With two championship golf courses and the world headquarters of the David Leadbetter Golf Academy in its backyard, you might think that the Omni Orlando Resort caters to the adult professional crowd. Indeed it does, and the Omni’s lower floors teem with busy meeting space. But something interesting is happening at this property, even more so than was ever expected. Business travelers are bringing their children, and leisure travelers, many of them families, make up to 40% of the occupancy on a given night. Close proximity to the Disney parks (and an included shuttle to get there) certainly helps, but so do the on-property, family-friendly activities.
At the Omni, outdoor recreation is key. In addition to world-class golf and a nine-hole family course that opened recently, there are tennis courts, a busy basketball court, sand volleyball with an adjacent sand play area for kids, and plenty of water-related activities.
Guests can choose the “quiet” adult pool and hot tub with cabanas, a relaxing luxury that is available for rent. Or they can hang out near the Family Activity Pool, with its zero-entrance access, water slide, interactive splash feature, and obelisk fountain. There’s even an 850-foot lazy river with inner tubes for all ages. A weekly schedule of group activities, such as morning walk, family tennis challenge, or teen pool tournament, rounds out the recreation options.
Inside, the resort features a 10,000-squre-foot spa, spacious fitness center, shopping venues and a casual coffee shop. The four restaurants welcome all ages: Zen, a pan-Asian dining experience, Trevi’s, a three-meal Italian restaurant, the Broadway Deli with its variety of snacks and refreshments (including ice cream!), and David’s Club, a sports bar and grill with pool and foosball. Croc’s Bar and Grill is an additional poolside venue. Families are welcome, all the time, at any of the restaurants. Zen and Trevi’s both offer children’s menus, activity mats, and crayons.
Each of the Omni’s 730 spacious guest rooms offers a large TV with on-demand movies and Nintendo games, two telephones, in-room coffee, a lighted make-up mirror, hair dryer, mini-bar, iron, daily newspaper delivery, and in-room high-speed and wireless Internet access. Rollway beds are available upon request for an additional fee. Suites are available.
Finally, what about the children’s program? The Omni Kids program is focused on meeting the needs of those traveling with kids, not on providing supervised care for them. After all, there's so much for families to do together in Orlando.
Omni's amenities feature kid-friendly amenities including suitcases filled with games, toys, and books, a goodie bag given at check-in includes a refillable cup and menu choices prepared specifically for young travelers. Parents are provided with a list of the best family attractions, local emergency numbers and a safety kit that includes a night light and outlet covers.
The Omni Orlando Resort Champions Gate (407/390-6664) is located at 1500 Masters Blvd, Champions Gate, Florida 33896; for more information visit Omni Orlando online.
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