DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Downtown
60 S. Ivanhoe Blvd., Orlando, Florida 32819, USA
Why We Like It
Centrally located to many of Downtown Orlando’s attractions, and well suited for business travelers as well as families spending time out and about seeing the sites, this lodging provides a convenient place to rest whether you have been attending a concert or sports event downtown, or have been to the theme parks. The Lake Ivanhoe neighborhood is worth wandering through, as there are several excellent eateries and drinking spots worth a visit.
Fodor's Expert Review
Just north of Downtown, this hotel is a gem for business guests, with easy access to the central business district, but it doesn't neglect families, who can occupy themselves at the nearby Orlando Science Center, Museum of Art, and Shakespeare Theater complex. The property has a full-service restaurant, high-tech fitness center, and rooms—a full renovation was completed in 2014—with deluxe bedding, work desks with ergonomic chairs, and free Wi-Fi. The heated rooftop pool offers views of Downtown or Lake Ivanhoe and its jogging paths. A handful of small restaurants and antiques shops are close by, and a free shuttle runs to Downtown Orlando's clubs, the Amway Center, Center for the Arts, restaurants, and even as far as Winter Park's Park Avenue.
You Should Know The hotel is adjacent to Interstate 4, thus the journey to the theme parks by car should be quick and easy. However, a massive expansion project on the highway, scheduled to continue through 2020, means that drive times are seldom accurate, and congestion is a real issue. Not to mention the constant noise of pile-driving and heavy equipment. The hotel does provide earplugs if your room is close to the construction.
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Room
Decorated in sedate jewel tones, these spacious rooms feature Sweet Dreams® by DoubleTree signature beds, 37-inch HDTV, complimentary Wi-Fi, coffee maker, weekday newspapers, and a sitting area with relaxing ottoman chairs.
You Should Know If you want to avoid noise from the vending and ice machines, request a room that does not end in the number 13. The train that passes very near to the hotel can also make a fair amount of noise in the middle of the night, as it is required by law to sound its horn at each intersection.
Bathroom
The brightly lit granite vanity has ample space for all your toiletries, and the combo shower/tub has an arched shower rod to provide extra space while showering. The vanity area is split between the vanity proper in the bathroom, and another granite counter space outside the bathroom door, which holds the coffee maker.
Lobby
Modern seating and attractive ceramics dot the open lobby space; a coffee counter with grab-and-go items for guest convenience looks out over the seating and check-in areas.
Pool
Up on the rooftop is a heated pool, sized mainly for soaking and relaxing rather than laps. Numerous lounge chairs surround the pool, and you get a beautiful view of Downtown Orlando.
You Should Know The noise of the nearby highway construction removes much of the peace and relaxation you might expect.
Spa
No spa.
Gym
The fitness center features Life Fitness equipment, with bikes, ellipticals, treadmills, weight machines and free weights in a utilitarian room with mirrors. Towels are provided.
Dining
Soft blue upholstery and dark woods define the look and feel of Sixty South Restaurant, with many long tables for shared space among patrons as well as a full bar with seating. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily, focusing on Italian and casual American cuisine, with an extensive wine list.
Drinking
Sixty South restaurant has a bar.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to take you anywhere within a three-mile radius, including all of downtown, and the Science Center and Loch Haven Park attractions. The hotel is also convenient to public transportation, from the free Lymmo buses, which stop nearby, and take you around downtown, to the SunRail commuter train, which offers an easy ride north to Winter Park, or south to Sand Lake Road, near Universal. But Orlando is really a driving city, and a car or ride-share would be best if theme parks are on your to-do list. That being said, there is public bus transportation direct to the theme parks from the main Lynx bus station in Orlando, about 5 blocks south of the hotel, where for around $2.50 you can avoid the $20 parking fees at the parks.
Restaurants
Nearby Ivanhoe Row is an attractive, lakefront area for dining, with several nice restaurants from which to choose. The Hammered Lamb (5-minute drive) serves up sandwiches, flatbreads and salads in a lively atmosphere. White Wolf Cafe (8-minute drive) features home-style meals in a quaint, antiques-filled space. If you fancy a Greek dinner in a charming, lakefront spot, head for The Greek Corner (6-minute drive). Mesa 21 (5-minute drive) offers authentic Mexican food, served with a waterfront view. The Imperial (8-minute drive) offers light fare in a funky atmosphere.
Bars
The Hammered Lamb (5-minute drive) has a lively atmosphere, with an outdoor patio overlooking Lake Ivanhoe where you can play ping-pong while you drink craft beer and listen to live music. The Imperial Wine Bar (8-minute drive) offers light fare in a funky atmosphere. During the day it's an import furniture shop, which transforms into a unique bar at night. Be sure to visit the supremely romantic outdoor patio.
Photos
Quick Facts
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