With lush landscaping and a lake front setting, many visitors to Orlando who don't venture off of the major roads such as Interstate 4 or US 192 in Kissimmee might miss the hotel and the entire master planned city that is Celebration. The Walt Disney Company envisioned and planned the city. The town itself is a tourist attraction with its immaculate pre-1940s style architecture homes, manicured lawns and businesses that must comply with very strict codes and regulations on nearly every facet of life and business. Picture a city where everything is new and every aspect of it has been planned and is pre-approved. Besides being easy on the eyes, the city is also now known for its ample shopping opportunities, which are within easy walking distance of the hotel.
In addition to running across happy couples and families in the Celebration Hotel, which opened in 1999, you might stumble across a running back roaming the halls of the hotel during certain parts of the year if you were able to get a room. However, don't try to book a room during three weeks in July and early August, the hotel is the training camp home of the National Football League's Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs take over the entire hotel using every room to house all the players, coaches and staff of the team during training camp, which is held at nearby Disney's Wide World of Sports.
To set the stage on what type of hotel the Celebration Hotel is, valet parking is definitely the norm. This is not your typical Orlando hotel. When you enter the lobby, don't look for a traditional check-in counter, you won't find one. Instead you'll find an impressive lobby with staff seated behind casual desks with a Florida feel eager to assist you. A giant wood alligator will be to your right and an impressive art collection, all for sale, hangs throughout the lobby and on hallway walls. (The art and other breakable decorations are removed before the NFL team arrives for their stay out of caution, although I was told by staff at the hotel they have been very well behaved.)
All rooms feature mini-bars, in-room movies, electronic safes, bathrobes, hi-speed internet access, ceiling fans and irons/ironing boards. There are miles of walking paths & nature trails that lead around the lake from the hotel. Nearby there are plenty of golf opportunities as well as a world class spas.
As with most Orlando resorts, there is complimentary transportation to Disney theme parks, which are less than five minutes away. Universal Studios Florida is about 15 minutes away and Orlando International Airport can be reached in about 20 minutes.
While at the Celebration Hotel, make time to take in its famous Plantation Room Restaurant. Don't let its small size fool you. Its elegant setting setting allows Chef Tiffany Sawyer to present some of her favorites including crawfish ravioli, tandoori spiced lamb loin and artichoke & goat cheese stuffed filet of beef.
The cost per night (for two people in a room) at the Celebration Hotel runs around $200-$250 for the standard superior room, but prices can vary greatly depending on season and the number of people in the room.
For more information and reservations: 888.499.3800.
700 Bloom Street, Celebration, FL 34747
