5 Family-Friendly Hotels in Orlando That Are Eco-Conscious

Orlando draws an astounding 75 million visitors each year, making it the most popular destination in the United States. It boasts the world’s largest and most extravagant theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, along with the biggest McDonald’s on the planet. At first glance, the city's tourism frenzy doesn't seem particularly 'green.' But could Orlando—and its hotels—be moving toward a more sustainable future?

A closer look reveals a positive trend. In 2022, the U.N. recognized Orlando as a “model city” for its sustainability efforts; in 2020, it achieved Gold-level certification under LEED for Cities. Local government and tourism officials are promoting environmental responsibility initiatives, including clean energy transitions, transportation improvements, green building development, and waste reduction. Orlando International Airport has received accolades for its sustainability efforts and hosts three LEED-certified facilities. The city’s electric bike and scooter share program, launched between 2018 and 2020, has already facilitated over 2 million trips. Meanwhile, Walt Disney World aims for net-zero emissions by 2030, introducing initiatives like a Mickey-shaped solar array near Epcot and a comprehensive composting program. Universal is targeting carbon neutrality by 2035, featuring a floating solar installation and plans to electrify its fleet of 21 tourist trams by 2025.

Other hotels and resorts in Orlando are enhancing their green initiatives as well. In 2004, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection launched the voluntary Green Lodging Program. More than 60 hotels in the Orlando area have been certified under this program's four-tiered “palms” ranking, with four palms being the highest designation. This ranking system promotes best practices in sustainability, including waste reduction, recycling, water conservation, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and education.

According to Michael Hess, the city of Orlando’s sustainability director, eco-conscious travelers seeking an environmentally friendly hotel or resort now have more options than ever. “I believe this [hotel] sector is heading in the right direction,” says Hess. He attributes this progress to effective certification programs like Green Lodging and LEED, as well as various city initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable building practices and waste reduction.

All five of these Orlando resorts—just a 20-minute drive from attractions like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios—have made considerable strides towards responsible hospitality, featuring amenities like solar-powered shuttles, on-site farms, and nature preserves.

Aloft Hotel Orlando

This trendy property in downtown Orlando is notable for its LEED Gold certification, awarded in 2015 by the U.S. Green Building Council, making it the only hotel in the city to achieve this recognition. The eight-story Aloft Hotel Orlando is situated in a modernist-style building from 1968 that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel underwent an adaptive reuse renovation in 2013, utilizing eco-friendly construction materials and installing energy-efficient systems, including a solar field on the roof projected to supply 15 percent of the hotel’s energy needs once operational next year.

The hotel's 118 stylish rooms boast high ceilings and expansive windows. Guests benefit from on-site EV charging stations and have convenient access to nearby electric bike and scooter share stations. They are within walking distance of attractions such as the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts everything from ballet to Broadway shows; the Amway Center, a venue for sports and concerts that is home to the NBA’s Orlando Magic; and the vibrant nightlife of downtown Orlando.

Grande Lakes Orlando

Spanning over 500 acres dotted with lakes, the Grande Lakes Orlando resort features two luxury hotels: the 582-room Ritz-Carlton Orlando and the 1,010-room JW Marriott Orlando. Both hotels recently completed a $110 million renovation that updated their designs with calming white and earth tones, alongside improvements for water and energy efficiency.

Thirty-three acres of the resort, showcasing distinctive wetland landscapes, remain undeveloped and preserved. The 18-hole golf course attracts over 100 bird species and has been certified as an Audubon International sanctuary, owing to its water conservation and wildlife management practices. A team of naturalists guides guests to view local wildlife, including deer, bald eagles, and alligators.

Additional ways to discover the local flora and fauna include sunrise yoga sessions, mountain biking, kayak eco-tours, falconry, and catch-and-release fly-fishing outings. An on-site 7,000-square-foot working farm, featuring a fruit and vegetable garden, a beekeeping operation, and a chicken coop, produces 5,000 pounds of fresh produce annually for the resort's 12 restaurants, while also supplying the 40,000-square-foot spa with herbs, honey, and minerals.

Hilton Orlando

Home to over 1,400 guest rooms and an expansive pool complex with a lazy river, Hilton Orlando has taken significant steps to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainable practices. The hotel prioritizes energy efficiency and water conservation throughout the property, alongside waste reduction initiatives like single-bin recycling and organic waste collection, aiming for a 75 percent reduction in emissions and a 50 percent decrease in water usage and landfill waste by the end of the decade.

The seven dining venues, which include a new Italian restaurant and a sports bar, source ingredients from local and organic farms and producers (including breweries and fishmongers). The hotel has phased out single-use plastics, and most dining areas provide coffee cups and takeout boxes made from recycled materials. Additionally, two restaurants are certified as 'ocean friendly' in collaboration with the Surfrider Foundation, implementing practices such as reducing plastic use and serving sustainably sourced seafood. The hotel’s 26-acre grounds feature Florida-native landscaping (including palms, Coontie, and Fakahatchee grass) maintained with reclaimed water from a retention pond. Guests can rent electric or hybrid cars from Hertz (with available EV charging stations) or take advantage of a complimentary shuttle service to local theme parks, eliminating the need to drive.

Marriott’s Cypress Harbour Villas

Marriott’s Cypress Harbour Villas is a favorite among families, offering a range of amenities including three pools, mini golf, and a spa. It is one of only six properties in Florida to earn the prestigious 'four palms' designation from the Green Lodging Program. The 510-unit resort achieved this certification in 2010 after extensive renovations focused on enhancing energy efficiency, water conservation, and recycling practices. Each contemporary two-bedroom villa features recycling bins, LED lighting, energy-efficient HVAC systems, low-flow faucets and showerheads, as well as sensors and timers for both indoor and outdoor lighting to minimize energy use.

In 2013, Audubon International awarded the resort certification through its own Green Lodging Program, which recognizes hotels that adhere to stringent environmental criteria. Guests can enjoy guided nature walks or borrow bikes for free to explore the property's drought-resistant plants and majestic oaks, along with its network of boardwalks and a private lake featuring a boathouse.

Rosen Shingle Creek

Nestled on 255 acres along the picturesque Shingle Creek at the northern tip of the Everglades, the Spanish revival-style Rosen Shingle Creek features 1,501 spacious rooms adorned with wooden furnishings and large windows that offer views of the sprawling grounds. This property has achieved a 'three palms' rating in the Green Lodging Program, having eliminated plastic straws, minimized other single-use plastics, and utilized recycled paper for printed materials. Behind the scenes, automated water and energy efficiency systems for irrigation and climate control are monitored monthly for optimal performance.

In 2022, the hotel introduced a 9,500-square-foot on-site farm that produces seasonal vegetables, herbs, and fruits for its two restaurants, including the Tuscany-inspired Cala Bella, which features farm-to-table dishes such as roasted Korean summer squash, curry leaf sweet potato puree, and braised lacinato kale. Plans for a composting initiative are also underway. Energy-efficient transport options include Universal Studios shuttles for guests, which take just 10 to 15 minutes, and solar-powered shuttles for getting around the property. Guests can also contribute to the hotel's sustainability efforts by submitting suggestions through a 'green suggestions' box.