While there are plenty of hotels at Walt Disney World, only a few of them qualify as luxury resorts compared to any hotel off Disney property. At this time, there are only two true “luxury” hotels near Walt Disney World; the Four Seasons Orlando and the Waldorf Astoria. That doesn’t mean there isn’t any competition on the horizon, with Conrad Hotels and Fairmont Resorts planning hotels just outside Disney World and a Nobu hotel planned for Orlando.
With so many luxury hotels coming online in the next few years, it’s no shock that one of the “old guards” of Disney World area luxury hotels is planning a makeover, even if it opened in 2009 and has won a bunch of accolades.
Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria Orlando is a grand hotel and the signature property in the Bonnet Creek development. But in the hotel world, guests ask “What have you done for me lately?”
I have no doubt that the upcoming opening of several luxury hotels gave the Waldorf Astoria a nudge to bring the resort up to 2023 standards.
The hotel is calling the project “The Waldorf Astoria Orlando… Reimagined”
Following the design and build of our newest event space, the Central Park Ballroom, and our comprehensive transformation of our existing meeting and events spaces last year, we are excited to announce the reimagination of the rest of Waldorf Astoria Orlando starting May 2023. These projects mark the largest enhancements to the property since opening in 2009 and will usher in a new era of luxury for Orlando. The transformations will encompass the resort’s lobby, Peacock Alley, Waldorf Astoria Spa, and Bull & Bear, as well as guest floors and rooms, with this work to be complete by December 2023. Parker-Torres Design Inc. have been appointed to transform the hotel and recreate the facilities our guests have come to expect. Waldorf Astoria Orlando will remain open for guests throughout this time with its popular offerings served in alternative venues, while making sure the impact on our guests’ experience remains very minimal.
The work, starting in Spring 2023, is planned to be finished by the end of the year.
The lobby will get an overhaul, bringing it up to luxury hotel standards. FWIW, this looks much like the lobby at the Four Seasons Orlando, and the lobby at the Park Hyatt Saigon, which I would think is a compliment. If you were concerned, the Waldorf Astoria clock will remain in the lobby.
Peacock Alley will also get an upgrade after the lobby upgrade is completed.
From August to September 2023, the Bull and Bear Steakhouse will also receive an update. It looks like much of the dark wood paneling will be gone, replaced by a lighter, more modern decor.
Even the golf course is getting a refresh from May to November. Don’t worry, there will always be at least a 9-hole course for guests to use.
Until the project is finished, there will undoubtedly be some evidence of construction around the hotel. The Waldorf Astoria says not to worry, as they’ll limit the inconvenience to guests.
The project will commence in phases beginning April 2023, with an anticipated completion in December 2023. Rest assured that we always strive to minimize any guest inconvenience, ensuring that your stay is as comfortable and memorable as possible.
I’ll leave it up to you if you want to stay at a hotel in the middle of a major upgrade. Several of the restaurants will be closed for upgrades and the property is doing its best to provide suitable alternatives during the upcoming months. However, if you’re looking for a high-end experience this year, you might want to avoid the Waldorf Astoria Orlando.
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