There are trips that you schedule, and then there are trips that become more than a getaway, transforming into a place to breathe again, reconnect, and feel healed after a few recent moments of heaviness.
After a lot of text chats and impossible calendars, my close friends, Marian, Taylor, Sharma and I finally made space for a weekend just for us.
It couldn’t have come at a better time, and this is when the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace made it work with an invite to explore the property and to see firsthand exactly why this is the type of place where girls getaways and group getaways rule.
Life had weighed differently on each of us. I’ve been walking through the fog of losing my father to cancer, learning how to navigate that tender space between grief and gratitude. So, we packed our bags, turned up the music, and headed toward Orlando’s cooler weather, hoping for warmth, distraction, and maybe even a few moments of joy.
What we found at Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace, located just steps from the pedestrian bridge to Disney Springs, was so much more.
A Resort That Feels Like a Home Away from Home
From the moment we drove up the palm-lined entryway and stepped into the expansive, glowing lobby, we were impressed with the open, airy and welcoming property that included friendly front desk staff ready to help us navigate the hotel.
And that feeling only doubled the second we reached our Island Tower Suite. It was everything we needed and more—bright, spacious, and beautifully designed, with a balcony overlooking a sparkling pool scene framed by the cool, breezy Orlando skies. I felt my heart settle in a way I didn’t expect. The room radiated calm, and I let myself sink into it.
Here, I could sit on the balcony and unwind all while reflecting and taking in the calming scenery.
The hotel’s newly renovated rooms and suites throughout the resort showcase thoughtful design details, tranquil color palettes, and special touches like private balconies with views of Disney Springs or even EPCOT fireworks from select rooms. It’s a mix of comfort and magic, making you feel like you are a part of all the Disney World action, including a shuttle that offers transportation to the parks and concierges ready to help you with your vacation.
During the holidays the property also offers Festive Escape Suites, which are special themed holiday stays available from Dec. 14 to Jan. 4. These include vibrant holiday décor, a separate bedroom, spacious living room, and even a cookie-decorating kit to add sweetness to seasonal getaways. Though we didn’t experience these ourselves, they’re a wonderful option for travelers planning winter celebrations, ones where they can escape from their daily routines.
Dining That Feels Like Celebration
Our first evening set the tone for the weekend thanks to a memorable dinner at LetterPress, the hotel’s upscale farmhouse-inspired restaurant. And what a way to start the night!
The space is elegant yet relaxed, suited for lingering conversations and unwinding after travel. The menu strikes a delicious balance of modern American comfort and refined flavors, such as hearty seafood, seasonal specials, fresh pastas, and steaks that a few of us instantly gravitated toward.
My favorite cocktail was the Mai Tai, which I promise was made with the perfect balance of ingredients. Also, as a fan of chardonnay, the knowledgeable server did not hesitate to find me a yummy one that I loved.
I was impressed with the fun décor, featuring drapes with cut out letters, a shelf full of books, and even a metal newspaper stand decorated with newspaper pages. One night we wandered to the hotel’s buzzing lobby bar, where friendly bartenders were mixing some of the best dirty martinis we’ve had in ages.
The lobby comes alive at night with guests chatting, glasses clinking and it’s quite the vibrant gathering spot, a kind of place where you ease into the night without even realizing how much time has passed, and maybe even make a few new friends.
Poolside Bliss and a High-Class Gym
Not only is the expansive pool impressive but the bar, Shades, is quite a laid-back poolside retreat.
Even with cooler weather, the atmosphere felt tranquil and rejuvenating. Shades offers refreshing cocktails, light bites, and plenty of space to unwind, whether lounging in the sun, relaxing in a cabana, or simply soaking up the views of the pristine pool area.
The resort’s amenities extend far beyond the pool. The fitness center is polished, spacious, and equipped with everything from weights to cardio machines, ideal for a morning or evening reset. Guests also enjoy recreational offerings, on-site dining options, a 24-hour marketplace, and plenty of cozy pockets to relax throughout the property, and I promise you it’s worth exploring. You’ll find something to enjoy in every corner, including a brightly lit arcade for video game lovers.
Steps from Disney Springs: Where the Evening Comes Alive
One of the biggest gifts of staying at Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace is the proximity to Disney Springs.
The pedestrian bridge is next to the resort and accessible by a walkway for guests to cross over to the shopping and dining mecca, making it effortless to wander over for boutique shopping, themed lounges, waterfront restaurants, and nighttime entertainment.
We drifted from store to store, sampled cocktails, admired seasonal décor, and embraced that thrilling sense of freedom you only get on a trip with girlfriends. It’s no surprise that I found myself walking back to the resort under cool night air, with my arms full of a few shopping bags, which I will simply say that it was shopping therapy.
A Weekend That Helped Us Heal
By the time we packed up to head home, each of us felt lighter. Not because life had magically simplified, but because we gave ourselves permission to pause. To rest. To laugh. To enjoy friendship, comfort, and a place that allowed us to breathe without rushing.
One of the highlights was sitting on the suite’s couch, me in front of the television set on the carpeted floor, watching “Freakier Friday” with the girls and catching up, glass of wine on hand. The weekend softened grief I had been carrying so tightly. At moments, I felt my father’s presence in warmth rather than pain, reminding me to keep living with joy.
This wasn’t just a trip. It was a moment of healing. A reminder that sometimes, leaving home is how you find your way back to yourself.
The Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace is located at 1900 E. Buena Vista Drive in Lake Buena Vista, FL. For more information, visit hilton.com or call 407/827-2727.
