10 Indie Resort Chains That Make Vacations Worth It!

Table of Contents

Here are some of the best indie resort chains and hotels that will make any vacation to Orlando, Florida, worth it.

There is something special about finding independent resorts in Orlando. Chain hotels are fine, but if you want to know you’re going to be treated well and that the hotel you’re picking is the best, indie is often the way to go. You’ll find wonderful surprises around every corner. With that in mind, here are some of the best indie resort chains and hotels that are sure to make any vacation worth it.

1. Westgate Resorts

Westgate Resorts has hotels all over Orlando. When you begin searching, you’ll find lots of independent resort chains in Orlando like this one, but there is something unique about Westgate Resorts that makes it stand out. It could be the fact that there are seven different hotels dotted around the Orlando area, ensuring that no matter where you choose to stay, you can enjoy the luxuries of Westgate Resorts at all times.

Westgate resorts. Photo courtesy westgateresorts.com

Do you want a family-friendly hotel close to Disney’s parks? In that case, Westgate Lakes might suit best, with its 41,000-gallon wave pool and four-bedroom villas. Another option is the Westgate Town Center Resort in Kissimmee. Or perhaps you prefer something a little quieter and more laidback; in that case, try out Westgate Vacation Villas Resort or perhaps the Westgate Leisure Resort. No matter what you want, there will be a Westgate hotel to suit you perfectly.

As is common in the travel industry, Wander With Wonder sometimes receives complimentary products and services. Wander also earns income from ads and affiliate links on our site. Some of those links are for Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, Wander earns from qualifying purchases. None of these practices influence our reporting, but we believe in full disclosure. If you click an ad or affiliate link on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We thank you for your help – it is what keeps Wander bringing you great content. For further information please visit our legal page.

2. EO Inn

The rooftop terrace makes staying at the EO Inn so enjoyable. Resorts in Orlando are plentiful, but boutique resorts in Orlando are a little harder to find, which is why, when you find a good one, you can be sure that you’ll love it. The EO Inn is an example of a boutique, indie hotel that will give you what you need and more.

EO Inn. Source: Instagram, posted on March 7, 2022, EO Inn Orlando’s official profile

Each perfectly styled modern guestroom offers free wifi, a private bathroom, and a hairdryer. Plus, you’re just a few minutes away from the Disney Parks—if you have a hire car, you can park at the hotel for free, keeping your spending money intact. Enjoy the roof terrace and the hot tub and explore the many restaurants and shops nearby.

3. Bohemian Hotel Celebration

The Bohemian Hotel Celebration caters to all with a nearby golf course for guest use. Part of the Autograph Collection independent resort chain of hotels, the Bohemian Hotel Celebration is just a 10-minute drive away from the Walt Disney World Resort and Orlando’s many other attractions.

Bohemian Celebration. Source: Instagram, posted on May 16, 2022, Bohemian Celebration’s official profile.

There is a heated outdoor pool and a golf course close to the hotel; you can pick up a complimentary shuttle to get there, making your stay hassle-free from beginning to end. When it comes to relaxing, the Bohemian Hotel has everything you need, from a private balcony in your room to a massage expert. The Bohemian Bar and Grill is an ideal spot for a delicious dinner, especially as you can eat overlooking the gorgeous lake, but as well as this, you’re walking distance to a wide variety of great eateries in the nearby area.

4. AC Hotel Downtown Orlando

The a la carte breakfast is a delicious way to start the day. There is nothing that the AC Hotel Downtown Orlando has that won’t be on your list of must-haves in your resorts in Orlando checklist. There is a bar on-site and plenty more out in the nearby area. The same goes for excellent restaurants, and the rooms are stylish and contemporary with free wifi and air conditioning.

Shop The TurboDown Collection at Columbia.com.

AC O

AC Orlando Downtown. Source: Instagram, posted on March 2 2016, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort’s official profile.

There is even a fitness center, plus the beautiful terrace where you’ll want to spend plenty of time, and a 24-hour reception desk. With a free a la carte breakfast option and stunning views of Downtown Orlando, this hotel does offer everything.

5. The Delaney Hotel

The Delaney Hotel is an entire experience by itself. Some people look for resorts in Orlando that are simply a place to sleep and keep their cases while having fun. That’s fine, but if you want more than that, and if you feel your accommodation should be part of the whole vacation experience, you should consider The Delaney.

The Delaney Hotel. Source: Instagram, posted on December 31 2019, The Delaney Hotel’s official profile.

After all, when you have an on-site restaurant and bar—Delaney’s Tavern—offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you are close to all the attractions in Orlando, your room has a 55-inch smart TV with streaming enabled, and every room comes with Keurig coffee makers and luxury bath products, well, why would you not want to stay here?

6. Aloft Orlando Downtown

You can have lake or pool views in all rooms at the Aloft Orlando Downtown. You might be in Orlando to visit the Disney parks. Perhaps it’s Universal or Sea World that you want to explore. Or maybe it’s something different altogether —maybe an event at the Amway Center that you just have to be at. If so, the Aloft Orlando Downtown could be the right choice for resorts in Orlando. It’s only five minutes from the Amway Center, for example, and very close to everything else.

Aloft Orlando Downtown. Source: Instagram, posted on September 6 2021, Aloft Orlando Downtown’s official profile.

The rooms at the Aloft Orlando Downtown are exceptional; you’ll feel pampered as soon as you step through the door. With a fridge and coffee-making facilities, not to mention a lake or pool view no matter what room you happen to be in, and a fitness suite and games room, you have everything here.

7. The Alfond Inn

The Alfond Inn is located in Winter Park. Although that means it is a 40-minute drive to Disney World, the gorgeous boutique hotel and stunning surroundings make up for that fact—and if Disney is not the entire reason for your stay, it shouldn’t make too much difference to your vacation.

The Alfond Inn. Source: Instagram, posted on April 4 2019, Alfond Inn’s official profile.

The Alfond Inn offers charming accommodation that is truly hard to find these days. Since it also has a great outdoor pool, free wifi, a great fitness center onsite, and is close to many fantastic shops and restaurants, it has a lot to recommend it. It even has its own restaurant, Hamilton’s Kitchen.

8. Grand Bohemian Hotel

You’ll find nothing but luxury throughout the Grand Bohemian Hotel. The Grand Bohemian Hotel is something that needs to be experienced. With its towering presence and rooftop swimming pool, you’ll feel on top of the world when you stay here, and the luxury surrounding you will only add to that feeling.

Grand Bohemian Orlando. Source: Instagram, posted on May 19 2022, Grand Bohemian Orlando’s official profile.

Each room is designed to perfection, with velvet drapes and dark wood tones throughout. The bathrooms are a marble design. The on-site restaurant, Boheme, is a four-diamond awarded place for dinner, and it serves delicious, prime cuisine. Head to the Bosendorfer Lounge for live entertainment and cocktails when you’ve finished eating.

9. The Berkley

The Berkley offers a movie theater on-site for a great evening’s entertainment. If you’re looking for resorts in Orlando that will give their guests quality, comfort, luxury, a great location, and a great price, The Berkley ticks all those boxes, and it has a lot more to offer. The outdoor pool is a great bonus to allow guests to cool off from the Floridian sun, and there is a movie theater on-site for some actual downtime. You don’t even have to think about car rental when you stay at The Berkley because there are complimentary shuttles to and from all the major parks.

The Berkley Orlando. Source: Instagram, posted on January 13 2016, The Berkley Orlando’s official profile.

Choose a suite, and you’ll get a comfortable bedroom (or more than one, depending on your needs) and a fully equipped kitchen and living area. You can even buy tickets to Disney parks—which are about four miles away—from the hotel’s front desk.

10. Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center

Cypress Springs Waterpark is part of the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center. The pools at Gaylord Palms are precisely what you will look for in Orlando resorts. There are two of them, and they are exciting and relaxing, mainly thanks to the waterfalls. This is the Cypress Springs Waterpark situated on the grounds of the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, and it is well worth a visit. There is also a full spa service and gorgeous gardens to stroll around in.

Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center. Source: Instagram, posted on May 6 2022, Gaylord Palms’ official profile.

Why not use the complimentary guest shuttle if you want to visit Disney World? The parks are just under two kilometers away, making it an easy and quick journey. There is nightly entertainment at Gaylord Palms, boutique stores, and a manmade sandy beach. When it comes to food, there are a couple of options; the Villa del Flora and the Old Hickory Steakhouse. No matter what your taste buds are craving, one of these restaurants is sure to offer what you want.

Articles Related to Your Orlando Vacation

Booking Your Orlando Vacation at a Top Indie Resort Chain

When you book a stay at one of the best indie resort chains and hotels in Orlando, Florida, you’ll have a fun and relaxing vacation. Check out Wander for more to do when you explore Florida and more of our favorite family vacation destinations.