While the thought of whisking away on a much needed holiday sounds blissful, you may not always have room in the budget for a getaway. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some time away from home in a vacation setting. We've gathered a list of romantic Orlando hotels for your next date night to get you in that vacation state of mind, no overnight stay required.
Updated February 2024 by Zoë Joiner and Dani Meyering
Hotel Bars
Wet your whistle while whetting your appetite at one of these stylish resort bars.
The Lounge, The Alfond Inn
Nothing says lavish quite like a boutique hotel. The Alfond Inn in Winter Park is nothing short of upscale. Stroll into the Inn's lounge anytime Tuesday – Saturday starting at 3pm for a welcoming and posh experience. Wine and dine from the delectable menu of award-winning Hamilton’s Kitchen, the on-site restaurant filled with southern charm.
The Bösendorfer Lounge and Altira Rooftop Bar, Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando
Steal away to the majestic atmosphere of The Bösendorfer Lounge for classic cocktails with a twist. This iconic lounge is newly refurbished with modern touches, and is open daily, 11:00 am – midnight.
Alternatively, journey upward to the rooftop bar and pool. Altira Pool + Lounge offers a taste of the chic life with a vibrant atmosphere and views of downtown Orlando. Altira has a large bar that welcomes locals and hotel guests alike. Any non-hotel guest will be served in the bar area. Bed chairs and pool/jacuzzi are reserved for hotel guests.
Altira Hours of Operation:
Saturday: 11am – 10pm
Sunday: 10am – 6pm
Monday: closed
Tuesday: closed
Wednesday – Friday : 11am – 10pm
Parking is available for locals to visit Altira or the Bosendorfer Lounge for $15 per 3 hours.
Peacock Alley, Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Amid the hustle and bustle of the Waldorf Astoria Orlando main lobby lies the centrally located lobby bar, Peacock Alley. Elevate your conversation and your cocktails among the menu of New York traditions. Bar service begins at 12pm and lingers well into the evening.
Try one of the many crafted libations including the classic Peacock Egg. This signature drink contains fresh lemonade, lavender tea, blue curacao, and Bombay Sapphire gin mixed inside of a hollowed ice egg. Pair with small bites from the food menu or one of their signature cheese boards.
Jake’s American Bar, Loews Royal Pacific Hotel at Universal Orlando
Captain Jake McNally invites adventurous travelers to delight in a recess at Jake’s American Bar inside Loews Royal Pacific Hotel. Sip on island spirits of the South Pacific while chowing down on hearty plates. Open daily for lunch and dinner until 11pm, fly in for some fun with your co-pilot. And don’t forget to stop by the seaplane in the lagoon for an Insta-worthy photo op.
READ MORE: The Best Restaurants at Universal Orlando for Date Night
The Wellborn, downtown Orlando
Local history comes alive around every nook and cranny at The Wellborn, which is home to the oldest home in Orlando, the Norment Parry House. The intimate courtyard at this Sonder boutique hotel invites you to disappear among the teeming trees and flowers surrounded by three historic buildings. Listen to the soft splashing of the English fountain while you sip a cocktail; like the Best Friends made with purple gin, vanilla, lavender and lemon.
Bites and drinks are available Tuesday – Thursday from 5pm – midnight, Friday and Saturday from 5pm – 1am and Sunday from 11am-5pm.
Parking in the lot behind the Wellborn is PROHIBITED. Violators will be towed. Parking is available in the following areas:
- Any area that says “Wellborn Guest Parking”
- On Lucerne, in front of the Wellborn Hotel. Please do not double park or park in the roundabout; you will be towed.
- On the bottom floor of the parking garage, located on Delany. (available after 5 pm Tuesday-Friday and all day Saturday & Sunday)
Resort Pool Day Passes
Splash the day away in these watery oases perfect for any season.
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate
Set your getaway sights on this Four Diamond resort known for leisure and fun. Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate has an abundance of activities to offer for day guests. Plunge into the resort pool with fountains, a water tower and slide, or relax by the adults-only pool.
Of course, you can’t skip the 850 feet of R&R along the lazy river. Golfers will delight in knowing they can practice their putting on the mini-golf course for an extra fee. Stick around for dinner at Zen or David's Club, two of the on-site restaurants.
Day passes start at $50/person.
Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Nothing says vacation like salty air and crashing waves. And daycation Pool, Daybed and Cabana Passes are available at Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach via Resort Pass. Take in the scenic ocean views and live music (on the weekends) while lounging poolside – they even have underwater speakers. Weekday pool passes are $50 per person and weekend passes are $70, plus parking fee (parking is included with Daybed and Cabana Passes). Reserve your pass early!
If you’ve grabbed a weekend pass, be sure you bring your appetite to indulge in the weekend Brunch Remix. Offered from 11am-3pm every Saturday and Sunday, there is a dish for every palate to enjoy. Other perks include a live DJ on Saturday and live duo entertainment on Sundays.
Explore more romantic things to do in Daytona Beach.
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
Pretend you’re in a faraway resort without leaving Orlando at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Day pass perks include access to the resort-style pool (it’s heated), lazy river, water slide and hot tubs. You’ll also enjoy poolside service from the resort’s Beech Bar & Grille.
Day passes start at $40 and cabanas begin at $175. FYI: a parking fee of $25 applies.
Read our guide to Day Passes to Central Florida Resorts from ResortPass for a full list of our favorite local resorts and hotels offering day use access for non-overnight guests with passes.
Spa Day Passes
Retreat, relax and rejuvenate at one of these spa respites.
The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Schedule an appointment for 40,000-square feet of bliss at The Ritz-Carlton's nature-inspired spa. The featured service is the Grande Indulgence Massage, which includes a full body massage, a warm stone enhancement, scalp treatment and keratin gloves for the hands and feet featuring herbs from the resort’s organic garden, honey from its resident bees, citrus from local orchards and other homegrown ingredients. The spa is open daily.
Guests of the spa are invited to enjoy the fitness center, outdoor lap pool and Vitale spa café.
The Spa, Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
Exfoliate, regenerate and radiate after an excursion at Four Seasons Resort Orlando’s spa. Indoor and outdoor tranquility lounges are available to decompress after your treatment. Utilize the chic showers and whirlpool.
Want to slip into a meditative state? Try their Somadome, which enhances the many benefits of meditation utilizing binaural beats, plus energy and color therapies within a cocoon-style pod. Cryotherapies as well as IV & IM Vitamin Therapies are also available.
Rock Spa, Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
Make relaxation a staple in your routine all year long with a Rock Spa membership at Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach.
The Gold Record Membership ($105/month) allows for one 50-minute massage or facial per month and a resort day pass for all recreation areas the day of your appointment. The Platinum Record Membership ($149/month) gives you one 80-minute massage or facial per month, a resort day pass for all recreation areas on the day of your treatment and unlimited use of the gym all month long.
Both memberships include unlimited access to the Spa Lounge and Steam Room, 20% off additional services, 10% off retail spa products, VIP backstage passes to Rock Sparties, exclusive offers and complimentary Valet Parking on the day of your treatment.
Mandara Spa, WDW Swan and Dolphin Resort
Mandara Spa at Walt Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Resort will transport you to the Indonesian island of Bali with its lavishly dark wood and ornamental arch displays. Remnants of a cultural temple surround the Spa to evoke a soothing and peaceful temperament. The interior Tea Garden and Meditation Garden allow you time to unwind in total tranquility.
Resort Crawls
Spend a few hours traveling from one locale to another during a Universal Resort crawl.
I suggest you start your sipping tryst at Universal Resort’s CityWalk since it closes before the resort bars. One of my favorite spots at CityWalk has always been Pat O’Briens. I can order a favorite beer while tuning in to the dueling pianos. Sing along! I also like the cozy feel as if you were hanging at a friend’s place. Pat O’Briens is currently open nightly 5pm – 2am.
Board the water taxi and take the short ride to Hard Rock Hotel where you will head straight to the Velvet Bar. Party like a rock star at this plush and fashionable lobby bar. Velvet Bar is open daily from 5pm-2am.
Feel free to walk to the next stop at Loews Royal Pacific or take the water taxi again. Upon arrival, seek out the Orchid Court Lounge and Sushi Bar for sweeping tropical paradise views of a South Pacific lagoon. Here you have generous options of sushi, sashimi and appetizers that will pair nicely with a Japanese whisky, sake or beer. The Lounge is open daily 5pm – 1am, with food service until 11pm.
The last stop is Cabana Bay Beach Resort’s Swizzle Lounge. Use the stroll from Loews Royal Pacific Resort to enjoy free-flowing conversation. When you’ve arrived at the retro Swizzle Lounge, find a comfy seat and pour over the drink menu filled with nods to vintage concoctions. The hard part will be deciding which one to try first. Swizzle Lounge is open Monday – Sunday from 1pm – 12am and has live music Fridays and Saturdays from 8pm – 11pm.
Water taxis typically run until 2am. If you choose to forego transportation, each stop is easily walkable. Remember to drink responsibly and utilize a ride-share service when necessary.
Here are some other resort crawls to try.
- Swan and Dolphin Resort Crawl
- Margaritaville Resort Sunset Walk Crawl
- Disney Skyliner Gondola Crawl
- Monorail Pub Crawl
Festivals/Events
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic
The esteemed Food and Wine Classic at Swan and Dolphin is back and better than ever! This epicurean display of creative artistry for the palate is a more intimate, VIP style for foodies. This year’s dates are November 10 and 11, 2023 from 5:30pm-9pm both nights.
The tickets are $165/person. There is a discounted nightly rate for those attending the event; however, attendees will need to call 888.828.8850 for pricing details.
Christmas at Gaylord Palms
Is it ever too early to start thinking about your Christmas plans? I think not! Christmas 2023 dates haven't been announced yet but stay tuned on their page Christmas at Gaylord Palms for info about this great event featuring an abundance of lights, decorations and activities.
Attendees can expect favored activities like ICE!, plummeting slides, icy coasters, snowball makers, elf training, gingerbread decorating and Mrs. Claus’ traditions.
Harbor Nights at Loews Portofino Bay Resort
Discover la dolce vita on this reoccurring Italian-inspired date night along the picturesque harbor of the Portofino Bay Hotel. The next event is coming up on October 20, 2023 as well as November 24.
Enjoy select wines and unlimited gourmet bites from the resort's top restaurants, along with a live band and incredible opera performances.
VIP tickets include additional hors d’oeuvres, exclusive food and wine stations, and special reserved seating. Dance beneath the twinkling lights while enjoying la dolce vita—the sweet life—at its finest. You must be 21 or older to attend this event. $79+ per person.
Orlando Resort Date Restaurants
Dive into one of these dining establishments for tasteful morsels of gastronomical fare. Bon Appetit!
Disney Resort Restaurants
It's so magical to get a pinch of pixie dust by dining at Disney without needing a theme park ticket. Explore our favorite Romantic Restaurants at Disney Resort Hotels.
Highball & Harvest and Knife & Spoon, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando
It’s hard to beat the freshness and comfort of farm-to-table dining. Highball & Harvest at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, delivers Southern flavors using seasonal fresh fruits and herbs. The menu dovetails with the rustic décor creating an elegantly laid-back vibe. For an elevated dinner experience, dress-code enforced, visit the 2022 Michelin Star recipient Knife & Spoon, led by award-winning Chef John Tesar. Knife & Spoon is open daily from 5:30 – 10pm (kitchen) or 11pm (bar).
Highball & Harvest Operating hours
Breakfast: 7am-11pm
Lunch: 11:30am – 2:30pm
Bar Bites: 11:30am – 10pm
Dinner: 5:30pm – 10pm
Capa, Four Seasons Resort Orlando
Ascend seventeen floors of the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort to the upscale, Michelin-Starred Capa rooftop restaurant.
Capa features two outdoor terraces ideal for enjoying the cooler evenings of a Florida fall. Seafood and mouthwatering wood-grilled offerings seasoned with Spanish flare fill the menu. Take a stab at the signature 32 oz Prime Porterhouse or Blackened Chilean Seabass for the main dish.
The restaurant is open daily 5pm – 10pm and has live Spanish guitar music Wednesdays and Saturdays from 6pm – 9pm. Make reservations at sunset for added charm.
Bull & Bear, Waldorf Astoria Orlando
The stately Bull & Bear at Waldorf Astoria Orlando is an excellent pick for a special evening out. Tableside preparations, carefully curated cocktails and innovative vittles are what come together to make Bull & Bear one of OpenTable’s top 100 restaurants in the U.S. Diners can expect impeccable service to compliment the lamb or chateaubriand.
Order a traditional beverage to sip as you drink in dialogue with your love. Bull & Bear is open daily 6pm-10pm.
NEW Stadium Club at Caribe Royale
Just outside the border of Walt Disney World is Caribe Royale Resort. This all-suite resort is a favorite getaway, but also has some fantastic restaurants. The newest addition is the most fun venue at the resort: Stadium Club.
Stadium Club is a two-level sports entertainment bar and restaurant. The food is chef-driven, not your typical sports bar fare – instead it is truly elevated.
We love the wrap around screens that are visible from any table in the dining room. And the game simulator bays not only offer the ever-popular golf simulator, but you can also play baseball, football, rugby, hockey, and even carnival games – all from the cool comfort of the high-tech simulator.
Stadium Club is so fun and immersive, and the staff is awesome. Locals are welcomed, just remember to get your parking validated at the host stand before you leave.
Estefan Kitchen Orlando, Margaritaville Resort Orlando
Calling SunsetWalk on Margaritaville Resort Orlando home, Estefan Kitchen Orlando is a surefire way to liven up date night. From the food to the music, all five senses will be invigorated with Latin notes at this Cuban cultural hub of atmospheric flavors. The menu is full of classic dishes, gluten free and vegetarian options. Leave time to take a hand-in-hand stroll down SunsetWalk after dinner.
ALSO TRY:
- 7593 Chophouse, Reunion Resort
- California Grill, Disney's Contemporary Resort
- Hamilton's Kitchen, The Alfond Inn
Golf Courses
You and your love can swing your way into fun at one of these golf courses. No membership required!
Walt Disney World Golf Courses
The beloved Mickey Mouse welcomes golfers from all skill levels to tee off at one of four courses. Three courses are a full 18 holes; Palm, Magnolia and Lake Buena Vista. Oak Trail is a 9-hole walking course. Magnolia is the longest while Lake Buena Vista is a favorite among avid golfers I know. Players are urged to book a tee time online. Golf carts are thoroughly sanitized between guests. Prices vary depending on course.
Looking for something a little different? Try footgolf! It is played either before or after a 9-hole booking on Disney’s Oak Trail. Players will play traditional golf on the blue pins and footgolf along the orange pins. Footgolf follows the same rules as the traditional golf game. Bookings can be reserved after 2:30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Advanced reservations are required.
Omni Orlando Resort ChampionsGate
Omni Orlando Resort ChampionsGate is home to two championship courses. The International Course is just steps from the resort. It is a coastal links-style course with generous fairways, littered with hundreds of pot bunkers, and water features on every hole. This PGA Tour Tournament course plays firm and fast and is the longer of the two courses.
The National Course will lead you miles from the resort playing the Outward and Homeward nines. This Parkland design with narrow fairways, large bunkers, and lined with many natural Florida landscapes, housing many species of Florida's local wildlife.
Streamsong Resort
Grab your sticks and make a tee time at Streamsong Resort. This top golf club offers three Scottish link-style courses for golf enthusiasts to drive and putt their way through an outdoor date. Streamsong Red, Streamsong Blue and Streamsong Black each come with their own challenges through tall dunes, sunken ponds and native grasses.
Public guest golf play is available with a 7-day booking window.
Mission Inn Resort and Club
It’s not every day you have the opportunity to play a piece of history. Take a short drive to Howey-in-the-Hills where you can read the green on a course that’s been standing for over 100 years. George O’Neil created the El Campeon course at Mission Inn Resort and Club in 1917 and incorporated 85-foot elevation changes, something unusual for the Florida landscape. The Resort offers a second newer course that is much different from its counterpart. Las Colinas was built in 1992 and received “Best New Course” title by Golf Digest the same year. El Campeon is $95 (weekdays) or $119 (weekends) + tax per player with cart. Las Colinas is $89 (weekdays) or $109 (weekends) plus tax per player with cart. Fore!
Feature image credit: Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate