Why This Orlando Resort is My Favorite Staycation

Earlier this week, I told you about the new LakeHouse restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando. I think this restaurant - or the classy, unique Hemingway's restaurant at the resort - would both be a special spot to celebrate Valentine's Day.

Now, I want to tell you what it is like to enjoy a staycation at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress for Valentine's Day - or anytime. This is a resort where my family has stayed many times over the years - including celebrating every Father's Day here. That is because we not only enjoy great accommodations and food, but there are so many things for families to do here. 

I literally feel like I am in a different world when my family and I stay here. I lay in the hammocks, dip my toes in the sand and look out on the lake. We use paddleboats and canoes for free. We go rock climbing as well as bike riding and walking along the resort's beautiful trails. The best part is the pool -three huge areas for families and couples. There is not another like it in Orlando. The pool area features waterfalls you can swim under, a water slide, a cool wooden bridge and a hot tub. We often just lounge by the pool - what a relaxing staycation!

Of course, the entire grounds are just beautiful, and include bronze statues, bridges and fountains. You really do feel transported to another area of the world - say Southeast Asia. 

And, when you rise in the morning, you can choose a casual, quick breakfast or take advantage of LakeHouse's many options - which my husband and I did on our last visit. The Breakfast Buffet - $24.95 - is pricey, but there is so much delicious food to choose from. Omelettes, waffles and pancakes are cooked to order. But there is also a broad array of fresh fruit, cereals and pastries. We loved the buffet. I also ordered the LakeHouse Benedict ($16), which features poached eggs with avocado on Ciabatta bread, along with Canadian bacon, roasted tomatoes and Hollandaise sauce. This dish was outstanding.

Let me know if you have stayed at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress - or have any questions on staying there - in the comments section below

Top 5 Reasons to Try New LakeHouse Restaurant at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress

Those who follow this blog know that my favorite Orlando staycation spot is the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. I truly feel like I am in another world - say, on a private island - when I vacation at the resort. I will tell you more about what it is like to stay at HRGC in my next blog. First, I want to focus on the incredible new LakeHouse restaurant inside the hotel.

LakeHouse is the renovated version of the previous restaurant, Cascades. Man, it is starkly different than its predecessor. Missing is the huge mermaid fountain, which will be made into a bronze statue, and out-of-date decor. This place has been completely transformed into a modern, hip place to dine or simply meet for cocktails. When I am looking for a good restaurant in the attractions area - for a special occassion or every day dining - I will now consider LakeHouse first. 

And that is because of the stellar menu - basically comfort food with a twist. Plus, the food is fresh, seasonal and local - and I can enjoy my food in a beautiful atmosphere, with a view of a lake, a fountain, greenery and an expansive herb garden. Even though I have dined at many different restaurants, I tasted some cocktails and dishes that I have never had before. Here are a few of our favorites: 

1. Almond Filled Dates wrapped in Bacon. First, I never thought about pairing dates and crispy bacon before now. I wish I had, because I would be eating this daily at home! This small plate is a perfect app, and the Sriracha dip brings the perfect amount of heat.

2. Margherita Pizza. Simple but delicious pizza with sliced Roma tomatoes, Mozzarella, torn basil and parmesan. We also loved the House Pizza (Chef's Special), which featured peaches and goat cheese on this occasion.

3. Filet Mignon with Herb Bread Pudding, Port Wine Sauce, Beech Mushroom and Asparagus. You had me at Herb Bread Pudding. I could have eaten this - and the Port Wine Sauce - all day. I was also impressed that the filet was perfectly cooked and seasoned.

4. Grilled Shrimp Cocktail with Spicy Bloody Mary Sauce. Wow. The shrimp were grilled and seasoned perfectly, and we love the corresponding sauce with a kick of heat. This is much different than your average Shrimp Cocktail dish - and tastes much better.

Filet Mignon with Herb Bread Pudding

5. Sushi, sashimi and nigiri. All of the options we tried were delicious, but the HRGC roll was our favorite. The roll features krab salad, avocado, sliced mango and eel sauce. Yum!

There were also a variety of beautiful desserts. We weren't blown away by the taste of some, but we loved the presentation of Milk & Cookies, which can be ordered for an individual or the whole table.