Airport Hotel?

[leebee]

Hi! I am looking for an affordable, safe hotel near MCO for one night. My flight arrives around 7:30pm on a Saturday and Disney hotel rates are higher than I want to spend for a night. I am a solo traveler, so all I really need is a clean hotel that has an airport shuttle for one night (no car, using Mears bus to check in at ASMu the next day). I was looking at the Sonesta Essential Orlando but TripAdvisor reviews are sparse, scoring 3/5, so I'm not sure. Suggestions/recommendations would be appreciated!

 

[MIGrandma]

If it were me I would just stay at the hotel inside the airport. My Mom and I stayed there several years ago before going on a cruise.

 

[leebee]

If it were me I would just stay at the hotel inside the airport. My Mom and I stayed there several years ago before going on a cruise.

Too expensive. It'd be cheaper to stay at Disney.

 

[Upatnoon]

Where do you usually stay in hotels? Pretty much every chain hotel seemingly has a location near the airport so it comes down to your brand preference and budget.

Arriving at 7:30, p.m. I would just book at the All-Stars. You might get lucky and have a flight that arrives early. As a solo traveler, you likely won't have checked luggage to wait for and can head directly to the bus.

Having to wake up the next morning, shuttle to the airport, get on bus, get to resort, find your room, all will kill a lot of time when you could just be relaxing.

Getting an early start to my vacation would be worth it so long as we aren't talking hundreds extra, but I don't have your budget.

 

[TinkAgainU]

I understand your theory - I fly Southwest and assume my connecting 7pm flight might be Lucky to arrive by 10pm lol. I sometimes stay one night at Drury / Disney Springs (great patios and views - pay for the upgraded view! nice hot breakfast) pretty comparable to staying at WDW, and has a shuttle to Disney Springs and the parks. I usually go to Disney Springs on day one, then Uber to my WDW hotel with all my luggage when notified my room is ready.

My upcoming trip was an even tighter budget so I'm trying Developer Inn, 5055 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL which I'm not thrilled about, but the price looks good - will Uber there, and then Uber to WDW Hotel (with a stop enroute for groceries) the next day. Will use Mears on the way back to the airport to save $. While saving the first night fee looks good in the budget, it does make the next day iffy for truly relaxing into the magic.

 

[AussieFan8]

When we got stuck in the Southwest Christmas meltdown of 2022, we were looking for the exact same thing - a less expensive hotel near the airport with a shuttle. We were very lucky to find the Home2Suites near the airport; I had called four other hotels at 3am and no one else had any availability. It definitely felt like a downgrade from where we had stayed for our vacation (The Dolphin), but it was clean, comfortable, a decent rate, decent free breakfast, the shuttle was very reliable and 24 hours, and the staff was very friendly and helpful.

 

[BostonEd]

Unless it is a very long travel day, or you're worried your flight will arrive late, 7:30 isn't that late and the suggestion to just go to Disney Springs is a good one. Check Mousesavers to see if they have any specials in one of the Disney Springs hotels. Then you're practically "home" when you get up the next morning.

If you really want to stay near the airport, riffing on what someone said above, open Google maps and look just north of the airport. You'll see a cluster of pretty much every chain hotel you can think of. Pick your favorite chain and you're good. Sonesta is generally a good brand, but I think their Essential line is more basic.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

We have stayed at the Fairfield Inn and Spring Hill Suites near MCO, both owned by Marriott, and Hyatt Place. All have an airport shuttle and free breakfast buffet in the morning. Good experience at all 3.
We have also stayed at the Country Inn & Suites near MCO, as recommended by others here on the Disboards, but it was very disappointing and wouldn't stay there again. The breakfast buffet was terrible (food cold and still half-frozen) and our AC unit leaked, getting the carpet soaked, and it smelled like mold. Cheaper isn't better. I would never stay at a place that gets only 3* on TA. I don't always need "luxury" but it needs to be clean and well-maintained.

None compare to the convenience of the Hyatt Regency inside MCO. That is always our go-to for late arrivals. I understand that sometimes it's just not in the budget. Considering your relatively early arrival (not like it's at 11pm) I would look at something closer to ASMu. This way, you make the longer drive from the airport in the evening and wake up close to your resort, with a short ride in the am. JMHO.

There are a lot of low-budget/seedy hotels along Rt 192 in Kissimmee, but I see a Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Kissimmee/Celebration that is only an 11 min ride to ASMu and gets 4.3* in google reviews and 4.5* on TA. I have found that any brand owned by Marriott is usually a good experience.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_R..._Kissimmee_Celebration-Kissimmee_Florida.html

 

[khurley23]

Hi! I am looking for an affordable, safe hotel near MCO for one night. My flight arrives around 7:30pm on a Saturday and Disney hotel rates are higher than I want to spend for a night. I am a solo traveler, so all I really need is a clean hotel that has an airport shuttle for one night (no car, using Mears bus to check in at ASMu the next day). I was looking at the Sonesta Essential Orlando but TripAdvisor reviews are sparse, scoring 3/5, so I'm not sure. Suggestions/recommendations would be appreciated!

Just curious where you ended up booking and if you've concluded your trip, how it was? I'm also looking for this type of place.