If you’re always on the hunt for awesome staycation ideas and date night destinations like me, I have a suggestion for you. I recently escaped to The Inn at Celebration, a newly renovated boutique property in the heart of magical Celebration (just 10 minutes from Disney). This place, overlooking Lake Rianhard, underwent a multimillion-dollar facelift and joined the Marriott Autograph Collection (woohoo for Marriott points). I am sharing the highlights from my hosted stay at The Inn at Celebration so you know what to expect at this beautiful boutique style hotel near Disney.
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Review of The Inn at Celebration, Autograph Collection
A Lobby for Lovers
Previously known as The Celebration Hotel, the rebranded Inn at Celebration said goodbye to its ol’ Florida vibes and swampy décor. The interior now features warm, coastal-inspired hues with touches of Sunshine State charm—think soft woods, breezy textiles, and curated local artwork.
I was told the design concept aims to mimic a chic lakeside living room. Picture high ceilings, soft alabaster and seafoam tones, touches of greenery, along with comfy couches and, the most eye-catching addition, a stocked library wall with inviting sitting.
The full-liquor lobby bar is on the right side of the first floor, directly across from the check-in desk. Not long after arrival, my hubs and I settled into high-top stools right at the bar counter to indulge in friendly banter with bartender Michelle.
Couples can certainly order and sip drinks elsewhere, like on the indoor or outdoor sofas. Rather than order off the happy hour menu, which primarily has domestic beers, wines and apps, we ordered off the Lakeside Cocktail menu because I had to try the Orange Peach Blossom Martini, and my love got the Smoked Cherry Old Fashioned. And we were happy indeed!
Rooms for Romance
There are 115 guest rooms, including 23 suites, with 65 offering lake views. As I entered our double queen room, I was drawn to the double doors leading to the small but cozy balcony overlooking the lake, winding walking paths, and whimsical woods.
New pillow‑top mattresses, blackout curtains, hypoallergenic bedding, and a soothing color palette of tan, gray, green, and blue created a relaxing vibe. The bathrooms were roomy enough with ample counter space.
New Fav for Foodies
The real jackpot of The Inn at Celebration is the Lakeside Kitchen & Bar, the only restaurant in Celebration that directly overlooks the lake. For dinner, we settled into a table beside a floor-to-ceiling window. The Inn’s new dining room is beautiful and a major upgrade from its previous location (in the main lobby area, which now houses the ‘living room’).
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We started with the Celebration Calamari. I’m normally not one to order fried fare, but this appetizer had surprisingly delicious pops of freshness and flavor, with crispy capers, roasted red peppers, chopped kalamata olives, and a not-too-spicy sauce. An elevated take on this classic starter!
For the main course, I ordered the Charred Salmon, served with an outstanding fig-forward chutney. Many meals later, I am still drooling over that sweet-and-savory salmon—so good. While I get that this dish literally was called ‘charred,’ the side of Brussel sprouts was a smidge too crunchy in my opinion and the rice was fine.
My husband ordered the Tartufo Beast Burger, an interesting gourmet blend of elk, bison, boar, and Wagyu. Generously topped with truffle cheese, onion straws, sautéed mushrooms, and other fixings, the burger was super tasty. Instead of fries, he opted for horseradish mashed potatoes, which were good but underwhelming. I’d love to see the chef have a heavier hand with the horseradish to kick this side dish up a notch.
We also tried the Grilled Certified Angus Beef Hanger Steak and Blackened Snapper dishes, both of which were prepared very nicely. For dessert, the Apple Pear Macadamia Tarte Tatin and Lakeside Key Lime Treat were each yummy—just the right amount of sweetness.
We slept well with full bellies that evening and returned to Lakeside Kitchen for brunch. Lakeside’s brunch menu is pretty impressive, with a large selection of fun palate-pleasing dishes. For example, I ordered Avocado Toast and was tickled pink it wasn’t simple green slices. Rather, the toast had a base of avocado cream, topped with parmesan-crusted avocado slices, and a touch of tomato, microgreens, and balsamic. I will never look at avocado toast the same way again. Parm for the win!
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I want to return to Lakeside Kitchen for brunch ASAP because I am dying to try the Custard Dipped French Toast and also the Monte Cristo Benedict. Sounds so indulgent, right? On a day date during the lunch hour, I likely would order the Southern Brisket Melt or the Celebration Bun Salad. FYI, the bun is a noodle stack versus a bread product.
For both meals, our waitress, Jo, was awesome. Ask for her if you book a reservation.
Staycation Consideration
If you’re craving a lovely Orlando staycation, The Inn at Celebration checks most boxes. As noted above, I give two thumbs up to the lovely living room, romantic suites, and scrumptious restaurant (and bar), as well as the uber polite staff.
However, during the renovation, the hotel swimming pool was filled in. When I inquired about this, the hotel shared that, integrating guest feedback, the decision was made to reimagine the outdoor space to achieve an expanded patio and outdoor dining space in lieu of the pool. So, couples interested in poolside lounging won’t find it here, but, honestly, there was plenty to do in Celebration that I didn’t even miss access to a pool during this staycation.
The Inn also lacks an in-house spa but the website states that in-room massages can be arranged. Plus, there are spa options within walking distance. That’s because Celebration Town Center is literally steps away from the hotel. This quaint little downtown area is lined with cute cafés, artisan shops, galleries, bakeries, and more. Honestly, so many of the eateries in Celebration are worthy of date night, so you could certainly eat off-property and round out the night with an after-dinner drink at The Inn’s bar.
Oh, a trek for two is a must-do during a staycation at The Inn. And the property offers convenient bike rentals!
I also popped into the hotel’s fitness center—it’s now twice the size. New cardio and weight machines mean you can get your workout in with a scenic lake view. So, if you don’t get enough steps in while strolling hand-in-hand or biking the paths, the gym is a perk.
Know Before You Go
- Couples interested in venturing off should note that Disney Springs is a quick trip about ten minutes away.
- The Inn at Celebration is ride-share friendly, so booking an Uber and Lyft is easy-peasy. Like any popular destination, there may be brief delays during peak times or special town events; but overall, access is reliable and smooth.
- The Inn at Celebration offers the best rates during June-September.
- The hotel encourages valet parking, and also has electric car charging stations.
- The Inn is pet-friendly (fees apply).
- Lakeside Kitchen: Brunch hours are Monday-Friday 7am-2pm & Saturday/Sunday 7am-3pm; Dinner hours are Sunday-Thursday 5-10pm & Friday/Saturday 5-11pm; Lounge menu hours are 2-10pm daily.
- FYI, In the lake behind the patio seating of Lakeside Kitchen & Bar, The Inn's resident alligator, named Peanut, basks much of the day on the lakeshore.
Go ahead… celebrate your love with a staycation or date night at The Inn at Celebration!
