The Real Story of Celebration Hotel 700 Bloom Street: Beyond the Disney Magic

The Real Story of Celebration Hotel 700 Bloom Street: Beyond the Disney Magic

Walk into Celebration, Florida, and it feels like you've stepped onto a movie set. It’s intentional. This town was literally "The Town that Disney Built," and right at the heart of it, sitting prominently at Celebration Hotel 700 Bloom Street, is a building that looks like it’s been there for a century. It hasn't. It opened in the late 90s, but that’s the trick of the trade in this corner of the world.

Honestly, people get confused about what this place actually is. Is it a Disney resort? Not exactly. Is it a boutique luxury spot? Kind of. Technically known now as the Bohemian Hotel Celebration, this Autograph Collection property is a weird, beautiful hybrid of Florida’s "Cracker" architecture and high-end sophistication. If you're looking for Mickey Mouse waffles and bright primary colors, you are in the wrong place.

Why Celebration Hotel 700 Bloom Street Hits Differently

Most Orlando hotels are loud. They scream at you with neon, massive water parks, and frantic shuttles. But Celebration Hotel 700 Bloom Street is quiet. Like, library-quiet. It sits right on the edge of Lake Bohemian, and the vibe is more "Hemingway in Key West" than "Goofy in Lake Buena Vista."

The architecture was handled by Graham Gund. He’s a big deal in the design world. He leaned into the Florida Vernacular style, which basically means lots of wood, wide porches, and a cooling aesthetic that makes sense for the humidity. When you stand on the back terrace looking over the water, you've got these ceiling fans spinning slowly above you. It feels authentic, even if the town around it was technically a master-planned experiment.

The Kessler Touch

The hotel is part of the Kessler Collection. Richard Kessler is known for being an art fanatic, and you see that everywhere. We aren't talking about generic hotel prints of seashells. You’ll find original oil paintings, sculptures, and heavy, dark-wood furniture that feels expensive because it is.

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The lobby smells like a mix of expensive candles and old money. It’s a sensory experience that separates it from the Marriott down the road. Some people find the dark, moody interiors a bit much for sunny Florida, but it creates this cool sanctuary from the blistering heat outside. It’s moody. It’s deliberate.

What You Actually Get When You Stay Here

Let’s talk about the rooms. They aren't massive. If you’re used to the sprawling suites in Vegas, you might feel a bit cramped. But the detail is where they win. Brass fixtures. Premium linens. The view is what you're paying for, though. If you get a lakeside room, you can watch the sunrise over the water, and it’s genuinely peaceful.

The Lakeside Bar + Grill is the main engine here. People from the actual town of Celebration—the "locals"—actually eat here. That’s usually a good sign. They do a lot of seafood and steak, but the real winner is just sitting outside with a drink.

  1. Breakfast on the terrace is non-negotiable. The Florida sun is brutal by noon, so hit it early.
  2. The pool is small. Don't expect a lazy river. It’s for dipping, not for Olympic laps.
  3. Walking is the whole point. You step out the front door and you're in the middle of Market Street.

The Disney Connection Nobody Explains Right

Is it a Disney hotel? No. But yes.
Celebration was started by the Disney Development Company. They wanted to create a "New Urbanism" utopia. Eventually, Disney divested much of the town's commercial interests, including the hotel. Today, it’s managed by Marriott under the Autograph Collection banner.

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You don't get "Extra Magic Hours." You don't get the Disney Dining Plan. What you do get is a 15-minute drive to the parks without the constant "Disney Adult" energy. It’s the place where people who love Disney go when they need a break from Disney. It's a weird paradox. You're close enough to hear the fireworks at night if the wind blows the right way, but far enough to forget that you're in the tourist capital of the world.

The Walkability Factor

One thing travelers miss is that Celebration Hotel 700 Bloom Street is one of the few places in Central Florida where you don't need a car to get a coffee. You walk out. You've got Kilwins for ice cream. You've got a Starbucks. You've got a decent Italian place. In a state built for cars, this 10-block radius of walkability is a total anomaly. It’s why people pay a premium to stay at this specific address.

Dealing with the "Stepford" Reputation

You’ve probably heard people call Celebration "creepy" or "too perfect." There’s a bit of that. The grass is always exactly the same height. The houses are all painted in approved colors.

Staying at the hotel gives you a front-row seat to this social experiment. It’s fascinating. Watch the residents walk their golden retrievers around the lake at 6:00 PM. It feels like a living museum of 1950s Americana, but with 2026 amenities.

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Logistics and the Reality Check

Parking can be a pain. They have valet, but it’s pricey. There’s street parking, but good luck finding a spot on a Friday night when the town has an event. Speaking of events, Celebration does "Now Snowing" in the winter (it’s soap bubbles) and falling leaves in the autumn (they’re plastic). It sounds cheesy, but standing in front of the hotel while fake snow falls in 70-degree weather is a core Florida memory.

Prices fluctuate wildly. During the off-season, you can snag a room for a reasonable rate, but during "Snowing" season or major holidays, expect to pay luxury prices.

  • Location: 700 Bloom St, Celebration, FL 34747.
  • Pet Policy: They are actually pretty pet-friendly, which fits the town's vibe.
  • Dining: The Sunday Brunch is a local staple. Book it in advance or you aren't getting a table.

Actionable Steps for Your Visit

If you're planning to book Celebration Hotel 700 Bloom Street, don't just treat it as a bed. It’s a location-based experience.

First, check the town calendar. If there’s an art festival or an exotic car show, the street in front of the hotel will be packed. If you want quiet, avoid those weekends. Second, ask for a room on a higher floor facing the lake. The street-side rooms can get noise from the restaurants below.

Lastly, take advantage of the walking trails. There are miles of boardwalks winding through the Florida wetlands right behind the property. It’s where you’ll see the "real" Florida—alligators, herons, and turtles—just steps away from the manicured lawns. Bring bug spray. The "Disney Magic" doesn't stop the mosquitoes.

Rent a bike from the front desk. Ride through the residential neighborhoods to see the different "architectural patterns" Disney mandated for the town. It’s a crash course in urban planning that’s actually fun. Whether you're here for the nostalgia or just a place to hide from the theme park crowds, this spot on Bloom Street remains one of the most interesting addresses in the state.