If you've been debating where to stay near Walt Disney World, a pair of Hilton properties just got some notable outside validation. The Orlando Sentinel named Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista and Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace among its 2026 Central Florida Favorites — an annual program where winners are determined through public nomination and voting across categories ranging from dining to hospitality.
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista took home a Silver Award for Best Hotel & Resort, and its Rum Largo Poolside Bar & Café earned a Bronze in the Best Outdoor Dining category. Not far away, Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace claimed a Bronze for Best Hotel & Resort, a Bronze for Best Hotel & Resort Pool, and a Silver for Best Outdoor Dining, credited to its restaurant Shades.
Both properties carry the official Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotel designation, meaning they meet Disney's standards for guest service and convenience for theme-park visitors. The recognition spans amenities that tend to matter most to families and conference travelers alike — pools, outdoor dining, and overall resort quality.
George Stanfield, complex general manager overseeing both hotels, accepted the awards on behalf of his teams, noting that the goal across both properties is creating experiences that bring guests back whether they're visiting for a family trip, a conference, or a special occasion.
This story was first reported by WDW News Today.
