They
say good things come in small packages, and Bohemian Hotel Celebration (formerly Celebration Hotel) is a classic example. It's a "delightfully charming" little
place with only 115 rooms and suites, situated on a quiet lake in
the center of the town of Celebration, Florida, just a few miles south
of Walt Disney World.
Bohemian Hotel Celebration is now part of Marriott's new Autograph Collection, a group of well-established, luxurious and highly independent hotels. Its location, Celebration, is a planned community developed by The Walt Disney Company. Celebration's lucky population of about 8,000 enjoys a small-town
atmosphere and gracious Southern-style homes. The downtown of Celebration
has a wonderfully old-fashioned feeling, with pleasant shops, a movie
theater and tempting restaurants -- all within easy walking distance
of Bohemian Hotel Celebration.
If you're interested in a romantic getaway, particularly in conjunction
with a trip to Walt Disney World, Bohemian Hotel Celebration is the place.
It is Orlando's only luxury boutique hotel. While families are welcome, its tranquil setting and atmosphere will generally
appeal more to couples. I can't think of a better location for a honeymoon
or anniversary trip, or just a quiet week of enjoying simple pleasures.
Bohemian Hotel Celebration's lobby will take you back to early 20th-century
Florida. Oversized wicker furniture, lazily-turning ceiling fans and
fascinating historic photos will charm you. Check-in is "concierge
style," so you sit down at a little desk and are served one-on-one
by a friendly person, instead of standing in a long line. This attention
to service is just one of the things that sets Bohemian Hotel Celebration apart.
The
layouts of the guest rooms vary considerably -- there are over 30
different configurations. All are furnished in keeping with the early
1900s theme, with light walls and floors and dark wood furniture.
The furnishings are decidedly upscale and the rooms are decorated
in rich, muted tones. Beds are luxuriously triple-sheeted and have
pillow-top mattresses. Many rooms have private balconies offering
serene views of the lake or the downtown.
Traditional guest rooms include a business desk along with either a
king bed or two doubles. Junior suites are oversized rooms with a
sleeper sofa in addition to the king bed, plus a wet bar and mini-fridge.
Luxury suites are true one-bedroom suites; the bedroom has a king
4-poster bed and there is a separate living area that includes a wet
bar and mini-fridge.
Bohemian Hotel Celebration is totally non-smoking: smoking is not permitted
in any of the guest rooms. All rooms offer excellent amenities including
a coffee maker, safe, iron and ironing board, and two phones with voicemail
and dataport. Bathrooms include a hairdryer, makeup mirror and upscale
toiletries. The hotel provides high-speed Internet access in all guest
rooms (included in resort fee). A morning newspaper is provided on
weekdays. The rooms have minibars, which cannot be used for your personal
items, but mini-refrigerators can be rented for $25 per stay, subject
to availability.
So,
once you arrive, what will you do? Personally, I'd just settle into
one of the lobby's big wicker chairs and people-watch, or have a drink
at the lobby piano bar -- it reminds me of a place Hemingway might
have enjoyed. However, there's lots more to enjoy here!
If you feel like being active, Bohemian Hotel Celebration offers a heated,
lakeside outdoor pool and spa. You can enjoy panoramic views of the
lake from the fitness and weight room. You can play at the 18-hole
Celebration Golf Course. You can also head over to the huge Celebration
Fitness Center and Day Spa for a workout or just plain pampering.
When you want to get out and about, you'll have plenty of options.
Saunter down the lakeside promenade, or wander miles of walking paths
and nature trails. You're within easy walking distance of wonderful
shops, galleries and boutiques, plus a movie theater with stadium-style
seating. And of course you may want to just explore the residential areas and check out all the lovely
homes.
If
your legs are tired from hiking the theme parks, you can rent an electric
vehicle to zip around town. The hotel can also make arrangements for
bicycle rentals, horse-drawn carriage rides, horseback riding and
even airboat rides!
Hungry? Bohemian Hotel Celebration offers a lavish buffet breakfast each morning,
as well as dinner in the elegant Plantation Dining Room, which will
transport you back in time while you enjoy "New Florida Cuisine"
-- traditional French meets the best Southern ingredients. At lunch
you can get a light meal at the lobby bar. Room service is available
and offers extended hours. Bohemian Hotel Celebration proudly brews Starbucks
products in its bar area.
You can also walk to four local restaurants within a few minutes
and enjoy your choice of New England style seafood in a casual setting,
an upscale 50's style diner, authentic Italian fare, or award-winning
Spanish and Cuban cuisine!
Oh, I almost forgot -- there's also Walt Disney World, just a few
miles north! Bohemian Hotel Celebration offers scheduled shuttle transportation to the Disney
theme parks for a fee, with two departures each morning and two returns each evening.
Frankly I think the transportation is inconvenient and it's
much better to have a rental car when staying here. For those with a car,
you can self-park on the street for free, or in a gated lot operated by the hotel (less than a block away) for $8, or
use valet parking for $20 plus tax per day.
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