Situated 17 miles from Orlando Airport and a few minutes' drive from area attractions like the Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and Seaworld Orlando, the Orlando World Center Marriott is well-positioned for guests to enjoy the area's attractions but experience a theme-free stay at a resort.
The property sits on more than 200 acres in Central Florida and is currently undergoing a renovation. In addition to giving the lobby a face-lift, each of its 2,009 guestrooms will be fully renovated.
Marc Alexander, destination sales senior account executive, said the lobby will be brighter and more open when work is complete in October. The concierge desk and a large globe, which sat front and center, will be moved toward one side of the space. The existing glass ceiling adds to the brightness of the space.
Guestroom renovations began in April on the hotel's east tower, starting on the top floor. Currently, work is being done on the middle section of the tower.
At 33 years old, the World Center is well established, Alexander said, and has undergone room renovations in the past, but this one adds a particularly welcoming feel.
"This one really does a tremendous job," he said.
Most carpeting is eliminated from rooms, with the exception of a small area around the beds, making way instead for wood floors. The rooms feature a color palette of lighter blues and grays.
The bathrooms feature a toilet separated from the vanity area. A sliding barn door closes on the bathroom, eliminating the footprint from a swinging door.
Eventually, all guestrooms will be renovated. Rooms range from 477 square feet to the 4,000-square-foot International Suite on the 28th floor, which has its own rooftop terrace.
The hotel wraps around its centerpiece: Falls Pool Oasis. The main pool holds 564,000 gallons of water and is heated year-round to 83 degrees. The palm tree-lined pool is accented by several rock outcroppings with waterfalls.
The area also features a zero-entry pool for kids and a playground as well as two 200-foot-long, winding waterslides and a 90-foot speed waterslide for thrill-seekers. Another pool outside the spa offers a quieter atmosphere.
Recreation-seekers can also find the Hawk's Landing Golf Club on the property, including the Bob Cupp-designed 18-hole course and a Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy; a 4,000-square-foot fitness center open 24 hours a day; and tennis, volleyball and basketball courts.
'Pick-to-plate'
Dining is a particular highlight at the property. The World Center has its own 25-foot-tall hydroponic vegetable garden, the HyCube, that supplies many of its restaurants' vegetables. Produce from the garden is also used in cocktails.
"You've heard of farm-to-table, but we've really coined the phrase 'pick-to-plate,' and it truly is -- we go pick it, and we put it on your plate in a very short time frame," Alexander said.
Siro: Urban Italian Kitchen features a great wine and cocktail menu and dishes served family style. Mikado Japanese Steakhouse is also a standout (if there isn't last-minute availability, ask to sit at the bar, where you can still enjoy some great dishes), and Latitude & Longitude features Southern-inspired dishes and tables with views of the HyCube.