First Impressions

As someone who travels often for work, I can say the Waldorf Astoria Orlando is a standout. This luxury hotel near Walt Disney World Orlando feels like a calm, elegant retreat in the middle of the action.

The entrance is lined with palms and leads to a beautiful porte-cochère that sets the tone before you even step inside. The lobby is polished but welcoming, with marble floors, warm lighting and the sound of live piano music drifting from Peacock Alley — one of 12 restaurants and lounges, including the famous Peacock Alley. There’s a bar, a small shop and direct views of the golf course.

Check-in was quick and friendly, and the overall atmosphere immediately put me in the right headspace to shift from travel mode to focus mode.

Waldorf Astoria Olando Lobby Clock

The iconic clock in the Waldorf Astoria Orlando lobby is a nod to the original, historic clock in the New York hotel. That commissioned by Queen Victoria for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Courtesy image

Dining and Room Service

The hotel’s 12 restaurants and lounges give you plenty of choices whether you’re entertaining clients or dining solo.

Bull & Bear is an impressive steakhouse with tableside service and one of the best rib eyes in Orlando. Oscar’s Brasserie serves a full breakfast buffet with dishes that nod to the Waldorf’s New York roots. And Peacock Alley is where many guests gather in the evening — I recommend their signature cocktails and people-watching.

Room service runs 24 hours, which is great when meetings run late or early mornings start before sunrise.

Noise and Atmosphere

Even though it’s minutes from Walt Disney World, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando is surprisingly quiet. The hotel is set within the Bonnet Creek nature preserve, so it feels removed from the city buzz. Inside and around the pool, the atmosphere is calm — ideal for both families and business travelers who need rest between busy days.

Guest Rooms and Rest

Rooms here are large, with soft lighting, comfortable bedding, and thoughtful details that make it easy to relax after long meetings or conferences. Suites with balconies overlooking the golf course are worth the upgrade — the views are a nice way to unwind at the end of the day.

Everything feels upscale but never overdone. The design is classic and comfortable, and I slept well every night.

Workspace and Productivity

If you need to work from your room, this is one of the most work-friendly hotels in Orlando. There’s a good-sized desk, an ergonomic chair, strong Wi-Fi, and plenty of outlets. It’s quiet enough for video calls, and natural light helps make long laptop sessions more tolerable.

Spa, Fitness, and Wellness

Courtesy image

This Orlando resort hotel with a spa and golf course takes wellness seriously. I made time to use both the spa and the gym — though one made me sweat, and the other reminded me why I love hotel spas.

The fitness center is spacious, modern, and easy to navigate. The Waldorf Astoria Spa is one of the best in the area — relaxing, refined and personal without being over the top. The treatments are tailored to you, and the staff make the experience feel effortless. Afterward, I lingered in the quiet lounge with tea and almost forgot I was on a work trip.

Location and Access

The hotel sits inside the Bonnet Creek complex, close to everything but away from the crowds. It’s a short drive to Disney Springs and about 20 minutes from Orlando International Airport.

That makes it an easy choice for meetings or events that mix business with leisure. For anyone planning incentive programs, it’s a top pick for a business travel hotel near Disney Springs Orlando.

Meetings and Events

As a business hotel in Orlando’s Bonnet Creek area, the Waldorf Astoria delivers on event space and service. It has 42,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, from boardrooms to ballrooms. The staff are pros at handling conferences, product launches and incentive programs.

During my stay, every meeting ran on time, catering was fresh and the AV team handled last-minute changes with ease — details that matter when you’re planning for clients or large groups.

Renovations and Upkeep

The hotel looks current and well cared for. The public areas, guest rooms, and outdoor spaces all show regular attention. It’s the kind of property that feels timeless rather than trendy and it continues to age gracefully.

Loyalty and Return Guests

As part of Hilton Honors, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando offers rewards, upgrades, and early check-ins for frequent guests. Many business travelers return here for the consistent service, calm environment and easy access to meetings and the airport.

Final Take

The Waldorf Astoria Orlando strikes a near-perfect balance between work and relaxation. It’s polished without being pretentious, and it delivers everything business travelers and meeting planners need — from quiet rooms and reliable Wi-Fi to great food and professional service.

If you’re planning an event, attending a conference, or simply want to unwind in comfort after a day of meetings, this luxury hotel near Walt Disney World Orlando is worth considering. It’s one of the few places in Central Florida where productivity and leisure blend this naturally.

Check out our review, Orlando, Florida, to learn more.

Have you stayed at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando? Share your experience with us.

Updated. Initially published July 26, 2015.