Orlando, FloridaFlorida Center
Villatel Resort Orlando
Waterpark villa resort
Florida Center Orlando, Florida
Opened
2023
Price
$$$
Rated for
Resort Design LuxeOutside the door
The house
VillatelWaterpark villa resort
This master-planned resort trades traditional hotel rooms for sprawling multi-bedroom homes built around a private community water park.
What it’s good at
Listed
Sprawling residential townhouses include custom-fabricated fantasy bunk rooms and private screening spaces.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
North International Drive sits outside the gates, placing Dezerland Park and Universal Orlando Resort minutes away.
1 of 5
The rooms
Every villa has a screened lanai with a private plunge pool, and select homes add custom castle-themed bunk beds.
The water park
Bring a swimsuit.
The heated Grand Resort Pool is ringed with shaded cabanas, beside the zero-entry Splash Cove water playground.
Restaurant
Aqua Bar & Grille
The open-air poolside bar serves wood-fired pizzas and frozen cocktails under woven pendant lights.
How it began
Developer Brock Nicholas left homebuilder Lennar to turn this 80-acre site into a master-planned community of serviced vacation homes.
Orlando
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.