Orlando Advice
Jan 9, 2009, 6:55 am
#1
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Orlando Advice
I'm thinking of making a trip to Orlando and have never been as an adult.
I'm looking for area to stay in, hotel, restaurant and things to see/do recommendations.
I like to walk and take public transpiration, but I'm not sure that the easiest thing to do in Orlando. I'm not sure I want to rent a car unless you folks say I should.
I'm a Westin or W Hotel kinda guy. I was looking at the Westin imagine, but it looks to be in an isolated area and the reviews of the Swan seem "so-so", so I'm at a loss. Again, I like to walk, take pictures, and I like to be experience the city/region as a resident.
Restaurants. I like it all. Seafood, Thai, Steak, American, expensive, moderate, cheap, etc.. Let me know your favorites.
Also, where does one party in Orlando? I like diverse crowds.
Thanks and sorry for so many questions, just trying to prepare the best I can.
I'm looking for area to stay in, hotel, restaurant and things to see/do recommendations.
I like to walk and take public transpiration, but I'm not sure that the easiest thing to do in Orlando. I'm not sure I want to rent a car unless you folks say I should.
I'm a Westin or W Hotel kinda guy. I was looking at the Westin imagine, but it looks to be in an isolated area and the reviews of the Swan seem "so-so", so I'm at a loss. Again, I like to walk, take pictures, and I like to be experience the city/region as a resident.
Restaurants. I like it all. Seafood, Thai, Steak, American, expensive, moderate, cheap, etc.. Let me know your favorites.
Also, where does one party in Orlando? I like diverse crowds.
Thanks and sorry for so many questions, just trying to prepare the best I can.
Jan 9, 2009, 7:16 am
#2
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Dallas, TX
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Mr Cheap,
We have no public transportations besides the bus, which is a joke and have never been on in my life. You are going to pretty much drive everywhere. Since this is Orlando you are really not going to find a trendy hotel such as the W. The Westin Imagine is a hotel-condo that is located near the Convention center. Are you wanting to do the themeparks? The Swan is actually decent, though I wish they had remodeled the bathrom the last rehab. Those resorts are probably going to be the best starwood properties in Orlando.
Disney of course has a lot of dining, also Downtown Orlando has a lot of great places as well, but most tourist do not know about them. I live here so I am happy to answer any of your questions.
Some restaurants that I would recommend downtown are...
http://www.huerestaurant.com/
http://www.kresrestaurant.com/
Dexter' in Thornton Park is nice, but a bit loud
www.dexwine.com
The Dolphin has BlueZoo which is a Todd English restaurant.
We have no public transportations besides the bus, which is a joke and have never been on in my life. You are going to pretty much drive everywhere. Since this is Orlando you are really not going to find a trendy hotel such as the W. The Westin Imagine is a hotel-condo that is located near the Convention center. Are you wanting to do the themeparks? The Swan is actually decent, though I wish they had remodeled the bathrom the last rehab. Those resorts are probably going to be the best starwood properties in Orlando.
Disney of course has a lot of dining, also Downtown Orlando has a lot of great places as well, but most tourist do not know about them. I live here so I am happy to answer any of your questions.
Some restaurants that I would recommend downtown are...
http://www.huerestaurant.com/
http://www.kresrestaurant.com/
Dexter' in Thornton Park is nice, but a bit loud
www.dexwine.com
The Dolphin has BlueZoo which is a Todd English restaurant.
Last edited by TravisMT81; Jan 9, 2009 at 7:31 am
Jan 9, 2009, 9:33 am
#3
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Mr Cheap,
We have no public transportations besides the bus, which is a joke and have never been on in my life. You are going to pretty much drive everywhere. Since this is Orlando you are really not going to find a trendy hotel such as the W. The Westin Imagine is a hotel-condo that is located near the Convention center. Are you wanting to do the themeparks? The Swan is actually decent, though I wish they had remodeled the bathrom the last rehab. Those resorts are probably going to be the best starwood properties in Orlando.
Disney of course has a lot of dining, also Downtown Orlando has a lot of great places as well, but most tourist do not know about them. I live here so I am happy to answer any of your questions.
Some restaurants that I would recommend downtown are...
http://www.huerestaurant.com/
http://www.kresrestaurant.com/
Dexter' in Thornton Park is nice, but a bit loud
www.dexwine.com
The Dolphin has BlueZoo which is a Todd English restaurant.
We have no public transportations besides the bus, which is a joke and have never been on in my life. You are going to pretty much drive everywhere. Since this is Orlando you are really not going to find a trendy hotel such as the W. The Westin Imagine is a hotel-condo that is located near the Convention center. Are you wanting to do the themeparks? The Swan is actually decent, though I wish they had remodeled the bathrom the last rehab. Those resorts are probably going to be the best starwood properties in Orlando.
Disney of course has a lot of dining, also Downtown Orlando has a lot of great places as well, but most tourist do not know about them. I live here so I am happy to answer any of your questions.
Some restaurants that I would recommend downtown are...
http://www.huerestaurant.com/
http://www.kresrestaurant.com/
Dexter' in Thornton Park is nice, but a bit loud
www.dexwine.com
The Dolphin has BlueZoo which is a Todd English restaurant.
I'm clutching my pearls! LOL I thought I might go to Universal Studios.I just want to check the happening neighborhoods, get some sun as the north is Cold as H, E double hockey sticks right now!
Jan 9, 2009, 12:11 pm
#6
Join Date: Jul 2003
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You might want to also read this recent thread with some nightlife suggestions:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/glbt-...ife-scene.html
Orlando isn't the best location for *W fans. Last time I was in Orlando I stayed at a Hampton Inn option near the convention center because the new Westin was not open yet and I needed to be near the convention center. The location of the Westin is also mainly good for those attending a convention. There used to be the Grand Bohemian (http://www.grandbohemianhotel.com/) which was part of *W but they left sometime in the last couple of years and are now part of the Preferred Hotel Association. If you want to be downtown then that would seem to be one of the best W-like alternative. There is also a place called EO Inn and Spa ( http://www.eoinn.com/ )that I remember reading about in the downtown area but I have no direct experience with the property. Looks nice though! I have also stayed at the JW Marriott and the Marriott Vacation place a couple of times.
Like others have mentioned, I probably would chose FLL over Orlando as a better vacation destination with a lot more options for hotels and nightlife. (sadly no more *W Atlantic or St. Regis). That said, you can probably have a great time in Orlando as well but under different conditions.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/glbt-...ife-scene.html
Orlando isn't the best location for *W fans. Last time I was in Orlando I stayed at a Hampton Inn option near the convention center because the new Westin was not open yet and I needed to be near the convention center. The location of the Westin is also mainly good for those attending a convention. There used to be the Grand Bohemian (http://www.grandbohemianhotel.com/) which was part of *W but they left sometime in the last couple of years and are now part of the Preferred Hotel Association. If you want to be downtown then that would seem to be one of the best W-like alternative. There is also a place called EO Inn and Spa ( http://www.eoinn.com/ )that I remember reading about in the downtown area but I have no direct experience with the property. Looks nice though! I have also stayed at the JW Marriott and the Marriott Vacation place a couple of times.
Like others have mentioned, I probably would chose FLL over Orlando as a better vacation destination with a lot more options for hotels and nightlife. (sadly no more *W Atlantic or St. Regis). That said, you can probably have a great time in Orlando as well but under different conditions.
Last edited by christianj; Jan 9, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Jan 9, 2009, 12:31 pm
#7
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Jan 9, 2009, 12:55 pm
#8
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How about San Diego or Laguna Beach. Both gay sections are laid back but again you will need wheels. However, both San Juan or Rio do not require a car and have a great beach scene. Flights from SJU from NYC tend to be very economical.
Jan 9, 2009, 2:02 pm
#9
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You might want to also read this recent thread with some nightlife suggestions:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/glbt-...ife-scene.html
Orlando isn't the best location for *W fans. Last time I was in Orlando I stayed at a Hampton Inn option near the convention center because the new Westin was not open yet and I needed to be near the convention center. The location of the Westin is also mainly good for those attending a convention. There used to be the Grand Bohemian (http://www.grandbohemianhotel.com/) which was part of *W but they left sometime in the last couple of years and are now part of the Preferred Hotel Association. If you want to be downtown then that would seem to be one of the best W-like alternative. There is also a place called EO Inn and Spa ( http://www.eoinn.com/ )that I remember reading about in the downtown area but I have no direct experience with the property. Looks nice though! I have also stayed at the JW Marriott and the Marriott Vacation place a couple of times.
Like others have mentioned, I probably would chose FLL over Orlando as a better vacation destination with a lot more options for hotels and nightlife. (sadly no more *W Atlantic or St. Regis). That said, you can probably have a great time in Orlando as well but under different conditions.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/glbt-...ife-scene.html
Orlando isn't the best location for *W fans. Last time I was in Orlando I stayed at a Hampton Inn option near the convention center because the new Westin was not open yet and I needed to be near the convention center. The location of the Westin is also mainly good for those attending a convention. There used to be the Grand Bohemian (http://www.grandbohemianhotel.com/) which was part of *W but they left sometime in the last couple of years and are now part of the Preferred Hotel Association. If you want to be downtown then that would seem to be one of the best W-like alternative. There is also a place called EO Inn and Spa ( http://www.eoinn.com/ )that I remember reading about in the downtown area but I have no direct experience with the property. Looks nice though! I have also stayed at the JW Marriott and the Marriott Vacation place a couple of times.
Like others have mentioned, I probably would chose FLL over Orlando as a better vacation destination with a lot more options for hotels and nightlife. (sadly no more *W Atlantic or St. Regis). That said, you can probably have a great time in Orlando as well but under different conditions.
I read the referenced post (you know I hate it when folks post stuff without searching first LOL
). In 2009 I'm attempting to visit places that I wouldn't normally visit. Instead of going to Miami again, I thought I would visit Orlando, Fort Meyers or Daytona. Instead of going to Houston again, I thought I would visit San Antonio or Austin. I just wanted to take a quick get away weekend, not a true vacation.
All advice is appreciated.
Jan 9, 2009, 2:04 pm
#10
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Jan 14, 2009, 3:34 pm
#11
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I can just give you my recent experiences, although it looks like you may be after a bit "higher class" trip than I had.
I recently went for a quick weekend trip down to Orlando and stayed at the Parliament House which was charming in its own run down/cruisy way (although I did feel like the youngest person actually staying there). The best part was the dance club and drag show. Dance club played an awesome mix of vocal trance/house until 3 AM on both Sat and Sun, and the Sun t-dance was actually just as crowded as Sat.
There was actually a group of about a dozen guys who split up into groups of three and for about 2 hours did synchornized dances that were really fun to watch, not sure if that's a regular occurance.
I would second the other posters about needing a car. Orlando seems about as unfriendly to public transit as you can get. If you wanted to go to Disney or Universal its a 20-30 minute drive the downtown area.
I recently went for a quick weekend trip down to Orlando and stayed at the Parliament House which was charming in its own run down/cruisy way (although I did feel like the youngest person actually staying there). The best part was the dance club and drag show. Dance club played an awesome mix of vocal trance/house until 3 AM on both Sat and Sun, and the Sun t-dance was actually just as crowded as Sat.
There was actually a group of about a dozen guys who split up into groups of three and for about 2 hours did synchornized dances that were really fun to watch, not sure if that's a regular occurance.
I would second the other posters about needing a car. Orlando seems about as unfriendly to public transit as you can get. If you wanted to go to Disney or Universal its a 20-30 minute drive the downtown area.
Jan 20, 2009, 10:25 pm
#12
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Dallas
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Thanks for all the suggestions.^
I read the referenced post (you know I hate it when folks post stuff without searching first LOL ). In 2009 I'm attempting to visit places that I wouldn't normally visit. Instead of going to Miami again, I thought I would visit Orlando, Fort Meyers or Daytona. Instead of going to Houston again, I thought I would visit San Antonio or Austin.
I just wanted to take a quick get away weekend, not a true vacation.
All advice is appreciated.
I read the referenced post (you know I hate it when folks post stuff without searching first LOL
). In 2009 I'm attempting to visit places that I wouldn't normally visit. Instead of going to Miami again, I thought I would visit Orlando, Fort Meyers or Daytona. Instead of going to Houston again, I thought I would visit San Antonio or Austin. I just wanted to take a quick get away weekend, not a true vacation.
All advice is appreciated.
Mr Cheap,
*snip*
Dexter' in Thornton Park is nice, but a bit loud
www.dexwine.com
The Dolphin has BlueZoo which is a Todd English restaurant.
*snip*
Dexter' in Thornton Park is nice, but a bit loud
www.dexwine.com
The Dolphin has BlueZoo which is a Todd English restaurant.
I've stayed at the Westin downtown a few times and they usually have decent weekend rates. The only drawback is having to pay for parking.
I also like the fourpoints (ex Sheraton) on I Drive. Moderate hotel but not a bad location for getting downtown, Disney or the convention center. Only problem I had is having to get SPG to credit my stay on a AAA rate because apparently it wasn't loaded correctly or something
Jan 21, 2009, 9:06 am
#13
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Austin can be really fun...
You HAVE to go to Dexter's. It's one of my favorite places and from there you can walk down and get some ice cream and see the Lake, etc (or hop in your car and head to a nearby bar for a cocktail)
I've stayed at the Westin downtown a few times and they usually have decent weekend rates. The only drawback is having to pay for parking.
I also like the fourpoints (ex Sheraton) on I Drive. Moderate hotel but not a bad location for getting downtown, Disney or the convention center. Only problem I had is having to get SPG to credit my stay on a AAA rate because apparently it wasn't loaded correctly or something
You HAVE to go to Dexter's. It's one of my favorite places and from there you can walk down and get some ice cream and see the Lake, etc (or hop in your car and head to a nearby bar for a cocktail)
I've stayed at the Westin downtown a few times and they usually have decent weekend rates. The only drawback is having to pay for parking.
I also like the fourpoints (ex Sheraton) on I Drive. Moderate hotel but not a bad location for getting downtown, Disney or the convention center. Only problem I had is having to get SPG to credit my stay on a AAA rate because apparently it wasn't loaded correctly or something
And Cheap remember the Bohemian is not a Westin anymore.
Jan 21, 2009, 7:07 pm
#14
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,657
Orlando?
I recommend going during Orlando Disney Gay Days. Usually in June / July?
Otherwise, FLL can provide entertainment. If you're going to FLL don't ever stay in a resort hotel. If all the gay guest houses are booked, its not worth going.
The last time I went I stayed at the Marriot
, awful vacation. In contrast, my friends who stayed at the Pineapple, had a wonderful time.
Otherwise, FLL can provide entertainment. If you're going to FLL don't ever stay in a resort hotel. If all the gay guest houses are booked, its not worth going.
The last time I went I stayed at the Marriot
, awful vacation. In contrast, my friends who stayed at the Pineapple, had a wonderful time.