Oh HI Orlando! We meet again. A few times a year I make my way to Orlando from Tampa, and it’s usually for a Magic game. This time was no different. The Orlando Magic were playing the Golden State Warriors on my boyfriend’s birthday so it was a no brainer that we were going! Spoiler alert, Magic lost. Usually we just grab a hotel downtown close to the game, but since it was Todd’s birthday we decided to make it a little 2-day getaway out of it and stayed one night at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando.

Arrival

As soon as you pull up, you’ll be greeted with multiples valets/bellman to help grab your luggage and take care of your car. Self-parking is an option for $36 or you can opt to use the valet for $52. The first thing I noticed the moment I walked in (other than the stunning lobby with the iconic giant clock and a dazzling chandelier) was the amazing smell! The best way I can describe how the hotel smells is if you’ve ever been to the Aria Resort in Las Vegas…it smells very similar to that.

We arrived quite early, around 1pm and even though we had digitally checked in, we stopped by to speak with a front desk agent to see if we could possibly score an early check in. Nothing was available right away but the very nice agent informed us the next room to become available would be around 2:30pm so we switched into that room and headed to the pool to relax and grab a bite

Deluxe Room

Just as the front desk agent had said, right at 2:30pm we received a text saying our room was ready! We grabbed our room keys and headed up to room 1107. What a cute, comfortable space for two with a king size bed, a living area and a large desk to get some work done. Our room didn’t have a balcony but still had great views of the pools and the beautiful golf course.

Bathroom

With the recent renovation that the hotel, the bathroom was not only beautiful decorated in Italian marble, it was extremely spacious. There was a nightlight under the sink that came on when it sensed movement into the bathroom which I thought was a nice little touch. The standing glass shower had water pressure that was insanely good! Not a bath person but it’s always nice to have, you know just in case one day I change my mind lol.

Restaurants

Between the Waldorf Astoria and the Signia by Hilton, there is tantalizing array of options to satisfy every palate.

Aquamarine

We had our first snack lounging poolside at Aquamarine, their comfortably cool outside bar and restaurant. The menu consists mostly of light-bites and handhelds such as salads, sandwiches, chicken wings, nachos…you get the point. My boyfriend and I shared a shrimp ceviche appetizer and a pitcher of their aqua berry blast. Let it be stated for the record that the “pitcher” is really only about 3 drinks but it was still pretty tasty and refreshing.

Bull and Bear

Embark on a gastronomic journey like no other at this award-winning steakhouse, most notably known for their tableside preparations.

I’ve been dyingggg to go to this restaurant for years since I heard they did table-side caesar salads. But our stay at the Waldorf was pretty last minute and unfortunately Bull and Bear was fully committed the night we stayed. So if you know you’re coming and you want to dine here, get those reservations in ASAP because this place does book out! BUT there is a trick for those of you who are last minute like me and can’t get reservations. The bar/lounge area is first come first serve! So if you get there right around the time they open (6pm) you should be able to grab a bar seat or a table. It is not full service but most of the menu is available minus the table-side stuff. AKA, no Caesar salad for me but I did grab a killer Kettle One extra dirty martini with blue cheese stuff olives here before dinner.

La Luce

Since Bull and Bear was out for dinner, we made sunset reservations at La Luce, a modern Italian restaurant located at Signia by Hilton. A long, beautiful in door walkway connects the Waldorf and Signia Hotels so you never have to leave the building. And let me just tell you what an awesome experience this was! Everything was perfect and the food was sooooo good! I had one of the best salmon dishes of my life here. Our server was so knowledgeable and fun. Here is everything we got and what I totally recommend.

• Cauliflower Salad (just trust me, the bartender at Bull & Bear recommended this to us and it was surprisingly so good)
• Silk Handkerchiefs (omg yes)
• Seared Salmon Filet (crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside sitting on a bed of creamy buttery mash potatoes)
• Butterscotch Pudding (to die for!)
• Bottle of Daou Pessimist Red Blend Wine

Oscar’s

This is where you’ll have your breakfast. Depending on the day there could be a little bit of a wait. But if you’re in a bit of a rush you can just stop The Croissant Bar for fresh pastries and coffee to go from 6am to 12pm.

We waited about 20minutes before being sat outside on the courtyard. Oscar’s features an al la cart menu as well as a buffet with various hot and cold items. We opted for the buffet at $40 per person as it seemed like the most convenient option and the best bang for your buck. I’m not usually a buffet person but for breakfast if there is an omelette station then you can usually count me in.

Peacock Alley

What a STUNNING lobby bar! You’ll see it as soon as you walk in. With a sophisticated menu of new and original Waldorf Astoria classics cocktails and light bites, you’ll want to sit at the bar for at least one drink to enjoy the ambiance.

 

Amenities

Like most Orlando Disney hotels, the amount of stuff there is to do on site is insane. You got the pools/lazy river, fitness center/full-service spa, 18-hole golf course, mini golf, theme park transportation, kids center and 11 restaurants/bars with a 24hr market. Whew! Why would you ever leave right?

 

Park Transportation

You’d leave because you’re most likely here to do the Disney theme parks! And with the Waldorf Astoria being an official Walt Disney World Hotel that means that you receive extra magic hours at the parks. The hotel offers complimentary shuttle services to all the Disney parks as well as Disney Springs, a huge dining, retail and entertainment center.

Since we weren’t here for the parks and only had one night, we did stay on property to enjoy all the other great amenities starting with the spa.

 

Spa

I love a good spa day! I could spend all day in these things and trust me, I DO! Unfortunately I do think the Waldorf Spa could use a bit of updating but let’s start with what I did love about the spa.

Pros

• Spacious locker room
• Couples waiting room was a vibe
• Great service and attention to detail
• Treatment rooms were very cozy and sexy
• Free glass of champagne if you’re celebrating something special (it was my bf’s birthday)
• 20% discount on your spa services if staying on site

Cons

• The facilities could use a bit of an update, specifically in the women jacuzzi area. There was this giant thing covered in a tarp and it just didn’t seem as it belonged
• The locker room leading to the spa area had a weird layout. You have to walk through where people shower to get to the jacuzzi/steam room and waiting lounges
• The hang out area in the spa area wasn’t really the most relaxing aesthetics vibes I am use to
• The women’s waiting lounge gave Dr. office vibes
• Steam room was so huge but it never got hot, it was barely warm
• No sauna

Overall though, I did enjoyed my service at the spa. We had an 80min couples massage and my therapist was so sweet and attentive! The treatment room was beautifully decorated, the perfect temperature and the music was very pleasant. Next time I’m there I can’t wait to try the Himalayan Salt Therapy Room!

 

Pools

There are two main pool at the Waldorf, which area great! Upon arrival, someone will greet you with fresh towels, escort you to some lounger chairs and help you set up. If you want a little bit more privacy, private cabanas are available rent. The service was great and the surroundings were beautiful, BUT do not sleep on the lazy river at the Signia Hotel! Ok, I didn’t get to do this as I didn’t know about it till later in the day. Had I known I would have happily walked the 5 minutes over to Signia to enjoy this 3-acre mini waterpark with slides, waterfalls, waterspouts and the star attraction, the lazy river! It looked like so much, so don’t miss out.

 

Checking Out

Would I stay here again? ABSOLUTELY! The Waldorf Astoria Orlando is a fantastic hotel with incredibly stunning surroundings. For such a large hotel at 502 rooms, it still had such a cozy and intimate vibe. I honestly never felt like it was over crowded at any point in my stay, which is kind of surprising because there was a wedding going on during my stay. The bed was so comfy and all the food on property was SO GOOD! Every single employee interaction you will have will be met with a warm smile and a genuine eagerness to acquaint you with the property. I have to come back soon but this time with reservations so I can finally get my hands on that table-side caesar salad at Bull and Bear!

Have you stayed at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando before or visited another Waldorf Astoria hotel? I’d love to hear about your experience so comment below and let me know which hotel I should review next 🙂