Our time at Waldorf Astoria Orlando in Orlando, Florida was one of our favorite hotel stays we’ve enjoyed anywhere in the world. Waldorf hotels are synonymous with impeccable service, stunning surroundings, and the best amenities money can buy, all in the most desirable locations around the world. The staff of Waldorf Astoria Orlando went above and beyond at every single turn to make the week we spent at the hotel, our time at the Walt Disney World parks, and the celebration of our two best friends’ engagement all genuinely exceptional.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Location: Orlando, Florida
Address: 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane Orlando, FL 32821
Rating: 5-Star Hotel
Staff Helpfulness & Friendliness: 5/5
Cleanliness: 5/5
Room size: 5/5
Room Amenities: 5/5
Room and Bed Comfort: 5/5
View from Room: 5/5
Pool: Yes, Sprawling Pool Overlooking Golf Course
Golf Course: 18-Hole Waldorf Astoria Orlando Golf Club
Spa: Yes, 5-Star Spa
Proximity to Other Points of Interest: 5/5
Arrival at Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Upon our arrival at Waldorf Astoria, despite being past midnight by the time we arrived, the front desk staff greeted us with huge smiles. They welcomed us to the property and explained the different amenities, including that the Waldorf Astoria Orlando is now an official Disney resort. As an official Disney resort, the hotel has shuttles running back and forth to the Disney parks, and the Waldorf has all of the same perks such as early park hours, special rates, and other benefits that on-site Walt Disney World resorts have.
The actual check-in took about 10 seconds, which was a relief because we were so tired. We were also given complimentary water and instructions on how to get to our rooms, where our bags were already waiting for us. Overall, it was the smoothest and most helpful check-in experience we’ve ever had.
Ambience of Waldorf Astoria Orlando
The entire hotel has a very beachy vibe to it, with lots of blue tones, reflective tiles, and surfaces, as well as ornate seashell motifs throughout the hotel. These were subtle yet lent the feeling of being underwater to the overall space. The marble floors, extremely high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of the hotel’s pool all made the Waldorf Astoria feel more like a palace than a hotel, which in turn made us all feel like royalty.
Our Room & Its Amenities
Our room was spacious and had an excellent view of the pool, Waldorf Astoria’s Golf Course, and the Walt Disney World parks in the distance. As I mentioned, we visited Orlando with my childhood best friend and her boyfriend (now fiancé!), although with so much to do so close to the hotel, we admittedly didn’t spend much time inside our hotel rooms.
The bathroom was huge, with floor-to-ceiling marble, a deep soaking tub, a roomy standing shower, and a wall-to-wall vanity that made getting reading each day a joy. Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries were stocked inside our room and replenished daily by housekeeping. We never heard any other guests from inside our room, and with beds and pillows that were somehow even more comfortable than the ones we have at home. We slept very well each night, leaving us completely refreshed for our adventures each day.
Celebrating at Waldorf Astoria Orlando
As I mentioned, my best friend Jamie got engaged during our trip. Shane, her Australian fiancé, clued Robin and me in that he was planning to propose during our trip. He asked for our help coordinating the proposal, which I was SO excited to be a part of!
Upon finding out that Shane was planning to propose, Waldorf Astoria Orlando hooked us up with celebratory lunches and drinks by the pool at Aquamarine, and they upgraded our rooms. Plus, they had a gorgeous brunch spread consisting of fruits, pastries, OJ & champagne to make mimosas, as well as other brunch foods sent up to our rooms to fuel us before we headed to the parks.
Knowing before our trip that Shane was planning to propose allowed me to put together an engagement gift package for them. It also allowed me plenty of time to purchase matching shirts for their Walt Disney World engagement photos. Thanks to the rush shipping provided by PuntoDesigns, they arrived just in time to pack away, and they were the perfect surprise for the happy couple after Shane popped the question.
Keep an eye out to see what else I put in Jamie’s engagement gift basket because the selections were all things Robin and I wish we would have had when planning our own wedding. How adorable are these two? They’re seriously the sweetest people I know, and I am so excited to see what life has in store for them as they plan their wedding and their big move to Australia!
With the help of the Waldorf Astoria Orlando team, our trip and Jamie & Shane’s engagement celebration, were both made so much more memorable & exciting. I couldn’t be more grateful for the excellent services they provided during our stay that went above and beyond anything we expected. If you’re looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion, I can’t say enough good things about Waldorf Astoria Orlando.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando’s Poolside Restaurant Aquamarine
In my last post, I wrote about our amazing meals at Aquamarine, where I had a delicious Maine lobster and gulf shrimp Spinach wrap sandwich and Caesar salad with a Strawberry & Mint refresher. Robin had their sea bass sandwich on challah bread and a Prosecco popsicle drink (which was totally adorable), and Jamie ordered their Reuben and bloody Mary, while Shane had their signature pepperoni pizza.
Dining poolside with the fresh Florida breeze rolling in was exactly what the doctor ordered, and our celebratory lunch was one of the highlights of our stay. You can read more about our meal and Aquamarine in my post here.
Bull & Bear Fine Dining Inside Waldorf Astoria Orlando
The only dinner we didn’t eat with Jamie & Shane during our trip was on the second night, where they celebrated their engagement. This gave Robin & me time to try Waldorf Astoria Orlando’s in-house fine dining restaurant, Bull & Bear, which is one of the top 10 best restaurants in Orlando, according to Trip Advisor.
Our food didn’t disappoint, and we enjoyed fresh Dover Sole, deboned table-side, an assortment of fresh, sautéed mushrooms, jumbo shrimp, lobster macaroni and cheese, a delicious vegetable soup, and drinks. Check out my full review of Bull & Bear.
The Waldorf’s Pool & Spa
Waldorf Astoria Orlando’s pool & spa were two of the prettiest pools and spas I’ve ever seen. Their swimming pool is enormous and was one of the main reasons we booked this hotel in the first place. Surrounded by palm trees, with private cabanas and poolside food & drink service, a hot tub, and plenty of yard games, as well as a large patio overlooking the pool, I could have spent an entire week just sitting by the pool reading, swimming, and enjoying the beautiful weather.
Their spa, which you can read all about here, was where I received what is unequivocally the best massage I’ve ever had. Theresa, aka my new best friend (sorry Jamie & Robin, lol), gave me the most relaxing and peaceful hot stone massage, but with a twist. Instead of traditional river stones, she used hot, pink Himalayan salt rocks to work the tension out of my neck, shoulders, back, and forearms. The Himalayan salt, which had a gentle exfoliating property to them, felt so much warmer and more effective than other hot stone massages I’ve had in the past. The spa’s relaxation area, pictured below, had color-changing lights and served drinks and refreshments for after-service care and lounging.
I can honestly say I’ve never felt so relaxed in my entire life. Theresa also gave me some great recommendations on what to eat at Epcot (the Avocado Margaritas at Epcot may sound odd but tasted phenomenal! – Thank you, Theresa!), and she told me how much she absolutely adores her job at the Waldorf. She was truly a joy to chat with and was the best masseuse I’ve ever had, hands down. The hotel is lucky to have her, and my only regret is that I live so far from her, haha!
Waldorf Astoria Orlando Golf Club
Waldorf Astoria Orlando’s Golf Club was one of the prettiest I’ve ever seen. This 18 hole golf course was perfect for beginners (or those who are really rusty like me), as well as more seasoned players like my husband. Titled professionals travel from all over the world to play this versatile course. Read my full review of this dynamic golf course here.
Final Thoughts on Waldorf Astoria Orlando
This hotel ranks at the very top of the best places we’ve ever stayed, and we’ve stayed at some incredible properties around the world. We’ve stayed at Waldorf Astoria hotels in the past, and they were all absolutely wonderful; however, there’s something truly magical about the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando. From the incredibly kind and helpful staff and our spacious, insanely comfortable rooms, to the delightful food, the impeccable views, the abundant hotel amenities, and the proximity to the Walt Disney World parks, I can’t think of one good reason why anyone would stay anywhere else in Orlando!
Eleanor Conaway says
Annie, first time on your site. Your photos are lovely and info intriguing but you need someone to check your spelling. It is surprisingly ba d in places, especially for a U of M grad. Sorry, but it takes away from the stories.
Annie Fairfax says
Hi Eleanor,
Thank you so much for stopping by my website! Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention. I appreciate your kind compliments and constructive criticism. I have always proofread my posts to the best of my ability, and I do the best I can to make sure everything is accurate. That being said, it’s just me researching, photographing, editing, writing, and crafting each post. I hadn’t realized my posts had so many errors in them. Because of your feedback, I have hired a proofreader, as it is very important to me that my posts are clear and enjoyable to read. So hopefully, my posts will be much more cohesive going forward.
Thank you again!
Sincerely,
Annie Fairfax
Whitney says
Looks like an amazing resort! Great review 😍
Jenny Pierson says
This seems like an amazing choice instead of a Disney resort!! Adding to list…thanks