There are many hotels that advertise themselves to be airport hotels. Here is some information that may help:
Onsite Hotels:
Hyatt Orlando Airport - This is the only hotel actually located within the hotel. It is a great hotel and you dont have to worry about shuttle service either, you can just walk straight up to your room from your flight! You are right, their rates can be pricey, but for some the convenience is worth it.
Lee Vista Center Area:
This is a commercial park one mile north of the airport. Here you will find offices, restaurants and several hotels. Hotels include: Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn, Holiday Inn Select, Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, Hawthorn Suites, Amerisuites, Sheraton Suites and Embassy Suites. Just across from Lee Vista Center is the Courtyard, La Quinta Inn & Suites, Amerisuites North, Renaissance Hotel and Radisson. All the above mentioned hotels are nice, well maintained and offer shuttle service.
McCoy Road Area:
This is a side access road roughly 2-3 miles from the Airport. Finding it can be difficult for travelers and there are few restaurants nearby. Hotels in this area include: Holiday Inn Express, Best Western, Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Quality Inn, Comfort Suites, Four Points Hotel and a Sleep Inn comming soon. While the hotels are not the best, and the location leaves much to be desired, all the properties do provide shuttle service and best of all, the prices can be very competetive, especially at the Four Points and Howard Johnsons.
Florida Mall:
These is about 10 minutes from the airport, and is a major commercial center. In this area you will find tons of restaurants, shopping entertainment, etc. There are several hotels here like: Hampton Inn, GuestHouse Hotel, Holiday Inn Express, Days Inn, Ramada Limited, Howard Johnson and Ramada Limited. Some hotels are nice, others are not. I would suggest staying away from the Days Inn which has been reviewed very poorly.
Anyway, I hope this email gives you more options and gives you an idea of the general area and hotel locations. Most of the above hotels have websites where you can make online reservations, so if you need help for a particular one, just say so.
Cheers!
