From its grand entrance to its picturesque and serene setting, the four-diamond Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate proves to be an ideal home away from home for vacationers who want to have seamless access to the area’s myriad attractions, including, of course, Walt Disney World (it’s only six miles away), but want to get away from all the hubbub when and if they choose to.
We took a grand tour during a recent visit to Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate and were giddy over all of the many offerings hotel guests have access to, including nine dining experiences, five different pool areas, two championship Greg Norman-designed golf courses, the world headquarters of the David Leadbetter Gold Academy, a signature, 10,000-sq.-ft. Mokara spa (try the Himalayan Salt Stone Massage), and 862 rooms and suites, including villas.
The Dining Experience
Morning coffee? Head to Morsel’s. Afternoon craving? At the Broadway Deli, they’re serving lunch of course, but also hand-scooped gelato. When the sky dims, it’s the two restaurants off the lobby your clients are going to want to set their sights on: the recently remodeled David’s Club, with its upscale sports club vibe and serving signature steaks, Pine Island shrimp and grits, as well as fish ‘n chips, among other offerings; and chic Zen, where the Asian-themed privacy screens create separate dining areas for intimate meals that include authentic Chinese cuisine, as well as sushi. We had the opportunity to dine at David’s Club during peak dinner hours, and we can say without hesitation that the service is top-notch and the food is excellent. It’s the sort of place you want to go to get a pre-dinner cocktail—they’re known for their bourbons—and then grab a table, eat a hearty meal, and then maybe linger a little longer to watch the game. Those renovations to the restaurant? They include new wall coverings, carpet, classic leather seating, wood tables, additional flat-screen TVs and refinished wood flooring.
Dive In
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate offers five different pool areas, and each offers a unique setting—from the impressive adults-only pool that you can swoon over while gazing out at it from the lobby to the 850-ft. lazy river that kids (and yes, adults) will love featuring tunnels, gentle rapids and hidden canyons. There’s also a zero-entry pool with slides for the little ones, as well as a 7,338-sq.-ft. wave pool featuring dive-in movies, not mention a family pool with a water playground and 125-ft. corkscrew waterslide. When it comes to those must-have cabanas, there are 23 lining the adult pool, wave pool and kids’ pool, which include WiFi, a flat-screen TV, ceiling fans, a mini refrigerator stocked with beverages and more. A new addition that is accessible to those strolling through the pool area is Trevi’s Terrazza, an outdoor garden terrace and bar with fire pit seating.
Tee Off
Golfers will have a field day at the resort. From my guestroom window I had golf views for (almost) as far as the eye could see. There’s the 7,243-yard links-style International Course, home to sprawling greens and wind-swept dunes; and the National Course, with 7,128 yards and a traditional American-style layout cut from 200 acres of woodlands, wetlands and orange groves. The whole family can head to the 9-hole par three Champions 9 course, which is lighted for nighttime play.
The Latest 4-1-1
Slated to begin in June and be completed by early fall 2020, all guestrooms and suites will be updated with new furnishings, carpet, and decor including lighting, paint, artwork, linens, drapery and bathroom restoration, with no detail being left untouched. All 49 villas will be refreshed with new light fixtures, chandeliers, furniture, new larger TVs and interior design. And in December 2019, the lobby was revitalized with new carpeting, a refinished woodwork bar, modern furnishings, draperies, and a new chandelier.
For more information, visit omnihotels.com/hotels/orlando-championsgate.
