Get Star Treatment at Orlando's Sheraton Studio City Hotel

by Kristi Lee

My first hand experience with movie star treatment began as the red carpet was rolled out to spotlight the best of Hollywood entertainment at the Sheraton Studio City Hotel in Orlando, Florida.

It was a last minute decision for me and my husband to pack up our 3 month old daughter and head down to Orlando for a break from the adjustments of parenthood. Were we crazy? Maybe, but I will let you be the judge of that.

The trip from Southern Ontario, Canada lasted 21 hours, with only one overnight stop on the way down. Finally arriving after enduring a Pennsylvania blizzard and a severe, southern rain storm, we made it to the sunny state of Florida. Expectations were high as we anticipated our stay and soaking in the best that Orlando has to offer.

We pulled up to the front lobby and movie star treatment began.

Exhausted, we pulled up to the front lobby and the movie star treatment began. Doors were swung wide open by the friendly staff and flashbulbs went off as we exited the car. Ok, no flashbulbs, but the movie star treatment was in full swing.

Entering the Sheraton Studio City Hotel reveals a Hollywood theme of black and white ceramic floors, red velvet upholstered seating and wall-to-wall mirrors.

Service is the number one priority for every employee at the hotel. It is apparent that each staff member is passionate about their work and will take the time to try and make you laugh, or at least have you leave in the morning with a smile on your face.

The 21-story circular Sheraton Studio City Hotel features 302 guest rooms. It began its rise to stardom on International Drive in 1974 as the Quality Inn at Florida Center, (nicknamed the High Q).

In 1991, the hotel flew the Howard Johnson flag until Kessler Enterprises, Inc. purchased the property and changed the name to the Universal Tower in 1997.

In 1999 the hotel underwent a multi-million dollar renovation and was converted to the Sheraton Studio City Hotel. The hotel now operates as part of the Kessler Collection and holds their common commitment to service, value and entertainment.

Ready for some rest and relaxation, we headed up the mirrored elevator to the 21st floor to settle in. For security purposes, all hotel elevators require a guest room key to operate. We found this out the hard way by locking both keys in the room, leaving us with no way of getting down except for taking the stairs, or by calling the front desk for help.

The hotel's oversized rooms feature two queen size beds dressed with crisp white sheets.

The hotel's oversized rooms feature two queen size beds dressed with crisp white sheets, down pillows and duvets in a warm teal blue. Each bed was complete with a white square decorative pillow signed with the Sheraton signature emblem.

The ceramic tiled bathroom features plenty of fresh, fluffy towels and unlimited toiletries. An added bonus was the massage shower-head, the perfect way to relax after a stressful drive, or a long day spent at the Magic Kingdom.

Every room displays a 25-inch cable television, two phones with voice mail and data port, in-room safe, Nintendo, coffee maker, hair dryer, makeup mirror, iron and ironing board. Rooms on the 20th floor also include a fax/printer.

All guest rooms on the 21st floor feature a panoramic view of Universal Studios and the downtown Orlando skyline.

Two black leather arm chairs create a seating area in the Art Deco styled room, creating the perfect spot to relax in a bath robe. With a beverage from the wet bar in hand, I couldn't think of a better way to end each evening and enjoy the breathtaking view complete with a sunset.

There is much to do in Orlando, the choice of which attraction to attend first is daunting. Guest services are always available with attraction tickets, or for arranging transportation. The hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Wet 'n Wild and Sea World/Discovery Cove.

As much as I enjoy fighting crowds and standing in long lines at a theme park, shopping is what I love to do best. The Sheraton Studio City Hotel sits at the pinnacle of a shopoholics dream. There is a fantastic array of shops and boutiques nearby, along with a world class selection of Outlet Malls within a fifteen minute drive from the hotel.

An on-site beauty salon is available for the aspiring Hollywood starlet. For those looking to exercise and stay in shape, the heated oversized outdoor pool is always open, while the fitness room offers the latest equipment and training facilities.

At the Starliht Grille, Executive Chef Jean-Louis reates an up-scale family dining experience.

At the Starlight Grille, Executive Chef Jean-Louis creates an up-scale family dining experience. Offering guests the finest selection of wines and a superb presentation, I was reminded of the glamour days of old Hollywood.

For something simpler, Oscars Lounge is a café of fine pastries and quick snacks by day and converts to a martini and bourbon bar once the sun sets.

Of course if your day starts out anything like ours, mornings are generally chaotic as we try to get ready on time and choke down a healthy breakfast. In room dining was handy on several occasions, especially since it offers all of the restaurant menus in one quick and easy place.

The Sheraton Studio City Hotel offers a little bit of Hollywood in a town that is best known for its varied entertainment. A throw back to a time of glamour and glitz, it's reminiscent of an era when the cars were large and the egos were even bigger. Offering guests a full compliment of services and a fun environment, I highly recommend you take advantage of the tinsel town flavor the next time you visit Orlando.