Night of Luxury

img00048-150x150.jpg

Enlarge Photo

From the outside, Orlando's new Waldorf Astoria (waldorfastoriaorlando.com) surprised me. Little did I know that the nondescript building-tall, geometric, nice but not particularly awe-inspiring-belied what awaited inside: A soaring dome ceiling (at right) with unbelievable detailing (hand-painted? Fabric? I'm not sure what's up there, but it's gorgeous); tall and slender, museum-worthy glass doors that I learned weren't ready until two hours before the hotel officially opened; and amazing art deco furnishings in silver and glass tones that seemed to beg me to touch them. In the lounge-like Peacock Alley, I sipped Champagne and was hypnotized by the carpet's marbled swirl of turquoise peacock feathers underfoot. At Bull & Bear, the signature steakhouse, buttery bread that would make the Amish envy arrived in adorable mini iron pans, popover style. Meaty Gulf shrimp served over ice was a light and tasty starter to an a la carte meal that featured the restaurant's famed mac and cheese (oh-so-decadent with bacon squares tucked throughout). Upstairs, my room had a view of the spectacular new golf course, the Epcot fireworks show and the cabana-flanked pool below. But frankly, I couldn't be bothered to get out of bed. With what seemed like three feet of plush layers of white linens spread across a king-size bed, I was down for the count-Waldorf style.

Tags: orlando | Waldorf Astoria