Last week I had a quick overnight in Orlando between two flights, and decided to stay at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport. I’ve always wanted to stay at the Hyatt Regency since it’s basically an airplane nerd’s wet dream — it’s not connected to the terminal, but rather literally in the terminal. The rooms literally surround the departures/arrivals area, so it was five minutes from the time I deplaned to the time I was in the lobby.
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport terminal
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport terminal
I took the elevator up to the lobby, where I was promptly welcomed and checked in. I was informed I had been upgraded to a Deluxe King room, and was reminded that as a Gold Passport Diamond member I’d receive complimentary breakfast, internet, and late check-out (which I didn’t need). For what it’s worth my rate was ~$100.
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport lobby
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport lobby
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport lobby
I took the elevator up to the 8th floor, where my room was located. The hallways were super long, and my room was at the very end of the hallway.
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport hallway
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport hallway
I was assigned room 8047.
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport room entrance
The room featured an entryway with the bathroom to the right.
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Deluxe King room entryway
The room had a comfortable king bed, which faced a desk and flat screen TV.
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Deluxe King room
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Deluxe King room bed
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Deluxe King room desk and TV
Then closer to the entrance was a small seating area with a couch and chair.
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Deluxe King room seating area
I was informed at check-in that I had a very “quiet” room, which I suppose is true since it faced the parking lot.
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Deluxe King room view
The bathroom was a bit odd in that it had both a walk-in shower and tub shower combo.
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Deluxe King room bathroom
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Deluxe King room shower
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Deluxe King room toilet
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Deluxe King room shower
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Deluxe King room toiletries
While the room wasn’t the most modern and felt a bit dark, it sure was spacious, which I appreciated.
Since the hotel doesn’t have a club lounge, breakfast for Diamond members is offered at Hemisphere Restaurant, located on the ninth floor of the hotel.
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hemisphere Restaurant
The restaurant is beautiful, with huge glass windows overlooking the tarmac and runway.
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hemisphere Restaurant
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Diamond breakfast voucher
I was quickly seated and presented with a menu. My server, Laurie, appeared within a minute and was as cheery as could be. She told me that as a Diamond member I could have whatever I wanted. I had a look at the buffet, which looked fairly good.
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hemisphere Restaurant menu
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hemisphere Restaurant buffet
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hemisphere Restaurant buffet
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hemisphere Restaurant buffet
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hemisphere Restaurant buffet
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hemisphere Restaurant buffet
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hemisphere Restaurant buffet
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hemisphere Restaurant buffet
But generally if I can avoid a buffet I do, so I instead ordered a mushroom and pepper egg white omelet and a cappuccino. That was served within 15 minutes, and was tasty.
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport Hemisphere Restaurant breakfast
I really can’t stress enough how professional everyone in the restaurant was. Laurie came by to check on me at least a handful of times, the manager came by twice to see if everything was okay, and everyone working in the restaurant seemed to be chipper.
I also visited the gym in the morning, which seems to just be two converted guest rooms (based on the fact that the gym had a guest room style bathroom on each end of it).
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport gym
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport gym
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport gym
The hotel also has a cool rooftop pool with neat runway views. Unfortunately it was too cold to swim, and it wasn’t exactly a lap pool anyway.
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport pool
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport pool
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport pool view
I’m a big fan of the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport and would return in a heartbeat. The staff were all super friendly, in particular at Hemisphere Restaurant, and as an airplane nerd I love the fact that this hotel is literally a part of the airport. And even for the non-airplane nerd, you can’t beat the convenience of your room being just a two minute walk from the security checkpoint.
Hi, I was wondering if the hotel entrance is before or after going through security.
Great hotel - always stay there after a transatlantic into MCO ... and then head off first thing in the morning. That way we save on the car hire and get to drink as much as we like on the flight over!!
I stayed several years ago with my family on way to House of Mouse. We had a 12:30am arrival into MCO was great to deplane walk across, up escalator to lobby, we were in our room in minutes. Unfortunatly, everyone is anxious next morning to get going had no time to explore, or be an Airport Geek. Was nice to walk back down to Disney Transport in am, and away we went. Maybe one day soon can visit MCO and stay at Hyatt.
This must be a popular room for elites! I just checked my invoice from my last stay in October and sure enough I was in room 8047 as well. I usually stay here when I arrive into Orlando late at night since I can get to sleep that much more quickly and it saves me from having to rent a car until the following day. As for the restaurant, the buffet itself is nothing to...
This must be a popular room for elites! I just checked my invoice from my last stay in October and sure enough I was in room 8047 as well. I usually stay here when I arrive into Orlando late at night since I can get to sleep that much more quickly and it saves me from having to rent a car until the following day. As for the restaurant, the buffet itself is nothing to write home about, but as a Diamond member, you can order off the menu and still get additional items from the buffet as well.
Whenever we are in Orlando, we always book rooms for the family the night before departure home. It's super convenient and allows for everyone to get a few more zzz's.
We were forced to "rough" it in the hotel rather than return home during the last blizzard in Maine a few weeks ago when our Sunday morning flight was cancelled. We enjoyed the whole experience(runway views, people watching, free concerts and great food in...
Whenever we are in Orlando, we always book rooms for the family the night before departure home. It's super convenient and allows for everyone to get a few more zzz's.
We were forced to "rough" it in the hotel rather than return home during the last blizzard in Maine a few weeks ago when our Sunday morning flight was cancelled. We enjoyed the whole experience(runway views, people watching, free concerts and great food in the hotel restaurants) at a relaxed pace so it was sort of like a mini vacation from the fast paced vacation we just experienced with our grand kids.
@ Ben — For whatever reason, European Hilton properties supply smaller toiletry bottles than their American counterparts. Not sure if you see the inside of many domestic Hiltons...
@ Mark S. -- I don't like the KenetMD toiletries at all, though they're MUCH better than the old Portico toiletries they used to have, which were just horrible. My bigger issue with Hilton's toiletries are actually the bottles as opposed to the contents, as I find them too small.
@ Ben — Since you always dismiss Hilton's Peter Thomas Roth toiletries with a "meh," I'm curious about your opinion of Hyatt's KenetMD products. I find Hilton's offering to be the best among the major mid-range brands (namely, Hilton, Marriott, Sheraton, Hyatt/Regency, and Westin).
@ MAME -- Nope, didn't have a chance to try it unfortunately.
@ beachfan -- Nope, that was the standard rate. It was the night before Christmas Eve, which might explain why it was fairly cheap.
@ben - yeah, John and I had a decent meal at the lobby restaurant during a layover a few months ago-- surprisingly good food and service.
@paul - the tiny sign in front of the heating unit says "steel cut oats." I agree, not the most appetizing presentation.
Stayed there several times as well. The bell boy even picks your luggage up in the room, escorts you all the way to check in and puts the luggage on the belt. Super convenient when travelling with several pieces.
The restaurant off of the lobby has an awesome Cuban sandwich. I've gone there before/after a flight just to eat.
Did you try the pool? It is heated and open late.
I've always wanted to stay there, but whenever I'm in Orlando it's to visit Mickey and Minnie, so staying at MCO would be inconvenient.
Never been to Florida, and hope I never will. But I have to ask, what was that slop in a bowl sitting on top of that heater in the restaurant?
I stayed there many years ago (before online check-in). I thought it was awesome to be able to leave your room 35 minutes before departure. Of course, I missed the check-in time by 2 minutes and had to wait for the next flight.
Nice hotel.
Too bad it has to be in Orlando of all places.
Nothing about that tacky town says "wet dream" to me.
hey man I stayed in the same room 8047, 2 days before you...what a coincidence ...
Nice review!
Was that a special rate you got? I've always found hotel airports to be pricey.
@ Vik -- They seem to include award stays.
@ Carlos -- Yep, they're coming shortly!
I've stayed there, maybe in the same room. It's maybe the best airport hotel in the U.S. even if the room is a bit dated. You can't beat the convenience, and I agree the breakfast was excellent, as are the rates. Not many airplane views from the rooms, however.
Security at MCO is a drag, however, even the premium lanes, and the gate areas and clubs are nothing special. Still it's a solid choice for the night before a departure or an MR overnight.
Ben,
When you hit 50 properties with Hyatt and got the free night, did they include award stays or was it purely revenue based?
I second Carlos (above). :)
Ben, are you going to publish yours flights to Brazil [8 reviews of Delta :-)]?
We stayed at this hotel once and had a room overlooking the airport atrium. I found it interesting to people-watch from above. I guess you have a fellow airport nerd here!
Been there several times, and its a favorite, watched Obama elected president in the bar downstairs. Prefer rooms overlooking the interior of terminal myself.