There’s something magical about escaping the everyday for a weekend of laughter and friendship, and my stay at Hilton Orlando with my bestie Marissa was exactly that.
After wrapping up a busy week of teaching and writing, I arrived late on a Friday night, tired but instantly welcomed by the kind and lively front desk staff. We struck up a conversation about my Star Wars tattoos, traded stories about collectibles, and even bonded over our mutual love of the trendy and scary monster toy trend, Labubus.
So yes, even the check-in felt like a moment of chatting with friends that revitalized me after my journey on the Brightline from Boca Raton to Orlando. After such a long trek from South Florida, I was ready to exhale. And the Hilton Orlando made that moment of arrival feel like a small celebration.
The lobby glowed softly, filled with the hum of gentle conversation and the comforting scent of fresh coffee and food from the 24-hour market nearby. I grabbed a chilled bottle of wine, a few snacks, and made my way up to my newly renovated double queen guest room overlooking the resort’s lush, tropical grounds and pool.
What awaited me inside stopped me in my tracks. It was a beautiful birthday cake, waiting just for me, with the Florida Atlantic University logo, where I also teach. I immediate called my husband and excitedly told him how welcome I felt from that first moment that I got into my room. My birthday wasn’t for a few more weeks, but the thoughtful surprise instantly made me feel seen, special, and right at home.
I kicked off my shoes, slipped into my pajamas, and popped on a “Snow White” face mask (because who says self-care can’t have a little Disney flair?). I poured myself a glass of wine, curled up in the ultra-comfortable Hilton bed, and put on “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” streaming straight from my own Netflix account thanks to the room’s smart TV connection. That night was quiet, cozy, and perfect—a rare kind of peace that only comes when you’re traveling solo but surrounded by kindness.
Moments of Poolside Bliss
Saturday was all about poolside paradise.
We checked into our private cabana beside the adults-only pool, complete with plush seating, chilled water, and a dedicated server who made sure our day was nothing short of perfect. We laughed for hours, caught up on life, and soaked in the serenity of the resort’s tropical 26-acre oasis. Between the lazy river, waterslide, and nearby fire pits, the entire pool area offers your own personal escape from the world, and there are options for everyone that decides to make it a full pool day.
Culinary Adventures
Dining at Hilton Orlando is an experience for every craving and occasion. The resort’s restaurants each bring their own personality to the table, and foodies will find themselves enjoying the hotel’s dining options, which are many.
Trabucco offers a chic taste of coastal Italy, where guests can savor handmade pastas, grilled seafood, and classic aperitivos on a breezy terrace overlooking the resort’s lush grounds. For a vibrant and playful vibe, TodoVos reimagines modern Mexican cuisine with bold flavors, tequila and mezcal tastings, and irresistible churros drizzled with warm Mexican chocolate.
If you’re in the mood to cheer on your favorite team, FastBreak is the place. It’s an elevated sports bar with wall-to-wall screens, craft beers, and hearty American fare, complete with an outdoor biergarten that hums with energy.
Poolside, Tropics Pool Bar & Grill serves island-inspired plates and refreshing cocktails, ideal for cabana lounging or a lazy river pit stop. Meanwhile, the sleek Bar Tela in the lobby is the heartbeat of the resort, a stylish gathering spot for evening cocktails and conversation. For quick bites and caffeine fixes, the Scratch Market stays open 24/7, stocked with pastries, sandwiches, pizzas, and espresso drinks to keep you fueled day or night.
Meetings, Events, and Conventions with a Touch of Style
While Hilton Orlando shines as a resort for relaxation and fun, it also doubles as one of Central Florida’s premier event and convention destinations.
The property boasts more than 236,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, including elegant ballrooms, airy breakout rooms, and stunning outdoor event lawns perfect for galas, weddings, or corporate celebrations. From large-scale conventions to intimate retreats, the hotel’s team provides expert planning, custom catering, and seamless technology integration. What’s especially impressive is how Hilton Orlando manages to blend professionalism with its signature warmth, so guests can attend a conference by day and unwind in paradise by night.
Its proximity to dining and shopping destinations makes this the type of place that you can go for a walk with colleagues and friends to take a break from a long day of meetings and work.
Location & Theme Park Perks
As a Universal Orlando Resort Partner Hotel, Hilton Orlando is perfectly located for thrill-seekers and park lovers. Guests can take advantage of the on-site Universal Planning Center, complimentary shuttles, and exclusive savings at Universal Orlando and CityWalk.
Of course, being Marissa and me, we couldn’t resist a detour to EPCOT in our matching Figment shirts, because what’s a bestie weekend without a little Disney magic? The Hilton Orlando is even a walk away from the new Universal Orlando Resort park, Epic Universe, making it quite the best kept secret when it comes to Orlando’s theme parks and its proximity to them.
Beyond the Parks
For those looking to unwind or stay active, Hilton Orlando offers something for everyone. You can indulge in the eforea Spa, sweat it out in the fitness center, or test your skills at the Topgolf Swing Suite.
The property even features sports courts, a lazy river, and fun experiences like Escape Room adventures, making it as dynamic as it is relaxing.
By the time we checked out, Marissa and I had made a pact: We’d do this again. The laughter, the thoughtful touches, the birthday surprise, it all reminded me that the best memories aren’t just about where you go, but who you share them with.
Hilton Orlando isn’t just a convention hotel, it’s a destination for connection, celebration, and pure happiness.
Hilton Orlando is located at 6001 Destination Parkway, Orlando. For more information and to make reservations, call 407/313-4300 or visit thehiltonorlando.com.
