This wasn’t our first time to Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, and that makes this article all the more insightful. Often times, a writer is just so happy to be somewhere, they are giddy in their article about all the new things. But having a little familiarity gives this account a little more depth. There is something special about knowing where you’re going, knowing what you want to do—and not have to ask for directions.
The Omni Orlando Resort is on the western edge of the Orlando metro area, which means, if you want to getaway from the Sarasota area to Central Florida and not drive all the way into the World of Tourism.
The 13-year old resort has the look and feel of a 4-star hotel. From the moment you walk in and are able to see the picture-glass back windows that reveal the pool, the large hot tub and a glimpse of the golf courses, you know this place was designed well. The 13-year old resort has the look and feel of a 4-star hotel. From the moment you walk in and are able to see the picture-glass back windows that reveal the pool, the large hot tub and a glimpse of the golf courses, you know this place was designed well.
The staff makes you feel welcome. Erin and I stayed in a similar room as last time, ten stories up in the air, with a great view of the area. We were able to see the Leadbetter Golf Academy, the miniature golf course for kids, and the three swimming areas—the family pool, water slide, lazy river and formal pool with private cabanas. (There are also bike rentals, a guided fishing field-trip, and shuttles to Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center. ) There’s a “Camp Omni Kids Escape” if parents want to get a little downtime.
We enjoyed ultimate indulgence: a high-end steakhouse with a classy sports-bar. Say ‘hello’ to “David’s Club.” It feels a bit like Flemings or Ruth’s Chris minus the sticker shock. A wedge salad, muscles, filet, potatoes, broccoli, a lobster tail…followed by coffee and ice cream. Absolutely my favorite meal, and this was all prepared and served to perfection. (I even took a picture—but I maintain pictures never do meals justice, and to post them on social media is a waste of time.
We were able to leave a tag on our door that told the staff when we’d like to have complimentary morning coffee, tea, etc., waiting outside our door. Nice touch.
We got up in the morning, enjoyed our beverages, packed our own little
gluton-free breakfast bars, and headed downstairs for a light work-out Very nice fitness center, open 24/7, that is accessed through the Mokara Spa & Salon. Staff provided us with complimentary headphones to plug in the treadmills and allowed us to keep them.
After a shower and packing up, we were off. Less than 24 hours at ChampionsGate, but a perfect chance to refuel.
We’re looking forward to returning later this year: They’re breaking ground for a $40 million expansion project that will include another pool, Orlando’s only resort wave pool, and an additional 100,000 square feet of expanded lawn and conference center space as well as enhancements to the resort’s two golf courses. Making a good thing even better.
-RAY COLLINS
