Look, nothing against your favorite bar in Mills 50 or Thornton Park, but sometimes you’re in need of an entirely alternative experience. Orlando’s hotel lounges are a completely different breed of watering hole and sipping cocktails in the lap of luxury isn’t just for theme park tourists. Understandably, most Orlando residents typically avoid the hotels, but here are 27 reasons why it might be worth venturing out and trying something new.

Captions by Deanna Ferrante

Bosendorfer Lounge Grand Bohemian Hotel 325 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801 l 866-663-0024 Skip the repetitive pop choruses and booming dubstep bass found in other local watering holes and upgrade to the melodic music of this lounge’s Imperial Grand Bösendorfer Piano, one of only a handful in the world. Photo via grandbohemianhotel.com
Rix Lounge Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort 1000 W Buena Vista Drive, Orlando, FL 32830 l 407-939-3806 Order a Birthday Caketini here and swing on one of the floating couches to feel like a kid again ‘cause let’s face it… sometimes you just don’t wanna get weighed down with a belly full of beer. Photo via rix-lounge.com
Club 39 Rosen Plaza Hotel 9700 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819 l 407-996-9700 If you’re a guy who likes to wear gym shorts, flip flops, tank tops or anything that the typical Floridian dons, then perhaps Club 39 isn’t your hotspot. But if you don’t mind ditching the doo-rag for a gelled faux hawk and button up, this swanky mainstay is calling your name. Photo via club39orlando.com
Rocks Hyatt Regency 9801 International Drive, Orlando, Florida l 1-407-284-1234 Like your drinks shaken stirred or on the rocks? Then this upbeat local hotspot is the perfect place to grab a cocktail after work. Try the bar’s signature Rocks Burning cocktail, vodka infused with hot pepper and sweet Florida citrus. Photo via orlando.regency.hyatt.com
The Bar at Hamilton’s Kitchen The Alfond Inn 300 E. New England Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789 l 407-998-8089 With the artistically-inclined Alfond Inn housing this bar, it’s safe to say that atmosphere is everything here. While we tend to down drinks before they hit the table, we recommend taking your time with their Cucumber Mint Gimlet, a perfect concoction for the springtime heat. Photo via iluvwinterpark/Instagram
Todd English’s bluezoo Lounge Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Orlando, FL 32830 l 407-934-4000 It would be a crime to visit Todd’s and not try the bar’s namesake, the zooberry cocktail, a mix of blueberry infused Russian vodka, lemon juice and pop rocks. Pair it with one of the bar’s specialty seafood dishes and you’ll get a meal even a sailor wouldn’t swear at. Photo via taylorheartstravel/Instagram
Sir Harry’s Lounge Waldorf Astoria Orlando 14200 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando, FL 32821 l 407-597-5500 Some people say that the Manhattan was invented at the original Sir Harry’s Lounge at the Waldorf in New York City, so skipping over this hidden gem in Orlando means you could be missing out on a chance to sample an authentic American icon. Photo via waldorfastoriaorlando.com
Harry’s Poolside Bar and Grill Rosen Centre Hotel 9840 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819 l 407-996-3970 Grab a Cayman Cosmopolitan or another Caribbean-inspired cocktail and bring it outside to enjoy in the sunny Florida weather while you dip your feet in the pool just a few steps away from the bartop. Photo via harryspoolside.com
Capa Bar Four Seasons Resort Orlando 10100 Dream Tree Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836 l 407-313-7777 How do you say sleek in Spanish? Capa. That might not really be true, but here in Orlando the Capa Bar emulates all the class and sophistication of Spain with its ultra modern decor and 50 bottles of Spanish wine. Not a wino? The Magic Mojito with minted rum, kiwi, and lime fairy floss is calling your name. Photo via fourseasons.com
Mizner’s Lounge Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa 4401 Floridian Way, Orlando, FL 32830 l 407-939-3463 This upstairs bar is located right behind the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra bandstand, so every time you go there’ll be a jazzy soundtrack to sip your Manhattans and side cars to. Photo via maximum_wolf/Instagram
Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort 1600 Seven Seas Drive, Orlando, FL 32830 l 407-824-2000 Disney fans will love the nod give to this bar’s namesake, the famous heads salesman from the Jungle Cruise ride, but everyone can appreciate the island-themed cocktails like the the Polynesian Pearl, Castaway Crush and Shrunken Zombie Head. Photo via themeparkpoet/Instagram
Wave Lounge Disney’s Contemporary Resort North, 4600 World Dr, Orlando, FL 32830 l 407-824-1000 An elegant oasis offers a retreat from the Mickey Mouse merchandise in the parks and it’s menu is packed with speciality cocktails. Down a few Blue “Glow-tinis,” agave nectar margaritas or moscow mules and it might even start to feel like you’re taking a ride on Space Mountain. Photo via epcotjosh/Instagram
River Roost Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside 1251 Riverside Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 l 407-934-6000 An old-fashioned watering hole with lots of New Orleans charm, River Roost offers plenty of southern-libations like Southern Hurricanes and Abita Amber to enjoy over a hot plate of gumbo.And it’s cabaret performer Yeeha Bob Jackson, with his wacky piano playing and singing, guarantees laughs whether you’re on your first or last round. Photo via benwszalek/Instagram
SORA Gaylord Palms Resort 6000 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746 l 1-407-586-1190 If greasy bar food and a couple of Bud Lights don’t sound appealing on a Friday night, try the foreign flavors found at SORA. The Saketini is a must, and to get the authentic Japanese experience, you’ll have to order a lava roll on the side. Photo via Michael S./Yelp
Trellises Lounge Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress 1 Grand Cypress Blvd., Orlando, FL 32836 l 1-407-239-1234 Enjoy a quiet evening and the fading light of twilight in this open air lounge, the perfect place to take a break from sweaty nightclubs and sample a new Pinot Noir. Photo via grandcypress.regency.hyatt.com
Velvet Bar Hard Rock Hotel 5800 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819 l 407-503-2000 The Velvet Bar is everything you’d expect from the rock and roll experts at the Hard Rock. Plush animal print chairs, rockstar memorabilia and random 80s music videos on loop give this watering hole an eclectic, lively atmosphere and the speciality drinks, like the Pop Rock Martini and the Rockin’ Mai Tai, will have you feeling like a rockstar. Photo via universalorlando.com
Victoria Falls Lounge Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge 2901 Osceola Parkway Blvd., Orlando, FL 32821 l 407-938-3000 Victoria Falls brings authentic South African tastes to Orlando with its wine and beer selection. Sample brews from Morocco and Kenya or try a Cape Coastal wine flight, either within the cozy lounge or outside next to flickering fire pit. Photo via disneyworld.disney.go.com
Wreckers Gaylord Palms Resort 6000 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746 l 1-407-586-1330 There’s no better place to watch the game than on Wrecker’s 37 foot, two-story television while you wolf down some lollipop wings and enough craft beer to get you completely wrecked. Photo via marriott.com
California Grill Lounge Disney’s Contemporary Resort North, 4600 World Dr, Orlando, FL 32831 l 407-939-3463 Skip the crying kids and flat beers in the theme parks and instead enjoy a view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks while sampling an Anaheim Mule and other California-themed cocktails, either from inside the lounge or out on the rooftop balcony. Photo via disneyworld.disney.go.com
Highball and Harvest Ritz-Carlton Orlando 4012 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, FL 32837 l 407-393-4422 Don’t be intimated by the name Ritz-Carlton, the Highball and Harvest is chill with a hint of chic. Although the bartenders have mastered slinging Old Fashions, we gotta say the rotation of Florida brews on tap is very tempting, as well. Photo via thatskhuu/Instagram
Kimonos Lounge Walt Disney World Swan Hotel 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Orlando, FL 32830 l 407-934-4000 Oriental beverages are the specialty at Kimonos, so make sure to order one of its Japanese sakes, beers and whiskey. And then, after a few rounds, you’ll have enough liquid courage to belt out some Celine Dion during the nightly karaoke sessions. Photo via Kimonos/Facebook
Jake’s American Bar Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando 6300 Hollywood Way, Orlando, FL 32819 l 407-503-3463 Relive the glory of classic American patriotism at Jake’s, where the specialty cocktails and Fly Boy fries are definitely worth a salute. And with a one of the best variety of craft beers in the area, it coultd considered an affront to the nation not to try a glass. Photo via universalorlando.com
W XYZ Bar Aloft Orlando Downtown 500 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801 l 407-380-3500 There’s always a different band playing at the W XYZ Bar, so whether you’re into acoustic sets or electric DJ remixes, you’ll find the perfect jam while you’re sipping on a cocktail. Photo via aloftorlandodowntown.com
Big River Grille and Brewing Works Disney’s BoardWalk Inn 2101 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Orlando, FL 32830 l 407-939-6200 If you’re a beer person — and let’s face it, everyone’s a beer person — then Big River is a little piece of heaven. This restaurant and microbrewery has floor-to-ceiling glass walls, so you can watch a brewmaster craft the speciality beer you’re sipping or enjoy the sunset on the boardwalk. Photo via webdeb10/Instagram
Mist Sushi and Spirits Renaissance Orlando at Seaworld 6677 Sea Harbor Dr, Orlando, FL 32821 l 1-407-351-5555 Cocktails and sushi are a match made in heaven, and Mist proves it by offering an assortment of drinks and rolls so fresh, you might start to wonder if your meal came from some of the inhabitants of the theme park next door. Photo via renorlandoseaworld/Instagram
David’s Club Bar and Grill Hilton Orlando 6001 Destination Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32819 l 407-313-4300 At this local sports pub, a designated “flight instructor” will take you on Florida Beer Flight, where you can sample craft beers from local brewers like Swamphead Cottonmouth, Funky Buddha and Crooked Can, but use caution — air sickness bags will not be provided. Photo via omnihotels.com
Martha’s Vineyard Disney’s Beach Club Resort 1800 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Orlando, FL 32830 l 407-934-8000 This mellow New England-styled beach house lounge was probably designed to look like George Washington’s vacation home, but it’s definitely the perfect place to enjoy the fruity flavors of a Cape Cod. Photo via disneyworld.disney.go.com