Review of new Conrad Orlando hotel next to Disney World

What is Conrad Orlando at Evermore Orlando Resort?

How much does it cost to stay at Conrad Orlando?

Standout features of Conrado Orlando

• I’ve said it more than once, and I’ll say it again: The 8-acre lagoon is, without question, the highlight of Conrad Orlando. The Conrad has its own zero-entry beach area and chairs for relaxing by the lagoon.
• It’s not all about the lagoon, though — there’s also a beautiful pool and a splash pad with various cabanas, daybeds and free-to-use lounge chairs.
• The Conrad Spa is inspired by Florida’s natural springs and is exceptional. You’ll find outdoor soaking tubs, an array of massages and indoor wellness journeys such as the Flower Essense massage, which starts with a personalized quiz to help you select your preferred flowers to inspire the treatment.
• It’s a high-end hotel with modern rooms to match. The family rooms even have built-in bunk beds in the living room, making for a very creative and valuable space.
• There are fantastic food and beverage venues on-site that will make you want to spend some meal and snack time at the property. From exceptional cocktails on the roof at Ceiba to afternoon snack platters at Papaya Club and multicourse Italian meals at Sophia’s Trattoria, you’ll want to come hungry to the Conrad.
• Last but not least, you can easily enjoy Walt Disney World while staying here thanks to a frequently running luxury shuttle bus that takes guests to each of the four major Disney theme parks. Best of all, the service is complimentary.

The location of Conrad Orlando

Let’s jump right into the location of the Conrad Orlando, as that’s an important factor when booking a stay here.

The resort essentially borders Walt Disney World, sitting in the corner close to the Golden Oak, Four Seasons and Fort Wilderness side of Disney World. While it is very close, it is not technically on Disney property. As a result, it doesn’t offer any of the early entry benefits that other hotels, such as those in Disney Springs and the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, give their guests.

The vibe at Conrad Orlando

I checked into the hotel on a weekday in February during one of the early days of operations when there weren’t a lot of vacationers, so the vibe of the clientele is likely to evolve from what I experienced this close to the property’s opening. That said, I suspect conference attendees who take in rounds of golf and cocktails before and after meetings will continue to have a real presence at the Conrad.

But this hotel won’t only draw those in town for work; even during my visit, there were a few families enjoying the pool or heading off to the theme parks. I’d expect that type of guest to become more prevalent during school breaks.

It’s certainly an upscale vibe, though not a fussy one. I felt much more at ease here than at the nearby Four Seasons (where I felt like my relaxation attire was a notch or two below the normal standard).

The hotel was full of natural light pouring through large windows and featured a watercolor-style design in calming blue hues throughout the common spaces.

Inside the Conrad Orlando rooms

It probably won’t shock you when I say that the rooms at the new Conrad Orlando are quite nice.

Like much of the rest of the resort, they feature earthy, water-inspired tones throughout and are spacious (even in the standard room categories, which measure between 440 and 455 square feet). They’re well appointed with plenty of power outlets, 55-inch TVs, functional work desks, Nespresso machines, bathrobes, in-room safes and roomy closets.

I had a room with a balcony overlooking the lagoon and pool, which was a real treat, as I could see the sun rise and set from there each day. You are also likely to have an orange visitor on your balcony named “Sunny the Bunny,” who is a bit of a hotel mascot.

As for the bed, I found it very comfortable in terms of the mattress and bedding, but sadly, the four large pillows, while initially appearing quite fluffy, would flatten as I slept, resulting in me waking up to re-fluff them a time or two each night.

That issue aside, the room was absolutely lovely, as was the spa-inspired bathroom with a walk-in shower stocked with Byredo Mojave Ghost products and extremely fluffy and delightful towels.

I didn’t personally have any issues with noise from the hallways, though there were fewer people in the halls than perhaps will one day be true due to the low occupancy during my stay. Details such as the thermostat and the internet also worked promptly without issue. However, the minibar was not yet operational.

Family suite

While I stayed in a relatively standard room (albeit one with a fabulous view), I did get to tour a family suite.

These suites ring in at close to 1,000 square feet and have two bathrooms. In addition to the primary bedroom with a king-size bed, there are twin bunk beds cleverly built into the wall in the living room. These bunk beds have their own outlets and little reading lights and can stay open to the room or closed off with a sliding door.

In some spot checks, the cost of these suites seems to start at just shy of double the cost of a standard room.

The pool at Conrad Orlando

The zero-entry, heated Conrad Orlando pool is constructed in a winding shape, creating many nooks and areas to relax and enjoy.

Surrounding the water, you’ll find complimentary lounge chairs and umbrellas, along with cabanas and daybeds available for rent. There is poolside food and beverage service, though there are no lifeguards.

Poolside cabana rental prices start at $300 per day, while daybeds will set you back $150 per day. Cabanas come with butler service, some dedicated lounge chairs, TVs and minifridges, among other amenities. I enjoyed one for an hour or so on my visit and could see it being a great home base for a group looking to be out by the pool all day.

Set back a bit from the main pool is a splash pad designed for little ones, along with more chairs and cabanas. This is also where you’ll find some outdoor games, a grassy turf play area and more informal spots to sit and enjoy the great outdoors.

The Conrad pool is not the only pool that Conrad guests can enjoy, though, as there is also an Evermore pool on the opposite side of the lagoon that may also be worth visiting if you want to utilize the multiperson slide. I did not see any life vests by the Conrad pool, however, I did see some near the lagoon, in case you’d like to grab one for your kids to use.

The lagoon at Conrad Orlando

Since I went soon after the resort first opened, I couldn’t find any real photos of the lagoon, Evermore Bay, before my stay and only had access to renderings that seemed too good to be true.

But believe it or not, this is one of those times that the reality lived up to the hype. The 17 million gallons of water that equate to 100 swimming pools, according to the team that gave me a tour, truly glisten under the Florida sun.

The lagoon is said to have a much lower impact on the environment than standard resort pools, as it uses crystalline instead of chlorine or salt. A massive filtration pump does a lot of the heavy lifting to keep the lagoon in tiptop shape, though I also saw crews out there throughout the day working to keep it looking great.

The lagoon is designed for swimming, with several gradual inclines, beach-entry areas and a rope swing. However, you can also use it for kayaking and paddleboarding, and there’s even an electric-powered boat that can theoretically take you from one side of the lagoon to the other, though I didn’t see it in use during my visit.

The spa and water garden at Conrad Orlando

The Conrad Orlando spa is a next-level facility. Yet again, you’ll find yourself forgetting you’re in Central Florida, as it has the look and feel of somewhere much more far-flung.

My time at the Conrad Spa started with a welcome drink made of hibiscus and berries, and then, while I enjoyed it, I took a brief “flower quiz” to discover which flowers I connected with the most to determine the scents used in my treatment. Ultimately, the combination I selected led to a scent of inner peace, which I can’t argue with.

In and around the spa, you’ll find a continuation of the water theme. For example, the shared relaxation area to use before and after your treatments was bright and airy, with various blue and green hues.

There’s also a gorgeous shower with various scents and water options, plus a sauna and a steam room.

The 50-minute Flower Essence Massage ($245) I received was absolutely fantastic, with a very skilled massage therapist who was spot on with the level of pressure I requested.

If you desire an extra dose of pampering, consider the $150 floral bathing experience, which utilizes the flower-infused tubs in the outdoor water garden. There are also cold plunge, hot plunge and vitality pools that are meant to be used in a circuit.

Activities and amenities at Conrad Orlando

Kids club

The Conrad has a kids club with half- and full-day programs for children ages 5 to 12. The theme of the kids club matches the rest of the resort, as it’s inspired by Florida’s landscapes and wildlife.

Half-day sessions cost $35 for the first kid ($25 for additional kiddos), while full-day visits cost $75 for the first child ($50 for additional kids). There are different themes each week, such as pirates, reptiles, underwater adventures and nature. There are also kids evening programs on Friday and Saturday nights from 6 to 10 p.m. for $50.

Fitness center

Near the spa, there’s a 24-hour fitness center equipped with three Pelotons, seven treadmills and a wide variety of other new fitness equipment.

Evermore calendar of events

Where to eat at Conrad Orlando

Get ready for some great food and drinks if you come to Conrad Orlando, as you have a number of choices, ranging from poolside treats to high-end cocktails with a view.

Ceiba

Let’s start at the top with Ceiba, a contemporary Mexican restaurant with handcrafted cocktails and arguably the best views around. While up there, you’ll spot the Epcot ball in the distance in one direction and the Magic Kingdom in another, making it a prime spot for enjoying nightly fireworks.

I had a preview tasting of what’s to come at Ceiba, but there wasn’t a complete menu as it wasn’t fully open. However, I loved the ceviche that had both a sweet and spicy flavor, along with the al pastor with pineapple emulsion and 48-hour marinated pork. (Price is currently unavailable.)

I’d eat at Ceiba again in a heartbeat, but you’ll probably want to save some of your stomach space for the creative cocktails, too.

I got to sample the Ceiba ginger basil margarita with fresh lime and agave; the Pinata, which is the eatery’s version of a pina colada with dried pineapple and Mezcal-soaked boba pearls; and the Tres Leches, which had a flame on top and can only be described as a delicious dessert in a cup. I also tried the smokey but decadent Treasure, which was served in a smokey treasure box with a chocolate-covered plantain on top.

Each drink was somehow even better and more impressive than the last, and I can’t recommend stopping here enough.

Papaya Club

An easy spot to pop in for lunch or dinner is Papaya Club. Located between Conrad’s pool and private beach, this open-air restaurant offers various dishes with Polynesian flavors, such as a poke bowl, lettuce wraps and wings.

If you aren’t sure what to get, the Pu Pu Platter ($45) featuring the chef’s choice of bites in one dish is sure to be a hit for the table. The poke bowl ($28) I had for lunch one day was also fantastic, as were the cocktails, such as the Yellow Cloud ($18) made with rum, passion fruit, pineapple and lime.

Sophia’s Trattoria

Sophia’s Trattoria is a southern Italian restaurant with an open-air kitchen and very interactive and friendly service. For dinner one night, I trusted the waiter’s recommendations to guide me through a great meal.

I started with the arancini ($21) served with saffron, roasted tomatoes and prosciutto, then the tuna crudo ($26), which may have been my favorite part of the meal thanks to the great blend of the fresh fish and citrus. I then moved on to the squid ink bucatini ($34), which included crab, scallion and Fresno chile. It was truly all fantastic, and I’d absolutely return for another dinner there anytime.

There’s also a solid breakfast spread at Sophia’s. The honey almond granola parfait ($18) served with a variety of fruit and berries on top deserves a special shoutout. I’d argue it’s a meal in itself, but if you want to try something else on the menu, the tasty hash browns are worth ordering, too.

Before you come for breakfast, keep in mind that Hilton Honors elite members can no longer choose free breakfast at U.S. hotels as a benefit, though you can select a $25 per person, per day (for up to two people) food and beverage credit that will offset the cost a bit.

Little Spoon

The Conrad’s most casual grab-and-go spot for a coffee, bottled drink, pastry or gelato is Little Spoon, located on the lobby level.

While the laid-back venue may initially seem like it’ll be affordable, know in advance that most pastries and gelato cost at least $10. The basic coffee I ordered set me back $9.34 once the pre-included 18% gratuity was factored in. Still, it’s a decent option if you need a caffeine boost or snack in a hurry.

Apero

Situated on the same level as Sophia’s, Apero is a great spot to stop by on your way to your sit-down meal at Sophia’s or even as a more casual alternative to the restaurant. It has an Italian wine list and various small bites, such as the arancini I had at Sophia’s and a charcuterie platter.

Room service

Conrad Orlando does offer room service, which came within 30 minutes of my order and was just as good as the breakfast I enjoyed the following day at Sophia’s.

More food options at Evermore Orlando Resort

If you’re looking for additional food options, especially ones that are more casual, then walk to the opposite end of the lagoon. There, you’ll find more venues open for lunch and dinner, such as Craft Burgers, Props Pizza and That’s a Wrap. Another spot, Twin View, also serves breakfast and coffee starting at 7 a.m.

Expect friendly service at Conrad Orlando

While many of the staff members knew I was at Conrad Orlando for a hosted press stay, even those who didn’t provided top-notch service. Everyone I chatted with was fun to talk to and seemed excited to share recommendations. It was clear that the hotel’s team was genuinely happy to be working at this property.

A great example of this was at the end of my stay when it was time to head to the airport. Despite multiple attempts, the valet team couldn’t get my rental car started. Before letting me know, they had worked together to try and find a solution to get it going. In the end, I had to leave the rental car behind and get an Uber, but the team was so gracious in trying to help me solve the problem before I even knew I had one.

Reasons the Conrad Orlando may not be for you

• If, for you, visiting Orlando means day after day of morning-to-night park fun, it probably doesn’t make sense to stay at the Conrad Orlando even though it is close to Disney World. It does not convey all the same Disney perks as some other hotels in the area, and there’s so much to do at the resort that you’re likely overpaying if all you want is a bed for your head between days spent at the theme parks.
• This is certainly not the most economical place to stay in Orlando, whether you’re paying with points or cash. So, if you don’t have hundreds of dollars or tens of thousands of points to drop for every night of your visit, you may want to stay elsewhere.
• Along those lines, meals and drinks at Conrad Orlando range from good to outstanding, but the prices are on the high end. Paying $10 for a basic cup of coffee at the grab-and-go outlet felt steep, even when you get used to the higher-end experiences coming with a higher price tag. (Next time, I’ll make a cup in the room instead.)
• While there are family rooms at the Conrad Orlando that will work out well for some families, if you are traveling with a larger group and want the Evermore amenities without the Conrad price tag, you might be better served at the multibedroom units that also surround the large lagoon.

Accessibility

Conrad Orlando offers mobility-accessible rooms, accommodations with either transfer or roll-in showers and hearing-accessible rooms with visual alarms and notification devices. All of these room types are bookable on the hotel’s website.

The public spaces were also designed with accessibility in mind. There is an accessible lift in the main pool, and throughout the hotel, including around the lagoon, you’ll find paved pathways that are easy to navigate.

Checking out

Conrado Orlando at Evermore Orlando Resort blew me away. While the lagoon could’ve easily turned out to be more of a Las Vegas-esque gimmick, luckily, it offers a completely different experience. Sure, it’s massive like its Vegas counterparts, but it’s so well done that it elevates the entire resort and makes you feel as if you truly are at a beach destination.

If you like higher-end food and drinks, appreciate the pinnings of a luxury resort, have the cash or Hilton points to pull it off and want a trip to the Orlando area that is far from stereotypical, then the new Conrad Orlando is worth considering.

I’m in Orlando many times a year, and it’s safe to say that after a solo trip to check out the property, I cannot wait to return with a crew of friends or family to huddle up on the beach and enjoy the best of Orlando theme park entertainment in a luxurious setting.

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