Orlando: Smart Splurges

Planning a perfect Orlando vacation that assures rewarding family time, memorable hotel stays, and select high-end perks that add up to trip-of-a-lifetime memories isn’t just a matter of spending more money – with so many choices, you’ve got to know where to spend it. From hotels offering just the right combination of location, ambiance, and state-of-the-art élan to destination-defining culinary and shopping experiences, our Orlando Smart Splurges may require a slight increase in your travel budget, but they're absolutely worth the extra dollars.

CityArts Factory Instead of mouse ears, take home an original hand-blown glass piece from Keila Glassworks or African Shona art from Zulu Exclusive Gallery. Downtown Orlando; 29 S. Orange Ave.; 407-648-7060; www.dadorlando.com
art | shopping | specialty | handicrafts

Del Frisco's The best place for beef in all of Orlando is this family owned steakhouse in Winter Park. The steaks – Midwestern beef cuts from corn-fed cattle – are so tender, no steak knives are even put on the table. Rich burgundy-hued booths and shiny mahogany lend it the air of a private club. Winter Park; 729 Lee Rd.; 407-645-4443; www.delfriscosorlando.com
romantic | restaurant | expensive | steakhouse | restaurants

Discovery Cove Swim with dolphins, snorkel on a coral reef, and feed birds at Discovery Cove, an all-inclusive tropical park that promotes wildlife conservation. Attendance limited to 1,000 people per day. International Drive; 6000 Discovery Cove Way; 877-434-7268; www.discoverycove.com
family | aquarium | snorkeling | things to do | swimming

Grand Bohemian Hotel Italian renaissance meets upscale bordello in this hip hideaway that's more Vegas than Disney with its jewel tones and Javanese wood; perfect for exploring Orlando's grown-up side. Downtown Orlando; 325 S. Orange Ave.; 866-663-0024; www.grandbohemianhotel.com
luxury | hotel | trendy | expensive

Le Coq au Vin Step off the beaten path for this antidote to chain-restaurant overload, which serves its namesake dish and other authentic French fare in three warm, cozy rooms. Downtown Orlando; 4800 S. Orange Ave.; 407-851-6980; www.lecoqauvinrestaurant.com
restaurant | expensive | french | editor pick

Tabu The cachet of past celebrity visits, a VIP room with bottle service, and its cool digs inside a renovated 1920s theater keep the buzz swirling around this dance club. Downtown Orlando; 46 N. Orange Ave.; 407-839-1847 (for VIP reservations); www.tabunightclub.com
historic | nightlife | dancing | wine | celebrity hangout | editor pick

The Peabody Business travelers to Orlando frequently book into the Peabody for its free wireless internet and proximity to the Convention Center. For families, however, the ducks are the main draw: everyday the hotel’s legendary web-footed entourage parade through the hotel lobby in a spectacular march that children and adults alike adore. Quacky quirks aside, The Peabody is an über-comfortable property with marble halls, antique furniture, nightly turn-down service, and an Olympic size heated lap pool. There’s even free shuttle service to the theme parks. 9801 International Dr.; 800-732-2639; www.peabodyorlando.com
luxury | family | hotel | business | resort | expensive | spa | editor pick

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