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A local's guide to the 27 best hotel bars in Orlando

By on Fri, Mar 18, 2016 at 11:13 pm

Look, nothing against your favorite bar in Mills 50 or Thornton Park, but sometimes you’re in need of an entirely alternative experience. Orlando's hotel lounges are a completely different breed of watering hole and sipping cocktails in the lap of luxury isn't just for theme park tourists. Understandably, most Orlando residents typically avoid the hotels, but here are 27 reasons why it might be worth venturing out and trying something new.

Captions by Deanna Ferrante

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Bosendorfer Lounge Grand Bohemian Hotel 325 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801 l 866-663-0024 Skip the repetitive pop choruses and booming dubstep bass found in other local watering holes and upgrade to the melodic music of this lounge’s Imperial Grand Bösendorfer Piano, one of only a handful in the world. Photo via grandbohemianhotel.com
Bosendorfer Lounge
Grand Bohemian Hotel
325 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801 l 866-663-0024

Skip the repetitive pop choruses and booming dubstep bass found in other local watering holes and upgrade to the melodic music of this lounge’s Imperial Grand Bösendorfer Piano, one of only a handful in the world.

Photo via grandbohemianhotel.com
Rix Lounge Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort 1000 W Buena Vista Drive, Orlando, FL 32830 l 407-939-3806 Order a Birthday Caketini here and swing on one of the floating couches to feel like a kid again ‘cause let’s face it… sometimes you just don’t wanna get weighed down with a belly full of beer. Photo via rix-lounge.com
Rix Lounge
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
1000 W Buena Vista Drive, Orlando, FL 32830 l 407-939-3806

Order a Birthday Caketini here and swing on one of the floating couches to feel like a kid again ‘cause let’s face it… sometimes you just don’t wanna get weighed down with a belly full of beer.

Photo via rix-lounge.com
Club 39 Rosen Plaza Hotel 9700 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819 l 407-996-9700 If you’re a guy who likes to wear gym shorts, flip flops, tank tops or anything that the typical Floridian dons, then perhaps Club 39 isn’t your hotspot. But if you don’t mind ditching the doo-rag for a gelled faux hawk and button up, this swanky mainstay is calling your name. Photo via club39orlando.com
Club 39
Rosen Plaza Hotel
9700 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819 l 407-996-9700

If you’re a guy who likes to wear gym shorts, flip flops, tank tops or anything that the typical Floridian dons, then perhaps Club 39 isn’t your hotspot. But if you don’t mind ditching the doo-rag for a gelled faux hawk and button up, this swanky mainstay is calling your name.

Photo via club39orlando.com
Rocks Hyatt Regency 9801 International Drive, Orlando, Florida l 1-407-284-1234 Like your drinks shaken stirred or on the rocks? Then this upbeat local hotspot is the perfect place to grab a cocktail after work. Try the bar’s signature Rocks Burning cocktail, vodka infused with hot pepper and sweet Florida citrus. Photo via orlando.regency.hyatt.com
Rocks
Hyatt Regency
9801 International Drive, Orlando, Florida l 1-407-284-1234

Like your drinks shaken stirred or on the rocks? Then this upbeat local hotspot is the perfect place to grab a cocktail after work. Try the bar’s signature Rocks Burning cocktail, vodka infused with hot pepper and sweet Florida citrus.

Photo via orlando.regency.hyatt.com
The Bar at Hamilton’s Kitchen The Alfond Inn 300 E. New England Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789 l 407-998-8089 With the artistically-inclined Alfond Inn housing this bar, it's safe to say that atmosphere is everything here. While we tend to down drinks before they hit the table, we recommend taking your time with their Cucumber Mint Gimlet, a perfect concoction for the springtime heat. Photo via iluvwinterpark/Instagram
The Bar at Hamilton’s Kitchen
The Alfond Inn
300 E. New England Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789 l 407-998-8089

With the artistically-inclined Alfond Inn housing this bar, it's safe to say that atmosphere is everything here. While we tend to down drinks before they hit the table, we recommend taking your time with their Cucumber Mint Gimlet, a perfect concoction for the springtime heat.

Photo via iluvwinterpark/Instagram
Todd English’s bluezoo Lounge Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Orlando, FL 32830 l 407-934-4000 It would be a crime to visit Todd’s and not try the bar’s namesake, the zooberry cocktail, a mix of blueberry infused Russian vodka, lemon juice and pop rocks. Pair it with one of the bar’s specialty seafood dishes and you’ll get a meal even a sailor wouldn’t swear at. Photo via taylorheartstravel/Instagram
Todd English’s bluezoo Lounge
Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel
1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Orlando, FL 32830 l 407-934-4000

It would be a crime to visit Todd’s and not try the bar’s namesake, the zooberry cocktail, a mix of blueberry infused Russian vodka, lemon juice and pop rocks. Pair it with one of the bar’s specialty seafood dishes and you’ll get a meal even a sailor wouldn’t swear at.

Photo via taylorheartstravel/Instagram
Sir Harry’s Lounge Waldorf Astoria Orlando 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando, FL 32821 l 407-597-5500 Some people say that the Manhattan was invented at the original Sir Harry’s Lounge at the Waldorf in New York City, so skipping over this hidden gem in Orlando means you could be missing out on a chance to sample an authentic American icon. Photo via waldorfastoriaorlando.com
Sir Harry’s Lounge
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando, FL 32821 l 407-597-5500

Some people say that the Manhattan was invented at the original Sir Harry’s Lounge at the Waldorf in New York City, so skipping over this hidden gem in Orlando means you could be missing out on a chance to sample an authentic American icon.

Photo via waldorfastoriaorlando.com
Harry’s Poolside Bar and Grill Rosen Centre Hotel 9840 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819 l 407-996-3970 Grab a Cayman Cosmopolitan or another Caribbean-inspired cocktail and bring it outside to enjoy in the sunny Florida weather while you dip your feet in the pool just a few steps away from the bartop. Photo via harryspoolside.com
Harry’s Poolside Bar and Grill
Rosen Centre Hotel
9840 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819 l 407-996-3970

Grab a Cayman Cosmopolitan or another Caribbean-inspired cocktail and bring it outside to enjoy in the sunny Florida weather while you dip your feet in the pool just a few steps away from the bartop.

Photo via harryspoolside.com
Capa Bar Four Seasons Resort Orlando 10100 Dream Tree Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836 l 407-313-7777 How do you say sleek in Spanish? Capa. That might not really be true, but here in Orlando the Capa Bar emulates all the class and sophistication of Spain with its ultra modern decor and 50 bottles of Spanish wine. Not a wino? The Magic Mojito with minted rum, kiwi, and lime fairy floss is calling your name. Photo via fourseasons.com
Capa Bar
Four Seasons Resort Orlando
10100 Dream Tree Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836 l 407-313-7777

How do you say sleek in Spanish? Capa. That might not really be true, but here in Orlando the Capa Bar emulates all the class and sophistication of Spain with its ultra modern decor and 50 bottles of Spanish wine. Not a wino? The Magic Mojito with minted rum, kiwi, and lime fairy floss is calling your name.

Photo via fourseasons.com
Mizner’s Lounge Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa 4401 Floridian Way, Orlando, FL 32830 l 407-939-3463 This upstairs bar is located right behind the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra bandstand, so every time you go there’ll be a jazzy soundtrack to sip your Manhattans and side cars to. Photo via maximum_wolf/Instagram
Mizner’s Lounge
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
4401 Floridian Way, Orlando, FL 32830 l 407-939-3463

This upstairs bar is located right behind the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra bandstand, so every time you go there’ll be a jazzy soundtrack to sip your Manhattans and side cars to.

Photo via maximum_wolf/Instagram
Trader Sam's Grog Grotto Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort 1600 Seven Seas Drive, Orlando, FL 32830 l 407-824-2000 Disney fans will love the nod give to this bar’s namesake, the famous heads salesman from the Jungle Cruise ride, but everyone can appreciate the island-themed cocktails like the the Polynesian Pearl, Castaway Crush and Shrunken Zombie Head. Photo via themeparkpoet/Instagram
Trader Sam's Grog Grotto
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
1600 Seven Seas Drive, Orlando, FL 32830 l 407-824-2000

Disney fans will love the nod give to this bar’s namesake, the famous heads salesman from the Jungle Cruise ride, but everyone can appreciate the island-themed cocktails like the the Polynesian Pearl, Castaway Crush and Shrunken Zombie Head.

Photo via themeparkpoet/Instagram
Wave Lounge Disney’s Contemporary Resort North, 4600 World Dr, Orlando, FL 32830 l 407-824-1000 An elegant oasis offers a retreat from the Mickey Mouse merchandise in the parks and it’s menu is packed with speciality cocktails. Down a few Blue “Glow-tinis,” agave nectar margaritas or moscow mules and it might even start to feel like you’re taking a ride on Space Mountain. Photo via epcotjosh/Instagram
Wave Lounge
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
North, 4600 World Dr, Orlando, FL 32830 l 407-824-1000

An elegant oasis offers a retreat from the Mickey Mouse merchandise in the parks and it’s menu is packed with speciality cocktails. Down a few Blue “Glow-tinis,” agave nectar margaritas or moscow mules and it might even start to feel like you’re taking a ride on Space Mountain.

Photo via epcotjosh/Instagram
River Roost Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - Riverside 1251 Riverside Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 l 407-934-6000 An old-fashioned watering hole with lots of New Orleans charm, River Roost offers plenty of southern-libations like Southern Hurricanes and Abita Amber to enjoy over a hot plate of gumbo.And it’s cabaret performer Yeeha Bob Jackson, with his wacky piano playing and singing, guarantees laughs whether you’re on your first or last round. Photo via benwszalek/Instagram
River Roost
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
1251 Riverside Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 l 407-934-6000

An old-fashioned watering hole with lots of New Orleans charm, River Roost offers plenty of southern-libations like Southern Hurricanes and Abita Amber to enjoy over a hot plate of gumbo.And it’s cabaret performer Yeeha Bob Jackson, with his wacky piano playing and singing, guarantees laughs whether you’re on your first or last round.

Photo via benwszalek/Instagram
SORA Gaylord Palms Resort 6000 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746 l 1-407-586-1190 If greasy bar food and a couple of Bud Lights don’t sound appealing on a Friday night, try the foreign flavors found at SORA. The Saketini is a must, and to get the authentic Japanese experience, you’ll have to order a lava roll on the side. Photo via Michael S./Yelp
SORA
Gaylord Palms Resort
6000 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746 l 1-407-586-1190

If greasy bar food and a couple of Bud Lights don’t sound appealing on a Friday night, try the foreign flavors found at SORA. The Saketini is a must, and to get the authentic Japanese experience, you’ll have to order a lava roll on the side.

Photo via Michael S./Yelp
Trellises Lounge Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress 1 Grand Cypress Blvd., Orlando, FL 32836 l 1-407-239-1234 Enjoy a quiet evening and the fading light of twilight in this open air lounge, the perfect place to take a break from sweaty nightclubs and sample a new Pinot Noir. Photo via grandcypress.regency.hyatt.com
Trellises Lounge
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
1 Grand Cypress Blvd., Orlando, FL 32836 l 1-407-239-1234

Enjoy a quiet evening and the fading light of twilight in this open air lounge, the perfect place to take a break from sweaty nightclubs and sample a new Pinot Noir.

Photo via grandcypress.regency.hyatt.com
Velvet Bar Hard Rock Hotel 5800 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819 l 407-503-2000 The Velvet Bar is everything you’d expect from the rock and roll experts at the Hard Rock. Plush animal print chairs, rockstar memorabilia and random 80s music videos on loop give this watering hole an eclectic, lively atmosphere and the speciality drinks, like the Pop Rock Martini and the Rockin’ Mai Tai, will have you feeling like a rockstar. Photo via universalorlando.com
Velvet Bar
Hard Rock Hotel
5800 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819 l 407-503-2000

The Velvet Bar is everything you’d expect from the rock and roll experts at the Hard Rock. Plush animal print chairs, rockstar memorabilia and random 80s music videos on loop give this watering hole an eclectic, lively atmosphere and the speciality drinks, like the Pop Rock Martini and the Rockin’ Mai Tai, will have you feeling like a rockstar.

Photo via universalorlando.com
Victoria Falls Lounge Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge 2901 Osceola Parkway Blvd., Orlando, FL 32821 l 407-938-3000 Victoria Falls brings authentic South African tastes to Orlando with its wine and beer selection. Sample brews from Morocco and Kenya or try a Cape Coastal wine flight, either within the cozy lounge or outside next to flickering fire pit. Photo via disneyworld.disney.go.com
Victoria Falls Lounge
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
2901 Osceola Parkway Blvd., Orlando, FL 32821 l 407-938-3000

Victoria Falls brings authentic South African tastes to Orlando with its wine and beer selection. Sample brews from Morocco and Kenya or try a Cape Coastal wine flight, either within the cozy lounge or outside next to flickering fire pit.

Photo via disneyworld.disney.go.com
Wreckers Gaylord Palms Resort 6000 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746 l 1-407-586-1330 There’s no better place to watch the game than on Wrecker’s 37 foot, two-story television while you wolf down some lollipop wings and enough craft beer to get you completely wrecked. Photo via marriott.com
Wreckers
Gaylord Palms Resort
6000 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746 l 1-407-586-1330

There’s no better place to watch the game than on Wrecker’s 37 foot, two-story television while you wolf down some lollipop wings and enough craft beer to get you completely wrecked.

Photo via marriott.com
California Grill Lounge Disney’s Contemporary Resort North, 4600 World Dr, Orlando, FL 32831 l 407-939-3463 Skip the crying kids and flat beers in the theme parks and instead enjoy a view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks while sampling an Anaheim Mule and other California-themed cocktails, either from inside the lounge or out on the rooftop balcony. Photo via disneyworld.disney.go.com
California Grill Lounge
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
North, 4600 World Dr, Orlando, FL 32831 l 407-939-3463

Skip the crying kids and flat beers in the theme parks and instead enjoy a view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks while sampling an Anaheim Mule and other California-themed cocktails, either from inside the lounge or out on the rooftop balcony.

Photo via disneyworld.disney.go.com
Highball and Harvest Ritz-Carlton Orlando 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, FL 32837 l 407-393-4422 Don't be intimated by the name Ritz-Carlton, the Highball and Harvest is chill with a hint of chic. Although the bartenders have mastered slinging Old Fashions, we gotta say the rotation of Florida brews on tap is very tempting, as well. Photo via thatskhuu/Instagram
Highball and Harvest
Ritz-Carlton Orlando
4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, FL 32837 l 407-393-4422

Don't be intimated by the name Ritz-Carlton, the Highball and Harvest is chill with a hint of chic. Although the bartenders have mastered slinging Old Fashions, we gotta say the rotation of Florida brews on tap is very tempting, as well.

Photo via thatskhuu/Instagram
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