Orlando's Hidden Gem: Marriott Harbour Lake's Unbelievable Luxury!
Marriott's Harbour Lake: More Than Just a Hotel, It's a Damn Good Time (and Maybe a Little Overhyped?)
Alright, folks, buckle up. I just rolled back from Orlando’s Marriott Harbour Lake, and let me tell you, my soul is a blend of sunshine, chlorine fumes, and a lingering, almost existential, craving for a really, REALLY good mojito. This place? It's… a lot. And I mean that in the best and, occasionally, slightly overwhelming way.
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- Meta Description: Dive into my no-holds-barred review of Marriott’s Harbour Lake in Orlando! From the ridiculously fun pools to the surprisingly comfy beds, get the real scoop on accessibility, dining, amenities, and if it’s really worth the hype. Warning: May contain excessive praise for a well-made margarita.
First Impressions: The Good, The Questionable, and the "Wait, Did I Pack Enough Sunscreen?"
Okay, so the vibe is immediately "family fun with a touch of aspirational luxury." Picture perfectly tanned parents, kids buzzing with energy (and sugar), and a serious commitment to poolside cocktails. The lobby? Swanky, but not stuffy. Think plush seating, bright artwork, and enough space to maneuver a particularly aggressive stroller – which, trust me, is a valuable quality. (Speaking of which – more on Accessibility later, it's a BIG DEAL here).
Accessibility: A Solid Start (But Room for Improvement)
Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I'm always keenly aware of accessibility. And Harbour Lake does a decent job. Ramps are plentiful, elevators are easy to find, and the staff seemed genuinely accommodating. The wheelchair accessible rooms are spacious and well-designed. The elevator situation is smooth. HOWEVER, here's a little grumble: while the hotel is great for navigating with a stroller, there's a small gap between the elevator and the floor sometimes, if you are in a wheelchair. This can be easily fixed, and I hope they do.
On-Site Restaurants & Lounges: Fueling the Fun (and the Carb Cravings)
Listen, they have options. Lots of them. Let's break it down:
- Restaurants: You got your casual spots (burgers, pizza), a sit-down place with surprisingly good International Cuisine (the pasta was surprisingly delicious, I will own it), and even a Vegetarian Restaurant (which, for a meat-lover like me, felt… healthy. And that’s a good thing, after a week of pool-side nachos).
- Poolside Bar: This is essential. They serve drinks, snacks, and – crucially – Poolside bar service!
- Coffee/Tea in Restaurant: Yup, always a win.
- Breakfast [Buffet]: Ah, the buffet. A glorious, chaotic, and sometimes soul-crushing experience. But it's there! And the Western Breakfast options are plentiful.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Margarita Chronicles (and the Occasional Hiccup)
Speaking of poolside cocktails… this is where Harbour Lake really shines. I’m not even kidding. The margaritas – made with actual tequila, people! – were pure liquid sunshine. (And yes, I may have consumed a few too many. Don’t judge.) The Happy Hour deals were decent, and the staff at the Poolside Bar were incredibly friendly and on top of their game.
My only minor complaint? The food at the Snack Bar was kind of… meh. The pizza was forgettable, and the burgers, adequate at best. But honestly? After a couple of those killer margaritas, I wasn’t exactly scrutinizing the culinary details.
Cleanliness, Safety, and All That Important Stuff
Look, in these crazy times, we're all a little obsessed with hand sanitizer and sanitizing. Harbour Lake takes it seriously. Hand sanitizer dispensers are everywhere, staff members wear masks, and there’s evidence of regular cleaning and disinfection. I even spotted them using Anti-viral cleaning products. They offer Rooms sanitized between stays, you can opt out, and they seem to care about the details!
For the Kids (and the Kid in All of Us)
If you're traveling with kids, you've hit the jackpot. Harbour Lake is designed for families. The pools (more on those later – they deserve their own chapter) are fantastic. They have a babysitting service (although I didn’t use it), family/child friendly everything, and they have Kids meals options. There's a whole water park area. It's a kid's paradise.
Things to Do (Besides Obsessively Sunbathe)
Okay, so, the pools. The pools. The Swimming Pool [outdoor]. The Pool with a view. The Sauna. Did I mention the pools? They're the star of the show. The design is top-notch, the areas are huge, and if you can't have fun here, you're probably clinically incapable of joy.
Beyond the pools, they have a decent Fitness center (I tried to use it, but the pull of the pool was too strong), a spa offering the usual treatments, and various activities designed to keep everyone entertained.
My Personal Anecdote: The Day I Became a Poolside Philosopher
Okay, this is where I get a little… personal. One day, after what might have been my third or fourth margarita, I found myself sitting poolside, staring contemplatively at the water while the sun beat down on me. I was watching kids splashing, parents lounging, and a general sense of… happiness.
And then, I saw it. A tiny, inflatable flamingo. Floating serenely. Bobbing. Existing. And in that moment, I realized: life, like this inflatable flamingo, is about embracing the absurdity. It's about floating, laughing, and maybe having one too many margaritas. It's about the ability to accept the chaos… and to drink more. (Look, I said it might get messy.)
Bathroom Essentials: A Confession
Okay, the Bathtub was good. The shower was fine. The Toiletries were decent, too. But here's the harsh truth: The hotel did not provide me with a bath sponge. So I had to pay a lot of money to buy one at the Convenience store.
Rooms: Comfort, Space, and Blackout Curtains of Glory
The rooms at Harbour Lake are pretty great. They're spacious, well-appointed, and surprisingly quiet. The Air conditioning is strong (a MUST in Florida). The Blackout curtains? Genius. They're a godsend after a long day of sun and margaritas.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Harbour Lake offers a whole host of services designed to make your life easier. They have Concierge service, daily housekeeping, laundry service, and even a Cash withdrawal machine. There's a Gift/souvenir shop, and they'll gladly supply you with Essential condiments. And, most importantly, there's Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Though, I'm not really sure the internet is the thing you'll be using for most of the time.)
The Verdict: Go (Prepared to Relax… and Drink Margaritas)
So, is Marriott's Harbour Lake worth it? Absolutely. Yes, it’s a little on the pricey side, but the amenities, the location, and the overall vibe more than make up for it. It's not perfect – no place is – but it comes damn close. Just remember to pack your sunscreen, your sense of humor, and your willingness to embrace the chaos. And maybe, just maybe, pick up a bath sponge.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this itinerary isn't going to be your typical, pristine, Instagram-worthy travel plan. This is me-at-Harbour-Lake-Orlando, and it's gonna be…well, let's find out. Let's roll the dice.
Day 1: Arrival – Sunshine, Shenanigans, and Existential Dread (Maybe)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Orlando International Airport (MCO). Ugh. The airport. Let's face it, it's a logistical labyrinth designed to induce a mild panic attack. Pray to the travel gods that my luggage actually shows up. Last time I flew, my suitcase took a scenic route to freaking Iceland. Don't even ask.
- 1:45 PM: Shuttle to Marriott's Harbour Lake. Hopefully, the driver's a decent conversationalist because my pre-vacation anxiety is peaking.
- 2:30 PM: Check-in. Breathe. Actually, deep breaths. The lobby is already screaming "family fun." Which, for a solo traveler like myself, can be…a lot. Trying not to immediately become the grumpy old lady scowling at the happy kids.
- 3:00 PM: Unpack. This is where the real vacation begins. My room is a glorified apartment, which is comforting… and a little depressing (like living alone except even more alone). My first impulse is, obviously, to test the bed.
- 3:30 PM: Poolside reconnaissance. Okay, this is where the "actually enjoying myself" part starts. Finding a good spot is crucial. Not too close to the screaming kids' splash zone, but close enough to hear the faint murmur of happy conversations; people like me.
- 4:00 PM: Drink. Order my first poolside cocktail. Something fruity, something strong. Gotta acclimatize to the Floridian sunshine. Maybe I'll people-watch. Or maybe I'll just stare blankly at the water, contemplating the vastness of the universe and my questionable life choices that led me here.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Debating between the on-site restaurant and venturing out. The thought of driving after a cocktail is terrifying. But. But. I'm a sucker for a good local dive. Maybe I'll wing it.
- 7:30 PM: Sunset. On balcony. If I have a balcony (praying to the travel gods). A good sunset can fix a multitude of sins. Maybe buy a pizza and try to figure out what to watch on TV.
Day 2: Watery Wonders and Deep Thoughts (Mostly Watery)
- 8:00 AM: Try to get up. The big question is: Can I wake up and follow a plan? The sun and the prospect of breakfast make me want to roll over.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. There are two paths here: 1) Grocery shopping and cooking breakfast in my own room. 2) Eat breakfast at the hotel, which means I'd have to pretend I'm a morning person. Today..Option 2.
- 10:00 AM: The pool! Time for the lazy river. The ultimate test of adulthood. I'm envisioning a floating fortress of relaxation. (Realistically, it's probably going to involve bumping into a bunch of screaming kids and losing my sunglasses.)
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. (I'm sensing a pattern here.) Poolside again. Probably a burger. Nothing fancy. Gotta fuel the lazy river sessions.
- 1:00 PM: Lazy River Time. Okay, this is what I came here for. This is the reason I booked the trip. This is where the real vacation exists. The world fades away, the sun warms my face, and I just…float. Hopefully, there are no rogue inflatable alligators.
- 3:00 PM: Time to be a good solo traveler, and check out the other experiences in the hotel! From the mini-golf course to the game room.
- 5:00 PM: Shower. I am hoping the water is hot.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. The big question: cook or order take-out and watch tv in my room? I'll see how I am feeling.
- 7:00 PM: Stargazing. Since there are no lights here, I might be able to do it.
Day 3: Disney Daze…or Not?
- 7:30 AM: Wake up. Did I oversleep?
- 8:00 AM: Big Descision: Disney World.
- 8:15 AM: Second thought: Disney is not my thing.
- 8:30 AM: Decide on the mini golf instead.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel.
- 10:00 AM: Mini-golf
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Probably at the hotel by the pool.
- 1:00 PM: Pool time, reading, taking a snooze.
- 3:00 PM: Some shopping.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner.
- 6:00 PM: Evening at the resort.
- 7:00 PM: Sunset on the balcony
- 8:00 PM: Get a good night's sleep.
Day 4: Farewell to Fabulous (Probably)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Check the weather. Sunscreen.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast.
- 10:00 AM: Last swim. Soak it all in.
- 12:00 PM: Pack. Ugh, the bittersweet task. Remembering all the things I didn't do. Did I use the gym? Probably not. Did I eat too many fries? Definitely.
- 1:00 PM: Final poolside cocktail… and a long, thoughtful gaze at the water. Goodbye, beautiful water.
- 2:00 PM: Check out, and the shuttle to the airport.
- 3:00 PM: Stand in line.
- 4:00 PM: Flight home.
- End of Day: Back home, and wondering when I can do this all over again.
Anecdotes, Quirks, and Random Ramblings:
- I swear I saw a squirrel wearing a tiny Mickey Mouse hat by the pool. Either that, or the sunshine and cocktails are really starting to kick in.
- My emotional reaction to the lazy river was basically pure, unadulterated joy. Like, actual tears of happiness. Don't judge.
- The on-site restaurant was…fine. Perfectly edible. But the real magic happens when I'm alone in my room with a pizza and the television.
- I may or may not have spent a solid hour trying to get a good selfie with the sunset. Success: questionable. Self-esteem: still intact.
- I'm seriously considering adopting a pool float. It’s a relationship. The sun. The water. Me. The float.
- Going home is always the bittersweet moment.
Imperfections & Truths:
- I forgot to buy sunscreen again.
- I spent way too long looking at my phone.
- I definitely ate too many fries.
- I could have tried to do more. Could have gone to the theme park, or on a hike. But I didn't. And that's okay. This trip was for me, in all my imperfect, lazy, and occasionally existential glory.
So, there you have it. A slightly messy, extremely honest, and hopefully amusing glimpse into my Florida vacation. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a lazy river to conquer.
Corbin's BEST Kept Secret: Comfort Inn & Suites! (KY)
Okay, spill it. Is Marriott Harbour Lake REALLY as amazing as everyone says? (And can *I* afford it?)
Alright, buckle up, because I'm about to get brutally honest. Short answer: YES. Long answer? It's a love affair, people. A glorious, slightly-pricey love affair. Let's just say I've been known to stalk their website for deals, and let’s be honest, I have a serious problem… but the problem is, I don't want a cure. Look, it’s like this: you *think* you know luxurious Orlando, you've probably done Disney, Universal, blah blah blah… But Harbour Lake throws you a curveball. It's... different. And yes, the price tag can feel heavy when you first look.
So, about the rooms. Are they actually *nice*? Or just, you know, "hotel nice"?
"Hotel nice"? Honey, no. We are talking *ridiculously* nice. Like, the kind of nice where you walk in and immediately start plotting how to steal the comforter and the gigantic fluffy pillows. (Don't judge me, I’m not the only one who feels this deep, abiding love for a good hotel pillow!). The suites at Harbour Lake are… suites! REAL suites. With a full kitchen. Think: cooking your own breakfast (or, let's be real, reheating pizza from the night before) and a separate living area. My first time, I walked in, and my jaw actually dropped. I let out a little yelp of pure joy! (Yes, I embarrass easily). Bonus: the master bath feels like a spa. A *glorious* spa. I swear, I spent half my vacation in that jacuzzi tub. (Don’t tell anyone, but sometimes I pretend I’m a mermaid. Don’t judge me, again!)
The pool area… what’s the vibe? Relaxing oasis or utter chaos?
Okay, the pools. This is a mixed bag, and honestly, this is where the messiness comes in. There are multiple pools. Multiple! Some are calmer, perfect for lazy floats with a good book (and yes, they have those incredibly comfortable lounge chairs). Others are geared towards more… active fun. I once saw a full-blown water balloon fight. A glorious, soggy, joyous water balloon fight! (I almost joined in, but my competitive spirit and delicate manicure made me reconsider... maybe next time!). So, yeah, there's some chaos, but it's fun chaos. Think kids splashing, people laughing, the smell of sunscreen… it's holiday bliss. Just maybe find a pool furthest away from the “lazy river” if you need some serious peace and quiet.
Besides swimming are there any other fun things to do?
Yes! And this is where it really sets itself apart from other hotels. There's mini-golf. (I am *terrible* at mini-golf, but I still love it.) They have a kids' club, so I can finally relax without my mini-me. There are activities EVERYWHERE. I even saw a shuffleboard tournament. A *shuffleboard tournament*! (I didn't play, because, well, I'm more of a spectator sport type of gal.) They have kayaks and paddle boats on the lake, so you can pretend you're a sophisticated adventurer and enjoy the views. It’s all about the options, and honestly, it makes you feel like a kid again. And I need that!
Let's talk food. Is the on-site dining any good, or should I just stick to instant noodles?
Okay, so the food. It is a mixed bag. There’s a poolside bar. And it's not cheap. Like, a burger can cost more than you’d pay at home. (I almost choked when the bill came the first time). However, the burgers are actually REALLY GOOD. and the cocktails are even better (I mean, they’re vacation cocktails, people, they *have* to be good). The little market in the lobby is a lifesaver for breakfast items and snacks. The other restaurant, the one with the 'fancy' name? Meh. It’s fine. Stick with the casual stuff, or, honestly, take advantage of those kitchenettes! Prepare your own breakfast and save some money. Seriously. It’s the smart play.
How close are you to Disney and everything else?
It's CLOSE. Very close. Like, a quick drive to the Disney parks. That's not a lie. Traffic, however, is a crapshoot, as it always is in Orlando. But compared to some of the faraway hotels, you're winning. Universal is a bit further, but still manageable. The location is one of the best things about it, giving you accessibility without the suffocating, constant noise and energy of being *right* in the park. You can retreat. It is a serious bonus.
Is "hidden gem" an exaggeration? Does everyone know about this place by now?
Okay, so the "hidden gem" thing is a bit… optimistic. Let me tell you, you will see the place bustling! But compared to the massive, mega-resorts that are a constant, it feels a little more… special. It's not as overwhelming. It's upscale, but in a chill way. It’s not like you’re battling crowds just to get a pool chair. It *feels* less mass-produced. So, maybe not "hidden," but definitely a cut above. It's popular, yes, but it's popular for a reason.
Okay, alright, tell me the *bad* stuff. What's the catch?
Alright, here's the truth. First, the price. It’s pricey. You'll need to watch for deals. (See, I can't stop thinking about the price!). Second, sometimes, and I mean *sometimes*, the service can be a little… hit or miss. Nothing major, but occasionally there's a slow check-in line or a slight mix-up with the room service. It’s not perfect, but it's not a deal-breaker. Third, on super busy days, the pools can get aSearch Hotel Guide
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