Clarion Resort
This is one of the best hotels for families in Orlando outside Disney World. The Clarion doesn't feature a pool but has a water park complete with water slides and gigantic towers shooting cannons of water. Room features include 27-inch TVs and kitchenettes. The top-rated links course in Orlando, the Royal St. Cloud Golf Club, is less than 10 miles from the rushing waters Clarion's water park.
Clarion Resort and Water Park
2261 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway
Kissimmee, FL 34744
(407) 846-2221
clarionwaterpark.com/index.shtml
Royal St. Cloud Golf Course
5300 Michigan Ave.
St. Cloud, FL 34772
(407) 891-7010
royalstcloudgolflinks.com/golf/golf.aspx
Doubletree Resort
Those planning a trip to Sea World should consider staying across the street at Doubletree Resort. The 1,100 rooms feature amenities such as iPod stations, flat-screen televisions, Jacuzzis and even Nintendo game play. Outside your room, get a massage or body treatment at the spa, swim in any of the three large pools shaded by palm trees, or watch television while you work out in the fitness room. Free shuttle service takes you to Disney World, Universal Orlando and Sea World. The exceptional hills and elevated tees of Grande Pines Golf Club are just minutes away.
Doubletree Resort
10100 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32821
(407) 352-1100
doubletreeorlandoidrive.com/
Grande Pines Golf Club
6351 International Golf Club Road
Orlando, FL 32821
(800) 371-1165
marriott-vacations.com/leisure/golf-courses/grande-pines-golf-club/default.jsp
Best Western Lakeside
This unassuming little motel places you less than two miles from Disney World. Although diminutive compared to other Orlando behemoths, this motel includes a pool for relaxation after a tough day in the parks or on the links. Another surprising feature is the extensive food court that includes a Pizza Hut Express, a bar and grill, Greenhouse Restaurant and a general store with deli. The rooms are no larger than average but are clean and comfortable. The hotel also features free shuttle service to Disney World, Universal and Sea World. The wide tree-lined fairways of the Highlands Reserve Golf Course are just minutes away.
Best Western Lakeside
7769 W. Irlo Bronson Highway
Kissimmee, FL 34747
(407) 396-2222
bestwesternlakeside.com/
Highlands Reserve Golf Course
500 Highlands Reserve Blvd.
Davenport, FL 33897
(877) 508-4653
highlandsreserve-golf.com/golf/proto/highlandsreserve-golf/home/home.htm
About The Author
Timothy Sexton is an award-winning author who started writing in 1994. He has written on topics ranging from politics and golf to nutrition and travel, and his work appears online for Zappos.com, Disaboom, USAToday.com and MOJO, among others. He has also done work for "Sherlock Holmes and Philosophy." He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of West Florida.
