It’s the home of theme parks, the iconic big mouse ears, and roller coasters that turn you right-side out in the morning. But let’s face it, not everyone wants to spend his vacation running around the park avoiding characters dressed up like cartoon animals or waiting for 2-3 hours in the hot sun to greet a talking duck.

Some, believe it or not, come to Orlando without any plans to visit a single theme park. Shocking, right? Instead, they seek a more unique, less crowded experience. A staycation where they can unwind and enjoy the lesser-known charms of this bustling city.

Let’s step away from the parks for a moment and discover their hidden hotels, perfect for a memorable time. If you can’t swing the tickets, try playing for a big prize at Bizzocasino Canada. You might get lucky and be able to finance the next holiday of your dreams!

The Alfond Inn: Where Art Meets Comfort

If your idea of a good time includes stunning artwork without the pretentious art critics, then The Alfond Inn in Winter Park is your dream. Just a few miles from downtown, this boutique doubles as an art gallery.

They have pieces from the Cornell Fine Arts Museum’s collection adorning the walls. Every corner has something beautiful to admire, and you don’t even have to pretend to know what it all means.

Grand Bohemian: A Taste of the Extravagant

If you think it’s all flip-flops and tank tops, the Grand Bohemian Hotel is here to prove you wrong. Located downtown, it is what happens when someone decides that regular resorts are too boring and decides to make a palace instead.

With opulent décor, a grand piano, and many luxurious suits, it is where you go when you want to feel like royalty for a weekend. Their ‘The Boheme’ restaurant, is one of the world’s best. They serve food that you would love to take a picture of if you consider yourself an avid Instagrammer. Lounging by the rooftop pool with a cocktail in hand and taking a glance at the city skyline is also enjoyable.

If you feel somewhat overfed with all the posh around, you can always head to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts to get your daily serving of Broadway performances or some concerts. It’s the ultimate stay-at-home retreat for a king or queen of the house, without the royal burden!

The Celeste Hotel: Out of This World Relaxation

The Celeste Hotel, located near the University of Central Florida, is a celestial-themed hideaway that’s out of this world (literally, the decor is space-themed). Opening the site, you’re welcomed by an ultramodern design that would not be out of place in a sci-fi movie. There’s also a mock observatory lounge where one can gaze at the stars without the inconveniences of mosquitoes, rainy weather, and the like.

The rooms are huge and stylish with some nice aerodynamic touches that make you wonder if you are on Star Trek’s Enterprise on a mission to the red planet! The restaurant Aurora serves simple yet classy meals that can suit anyone.

The Lake Nona Wave Hotel: Tech-Savvy and Trendy

For those who believe that the future is already here, there is a place to stay – the Lake Nona Wave Hotel. They are all about merging technology with design.

Situated in the fast-developing Lake Nona region, everything about is modern, right from the construction to the facilities offered. Once you get there, you don’t even need to hear the word ‘Disney’ because there is so much to do there.

The place is packed with trails and chill places such as Boxi Park which has food trucks accompanied by live music. They also have a super posh rooftop bar which is perfect for grabbing a cocktail and feeling superior for not wasting your holiday in long queues.