Elizabeth Johnson Are you one of the 100 million Americans planning to enjoy a vacation with loved ones this summer? Florida family vacations are always popular. We didn’t want to go to a theme park for our Florida staycation, so I ended up finding one of the best family resorts in Florida and had to share it with you.
Now keep in mind when I say one of the best family resorts in Florida I don’t mean, most fun, luxury, or necessarily cleanest, but I do mean that you get the most value for what you pay for. So, basically, this is a review of my experience at Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites Waterpark and why I think it is one of the best family resorts in Florida with water park.
Keep reading and see what you think.
Kids Friendly Resorts in Florida
First, let me tell you this is NOT a sponsored post and the opinions are all my own.
There are lots of motels, hotels, and resorts in the Orlando, Florida area and we’ve been to our share. And sure, nothing quite compares to vacationing at Disney World Orlando, but that’s not always what it’s about.
My birthday was coming up and I wanted to take a trip to a family resorts in Florida with water park. I wanted some quality family time, but I didn’t want to be hassled in any way with cleaning, cooking, or entertaining the children.
I began searching for something that would fit my criteria that wasn’t going to be $300 a night. Disney Hotels are fun but expensive.
And honestly, if you are looking to save money and you plan on going to a theme park all day don’t overspend on a hotel.
But if you are looking for a Florida staycation, or would like days away from a theme park then a family resorts in Florida with water park may be just what you need.
The Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites Waterpark is one of the most reasonably priced hotels that include on property waterslides.
This is perfect if you want an on property Florida vacation with kids.
Pro-tip: Use a booking site such as Expedia to find a better rate, and if you are a Florida resident check the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites — Waterpark website for exclusive discounts and special offers.
Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites — Waterpark
Since this is more of a review I’ll break it down into a few areas to describe what our family Florida staycation experience was like. Then you can judge for yourself what your priorities are.
Room Size and Quality
We stayed in a Queen Family Suite with Bunkbed and let me tell you that was a win with the kids. You enter the main area with the typical amenities such as a table, chairs, a pullout sofa, and TV. At the far end of the room are a small minifridge, coffee station, and microwave. Beyond this are a sink and toilet area with a sliding door and a closed-door shower area.
It is all small but they make the best out of the space which looks like it has been remodeled fairly lately. I imagine it may have been part of the $30 million remodel when Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites — Waterpark took over the space from Nickelodeon Hotel.
With that being said the room was not in mint condition. The bathroom, in particular, showed lots of wear. The walls also had water damage. And the showerhead was coming out of the wall.
What to Do at the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites
There are lots of things to do at the hotel making it one of the best family resorts in Florida in regards to value. There is the main Marketplace in the resort that hosts a restaurant, Club Candy, the Hersey’s Ice Cream Shop, the gift shop, a snack and souvenir shop, and the arcade.
You can play video games and carnival-style activities or have a fun family game of air hockey in this 3,000 square foot arcade.
There is also the Bank Heist Laser Challenge, 4-D Theater Experience the Marketplace, but we didn’t choose to participate in that with our young children.
I think perhaps the Club Candy drop-in activities are part of what makes the hotel one of the best family resorts in Florida. When you arrive at the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites — Waterpark you will receive a schedule of activities, some of which take place around the pool and others at Club Candy. These crafts can be done at your convenience between the designated start and end time.
There are also board games available at Club Candy for you to enjoy a little moment of family time.
But the main reason we went to Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites — Waterpark is, well, the waterpark.
Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites Pool and Waterpark
The entire reason we decided to go to Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites — Waterpark, and the reason I think it’s one of the best family resorts in Florida, was the water park. It was my birthday and what I wanted for my special day was a family trip with special activities, but very little stress and effort from me. The waterpark at this hotel is just what I wanted.
First, poolside they provide life vest for your children. This lowered my stress level in a big way. Although my oldest can swim, she’s not a strong swimmer yet, I didn’t want to feel like I had to watch her nonstop.
Second, there are lifeguards on duty in multiple locations. Alone the waterpark structure had about 4 lifeguards posted with sightlines for various angles.
There is a shallow “beach” style entry to the pool where the baby played. And the big kids moved from the pool to the structure and back again numerous times. I was able to enjoy the shallow with the baby all while spotting the older children in the fenced-in pool area.
There was a second toddler pool area that was fenced in separately from the rest of the pool area which would be perfect if you only had really little ones or wanted to divide the kids between adults.
With my husband there I was able to enjoy my children when I wanted and relax on a lounge chair when I wanted. Happy birthday to me.
Our Only Complaints
As always the pictures online look pristine and when you arrive things don’t exactly turn out that way. Although the layout of the room was as expected, keep in mind that the photos are taken with a wide-angle camera lens. As I previously stated the room we had need some repairs in the bathroom and a fresh coat of paint there, but there was something truly shocking when I bent over the toilet to pick up a toy my son had dropped.
A two-inch ring of mold around the inside of the toilet.
Yuck!
That takes some serious neglect to let it get that way. And of course, that instantly made me question how clean the rest of the room was.
And when we were surveyed how our stay was and sent them the picture we received only an apology for any inconvenience. Not even any reassurance that the mess would be addressed right away. I think that’s kind of bizarre.
And our other complaint would be that our view of the pool area included construction taking place. I guess it’s bound to happen, and I’m sure it will be complete by the time you read this, so take it with a grain of salt.
Best Family Resorts in Florida
If you are going to the Orlando area and want to spend some really great time with your family then I highly recommend the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites — Waterpark. It’s the best family resort in Florida for the price. I especially recommend this hotel if you aren’t going to the amusement parks, or if you only plan on going for half days.
I wouldn’t make the investment on a Florida waterpark hotel if you aren’t going to spend any time there.
I hope this review post is helpful to you as you make your Florida staycation plans. If you’re interested in more fun things to do in Florida check out this post Must-Know Tips for Weeki Wachee Water Park.
