The Best Hotels in Orlando To Book On Points

Whether you're in town for family fun, a convention or just to soak up the sun, Orlando has plenty to see and do. It also has plenty of hotels, including big brands that offer loyalty programs where you can rack up points for free stays.

After all — while the Disney parks are a huge draw to Orlando — the up-charge of staying on-property at a Disney hotel can quickly balloon your trip budget. And sure, there are plenty of benefits at staying at a Disney resort — but many travelers might not find them worth the typically-higher price tag.

Likewise, Universal hotels tend to be far pricier than off-property hotels nearby. That's why we put together this list of the best hotels and resorts in Orlando that you can book with points. Because as you'll see, if you want to earn or redeem hotel points in Orlando, this city offers lots of choices:

Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs Area (Hilton Honors)

With a beautiful lazy river pool and kids’ splash pad, the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs Area is popular with families who want to split their time between the Disney parks and the hotel. A pedestrian sky bridge connects the resort to Disney Springs and its variety of shopping, entertainment and dining options.

The cost in Hilton Honors points varies depending on the date and room category.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando (Hilton Honors)

Located on a 482-acre nature reserve with beautiful swimming pools and elegant accommodations, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando is less than 10 minutes from Walt Disney Resort. Guests at this luxury resort get special benefits at Disney parks, including early entrance and free transportation, which makes this one of the best off-property Disney World hotels.

It will cost 80,000 points or more for a night here, but award stays save on the $45 resort fee tacked onto cash bookings.

Holiday Inn Orlando-Disney Springs Area (IHG One Rewards)

With shuttles to all four Disney parks, the Holiday Inn Orlando-Disney Springs Area is a great option for visitors who don’t have a rental car. Another popular perk for guests here is that they can enter the park 30 minutes early.

The number of IHG Rewards points you’ll need for a redemption night varies based on the date and room category.

Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites - Waterpark (IHG One Rewards)

Just 1 mile from Disney World and accessible via free shuttle, the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites - Waterpark is sure to be a hit with families because of its outdoor waterpark and pool playground. The accommodations are all one-, two- or three-bedroom suites with kitchens. There is also a mini golf course, laser tag, playground, basketball courts and activity center, giving families plenty of things to do even when not visiting one of the area’s theme parks.

Because of its long family-centric amenity list, this hotel is among the best non-Disney hotels near Disney World for kids and adults alike. Similar to the Holiday Inn Orlando-Disney Springs Area property, award night rates will vary based on the date and room category.

» Learn more: IHG Rewards: More value for the frugal traveler

The DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando (Hilton Honors)

The DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando wins because it's actually closer to the Universal Parks than most of Universal's own, value-oriented hotels. True to its name, this property sits across the street from Universal's property, putting it within walking distance of the Universal parks.

For what it's worth, rooms are hardly memorable, but this is the kind of hotel you book because you intend to spend most of your waking hours at Universal Orlando. For what it's worth though, you can still have a lovely time during your waking hours at the hotel. Its breakfast buffet is hearty, and the family-friendly pool features a fenced-in splash pad.

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes (Marriott Bonvoy)

Orlando’s Grande Lakes complex has two Marriott Bonvoy properties: a Ritz-Carlton and a JW Marriott. Neither are great for a theme park trip, as it's about a 15 minute drive to Walt Disney World (though there is a shuttle service upon request), but you're probably not coming here for a theme park vacation. This property is for people seeking the exclusive, relaxed vibe, thanks to the golf course and multiple pools.

The sibling properties offer convenience in that guests can enjoy the pool and restaurants of either property, and families will enjoy the lazy river at the JW Marriott.

Both are former Category 6 properties, and an off-peak redemption night for a standard room sued to start at 35,000 points prior to Marriotts introduction of a dynamic award pricing model.

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress (World of Hyatt)

On 1,500 acres, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress has a lagoon-style swimming pool with swim-through caves, a golf course, a private lake and tennis courts. There is as much to do here as there is at the many parks that surround the hotel.

This is a Category 3 property with a standard, off-peak redemption starting at 12,000 points per night.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld (Hilton Honors)

The DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld sits on 28 acres that include swimming pools and outdoor fire pits. Complimentary continental breakfast is part of the deal here. When it comes to off-property Disney World hotels, this one is still ideal for families, especially those who want to visit SeaWorld. Universal Studios and Disney World are 15 minutes away.

This modest Hilton property will cost you at least 22,000 points per night to book.

» Learn more: The complete guide to Hilton Honors

TownePlace Suites Orlando at SeaWorld (Marriott Bonvoy)

Families will appreciate the extra space at TownePlace Suites Orlando at SeaWorld. Each accommodation comes with a living area and full kitchen, plus complimentary hot breakfast — all in a location convenient to SeaWorld.

This former Category 4 property offers an off-peak redemption night for a standard room that used to start at 17,500 points.

AC Hotel Orlando Downtown (Marriott Bonvoy)

Not everyone comes to Orlando for the theme parks. The AC Hotel Orlando Downtown isa convenient for business travelers and anyone headed to a show or a game at the Amway Center arena.

This is a former Category 4 property that used to offer an off-peak redemption night for a standard room starting at 17,500 points.

» Learn more: The complete guide to Marriott Bonvoy

Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport (World of Hyatt)

Located inside the airport terminal itself, the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport is a great option for travelers with early-morning flights. You can simply walk out of your room and through security. Plus, there’s an outdoor pool, fitness center, meeting space and on-site dining.

As a Category 3 World of Hyatt hotel, a standard off-peak redemption starts at 12,000 points per night.

» Learn more: The complete guide to the World of Hyatt

No matter what your preferred hotel brand, the best value hotels in Orlando are the ones that meet your particular needs for a trip. Some people want resort-style amenities with swimming pools and activities, while others value being close to their preferred amusement park or attraction.

There are dozens of great hotels where you can earn or redeem points, and these are just a handful of the best Disney World hotels to experience in Orlando.