It’s truly its own universe: Caribe Royale Orlando is a sprawling property beckoning you forward with its coral pink exterior spanning many towers and buildings. The two-level lobby alone feels more like a community than a hotel lobby, with a Starbucks; access to the signature restaurant (in the midst of renovations), sports bar and gift shop; and a plethora of seating options. The bilevel layout also makes the entire space seem larger, opening up to the massive pool awaiting just behind the back doors.

I needed a map at check-in, as the hotel was far larger than I had expected, but the map clearly directed me to Tower III, where I exited the main building and re-entered another, before taking an elevator to my ninth-floor suite. But don’t think I was the only one getting special treatment here with a suite; Caribe Royale Orlando is an all-suite property, meaning every guest is spoiled with extra amenities and room. The hotel offers both one-bedroom suites and two-bedroom villas.

© Aoife O’Riordan

Upon entering, I discovered a living room complete with its own couch, counter with a coffeemaker, mini-fridge and microwave, television, desk, and giant mirror.

Through the living room, I found a generously lit vanity with a sink and was pleased to see the sink was separate from the bathroom (as we’ve all had to share a hotel room with someone at one point or another and know the frustrations of needing the mirror and sink while the other person is showering). But I then turned around and found there was another sink in the bathroom, as well as a fully stocked shelf of towels and a walk-in shower equipped with tropical-smelling shampoo, conditioner and body wash.

© Aoife O’Riordan

The actual bedroom was its own kind of sanctuary, with a thoughtful bench beneath the television to lay out clothes or other goods. Beneath the large window, looking down onto the pool, was a couch and small table, which I used for work one of my days at the hotel.

I often glanced down at the pool, a lagoon-style payout with a waterslide, waterfalls, private cabanas and hot tubs. While I didn’t dip my toes in while there, I saw its popularity speak for itself with guests swimming and relaxing.

© Aoife O’Riordan

My tower was also home to on-site Island Spa, where specialty treatments, massages, and manicures and pedicures are offered.

There are a whopping eight dining venues at the resort, and I had the pleasure of indulging in a fantastic meal from The Venetian Chop House. Currently undergoing renovations, the restaurant maintained its high standard in every dish. I ordered an 8-ounce filet mignon with scallops and garlic butter herb sauce, complemented by fingerling potatoes with truffle and parmesan cheese.

The steak, for one, was cooked to perfection, and evenly seasoned, and the scallops gave the dish that light touch to balance out the heaviness of the steak. The garlic herb butter didn’t overwhelm the plate either. I’m a fan of truffle, so the fingerling potatoes were a decadent and much welcome accompaniment to my main.

© Aoife O’Riordan

My waitress was so excited for me to try the best of the restaurant, she convinced me to also order the Calabrian lobster alla vodka topped with caviar. Despite not being the biggest lobster fan, I was amazed at how tender the lobster was and how it paired so well with the slight spice of the chili vodka cream sauce. It was so good, in fact, I boxed it (and the remaining fingerling potatoes) and enjoyed them the next day! And for those with a sweet tooth, you’ll want to leave even an iota of space in your belly for the limoncello cheesecake; its tart, tangy, sweet and light.

While I didn’t have the chance to spend time at new Stadium Club, the resort’s recently opened bar, I did manage to wander in to at least soak in the space, which features massive screens circling the bar in the middle, ensuring you don’t miss a second of the action.

© Aoife O’Riordan

Caribe Royale Orlando is also home to Rum Bar; a fitness center; and 260,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space. In fact, one woman I met during my stay actually got married at the hotel this past June!

And for guests mixing the stay with a trip to Disney, the resort offers scheduled shuttle service to Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs.

Caribe Royale Orlando
8101 World Center Dr,
Orlando, FL 32821
tel 407 238 8000