There’s a fantastic new Conrad seashore resort … in Orlando.
After a few days of having fun with acres of crystal-blue water, a high-end spa with a water backyard (which incorporates soaking and plunge swimming pools of various temperatures), luxurious new lodge rooms and a rooftop restaurant with inventive cocktails, it was very exhausting to recollect I used to be even in Orlando.
In truth, with just a few strategically framed images, I even fooled a few of my well-versed journey trade pals into considering I used to be within the Maldives. However this wasn’t the Maldives and even the Caribbean; it was the brand-new Conrado Orlando at Evermore Orlando Resort. This oasis is lower than 3 miles away from Walt Disney World by distance however feels a world away in terms of every little thing else.
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The all-new, 1,100-acre Evermore Resort is the place you will discover the Conrad Orlando that opened in January 2024 and nearly must be seen to be believed. After I first stepped into the foyer and noticed the large blue lagoon by way of the floor-to-ceiling home windows, I actually could not fathom that I used to be taking a look at one thing that exists in Central Florida.
Straight away, your eyes are drawn to the picture-perfect “seashore,” a feat in and of itself because of its location in the midst of the Sunshine State. The Conrad Orlando is certainly one of TPG’s most anticipated new inns of 2024, and after being on the property for only some minutes, it is simple to see why. The lodge is already dwelling as much as the hype.
Here is what you will discover if you happen to determine to test it out.
Associated: Greatest Hilton playing cards
What’s Conrad Orlando at Evermore Orlando Resort?
Orlando’s first Conrad lodge is positioned throughout the new billion-dollar Evermore Orlando Resort.
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This not too long ago opened resort will not be solely house to the 433-room Conrad Orlando, which sits on one aspect of the 8-acre lagoon, however it additionally has a wide range of different lodging out there for lease, together with 69 homes that vary from five- to eleven-bedroom abodes, 206 four-bedroom flats and 41 two- and four-bedroom villas which can be priced fairly competitively at simply a few hundred {dollars} an evening for the smaller items.
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This huge Evermore Resort additionally has two golf programs, is house to varied eating places, has a schedule of each day actions and shares its crown jewel, the blue lagoon named Evermore Lagoon, with the Conrad. The way in which it was defined to me, Conrad has entry to all of the Evermore facilities, however some Conrad facilities are unique to solely Conrad company.
How a lot does it value to remain at Conrad Orlando?
A luxurious seashore resort in the midst of Florida does not come low cost, although it could be cheaper than flying farther afield to an actual seashore resort.
Normal rooms begin at $450 per night time and rise for peak dates. There’s a $50 resort price, which incorporates kayak and paddleboard leases for one hour, each day bottled water, shuttle service to Disney World, $20 off golf membership leases and 20% off spa therapies.
As a result of Conrad Orlando is a part of the Hilton household of inns, as an alternative of shelling out some money for a keep, you can redeem 90,000 Hilton Honors factors per night time for the standard room or use one of many free night time award certificates that generally come as a part of the welcome bonus on sure Hilton bank cards. If in case you have the Hilton Honors American Categorical Surpass® Card, it’s also possible to earn a free night time award to make use of right here by spending $15,000 on purchases with the cardboard in a calendar 12 months.
When reserving Conrad Orlando, you will wish to use one of many bank cards that earn essentially the most factors for Hilton stays, in addition to one which probably provides computerized Hilton Honors elite standing for value-added advantages. These embody:
- Hilton Honors American Categorical Surpass® Card: Earn 12 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at Hilton inns, computerized Gold elite standing and the power to improve to Diamond standing by spending $40,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar 12 months.
- Hilton Honors American Categorical Enterprise Card: Earn 12 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at Hilton inns, computerized Gold elite standing and the power to improve to Diamond standing by spending $40,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar 12 months.
- Hilton Honors American Categorical Card: Earn 7 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at Hilton inns, computerized Silver elite standing and the power to improve to Gold standing by spending $20,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar 12 months.
- Hilton Honors American Categorical Aspire Card: Earn 14 factors per greenback spent on eligible purchases at Hilton inns and computerized Diamond elite standing.
The data for the Hilton Aspire Card has been collected independently by The Factors Man. The cardboard particulars on this web page haven’t been reviewed or supplied by the cardboard issuer.
Standout options of Conrado Orlando
- I’ve stated it greater than as soon as, and I will say it once more: The 8-acre lagoon is, with out query, the spotlight of Conrad Orlando. The Conrad has its personal zero-entry seashore space and chairs for enjoyable by the lagoon.
- It is not all in regards to the lagoon, although — there’s additionally a fantastic pool and a splash pad with varied cabanas, daybeds and free-to-use lounge chairs.
- The Conrad Spa is impressed by Florida’s pure springs and is phenomenal. You will discover out of doors soaking tubs, an array of massages and indoor wellness journeys such because the Flower Essense therapeutic massage, which begins with a personalised quiz that will help you choose your most popular flowers to encourage the therapy.
- It is a high-end lodge with fashionable rooms to match. The household rooms even have built-in bunk beds in the lounge, making for a really inventive and worthwhile house.
- There are incredible meals and beverage venues on-site that may make you wish to spend some meal and snack time on the property. From distinctive cocktails on the roof at Ceiba to afternoon snack platters at Papaya Membership and multicourse Italian meals at Sophia’s Trattoria, you will wish to come hungry to the Conrad.
- Final however not least, you may simply get pleasure from Walt Disney World whereas staying right here because of a steadily working luxurious shuttle bus that takes company to every of the 4 main Disney theme parks. Better of all, the service is complimentary.
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The placement of Conrad Orlando
Let’s bounce proper into the situation of the Conrad Orlando, as that is an vital issue when reserving a keep right here.
The resort basically borders Walt Disney World, sitting within the nook near the Golden Oak, 4 Seasons and Fort Wilderness aspect of Disney World. Whereas it is vitally shut, it isn’t technically on Disney property. In consequence, it does not supply any of the early entry advantages that different inns, similar to these in Disney Springs and the Waldorf Astoria Orlando, give their company.
If you wish to get pleasure from a resort-centric trip and nonetheless have quick access to Disney World, this location will work simply superb. For those who needed to hit Disney World actually exhausting with an on-property Disney resort that gives all of the perks, I may see a keep at Conrad Orlando becoming in properly after just a few days of staying within the Disney bubble.
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Throughout my keep, the included luxurious bus to Disney left the resort 13 instances all through the day, departing as early as 7 a.m. and as late as 10:50 p.m. The departures occurred roughly each one to 2 hours. The shuttle is out there on a first-come, first-served foundation and leaves from the conferences and occasions aspect of the lodge’s entrance entrance. Like most different non-Disney-operated buses, the Conrad’s will make drop-offs on the Transportation and Ticket Middle when visiting Epcot or the Magic Kingdom, requiring a switch by boat or monorail to entry these parks.
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The vibe at Conrad Orlando
I checked into the lodge on a weekday in February throughout one of many early days of operations when there weren’t a whole lot of vacationers, so the vibe of the clientele is prone to evolve from what I skilled this near the property’s opening. That stated, I believe convention attendees who soak up rounds of golf and cocktails earlier than and after conferences will proceed to have an actual presence on the Conrad.
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However this lodge will not solely draw these on the town for work; even throughout my go to, there have been just a few households having fun with the pool or heading off to the theme parks. I might anticipate that sort of visitor to turn out to be extra prevalent throughout faculty breaks.
It is actually an upscale vibe, although not a fussy one. I felt rather more comfy right here than on the close by 4 Seasons (the place I felt like my leisure apparel was a notch or two under the conventional customary).
The lodge was stuffed with pure mild pouring by way of massive home windows and featured a watercolor-style design in calming blue hues all through the widespread areas.
Contained in the Conrad Orlando rooms
It most likely will not shock you after I say that the rooms on the new Conrad Orlando are fairly good.
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Like a lot of the remainder of the resort, they function earthy, water-inspired tones all through and are spacious (even in the usual room classes, which measure between 440 and 455 sq. toes). They’re nicely appointed with loads of energy shops, 55-inch TVs, practical work desks, Nespresso machines, bathrobes, in-room safes and roomy closets.
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I had a room with a balcony overlooking the lagoon and pool, which was an actual deal with, as I may see the solar rise and set from there every day. You might be additionally prone to have an orange customer in your balcony named “Sunny the Bunny,” who’s a little bit of a lodge mascot.
As for the mattress, I discovered it very comfy when it comes to the mattress and bedding, however sadly, the 4 massive pillows, whereas initially showing fairly fluffy, would flatten as I slept, leading to me waking as much as re-fluff them a time or two every night time.
That challenge apart, the room was completely pretty, as was the spa-inspired rest room with a walk-in bathe stocked with Byredo Mojave Ghost merchandise and very fluffy and pleasant towels.
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I did not personally have any points with noise from the hallways, although there have been fewer folks within the halls than maybe will someday be true because of the low occupancy throughout my keep. Particulars such because the thermostat and the web additionally labored promptly with out challenge. Nevertheless, the minibar was not but operational.
Household suite
Whereas I stayed in a comparatively customary room (albeit one with a wonderful view), I did get to tour a household suite.
These suites ring in at near 1,000 sq. toes and have two loos. Along with the first bed room with a king-size mattress, there are twin bunk beds cleverly constructed into the wall in the lounge. These bunk beds have their very own shops and little studying lights and might keep open to the room or closed off with a sliding door.
In some spot checks, the price of these suites appears to begin at simply shy of double the price of an ordinary room.
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The pool at Conrad Orlando
The zero-entry, heated Conrad Orlando pool is constructed in a winding form, creating many nooks and areas to loosen up and luxuriate in.
Surrounding the water, you will discover complimentary lounge chairs and umbrellas, together with cabanas and daybeds out there for lease. There may be poolside meals and beverage service, although there aren’t any lifeguards.
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Poolside cabana rental costs begin at $300 per day, whereas daybeds will set you again $150 per day. Cabanas include butler service, some devoted lounge chairs, TVs and minifridges, amongst different facilities. I loved one for an hour or so on my go to and will see it being an ideal house base for a bunch seeking to be out by the pool all day.
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Set again a bit from the primary pool is a splash pad designed for little ones, together with extra chairs and cabanas. That is additionally the place you will discover some out of doors video games, a grassy turf play space and extra casual spots to take a seat and benefit from the nice outside.
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The Conrad pool will not be the one pool that Conrad company can get pleasure from, although, as there may be additionally an Evermore pool on the alternative aspect of the lagoon that will even be price visiting if you wish to make the most of the multiperson slide. I didn’t see any life vests by the Conrad pool, nonetheless, I did see some close to the lagoon, in case you’d wish to seize one in your children to make use of.
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The lagoon at Conrad Orlando
Since I went quickly after the resort first opened, I could not discover any actual images of the lagoon, Evermore Bay, earlier than my keep and solely had entry to renderings that appeared too good to be true.
However consider it or not, that is a kind of instances that the fact lived as much as the hype. The 17 million gallons of water that equate to 100 swimming swimming pools, in response to the crew that gave me a tour, actually glisten underneath the Florida solar.
The lagoon is claimed to have a a lot decrease influence on the surroundings than customary resort swimming pools, because it makes use of crystalline as an alternative of chlorine or salt. A large filtration pump does a whole lot of the heavy lifting to maintain the lagoon in tiptop form, although I additionally noticed crews on the market all through the day working to maintain it trying nice.
The lagoon is designed for swimming, with a number of gradual inclines, beach-entry areas and a rope swing. Nevertheless, it’s also possible to use it for kayaking and paddleboarding, and there is even an electric-powered boat that may theoretically take you from one aspect of the lagoon to the opposite, although I did not see it in use throughout my go to.
The spa and water backyard at Conrad Orlando
The Conrad Orlando spa is a next-level facility. But once more, you will end up forgetting you are in Central Florida, because it has the appear and feel of someplace rather more far-flung.
My time on the Conrad Spa began with a welcome drink manufactured from hibiscus and berries, after which, whereas I loved it, I took a quick “flower quiz” to find which flowers I linked with essentially the most to find out the scents utilized in my therapy. In the end, the mix I chosen led to a scent of inside peace, which I can not argue with.
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In and across the spa, you will discover a continuation of the water theme. For instance, the shared leisure space to make use of earlier than and after your therapies was vivid and ethereal, with varied blue and inexperienced hues.
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There’s additionally a stunning bathe with varied scents and water choices, plus a sauna and a steam room.
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The 50-minute Flower Essence Therapeutic massage ($245) I obtained was completely incredible, with a really expert therapeutic massage therapist who was spot on with the extent of stress I requested.
For those who need an additional dose of pampering, take into account the $150 floral bathing expertise, which makes use of the flower-infused tubs within the out of doors water backyard. There are additionally chilly plunge, scorching plunge and vitality swimming pools that should be utilized in a circuit.
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Actions and facilities at Conrad Orlando
Youngsters membership
The Conrad has a children membership with half- and full-day packages for youngsters ages 5 to 12. The theme of the youngsters membership matches the remainder of the resort, because it’s impressed by Florida’s landscapes and wildlife.
Half-day periods value $35 for the primary child ($25 for added kiddos), whereas full-day visits value $75 for the primary little one ($50 for added children). There are completely different themes every week, similar to pirates, reptiles, underwater adventures and nature. There are additionally children night packages on Friday and Saturday nights from 6 to 10 p.m. for $50.
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Health heart
Close to the spa, there is a 24-hour health heart geared up with three Pelotons, seven treadmills and all kinds of different new health tools.
Evermore calendar of occasions
The bigger Evermore Resort has a really lengthy checklist of actions you may take part in whereas staying on the Conrad, starting from lightsaber lessons to mimosa-fueled yoga. A number of the actions are free to get pleasure from, whereas others require an extra price.
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The place to eat at Conrad Orlando
Prepare for some nice meals and drinks if you happen to come to Conrad Orlando, as you’ve a variety of selections, starting from poolside treats to high-end cocktails with a view.
Ceiba
Let’s begin on the high with Ceiba, a recent Mexican restaurant with handcrafted cocktails and arguably one of the best views round. Whereas up there, you will spot the Epcot ball within the distance in a single course and the Magic Kingdom in one other, making it a primary spot for having fun with nightly fireworks.
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I had a preview tasting of what is to come back at Ceiba, however there wasn’t a whole menu because it wasn’t totally open. Nevertheless, I cherished the ceviche that had each a candy and spicy taste, together with the al pastor with pineapple emulsion and 48-hour marinated pork. (Value is at present unavailable.)
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I might eat at Ceiba once more in a heartbeat, however you will most likely wish to save a few of your abdomen house for the inventive cocktails, too.
I obtained to pattern the Ceiba ginger basil margarita with contemporary lime and agave; the Pinata, which is the eatery’s model of a pina colada with dried pineapple and Mezcal-soaked boba pearls; and the Tres Leches, which had a flame on high and might solely be described as a scrumptious dessert in a cup. I additionally tried the smokey however decadent Treasure, which was served in a smokey treasure field with a chocolate-covered plantain on high.
Every drink was someway even higher and extra spectacular than the final, and I can not suggest stopping right here sufficient.
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Papaya Membership
A straightforward spot to pop in for lunch or dinner is Papaya Membership. Positioned between Conrad’s pool and personal seashore, this open-air restaurant provides varied dishes with Polynesian flavors, similar to a poke bowl, lettuce wraps and wings.
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For those who aren’t certain what to get, the Pu Pu Platter ($45) that includes the chef’s alternative of bites in a single dish is bound to be successful for the desk. The poke bowl ($28) I had for lunch someday was additionally incredible, as have been the cocktails, such because the Yellow Cloud ($18) made with rum, ardour fruit, pineapple and lime.
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Sophia’s Trattoria
Sophia’s Trattoria is a southern Italian restaurant with an open-air kitchen and really interactive and pleasant service. For dinner one night time, I trusted the waiter’s suggestions to information me by way of an ideal meal.
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I began with the arancini ($21) served with saffron, roasted tomatoes and prosciutto, then the tuna crudo ($26), which can have been my favourite a part of the meal because of the good mix of the contemporary fish and citrus. I then moved on to the squid ink bucatini ($34), which included crab, scallion and Fresno chile. It was actually all incredible, and I might completely return for an additional dinner there anytime.
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There’s additionally a strong breakfast unfold at Sophia’s. The honey almond granola parfait ($18) served with a wide range of fruit and berries on high deserves a particular shoutout. I might argue it is a meal in itself, however if you wish to attempt one thing else on the menu, the tasty hash browns are price ordering, too.
Earlier than you come for breakfast, take into account that Hilton Honors elite members can not select free breakfast at U.S. inns as a profit, although you may choose a $25 per particular person, per day (for as much as two folks) meals and beverage credit score that may offset the fee a bit.
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Little Spoon
The Conrad’s most informal grab-and-go spot for a espresso, bottled drink, pastry or gelato is Little Spoon, positioned on the foyer stage.
Whereas the laid-back venue could initially appear to be it will be reasonably priced, know prematurely that almost all pastries and gelato value at the very least $10. The fundamental espresso I ordered set me again $9.34 as soon as the pre-included 18% gratuity was factored in. Nonetheless, it is a first rate choice if you happen to want a caffeine enhance or snack in a rush.
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Apero
Located on the identical stage as Sophia’s, Apero is a superb spot to cease by in your method to your sit-down meal at Sophia’s and even as a extra informal various to the restaurant. It has an Italian wine checklist and varied small bites, such because the arancini I had at Sophia’s and a charcuterie platter.
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Room service
Conrad Orlando does supply room service, which got here inside half-hour of my order and was simply pretty much as good because the breakfast I loved the next day at Sophia’s.
Extra meals choices at Evermore Orlando Resort
For those who’re searching for extra meals choices, particularly ones which can be extra informal, then stroll to the alternative finish of the lagoon. There, you will discover extra venues open for lunch and dinner, similar to Craft Burgers, Props Pizza and That is a Wrap. One other spot, Twin View, additionally serves breakfast and occasional beginning at 7 a.m.
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Anticipate pleasant service at Conrad Orlando
Whereas lots of the employees members knew I used to be at Conrad Orlando for a hosted press keep, even those that did not supplied top-notch service. Everybody I chatted with was enjoyable to speak to and appeared excited to share suggestions. It was clear that the lodge’s crew was genuinely completely satisfied to be working at this property.
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An excellent instance of this was on the finish of my keep when it was time to move to the airport. Regardless of a number of makes an attempt, the valet crew could not get my rental automobile began. Earlier than letting me know, that they had labored collectively to attempt to discover a answer to get it going. Ultimately, I needed to go away the rental automobile behind and get an Uber, however the crew was so gracious in making an attempt to assist me clear up the issue earlier than I even knew I had one.
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Causes the Conrad Orlando might not be for you
- If, for you, visiting Orlando means day after day of morning-to-night park enjoyable, it most likely does not make sense to remain on the Conrad Orlando regardless that it’s near Disney World. It doesn’t convey all the identical Disney perks as another inns within the space, and there is a lot to do on the resort that you just’re seemingly overpaying if all you need is a mattress in your head between days spent on the theme parks.
- That is actually not essentially the most economical place to remain in Orlando, whether or not you are paying with factors or money. So, if you do not have lots of of {dollars} or tens of 1000’s of factors to drop for each night time of your go to, it’s possible you’ll wish to keep elsewhere.
- Alongside these strains, meals and drinks at Conrad Orlando vary from good to excellent, however the costs are on the excessive finish. Paying $10 for a primary cup of espresso on the grab-and-go outlet felt steep, even whenever you get used to the higher-end experiences coming with the next price ticket. (Subsequent time, I will make a cup within the room as an alternative.)
- Whereas there are household rooms on the Conrad Orlando that may work out nicely for some households, in case you are touring with a bigger group and wish the Evermore facilities with out the Conrad price ticket, you is likely to be higher served on the multibedroom items that additionally encompass the big lagoon.
Accessibility
Conrad Orlando provides mobility-accessible rooms, lodging with both switch or roll-in showers and hearing-accessible rooms with visible alarms and notification units. All of those room sorts are bookable on the lodge’s web site.
The general public areas have been additionally designed with accessibility in thoughts. There may be an accessible raise in the primary pool, and all through the lodge, together with across the lagoon, you will discover paved pathways which can be simple to navigate.
Testing
Conrado Orlando at Evermore Orlando Resort blew me away. Whereas the lagoon may’ve simply turned out to be extra of a Las Vegas-esque gimmick, fortunately, it provides a totally completely different expertise. Positive, it is large like its Vegas counterparts, however it’s so nicely executed that it elevates your entire resort and makes you’re feeling as if you happen to actually are at a seashore vacation spot.
For those who like higher-end meals and drinks, respect the pinnings of a luxurious resort, have the money or Hilton factors to tug it off and need a journey to the Orlando space that’s removed from stereotypical, then the brand new Conrad Orlando is price contemplating.
I am in Orlando many instances a 12 months, and it is secure to say that after a solo journey to take a look at the property, I can not wait to return with a crew of pals or household to huddle up on the seashore and luxuriate in one of the best of Orlando theme park leisure in an opulent setting.
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