When I first moved to Orlando in 1995, the landscape was quite different. In fact, I currently live in a place that was pretty much cow pastures and scrub palms. So I remember well when Caribe Royale appeared on the horizon in 1996 with its pink towers, on the corner of State Road 535 and State Road 536, or World Center Drive. At the time International Drive had just been extended there and not much existed on that road either. My point is, a lot has changed since then, including the Caribe Royale! The Disney Good Neighbor resort is currently in the process of a $125 million phased renovation, to be completed by the end of this year. One tower of resort rooms has been completely refurbished, with the other two towers being done now. We were recently invited out to check out this new renovation and experience the Caribe Royale Orlando ourselves so we can share our review here with you.
Located just minutes from Orlando’s world-renowned attractions and 16 miles from Orlando International Airport, Caribe Royale Orlando is a TripAdvisor award-winning standalone, upscale hotel and convention center. It offers guests exceptional all-suite accommodations, flexible meeting space, a multitude of on-site dining options and amenities, and unrivaled service.
Caribe Royale Orlando features 1,215 one-bedroom suites and 120 renovated two-bedroom villas. If you’re looking for a place to fit your larger family, this is a great option. I know that is a problem I always have, with 3 children, especially now that two are grown adults, we need more space, or two rooms, which can get costly quickly. Having a suite option like this is the perfect answer. If you’re worried that Caribe Royale is showing signs of being built in 1996, let me put your worries at ease. Click to enlarge the photos of the rooms below. The last photo shows the 2-bedroom villa buildings in the background.
Find our full Queen One-Bedroom Suite Tour below:
The property is in the midst of a $125 million phased renovation which includes fully remodeling all of the hotel’s one-bedroom suites, an all-new 50,000-square-foot grand ballroom and pre-function space (bringing the total meeting space to 220,000 square feet), and an inviting new lobby. The all-new 50,000 square foot Palms Ballroom is now open and ready for meetings and events. The entire renovation is due for completion by the year’s end.
Caribe Royale has 6 on-site food and beverage outlets, including The Venetian Chop House, recipient of the prestigious AAA 4-Diamond rating and winner of Orlando Magazine’s 2020 Readers Choice awards in four categories. (And they even have a vegan option!) There’s also 3 Large heated outdoor swimming pools with waterfalls and a 75-foot waterslide plus two hot tubs and a separate children’s pool and splash pad in addition to:
- 3,500 sq. ft. fitness center
- The Island Spa
- Lighted court for basketball and tennis, yoga and indoor cycling classes, 1.5 mile running trail and catch-and-release fishing
- Accessible suites available
But how will I get to Disney?? you may ask…well, there is scheduled transportation to the Walt Disney World TTC and evening shuttle to Disney Springs. It’s also just a short Uber or Lyft ride away if you need to get there at a certain time.
We had a wonderful lunch at Calypso Pool Bar and Grill – shown below are the vegan options, and they have a full menu and full bar as well.
Overall, I was super impressed by the Caribe Royale Orlando. We had a wonderful stay and the pool area was so relaxing and fun. I cannot wait to see the lobby renovations, but I think it’s pretty cool as it is now, very Florida/Caribbean feeling with lots of little nooks and crannies to explore. Still, they are adding an on-site Starbucks in the location of the current gift shop, and adding a Bacardi Rum Bar to the lobby too! It’s definitely something to keep in mind for your next trip.
Rates vary depending on location and room type. They have many discounted rates, including Florida Resident rates starting at $260/nt, for two-bedroom villas — a sweet savings off regular rates of $349 – plus Military and First Responder and AAA rates, as well as BOGO deals for certain dates.
| Exclusively for my blog readers, I’m offering a special for your next visit to Caribe Royale Orlando. Book your suite by June 30 for stays now through September 30, 2021 and receive 10% OFF Caribe Royale’s best available rate on select suites! Advance reservations are required, and you MUST use this link when booking to get the special offer. Reminder, must book by June 15! |
Disclosure: Caribe Royale Orlando invited us out to experience their resort and provided meals and accommodations for my family. That said, as always, my thoughts and opinions are my own and we are always 100% honest in our reviews.
If you have any questions on the Caribe Royale Orlando or any area resort, let me know in the comments below!