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Top Downtown Orlando Vacation Rentals

Heading to Orlando is one way for you to get that much-needed reprieve from your work or school, and since it always feels like summer in Orlando, taking a trip here with the whole family right now may be just what you need. After all, Orlando is home to major theme parks, tourist attractions, shopping centers, and so much more. We all know about the main attractions, but If you are wondering what else you can do while you are in the Orlando area, you might want to try the often overlooked downtown Orlando. Don’t miss our out on that very special area.

bowling alley at Villatel Orlando vacation rentals

What is Downtown Orlando Like? 

Ever since Downtown Orlando was made the center of Walt Disney World, it has drawn many visitors to it, which is not surprising given that there are tons of things to do here. Downtown Orlando is the city’s historic center and offers a very different vibe than much of Orlando. No “magic castles” or high energy rides on the two main streets but you will find a very sophisticated neighborhood with a good art scene, a very cool lakeside park, and lots of eclectic shops and museums.

Culture, arts and entertainment

If you’re into culture and arts, check out Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts where Broadway shows, cultural festivals, as well as shows performed by the Orlando Ballet can be seen. For the artsy crowd, the eclectic art collection that is housed in the Grand Bohemian Hotel is worth visiting too. Or you can grab a map from the Downtown Orlando Info Center and do a self-guided tour of the areas art. Don’t overlook the Orange County History Center where you can learn all about Orlando and Florida’s history.

vacation rentals near international drive orlando

Lake Eola Park

Not to be missed this beautiful lake in the center of town offers a welcome respite in nature, and changes to rent a swan boat or just picnic and relax. You may catch a flea market on Sunday, or one of their frequent concerts and events.

Lake Eola Park

Juice Bike Share

Grab a cycle and visit on two wheels. Rental times start at 45 minutes.

Dining

Downtown Orlando can handle your appetite too with lots of dining options such as The Rusty Spoon which is located at the Church Street Station, the hub of entertainment. This restaurant promotes farm-to-table foods which has become the highlight of the dining scene in Orlando. There are several other interesting restaurants to try out, from Artisan’s Table, which offers seasonal food and beverages, to Ember which focuses on Mediterranean cuisine.

Nightlife

Nightlife in downtown Orlando is bustling with bars, especially those that are in Wall St. Plaza. Here you’ll find seven themed bars that are within an open-air courtyard which draws the crowd. Check out the speakeasies too such as Hanson’s Shoe Repair, The Courtesy, and The Tree house just to name a few.

How Far is Downtown Orlando from the Best Luxury Rental Communities?

If you’re looking for downtown Orlando vacation rentals, you might be considering staying in some of the downtown hotels in Orlando. There are several options, and they will put you close to all that’s happening downtown. But you will still be 25 -30 minutes from the major attractions, so why not go for the open space and luxury of a resort style rental community? It is especially smart to try booking vacation homes instead of resorts especially when you are traveling in large groups. The good news is that there is no shortage of luxury private home and villa vacation rentals in Orlando, and although they are not within downtown Orlando, they are still within a few minutes’ away from this tourist hub and close to all of the attractions.. If you want to be close to International Drive, downtown Orlando, and other tourist hotspots, these luxury resorts are well worth checking out:

families enjoying amenities at Villatel Village in Orlando FL

Solara Resort is just a few minutes from the major theme parks like Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World, other attractions, shopping centers, downtown Orlando, as well as an hour to local beaches. When you rent one of their vacation rentals you’ll be 20- 25 minutes from all that Downtown Orlando offers, close to the major parks, International Drive Orlando, and you’ll have easy access to their resort style amenities.

  • Water complex
  • Pool bar
  • FlowRider wave simulator
  • Grand clubhouse
  • Fitness center
  • Restaurant and bar
  • Ice cream parlor
  • Business center
  • Outdoor fitness lawn
luxury-solara-resort

The spacious luxury Orlando vacation homes that you can rent short-term here offer plenty of bedrooms and bathrooms, modern and fully equipped kitchen, open plan interiors, as well as private pool with a screened lanai for added privacy. There is also convenient parking available if you drove to Orlando or have a rental car. And since these homes are just a few miles from various attractions, it will be a breeze getting to and from there.
No valet necessary!

Another option to consider when it comes to downtown Orlando vacation rentals are the vacation homes that you’ll find in Solterra Resort. Just 32 minutes from downtown Orlando by car, Solterra Resort is a luxury gated community in Kissimmee that will be your home away from home. Residents and guests alike can make use of their high-end amenities such as:

  • Resort style zero entry pool
  • Lazy river
  • 24 hour fitness center
  • Poolside cabanas
  • Volleyball grass court
  • Basketball court
  • Play zone
luxury-villa-in-solterra-resort-Orlando

Their short-term rental homes range from 3 to 10 bedrooms that can easily ccommodate up to 20 guests at least. Great for the extended family, holiday trip or girls getaway. They have Master Suites, themed bedrooms for the children, fully equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances, fully furnished interiors, private pool and spa, and even game room, laundry area, as well as entertainment rooms just to name a few.

If you’re looking for vacation rentals near International Drive Orlando so that you will be in on all the action within the area, then booking a stay in Reunion Resort is highly recommended. This luxury vacation community is home to stunning rental properties that overlook the natural beauty of this resort. There are also resort like amenities at your disposal.

vacation rentals near international drive

The vacation rental homes that you’ll find here have 3 to 10 bedrooms or more depending on the type of home that you will be renting. Each property has a private pool or infinity pool with spa for you adn the gang to enjoy without the crowd common in resort pools. The homes here are fully furnished with modern decor and furniture, plus their kitchen is fully equipped as well. Some have their own private gym, laundry area, game room, and home theater too just to name a few.

  • Onsite resort swimming pools
  • Fine and casual dining spots
  • Boutique spa
  • Water park with lazy river
  • Fitness center
  • Championship golf courses
  • Bicycle rentals

Windsor Hills

Windsor Hills is just a short drive to downtown Orlando as well International Drive, including theme parks, tourist attractions, shopping centers, museums, restaurants, and bars just to name a few. Guests and residents of Windsor Hills have complete access to their high-end amenities like:

  • Swimming pool and hot tub
  • Water park
  • Tennis court
  • Ping pong
  • Recreation park
  • Fitness center
  • DVD rentals
  • Billiards
  • Arcade
  • Marketplace and grill
windsor hill resort villa rental

If you are looking for rental homes that are located within a few miles from main attractions in Orlando, then you can’t go wrong with booking a stay here. You can choose from single family homes and luxury villas that can house up to 20 people or more. All the properties here have their own private pool, with some having your own spa and jacuzzi depending on the property. Fully furnished and lavishly decorated, these homes are spacious and give a comfortable vibe too. The kitchen comes with stainless steel appliances ready to be used as well.

What Rentals Are Available in Downtown Orlando?

There are rental properties available in downtown Orlando from hotels and resorts to apartments to condos, to studio type homes. Although these homes put you in the heart of downtown Orlando, and near attractions as well as the Orlando International Airport, they may not have the comforts and wide-open space that luxury resorts have to offer. Few will offer as many bedrooms that you may need if you are going to travel to Orlando with the whole clan or in large groups. That said, staying in Orlando vacation homes from luxury resorts such as the ones mentioned above can make your vacation more enjoyable because you are staying in a large home that will accommodate everyone in your party. Lots of space and lots of privacy.
What’s more, luxury resorts have numerous benefits to offer their guests, whether they will be staying for short or long term in their homes. From free parking for your own vehicle or car rental to have more space to roam around inside your homes, and access to resort amenities, you’ll be more comfortable in these kinds of vacation rentals.

Benefits of Luxury Vacation Rentals

What else can you get from staying in luxury vacation resorts? They can actually considerably more affordable than staying in hotels because you can get to share the cost with everyone in your party. What’s more, you will have the privacy that is not available in hotels or even when staying in downtown Orlando because you’ll have a private pool with screens for a more intimate setting, plus you’ll have more freedom to move around as well because you have control over your time.
Staying in a luxury rental home is the perfect opportunity to enjoy your trip to Orlando because you’ll have more freedom to do whatever you want in the safety of your own home. And because you have your choice of rental homes, no matter how many you are in your party, you’ll find accommodations that will be suitable for your needs.

Resources:

[1] Visit Orlando; Like a Local: Downtown Orlando, Nate Shelton, June 2019.
[2] I Drive Resort Area; I-Drive Orlando Resort Area Attractions.
[3] One Vacation Home; Solara Resort.
[4] Magical Vacations Home; Solterra Resort.
[5] Florida Vacation Homes and Villages; The Grande View 7 Bed Villa featuring an Infinity Pool & Summer Kitchen with Amazing Golf Views, Theater Room & Games Room.
[6] Windsor Hills Vacational Rental Home Community; The Perfect Rental Stay for your Relaxing Getaway.