It’s always said that you can’t have your cake and eat it too, but the Buena Vista Palace Hotel and Spa seems to prove this expression wrong. Located directly across from the Downtown Disney ® area and minutes away from other Orlando attractions, the hotel is right in the middle of busy Orlando’s theme park area. However, this hotel still manages to maintain a peaceful, almost secluded atmosphere thanks to its 27 beautifully landscaped acres, which include bright green palms and a blue, sky-reflecting waterway.

The décor at Buena Vista Palace seems to create a relaxing effect from the moment one enters the bright, airy lobby, adorned with contemporary décor and soothing earth tones. The newly renovated rooms are similarly decorated, featuring rich wood furnishings, colorful accents, and Herman Miller ergonomic chairs. Buena Vista Palace offers 1,014 rooms and 117 suites in the 27-story Island Resort Tower and main resort building, ranging from the lovely standard rooms (available with the option of a resort, water, or Disney view) to the spacious Island Suites, complete with a private balcony.

Each room comes fitted with a 32-inch LCD flat-screen TV, mini-refrigerator, coffee maker, and high-speed internet access. Guests will particularly enjoy the ultra-comfortable beds, featuring down pillows, and 250-thread count white duvets and linens.

With a location so close to Walt Disney World ®, Buena Vista Palace caters to families with amenities like a playground, video arcade, babysitting services, and even a Disney Character Brunch on Sundays. Business professionals will also be pleased with extras like a business center, audio/visual equipment and computer rental, meeting rooms, and webcasting/web conferencing capabilities.

After a full day of park-hopping or meetings, guests will enjoy relaxing in the hot tub, or one of the three heated pools, which are located on a separate island in a beautiful tropical setting. If the pool is too crowded for your tastes, explore the spa. In addition to offering many relaxing services and spa treatments, the Buena Vista Palace spa features a dry sauna, outdoor hot tub, and secluded lap pool, free to guests. For those who prefer exercise as their form of relaxation, the hotel has a 24-hour fitness center, lighted tennis court, basketball court, and a sand volleyball court for guests to enjoy.

The Buena Vista Palace also offers a variety of dining options, from a casual sports bar and café to the Australian-themed Outback restaurant, which surprisingly bears no connection to the national chain. However, guests will still enjoy this eatery’s fresh seafood and steak dishes among spectacular décor, including a multi-level waterfall.