A revolution in luxury
It’s practically impossible to separate Orlando from its internationally renowned theme parks, perfectly suited for family fun. While those options are can’t-miss activities for many, there is also a growing focus on sophisticated pursuits and accommodations—with luxury standing center-stage.
Five-star venues, restaurants and entertainment options are setting Orlando up for elevated success when competing with other destinations. The evolution of The City Beautiful into a solidly luxurious haven for travelers and attendees is impossible to ignore, as I experienced on my recent trip to this gem of Central Florida.
At the same time, meeting profs working with smaller budgets will find no shortage of options for fully outfitted venues that won’t break the bank. No matter the size of the gathering, there is a place for it in Orlando.
I also frequently encountered that thing money just can’t buy: deeply authentic hospitality. From entry-level staff to senior directors, I saw firsthand a level of commitment to excellence that left me impressed and grateful.
Do
I explored Live! at the Pointe, an entertainment district located on International Drive that features a number of themed bars and restaurants that both tourists and locals regularly enjoy. Whether it’s the leather furniture and wood paneling of Houndsmen Lounge, the friendly competition at Sports & Social or the beachy vibes of Shark Bar, meeting profs can find a spot befitting their group.
To wind down after several days of exploring the city, I enjoyed a day at Conrad Spa, where I indulged in the soaking pools of its lush water garden following a splendid massage. The spa features a range of services and top-of-the-line body products, many of which are available for purchase.
Judson’s Live, located at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, hosts live music for patrons to enjoy while dining on a menu of delicious small plates such as flatbreads, tartare, pork belly bites and, my favorite, crab rangoon dip. Music sets are typically under an hour in length, which makes Judson’s a great option for meeting profs looking for entertainment that early-bird attendees will enjoy.
No story on Orlando would be complete without an acknowledgement of the city’s incredible array of theme parks and attractions. The city is currently buzzing in anticipation of the upcoming May 22 Universal Epic Universe opening; the park will include five themed areas, such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World and Dark Universe.
Eat
Capa Steakhouse, located on the top floor of Four Seasons Orlando, is a Michelin-starred restaurant serving mouthwatering dishes and innovatively delicious cocktails. Indulge in menu items such as croquetas, patatas bravas and oysters in preparation for any one of the restaurant’s incredible entrees.
Sophia’s Trattoria at Conrad Orlando serves up delectable Southern Italian fare. Whether it be the selection of made-in-house pastries for breakfast, octopus pasta for lunch or braised short rib for dinner, you can’t go wrong with the menu options.
Meet
I had the pleasure of staying in one of Conrad Orlando’s ultra-luxe 433 guest rooms and toured its 65,000 sq. ft. of beautiful meeting space. The resort opened in January 2024 and is situated on an eight-acre crystalline lagoon, complete with several beaches and water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding.
I also visited the 443-guest room Four Seasons Resort Orlando, a longtime top choice for meeting profs since opening in 2014. The resort includes adults-only amenities and beautifully adaptable 37,750 sq. ft. of meeting space. A lazy river, a Tom Fazio-designed par 71 championship golf course and sprawling, perfectly manicured lawns are just some of the reasons why this location has cemented its top billing in Orlando’s luxury venue options.
I toured Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin and Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, adjacent properties that can host meetings (very) large and small. The timing was perfect, as the Gartner IT Symposium was well underway, and I had the opportunity to experience the space fully transformed to accommodate a supersized event.
Amenities for guests include access to a separate entry into EPCOT as well as official Walt Disney World meeting planning services. The resorts offer a combined 2,270 guest rooms and 333,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
I was greatly impressed by Evermore Orlando Resort’s short-term private home rentals, with models that range from four-bedroom flats to houses with five to 11 bedrooms. For those in search of incentive or breakout options, these accommodations include ensuite bathrooms for each bedroom—a sometimes overlooked detail that can make or break a choice in venue. The resort also offers guests tiered F&B options that range from grocery delivery to in-home gourmet culinary teams who provide outstanding meal services. Meeting spaces include the Boat House, complete with a custom electric Chris-Craft boat that can cruise around the adjacent lagoon. Evermore Orlando Resort includes 316 guest rooms and 13,600 sq. ft. of meeting space.
With 2.1 million sq. ft. of combined meeting space, Orange County Convention Center is the second-largest convention center in the United States and hosted 1.7 million attendees over the past year alone. An upcoming expansion project will add a ballroom, flexible meeting space and more.
This article appears in the November/December 2024 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
