What to expect: Rising majestically 14 stories and overlooking lakes, exquisitely manicured lawns, and an 18-hole golf course, the hotel welcomes a clientele of primarily leisure guests. An ornate yet intimate lobby, with soaring columns, sparkling chandeliers, and intricately designed wood ceilings, evokes grand Italian palazzos of yesteryear.

Amenity highlights: Golfers enjoy the 18-hole, Greg Norman-designed golf course. The 40,000-square-foot day spa offers massages, body treatments, facials, and an outdoor lap pool. Exercise machines and yoga classes are available in the fitness center. The resort also includes an outdoor splash pool, spa tub, children’s pool, jogging path, and tennis courts. Casual and fine-dining options are available on-site. Guests also enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides on Saturdays (surcharge).

Insider tip: Shingle Creek, headwaters to the Florida Everglades, borders the trees that surround the resort’s golf course. Wildlife can be seen at the creek.

What to expect: This award-winning hotel draws business travelers and vacationers. The hotel is fronted by a small Euro-lobby featuring black columns, black and white marble, a barrel-vault ceiling lined with tiny Smalti Italian tiles, and a bronze sculpture by Larry Young. Designed by Austrian architect Hans Hollien, the hotel's Imperial Grand Bösendorfer Piano (one of two in existence) features gold-leaf inlays.

Amenity highlights: Festooned with blossoms and greenery, a sixth-floor pool deck houses a 45-by-22-foot lap pool; four-person spa tub, and an all-white, fabric-draped gazebo containing five glass-and-wrought-iron chandeliers. A short flight of stairs leads from the deck down to the Bohemian Gardens, a secluded arbor with tables.

Insider tip: Guests can visit The Grand Bohemian Gallery for information about the hotel’s extensive art collection. Guided tours are possible by appointment.

What to expect: An oasis within a mile of the Walt Disney World® Resort, this Hyatt Regency is set on 1,500 lushly landscaped acres that include a 45-acre preserve, miles of nature trails, and a mile-long Audubon Walk past exotic plants and wildlife. A sun-filled atrium with original artwork, cascading waterfall, glass elevators, colorful parrots, and towering palms greets arriving leisure and business guests.

Amenity highlights: A half-acre freeform, lagoon-style pool includes waterfalls, waterslides, a children’s pool, and spa tubs. Paddleboats and canoes are available for rent along Lake Windsong. Four Jack Nicklaus Signature Design courses include an 18-hole course and three nine-hole challenges. The Racquet Club has 12 tennis courts; the Equestrian Center offers trail rides and lessons (surcharges).

Insider tip: A visit to the Grand Cypress Equestrian Center is a great way to spend an afternoon. The main facility includes a 44-stall barn, covered arena, outdoor jumping ring, and grooming stalls. On most afternoons, riders can be seen practicing dressage and fine-tuning their jumps in the arena.