Budget Hotels near Universal

[christa112]

We are trying to plan to Universal/Sea World. We have never stayed off WDW property. I have been looking at hotels in the area but I read so many mixed reviews of different places. Anyone have any suggestions.

We are looking for a place that is relatively inexpensive and CLEAN!!! We don't need a deluxe resort my any means.

I would love input.

TIA

 

[DisneyLoverUSA]

If you have a car, here is a hotel that is 3 miles from Universal. http://www.qualityinn.com/hotel-orl...&nchild3=&nadult4=&nchild4=&nadult5=&nchild5=

It has a living room, bedroom, full kitchen and free hot breakfast buffet for around 99 a night. It sleeps 6.

 

[accumax]

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...es_Universal_Studio_Area-Orlando_Florida.html

No Kitchen, but free hot breakfest, very clean and modern. Almost walking distance to US and SW just down the road. Just read the reviews to see see if its for you. Can book for less that 100.00 a night with Advance Purchase rate.

 

[donaldduck352]

Here is a forum that gives alot of info on hotels-resorts off-site:

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=30&f=126

This is my review of the EcnoLodge on I-Drive:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2815127

 

[christa112]

Thank you!!!

 

[Sandy321]

Here is a forum that gives alot of info on hotels-resorts off-site:

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=30&f=126

This is my review of the EcnoLodge on I-Drive:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2815127

Thanks - we'll be driving from Ft Myers, mom just decided we need to go up a day before relax, shop, then check in to Loews resort!

 

[berries]

I came here after reading really bad reviews of the hotels near universal! All we need is clean and safe! We won't be th ere but to sleep. Looking for a Wyndham hotel near universal. Anyone stay in one that is ok?

 

[Metro West]

This would be a better fit on the Orlando Hotels and Attractions board.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I came here after reading really bad reviews of the hotels near universal! All we need is clean and safe! We won't be th ere but to sleep. Looking for a Wyndham hotel near universal. Anyone stay in one that is ok?

Check out the Hawthorn Suites Universal. Its a Wyndham property. Located on Canada Avenue....one block off of I-Drive, and within a 5-10 minute drive from both the Universal parks and the SeaWorld parks.

We stayed 7 nights there earlier this month. Full kitchen, separate bedroom, living area, reasonably large bathroom, two TV's. Free hot and cold breakfast buffet daily, free happy hour daily from 5-7 pm (2 free alcoholic drinks per adult, free soft drinks, free snacks), free transportation to and from the Universal, Disney and SeaWorld parks, free parking, free internet. Outdoor pool and hot tub. Rooms and grounds were nice and clean, and the staff were very helpful.

I have included some hotel information and several photos in my trip report, which can be found here:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2864779

Price was right, too.....we paid about $75 per night via Expedia.ca.

Hope this helps!

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

I came here after reading really bad reviews of the hotels near universal! All we need is clean and safe! We won't be there but to sleep. Looking for a Wyndham hotel near universal. Anyone stay in one that is ok?

We'll be checking into the Wingate on Windhover Drive in less than three weeks, so I'll be able to let you know how it was when I return. I chose it mostly based on the reviews, which were very good, and it's proximity to the parks. (We also got a very good rate as part of a package.) *crosses fingers*

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...tudios_Convention_Center-Orlando_Florida.html

 

[Eclectic Goddess]

I came here after reading really bad reviews of the hotels near universal! All we need is clean and safe! We won't be th ere but to sleep. Looking for a Wyndham hotel near universal. Anyone stay in one that is ok?

We stayed at the Wingate by Wyndham on Windhover Drive, just NE of the parks. It was about a 30 minute walk from the hotel doors to the entrance of US, but they also have a shuttle that runs once in the morning (a bit too late for my tastes) and twice after the park closes at night.

Our room was very comfortable and clean. (Might have had the best hotel beds I've ever slept in.) We had a small fridge, microwave, and a safe. Some of the common areas were a bit messier, but nothing to complain about. The free breakfast was very good, with eggs and a meat protein, waffle maker, cereal, coffee, fresh juice, and a rotating selection of pastries. The front desk staff was polite and helpful. I watched them deal with a different guest's medical emergency with a quick and calm response.

My only complaint, and it's a very minor one was that there were no towels by the whirlpool and it was nowhere near hot enough. I know it was a whirlpool and not a hot tub, but still. We got chilled and were relieved to step under the hot shower afterward.

I'd stay there again if I was staying offsite.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

OP, I know you said you don't need deluxe hotel and we don't either but onsite hotels at Universal are within walking distance to the parks (or easy water taxi ride). So not needing a rental car there saves $ too and not paying for parking.
The best part is that your room key allows you to bypass the regular lines at every attraction except for a rare few (Pteranadon Flyers comes to mind.) For everything else we almost walk right onto the ride, past the long lines. Unlike the Express passes available for purchase, the room key use is unlimited so we can ride again, and again, and again.
Even a 1 nt stay gets you 2 full days of Front of Line privileges: the day you check in and the day you check out until park closing. Once you check out of your room, the hotel will store your luggage in a locked closet until you're ready to leave.

To us, that key is sooooo worth it! We were so instantly spoiled that dh refuses to go to Uni unless we stay onsite. Depending how long you plan to visit, it may be worth it to get 1 AP. That offers huge hotel discounts, like $100 off per night. For a 2-3 nt stay, it pays for itself.

 

[Elcheetah]

We've stayed at the bestwestern geteway and get a microwave & fridge so we have breakfast in the room. It is adequate if you are looking for a place to sleep and I find the price resonable. It has a shuttle to the parks.