The Nickelodeon Suites Resort, widely remembered by a generation of families as the "Nick Hotel," was once the pinnacle of character-themed travel in Orlando, Florida. However, travelers looking to book a stay today will find that the property has undergone a total transformation. The Nickelodeon Suites Resort is no longer in operation under that name or theme. As of June 1, 2016, the property officially rebranded as the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark.

While the physical buildings still stand at 14500 Continental Gateway, the iconic orange and green exterior, the SpongeBob-themed bedroom suites, and the daily "mass sliming" events are things of the past at this specific location. The transition marked the end of an era for Nickelodeon's first major foray into the hotel industry in the United States, shifting from a loud, animation-heavy environment to a more conventional, family-friendly Holiday Inn resort.

The Rise and Fall of the Nickelodeon Suites Resort Era

To understand the current state of the property, one must look back at its transformation in the mid-2000s. Originally opened in 1999 as the Holiday Inn Family Suites, the property entered into a high-profile partnership with Nickelodeon (owned by Viacom/Paramount) in 2005. A $25 million renovation project turned the 777-suite complex into a living, breathing version of the television channel.

For over a decade, from 2005 to 2016, the resort was a massive success, frequently appearing on lists of the top family vacation spots in the country. It was designed as an immersive "destination within a destination," located just a mile from the entrance to Walt Disney World. Families often chose to stay at the Nick Hotel specifically for its unique amenities that even the major theme parks didn't offer at the time.

The Signature Slime Experience and Live Entertainment

The heartbeat of the Nickelodeon Suites Resort was the Lagoon Pool. This wasn't just a swimming area; it was a multi-level water playground that featured the most famous ritual in Nickelodeon history: the mass sliming. Every day, a giant green bucket at the top of the structure would fill with hundreds of gallons of "slime"—a harmless, non-toxic, green-colored liquid. When the alarm sounded and the countdown reached zero, the bucket would tip, drenching everyone below.

Beyond the water park, the entertainment was relentless. The resort featured:

  • Double Dare Live: A high-energy stage show based on the classic TV game show, where families competed in physical challenges and messy stunts to win prizes.
  • Character Breakfasts: Guests could start their day dining with SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Dora the Explorer, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
  • The 4-D Theater: A specialized cinema showing short films featuring Nickelodeon characters, enhanced with physical effects like wind, mist, and scents.
  • Nick After Dark: A supervised program for children that allowed parents to have a night out while kids participated in themed activities and more sliming.

Themed Suites and Immersive Decor

The rooms themselves were a major draw. Most accommodations were two-bedroom or three-bedroom suites. While the parents' bedroom was typically more neutral, the kids' bedrooms were "Nick-ified." Walls were adorned with floor-to-ceiling murals of SpongeBob living in his pineapple under the sea, or the Fairly OddParents flying through Dimmsdale. The furniture was bright, the bedding was themed, and even the lamps and curtains reflected the chaotic, fun energy of the brand.

Why Did the Nickelodeon Hotel Rebrand in 2016?

The decision to end the Nickelodeon branding was not due to a lack of popularity, but rather a strategic shift in business and licensing. In early 2016, the resort's management announced that the licensing agreement with Nickelodeon would not be renewed. On April 18, 2016, the process of "de-branding" began.

Several factors contributed to this change:

  1. Strategic Licensing Shifts: Nickelodeon's parent company, Viacom, began seeking a new type of partnership. They eventually partnered with Karisma Hotels & Resorts to launch a more upscale, luxury "all-inclusive" resort model, which debuted in Punta Cana. The Orlando Holiday Inn model was seen as a legacy project that didn't fit the new "Gourmet Inclusive" luxury direction the brand was heading.
  2. Property Renovations: The hotel was in need of a significant refresh. After a decade of high-traffic use by families and exposure to the Florida sun, the property required a $30 million renovation. The owners, Urban Commons, decided that a more neutral, "Holiday Inn Resort" identity would have broader appeal, attracting not just Nickelodeon fans but also general tourists and corporate groups.
  3. Cost of Branding: Maintaining the Nickelodeon name required significant royalty payments and adherence to strict brand standards. By returning to a standard Holiday Inn Resort model, the management could reduce operational overhead while still leveraging the existing water park infrastructure.

By June 1, 2016, the transformation was complete. The orange accents were repainted blue and tan. The murals were stripped from the walls. The "Nicktoons Café" became the "Lakeside Café," and the "Slime" bucket was replaced by a more generic water dumping feature.

Staying at the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites Today

If you visit the property today, you will find a resort that feels significantly different from its "slime-filled" past. While it remains an all-suite hotel, the atmosphere is considerably quieter and more modern.

The Water Park and Amenities

The two water parks—the Lagoon Pool and the Oasis Pool—are still the primary features of the resort. The multi-level water playground remains, but it no longer features Nickelodeon branding. The water slides, climbing nets, and dumping buckets are still functional, providing a great value for families who want a water park experience without paying the high ticket prices of nearby parks like Typhoon Lagoon or Volcano Bay.

The resort also maintains:

  • A 3,000-square-foot Arcade: One of the largest hotel arcades in the Orlando area.
  • Mini-Golf: A 9-hole course located within the resort grounds.
  • The Batman Laser Maze: A remnant of the later years of the Nick era that was updated to a more general superhero theme.
  • Shuttle Services: The hotel continues to provide transportation to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort.

The Modern Suite Experience

The guest suites have been completely overhauled. The vibrant character murals have been replaced with a contemporary design palette of blues, greys, and whites. The rooms are spacious, featuring kitchenettes and separate living areas, making them ideal for large families on a budget. However, for those seeking the "nostalgia" of the Nick Hotel, the lack of character presence can be a disappointment.

Financial Challenges and the 2021 Bankruptcy

The transition away from the Nickelodeon brand did not immediately solve all of the property's problems. In January 2021, the owner of the hotel, UC Cont 1 LLC (a subsidiary of Urban Commons), filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The resort was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a massive downturn in Orlando tourism throughout 2020. The hotel reportedly lost hundreds of jobs and struggled with the debt associated with its previous $30 million renovation. Despite these financial hurdles, the hotel remained open throughout the bankruptcy proceedings and continues to operate today as an IHG (Intercontinental Hotels Group) property.

The Future: A New Nickelodeon Hotel is Coming to Orlando

For fans who were heartbroken by the closure of the original Nick Hotel, there is good news on the horizon. While the Holiday Inn site will likely never return to its former slime-covered glory, a brand-new Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Orlando is currently in development.

Planned as part of the "Everest Place" development in the Kissimmee area, this new resort is expected to be a far cry from the Holiday Inn model. Following the success of Nickelodeon properties in Riviera Maya and Punta Cana, this new Orlando location will likely feature:

  • Luxury Accommodations: High-end villas and suites, potentially including the famous "Pineapple Villa" seen in other locations.
  • Aqua Nick: A state-of-the-art water park with massive slides and the return of the official "Slime" brand.
  • Gourmet Dining: Upscale food options that move beyond the buffet-style service of the original hotel.
  • Modern Characters: While SpongeBob remains the star, expect to see more presence from newer hits like PAW Patrol and The Loud House.

The opening timeframe is currently projected for 2026–2028, depending on construction progress and development phases.

Global Nickelodeon Destinations: Where to Get Slimed Now

While Orlando waits for its new property, the partnership between Nickelodeon and Karisma Hotels & Resorts has produced several active destinations worldwide:

  1. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya (Mexico): A massive luxury resort featuring "Aqua Nick," one of the largest water parks in Mexico. Every room is a swim-up suite with ocean views.
  2. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana (Dominican Republic): The first of the new generation of Nick hotels, focusing on a "Gourmet Inclusive" experience that appeals to both kids and food-loving parents.
  3. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Antalya (Turkey): Located at The Land of Legends, this is the newest addition, bringing the Nickelodeon experience to the European and Asian markets.

Summary: Is the Former Nick Hotel Still Worth a Visit?

The Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark occupies a strange place in Orlando's hotel landscape. For those who remember the original Nickelodeon Suites Resort, a visit today can feel somewhat hollow. The loss of the characters, the bright colors, and the unique "Double Dare" energy has turned it into a standard, albeit functional, family resort.

However, if you approach the hotel without the weight of nostalgia, it remains a strong value proposition. It offers multi-room suites and a legitimate water park at a fraction of the price of on-site Disney or Universal hotels. For a budget-conscious family that needs space and on-site entertainment, it is still a viable option.

For the true Nickelodeon "superfan," the best advice is to wait for the new resort opening in 2026 or book a flight to Mexico or the Dominican Republic to experience the modern, high-end version of the brand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new name of the Nickelodeon Hotel? The original Nickelodeon Suites Resort is now called the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark.

Can you still get slimed at the Holiday Inn in Orlando? No. The official Nickelodeon "Slime" brand and the daily mass sliming events were discontinued when the hotel rebranded in 2016. While there is still a water dumping bucket at the pool, it uses plain water.

Are there still SpongeBob rooms at the Holiday Inn Orlando? No. All character-themed decor was removed during the 2016 renovations. The rooms now feature a standard, modern hotel design.

When will the new Nickelodeon Hotel open in Orlando? The new Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Orlando is currently slated to open in the 2026–2028 timeframe as part of the Everest Place development.

Who owns the former Nickelodeon Hotel now? The property is currently managed under the Holiday Inn brand, which is part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts family. Ownership has seen various shifts through the bankruptcy of Urban Commons subsidiaries.

Is the water park still open at the Holiday Inn? Yes, both the Lagoon Pool and the Oasis Pool remain open for guests, featuring water slides and play structures, though they are no longer Nickelodeon-themed.