Where To Stay In Orlando: 5 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Orlando is much more than theme parks and giant souvenir shops. The city has a bunch of neighborhoods, and each one feels a little different. You can stay near the action around International Drive, settle into the lively streets of Downtown Orlando, or pick a quieter spot with local restaurants and leafy parks.

Winter Park is a favorite for its pretty streets, museums, and old Florida charm. Thornton Park has a more relaxed, neighborhood feel, with plenty of places to eat and grab a drink.

Of course, the big parks are still a major reason people come here. Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld are all easy to reach from several parts of the city. But choosing where to stay can make a surprisingly big difference. Traffic can be slow, especially around the parks, so location matters more than you might expect.

We’ve rounded up the best areas to stay in Orlando, from convenient bases for theme park days to neighborhoods where you can see a different side of the city.

In this travel guide:

Downtown

Best area for: shopping, nightlife

If it is your first time visiting Orlando and you would like a fun-filled and bush experience, downtown Orlando is the perfect spot. You are just a short drive from all of Orlando’s famous attractions.

The heart of the area centers around Lake Eola Park. Interestingly, the lake itself started out as a massive natural sinkhole before it was donated to the city in the late nineteenth century.

Nowadays, downtown is a fast-growing mix of historic brick streets, modern skyscrapers, and vibrant green spaces. You will see people riding the famous swan paddle boats on Lake Eola or taking path walks around the water. Famous resident swans have actually called this lake home since 1922. For a dose of local culture, head over to the Orange County Regional History Center or catch a Broadway show at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

At night, Wall Street Plaza and Church Street fill up with energy, offering plenty of casual pubs and live music venues.

The local food scene has blown up in recent years. For coffee and an incredible breakfast, we always stop by Craft & Common on East Robinson Street. Their specialty cold brews, house-made chai, and fresh avocado toasts are unmatched. The bright, jungle-chic space gives you the ultimate morning boost before exploring.

Downtown Orlando blends high-energy Florida city life with surprisingly rich local history. You get a real urban atmosphere alongside gorgeous park views.

Best place to stay in Downtown Orlando

The Delaney Hotel. Address: 1315 South Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32806, United States of America.

South Eola

Best area for: upscale, parks, life like a local

If you desire a calmer and more serene experience, staying in South Eola may be the right move. This is a smaller community, but the natural beauty of the area is worth the visit. If the hustle and bustle of downtown or any of the theme park areas are too much, South Eola is the answer.

South Eola sits right in central Orlando, but it doesn’t feel like a typical business district. We get a mix of leafy streets, modern apartments, little cafés, and Lake Eola Park at the center of it all. The neighborhood is also one of the older parts of Orlando. Jacob Summerlin, a major figure in the city’s early history, donated land around the lake in 1883. Lake Eola officially became a public park in 1888.

Lake Eola Park is still the big draw. We can walk the 0.9-mile loop, rent one of the famous swan boats, or sit by the water and watch the Orlando skyline. The park has some fun details, too. There’s a Chinese Ting, a Japanese rock garden, and the Walt Disney Amphitheater. The fountain in the middle of the lake puts on a short light show at night.

South Eola is also handy for eating and drinking. For coffee, we’d stop at Craft & Common. It’s an easy place to grab breakfast before heading out. For something more substantial, The Stubborn Mule is right on South Eola Drive and works well for lunch or dinner.

The neighborhood is walkable, lively, and close to the rest of downtown. It’s a good pick if we want Orlando without spending the whole day around the theme parks.

Best place to stay in South Eola

Eõ Inn and Spa Downtown. Address: 227 N Eola Dr B, Orlando, FL 32801, USA.

Southwest Orlando

Best area for: Disney World, families

Now, if you want the action-packed visit to Orlando, Southwest Orlando is an excellent choice. Mainly, this is the home to Universal Studios and Walt Disney World.

Two of Florida’s biggest attractions are nestled right in this area. This is known as the theme park area of Florida. All of your favorite attractions are housed right in the Southwest Orlando area.

The best part about staying in Southwest Orlando is that you can experience Florida’s best attractions without even having to leave the neighborhood. You can spend a week right here and you will still have things to do without having to venture more than a couple of miles from your hotel.

Bay Hill is another local landmark. This is where the famous Arnold Palmer Invitational takes place, so golfers have plenty of reasons to visit.

Food is another absolute main event in this part of town. The stretch along West Sand Lake Road is famously known as Restaurant Row, packed with incredible local spots and high-end dining. For dinner, we always make a reservation at Slate. They serve fantastic wood-fired Florida dishes, seasonal craft cocktails, and incredible brick-oven pizzas in a warm, brick-lined dining room.

Best place to stay in Southwest Orlando

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort. Address: 1 Grand Cypress Blvd, Orlando, FL 32836, USA.

Lake Cherokee

Best area for: parks, quiet life

Lake Cherokee is one of those Orlando neighborhoods that feels a world away from the theme parks. You’re just south of downtown here, but the pace is much slower. Big oak trees, Spanish moss, old houses, and the lake give the area a distinctly Old Florida feel.

The neighborhood has some serious history, too. Lake Cherokee was once called Lake Minnie, and in the 1880s several newlyweds built homes along the shoreline. The little stretch became known as “Honeymoon Row.” A few of those historic houses are still standing, including the impressive Poyntz-O’Neal House from 1887. The area became an official historic district in 1981, and around 160 of its buildings are considered contributing historic structures.

We usually start with a stroll around Lake Cherokee Park. There’s a paved walking path, and it’s a nice place to slow down for a bit. Then we head toward downtown, which is close enough to reach on foot. The Orange County Regional History Center is worth a visit if you want more local history. It covers everything from prehistoric Central Florida to the city’s citrus and cattle days.

For food, Delaney’s Tavern is an easy pick nearby. It works for brunch, lunch, or dinner and fits nicely into a day exploring the neighborhood.

Best place to stay in Lake Cherokee

Sonder Wellborn Hotel. Address: 211 N Lucerne Cir W, Orlando, FL 32801, USA.

Kissimmee

Best area for: nature, quiet life

Kissimmee combines old-school Sunshine State history, outdoor lake activities, and neighborhood dining.

The area carries a deep history as a 19th-century steamboat hub and ranching center. Locals even nicknamed it Kowtown because of its rich Florida cowboy heritage. Today, the vibe mixes historic Florida charm with classic roadside entertainment. Historic Downtown Kissimmee sits right along Lake Tohopekaliga. We always spend time at Lakefront Park to catch the water views and check out the Monument of States, a massive tower built from stones sent across the country.

For a dose of nostalgia, head over to Old Town to catch their famous weekly classic car parades. You can also rent an airboat nearby to skim across the lakes and spot wild alligators in their natural habitat.

The local food scene goes far beyond simple theme park fast food. For an exceptional morning stop, we grab a table at Susana’s Cafe in Downtown Kissimmee. They serve fantastic Costa Rican specialty coffee alongside Venezuelan empanadas and warm pastries in a cozy, welcoming setting.

Best place to stay in Kissimmee

Hotel Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista South. Address: 4955 Kyngs Heath Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746, United States of America.

Where travel critics stay in Orlando

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Orlando? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Orlando.

Budget

Sonder Wellborn Hotel.

“This lovely option comprises four buildings, all different, from a historic home (1883) to an art-deco gem. The spacious rooms are decorated according to their era. It has enchanting gardens and genteel breakfast.” — Lonely Planet.

Address: 211 N Lucerne Cir W, Orlando, FL 32801, USA.

Mid-range

Aloft Hotel Downtown.

“With the original terrazzo floors, marble walls and 10-foot floor-to-ceiling windows. The Aloft is conveniently located across the street from the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.” — New York Times.

Address: 500 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801, USA.

Luxury

Hotel The Alfond Inn.

“Contemporary white-walled elegance, a low-key welcoming vibe, colorful interiors in well-appointed rooms give this Winter Park gem a distinct style. There’s a lovely rooftop pool and an excellent restaurant that serves locally sourced food on courtyard tables.” — Lonely Planet.

Address: 300 E New England Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, USA.

FAQ: Orlando hotel recommendations

If you’re looking for a budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Orlando, or maybe your travel plans require a splendid hostel? Want to know which hotel serves the best breakfast? Here are all those answers and more about where to stay in Orlando.

Best time to visit Orlando

March to May is arguably the best time to visit Orlando. During this time, the weather is most favorable with average daily temperatures ranging from the high 50s to the high 80s (Fahrenheit), making it perfect for exploring the city’s numerous outdoor attractions.

This period also sees smaller crowds at popular venues such as Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, resulting in shorter wait times.

Alternatively, the late fall, specifically November and early December, can also be considered as a good time to visit Orlando. The weather is still relatively warm, but the summer crowds have dissipated and the holiday decorations start to appear, adding a festive touch to your trip.

Best things to do in Orlando

There are plenty of things to do in Orlando and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around Orlando:

Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission with Optional Lunch

Escape to the wilderness of the Florida Everglades from Orlando on this airboat adventure. This exciting nature tour includes admission to the Wild Florida Airboats and Wildlife Park. Price: $30. More info.

Kennedy Space Center: Admission Skip the Ticket Line

Bring out your inner astronaut and enjoy a full day of unique experiences at the world’s most authentic space attraction – NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Price: $61. More info.

Clear Kayak Tours in Rock Springs

A good choice for nature lovers, this tour takes you into a unique part of Rock Springs Run known as “Emerald Cut.” Price: $67. More info.

More things to do in Orlando

Deciding where to stay in Orlando

In conclusion, this travel guide has covered the best areas and hotels in Orlando and how to get around. Now it is up to you to decide which area suits your needs the most.

Top 5 areas to stay in Orlando

• Downtown
• South Eola
• Southwest
• Lake Cherokee
• Kissimmee

As you have seen in this travel guide, there are plenty of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Orlando is important. Whether you stay in Downtown, South Eola, Southwest, Lake Cherokee or Kissimmee, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in Orlando.

Orlando overview

More Orlando tips

See our other guides about the best places to stay in Orlando:

Hotels in Orlando

Luxury hotels in Orlando

Cheap hotels in Orlando