If you’ve ever tried to book a room in Central Florida, you know the drill. You start looking for something near the parks, and suddenly you’re staring at a $400-a-night bill for a room that smells like chlorine and despair. It’s a lot. Honestly, most people just assume that if they aren't staying within earshot of a roller coaster, they’re doing Orlando wrong. But here’s the thing: staying "North" is often the smartest move you can make, especially if you’re over the whole tourist-trap vibe.
The Sheraton Orlando North Hotel isn’t in the middle of the International Drive madness. It’s in Maitland. For those who don't know the local geography, Maitland is basically the sophisticated older sibling to Orlando’s chaotic younger self. You’re far enough away to breathe, but close enough that a 15-minute drive puts you right back in the action. It’s a weirdly perfect balance.
The Reality of Staying at Sheraton Orlando North Hotel
First off, let’s talk about the building itself. It has that classic, grand atrium design that was huge in the late 20th century, which sounds like it might be dated, but it actually feels massive and airy. When you walk in, you aren't hit with that cramped, lobby-squeezed-into-a-corner feeling you get at newer boutique hotels. There’s space. Lots of it.
The rooms are what you’d expect from a Sheraton—consistent. You get the "Sweet Sleeper" beds, which, let’s be real, are probably the best thing about the brand. If you’ve ever pulled an all-day shift at a conference in the nearby business parks or spent eight hours walking around Lake Eola, crashing onto those pillows feels like a literal gift from the universe.
But here is where people get tripped up. This isn't a "Disney hotel." If you show up expecting Mickey Mouse waffles and a shuttle that runs every five minutes to Magic Kingdom, you’re going to be disappointed. This is a place for people who want a real shower, a quiet night’s sleep, and maybe a decent steak at the end of the day.
The Business of Being Here
A huge chunk of the people staying at the Sheraton Orlando North Hotel are here for work. The hotel is positioned right in the heart of the Maitland Center Business Park. We’re talking over 400 companies in the immediate vicinity. If you’re a consultant or an executive visiting someone like AdventHealth or Fidelity, this is your home base.
Because it’s a business-heavy spot, the Wi-Fi actually works. You’d be surprised how many luxury resorts have "resort fees" but give you internet speeds that feel like dial-up from 1998. Here, they get it. People need to take Zoom calls. They need to upload massive files.
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What About the Food?
Let’s talk about the An Tobar Irish Pub. It’s located right inside the hotel. Now, usually, "hotel bar" is code for overpriced domestic beer and soggy wings. An Tobar is different. It’s an authentic Irish pub—like, actually built in Ireland and shipped over piece by piece. The wood is dark, the lighting is low, and the Guinness is poured correctly. It’s a local favorite, too, which is always a good sign. When you see people who live in the neighborhood coming to a hotel bar for dinner, you know the food is legit. Their Fish and Chips aren't just "good for a hotel"—they’re just good.
Location: The Maitland Advantage
Maitland is cool. It’s just cool.
If you stay at the Sheraton Orlando North Hotel, you are five minutes away from the Enzian Theater. If you like film, this is a pilgrimage site. It’s a single-screen independent cinema that hosts the Florida Film Festival. You can sit at a table, order a craft cocktail, and watch an indie darling while eating actual food. It’s a world away from the $20 popcorn buckets at the megaplex.
Then there’s the RDV Sportsplex nearby. If you’re a fitness junkie, this place is legendary. It’s where the Orlando Magic used to practice, and the facilities are world-class. Staying at the Sheraton gives you easy access to that whole area, which is great if you’re someone who actually uses the hotel gym but finds them lacking.
The Commute Factor
Okay, let’s be honest about the I-4.
Driving in Orlando can be a nightmare. The Sheraton Orlando North Hotel sits right off I-4 at the Maitland interchange. This is a double-edged sword. On one hand, you can hop on the highway and be in Winter Park in 10 minutes or Downtown Orlando in 15. On the other hand, if you try to head south toward the attractions at 5:00 PM on a Tuesday, you will contemplate all your life choices.
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The trick is using the "back roads." Take 17-92. It’s prettier, it’s slower, and it takes you through some of the best neighborhoods in Central Florida. You can hit up the Winter Park Farmers’ Market on a Saturday morning or walk along Park Avenue without ever having to touch the interstate.
Common Misconceptions and Nuance
Some reviews will tell you the hotel is "old."
Is it a glass-and-steel ultra-modern skyscraper? No. It has a specific aesthetic. Some people call it "dated"; others call it "established." They’ve done renovations, so the tech is current—USB ports where you need them, flat screens, etc.—but the bones of the building are traditional. If you want a hotel that feels like a neon-lit spaceship, go to Lake Nona. If you want a hotel that feels like a solid, dependable anchor, stay here.
Also, the pool. It’s an outdoor pool, and it’s fine. It’s not a "water park." There are no slides. There are no lazy rivers. It’s a place to swim laps or lounge with a book. If you have kids who need constant sensory input to stay occupied, they might get bored here. But if you’re an adult who just wants to soak in the Florida sun without a toddler screaming in your ear, this pool is a win.
Why Winter Park Matters
You cannot talk about the Sheraton Orlando North without mentioning its proximity to Winter Park. This is arguably the most beautiful part of Central Florida. We're talking cobblestone streets, hidden gardens, and the Morse Museum of American Art (which houses the world's most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany).
Staying at the Sheraton puts you about 4 miles from this. You can spend your day looking at priceless stained glass and your evening eating at a James Beard-nominated restaurant like The Ravenous Pig, then drive 10 minutes back to your quiet room at the Sheraton. It’s the "Local Orlando" experience that most tourists completely miss.
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The Verdict on Value
Is it the cheapest hotel in Orlando? No. You can find a Motel 6 in Kissimmee for less.
Is it the most expensive? Not even close.
The Sheraton Orlando North Hotel usually hits that "Goldilocks" price point. It’s affordable enough for a family on a budget who wants a higher standard of cleanliness, but nice enough for a business traveler who doesn't want to feel like they’re staying in a dorm room.
One thing to watch out for is the parking. Like many hotels in the area, they sometimes have fees, though they are often waived for certain booking tiers or Marriott Bonvoy members. Always check your specific booking details because those little "extras" are where they get you.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
If you’re planning to book a stay here, don’t just click "confirm" on the first site you see. There are ways to make the experience better.
- Ask for a room on a higher floor facing the atrium. The interior views are actually quite cool at night when the lobby lights are dimmed, and it tends to be quieter than the rooms facing the highway.
- Join Marriott Bonvoy. Even if you don't travel often. The Sheraton is a Marriott property, and even the lowest tier of membership can sometimes get you later checkout or better Wi-Fi for free.
- Don't skip An Tobar. Even if you aren't staying at the hotel, the pub is worth a visit. Try the shepherd’s pie. It’s the real deal.
- Explore Maitland. Don't just stay in the hotel. Walk over to the Maitland Art Center. It’s a "Mayan Revival" architectural gem that was founded as an art colony in 1937. It’s literally within walking distance and is one of the most unique spots in the state.
- Check the Event Calendar. This hotel has massive ballroom spaces. If there’s a giant convention happening, the lobby will be buzzing. If you want peace and quiet, check to see if there are any major conferences scheduled during your dates.
Basically, the Sheraton Orlando North Hotel is for the person who wants to see Orlando without being consumed by Orlando. It’s a strategic choice. It’s for the traveler who values a good bed, a great pub, and the ability to escape the plastic world of the theme parks for something a bit more grounded. It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable. In a city that’s constantly trying to sell you a fantasy, that kind of honesty is pretty refreshing.