to the most comprehensive fitness center in Central Florida, Lake Nona Performance Club, sets the hotel apart from its counterparts. Far more than just a typical gym, the 130,000 square foot facility has a rock climbing wall, cycling studio, over 150 machines, three pools, indoor track and turf, and more—all available to guests. Lake Nona is also home to the United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Campus, where guests can enroll in a personalized coaching session during their stay. There’s a lot to say about Wave Hotel’s emphasis on wellness and tech (like the autonomous shuttle that carries guests to a nearby food complex, Boxi Park), but its two onsite dining venues, Bacán and Nami, shouldn’t be ignored.
Style: Mediterranean elegance with a modern polish
Atmosphere: Calm, discreet, family-friendly without being cartoonish
Perfect for: Families with taste, romantic getaways, and travelers who want the perks of the parks without the constant visual
Technically, yes, the Four Seasons Orlando is located within the Walt Disney Resort, but once you’re inside the manicured Mediterranean-influenced property, that fact becomes harder to see and notice. The only visual sign that you are near the theme parks is from the property’s upper floors. At the MICHELIN-Starred Catalan-influenced rooftop steakhouse, Capa, you can see the nightly firework shows from all Disney properties, visible simultaneously from your table.
Back on the ground level, Four Seasons guests are staying busy on the golf course, tennis courts, onsite spa, or at the two separate pools (one for adults and the other with a lazy river, splash playground, and youth club). The Four Seasons is for Orlando travelers who want proximity to the parks without having to participate in the Disney narrative nonstop. It’s a peaceful reprieve from what can quickly turn into overstimulation at the theme parks.
Style: Refined Floridian luxury
Atmosphere: Expansive, polished, organically opulent
Perfect for: Travelers who prefer a secluded retreat with curated sophistication, with easy access to the attractions.
Set on 500 lush acres at the headwaters of the Florida Everglades, The Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes is its own immersive world, just a 20-minute drive away from the Walt Disney attractions. Ritz-Carlton’s reputation for polished elegance combines with landscape design that enhances the natural beauty of the Florida environment, giving the vast property a reliably comfortable, calm and secluded feel. Pair this serenity with the fact that the property has an onsite farm, garden and apiary, Whisper Creek, that supports onsite restaurants, and you’ve got the opposite of a Dole-Whip and theme park quick service.
The heritage brand, with all of its classic elegance and old-world hospitality, manages to stay surprisingly innovative. A new wellness offering, The Aescape robotic massage therapy experience, tailors pressure, technique and flow to each guest’s body using adaptive sensors. Beyond the spa, you’ll find new pickleball courts, plus tennis courts where guests can participate in clinics, private lessons and cardio tennis. If Disney is built on the appeal of fantasy and escape, Grande Lakes is rooted in holistic restoration, agriculture and a grounded sense of place.
Top Image: The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
