Live Your Fantasies at the Doubletree Castle Hotel

Within the fast paced streets, busy shops and tourist attractions of Orlando, Florida, there stands a mystical place of sophistication and magic. The Doubletree Castle Hotel is a setting where storybook imagination becomes a real-life fairytale adventure.

My stay at the hotel brought me back to childhood days, playing endless games of "King of the Castle". Stepping through the front door of the hotel, the foyer radiates with a sense of enchantment. It feels as if around every corner a mystery awaits to be discovered.

Tucked away on Austrian Row in Orlando, the Doubletree Castle Hotel is an attraction unto itself. Opened in 1995, the Castle is part of the Kessler Collection of unique hotels with its own personality expressed through the 16th century architecture. The hotel stands nine stories tall and is crowned with towering spires and double roof top terraces, each one showcasing a different view of the breathtaking city skyline of Orlando. The exterior of the hotel is elegantly washed in shades of pink, lavender and gold, with the interior accented in royal purple and exquisite collections of rare European art.

Guestrooms at the Doubletree Castle are fit for both King and Queen. In all, there are 216 rooms, which includes six junior suites featuring pillow-top mattresses that would make any guest feel like royalty.

Standard in every room is a 25" TV, offering both on demand videos and Internet access. A Sony PlayStation is available for added entertainment. An added bonus to each room is the 6-channel stereo system featuring authentic renaissance music to make your storybook castle adventure even more realistic. Each room also comes equipped with three phones, a data port, an electronic safe, coffee maker, fridge, hairdryer, iron and ironing board and a make up mirror. The top two floors provide guests with the added benefit of high speed Internet.

Nothing could be better than taking a break from the hectic pace of theme park hopping than to enjoy the hot Florida sun around the circular outdoor heated swimming pool and hot tub. Surrounded by a beautiful garden oasis, the center of the pool features a whimsical fountain. Words to the wise as you pick up your towel to dry off…watch out for the poolside castle alligator! You may get sprayed when you least expect it.

For those in need of a little exercise, the Doubletree Castle Hotel provides a full fitness center. For the kids, or the kid in you, there is even an on-site scavenger hunt to enjoy.

Family time is a key to the success of the hotel. In the summer of 2003, the Doubletree Castle Hotel introduced Dive-In Movies by the pool. Here you can enjoy a dip in the pool at night while watching a classic family movie on a large projection screen. There are many games and activities to take part in and you may even meet "Jeffery the Jester". The Dive-In Movies are featured every Friday and Saturday night during the summer months and is offered free to all guests of the Doubletree Castle Hotel.

Just a short 20-minute drive from Orlando's International Airport, the hotel is at the center of Orlando's greatest shopping and entertainment district. Additionally, there are many of the areas finest outlet malls within a ten-minute drive. Sea World, Universal Studios and Walt Disney World are also close by and the hotel provides complimentary shuttle services to these and other attractions.

The Doubletree Castle Hotel has over 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. Each area is equipped with high-speed Internet access and audiovisual services. Rooms also feature views of the pool and surrounding gardens. This makes a perfect setting for corporate retreats, meetings and any other special functions.

Of course with all the available activities, there comes a time when even a Queen has to refuel her energy supply. For these occasions, the hotel provides several feast options fit for royalty.

The Castle Café is located in the Royal Lounge and provides a delicious made-to-order breakfast. A refreshment bar serves complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day to all guests.

Jester's Poolside Bar and Café supplies snacks and sandwiches along with a variety of drinks to enjoy by the pool.

Café Tu Tu Tango is styled as a Spanish loft and features various working artists. The café serves an all appetizer menu of international cuisine for lunch and dinner. Located in the courtyard, this Spanish café is an entertainment hub for the hotel.

Also featured at the Doubletree Castle is Vito's Italian Chop House. The finest steak and seafood are at the top of its significant menu, which also includes special desserts, an extensive wine list and many aromatic Italian specialties.

For the cookie connoisseur, there is an added treat. Eight years ago, the long-time tradition of greeting V.I.P. guests with milk and cookies was expanded to include all Doubletree visitors. Upon check-in, each guest receives two warm, incredibly rich cookies to enjoy. If you can, save them until you get into the room and then enjoy them while unpacking. These custom-made cookies were such a hit that five years ago the Doubletree started selling them at the front desk and in the restaurants. Who would have thought that a cookie could become such an essential part of the hotel's culture?

Straight out of an old English novel, the Doubletree Castle Hotel brings the feeling of royalty to every guest. Expressions of elegance and sophistication touched by the magical describe this one-of-a-kind medieval themed hotel. So polish your crown, throw on your royal robe and be prepared to become a part of Doubletree Castle Hotel's "royal" experience.