Being one of the world's top vacation destinations, it makes sense that Orlando is surrounded by spectacular hotel properties. Why not explore one on your next date night and find yourself sipping a cocktail in one of Orlando's best lobby bars? Here are a few of our favorites…
DOWNTOWN/WINTER PARK
Bosendorfer Lounge, Grand Bohemian Hotel
With its clandestine vibe and a sexy aesthetic crafted from low lights, dark red chairs and a black wrap around bar, the Bosendorfer Lounge has long been a favorite amongst couples seeking a sophisticated yet sultry spot for sipping cocktails and listening to live jazz. Known for its expansive collection of artwork, the rich lobby bar tucked into the Grand Bohemian Hotel is also renowned for its offering of artful martinis and cocktails. The Lounge, which serves sharable bites like pizza and charcuterie, is open daily from 11am until late and features a happy hour Monday–Thursday from 5:30–7:30pm. Live music plays Fridays and Saturdays 9:30-11:30pm and Sundays during the Jazz Brunch.
Aloft's W XYZ bar
Located across the street from The Dr. Phillips Center, this hipster hangout features a substantial list of seasonal cocktails, wines by the glass, craft beer pints and light snacks. There is live music and a DJ on Friday nights and happy hour 3pm-7pm, Monday-Friday. This summer the hotel will host the Live At Aloft Hotel concert series. More details on their Facebook page.
The Alfond Inn
Housed inside an incredible boutique property in Winter Park, the Alfond Inn‘s lobby lounge is filled with original art to admire and cozy couches and chairs to settle into. There's also an expansive outdoor patio overlooking the hotel's courtyard lawn and featuring fire pits and couches. You'll also find a daily happy hour, Friday night $7 drinks and food specials and the seasonal Get Your Jazz On event series. This lounge can range from being a hub of activity to a sublimely quiet refuge.
DISNEY AREA
Bar 1521, Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
Long known for its delightful cocktails and stunning aesthetic (shown in feature image), Bar 1521 recently expanded to include a new sushi bar, which features more than a dozen artful rolls crafted by Chef Yoshio. In addition, the bar offers light appetizers, snacks and live entertainment Tuesday though Saturday. Happy hour is offered 7 days a week from 4-7pm and features $4 beer, $6 wine, $5 liquor and $7 sushi. Finally, Bar 1521 touts a WineMotion machine, which allows guests to DIY sample a variety of red and white wines much like they do at The Wine Room in Winter Park.
Peacock Alley, Waldorf Astoria Orlando
This stately space in the Waldorf's lobby offers indoor and outdoor seating in which to enjoy small plates and signature cocktails, like the selfie-inducing The Peacock Egg. Peacock Lounge is also home to Bar du Chocolat, a buffet of handcrafted chocolates, pastries and champagnes offered seasonally throughout the year.
Trader Sam's Grog Grotto and Tiki Bar, Disney's Polynesian Resort
This creative and colorful space with a South Seas theme is a great place to sip a cocktail and enjoy some delicious polynesian fare before heading out to the beach to catch the nightly fireworks from nearby Disney Park. Trader Sam's has a solid list of cocktails plus lots of light bites, such as Kalua Pork Tacos, Hawaiian Poke and Pan-fried Dumplings.
UNIVERSAL/I-DRIVE AREA
Velvet Bar, Hard Rock Hotel Universal Orlando
Home to the legendary Velvet Sessions event series, which hosts monthly concerts with cocktail and food pairings, Velvet Bar is one of the city's most spectacular hotel lobby bars. Sit indoors surrounded by rock memorabilia or head out to The Veranda for outside seating overlooking the palatial resort. Open daily at 5pm.
Rocks, Hyatt Regency Orlando
Perfectly placed just a few steps from check-in, Rocks is splashed with color and filled with comfy seating. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, big screen TVs, and live music, the bar offers many options for cocktails, beer and wine plus lots of gourmet bar grub, including Wagyu beef sliders, seared tuna sashimi, and cured meats and cheese boards.
Photo credit: all images provided by hotels, with the exception of the Bar 1521 sushi and Alfond Inn photos, which were taken by Kristen Manieri