Anywhere to stay off site & walk to parks?

[CarolMN]

Can anyone recommend an off-site hotel/resort within walking distance to the Universal parks? My DH & I are considering an early December weekend visit and I don't think we'll need FOTL access at that time.

All recommendations/comments much appreciated!

Thanks.

 

[aussiemickeys]

In Jan 2004 we stayed offsite at the Days Inn (in Caravan Court - I think). It was about a 15 minute walk from the hotel to Citywalk (entering just before the cinema end). The hotel itself was VERY ordinary but was cheap as chips! There are definately other hotels in the same area as we would walk past them before we crossed over the major road to get to Universal. I'm sorry I can't remember the other hotel names for you, I hope someone else can give you some further info.

 

[Aimeedyan]

We stayed 1 night at the AmeriSuites directly across the street last May, there are other hotels there - you literally walk across the street along with everyone else =)

We stayed the other night at RPR to get the FOTL =)

 

[robvia]

Lots to recommend, which is why I made these pages.
http://www.nogodforme.com/offsite.htm
http://www.nogodforme.com/hiltongardeninn.htm
http://www.nogodforme.com/Amerisuites.htm

The Amerisuites would be my current favorite within walking distance. Just visited last month and was impressed with the free breakfast.

Others have talked about Hawthorn Suites as also being good. I've never stayed there, but have heard the radio commercials.

 

[CarolMN]

Thanks so much to all of you.

robvia - the website links were very helpful. We've stayed at other Amerisuites in the past and liked them. Glad to know there is one within walking distances!

Best wishes -

 

[daveyoghurt]

I stayed at the Red Horse Inn which is just next to the Sheraton Studio hotel on i-drive, it was a nice fifteen minute stroll from there to Universal, though the guys behind the desk thought we were mad and tried to call us a taxi every morning! The rooms were big and had just been decorated when we visited so they were superb, and I couldn't recommend the staff highly enough - really friendly and helpful.

 

[robvia]

I've also stayed at the Red Horse Inn. No hotel smell, but the property is a few years older. They do have free breakfast which was really good. I'd call it a step up from a dive, but just under the Amerisuites in terms of price.

 

[Disney845]

Some girlfriends and I stayed at a Holiday Inn (it had a TGI Fridays as its hotel restaurant if that rings any bells for anyone) that is directly across from one of the entrances to the Universal complex. I would say it was about 1 minute from our hotel to Universal property and then a short 15 min walk on a nice gardeny path up to Citywalk. Of course the walk seemed much longer and winding after a few drinks that night!!!

 

[robvia]

Great story, thanks for sharing.

But most don't like the Holiday Inn. The rooms have hotel smell and problems. They need to clean up their act. They get people to visit because they are close to the park. But people on these boards know better.

We say nice things about hotels that are good. It seems like you had a good room and a nice stay. I'm glad for that. And yes, the TGIF rocks because they stay open late after most places have shut down for the night. The Orlando Ale house is also a great restaurant across from the parking garage.

 

[louise1928]

On our first visit to Universal in 2001, we stayed at the Holiday Inn, and fortunately we had a pleasant stay. On our last trip in Dec 2004, we stayed at the Amerisuites, which is behind the Holiday Inn, and we enjoyed our stayed there as well. The walk is about 25 minutes. Enjoy!