Cheap Hotel for 1 Night Before Universal

[ClioMuse]

Since flight times are not working out for us as planned, my husband and I might be taking a later flight on the day before we originally planned to start vacation. That means we need one extra night of hotel. We'll be heading to Universal early the next morning to check into the Loews Royal Pacific Resort. I don't want to pay the premium price for an onsite hotel when we'll be getting in so late.

So, can you suggest a cheap hotel for one night? I'm not sure if it makes more sense to stay near Universal or the airport. I'd like to avoid paying the money we'll be saving by staying in a cheap hotel for transportation costs.

So, I'm looking for a cheap hotel ($100 or less) that is clean, not sketchy, and would make sense from a transportation stand point (airport -- hotel -- Royal Pacific).

Thanks everyone!

 

[Siriusblack]

I highly recommend The Point Orlando Resort. It's one mile from Universal, very nice and quite reasonable. Check their own website for specials.

 

[rmoore7]

Check out Hotwire. It's always somewhat a roll of the dice, but I've found that at long as you pick a hotel in your price range with at least a 90% recommendation it can be a really good deal. Just be sure to read every bit of information provided to you "before" you purchase the room. Check the final total with taxes & fees and understand if there is a "resort fee" associated with your stay. Amazingly, some of the properties can be well in to the luxury category. Finally, I'm sure you're probably well aware that once you've paid the room is non refundable. Good luck

 

[ClioMuse]

I highly recommend The Point Orlando Resort. It's one mile from Universal, very nice and quite reasonable. Check their own website for specials.

Thanks! I will check this place out!

Check out Hotwire. It's always somewhat a roll of the dice, but I've found that at long as you pick a hotel in your price range with at least a 90% recommendation it can be a really good deal. Just be sure to read every bit of information provided to you "before" you purchase the room. Check the final total with taxes & fees and understand if there is a "resort fee" associated with your stay. Amazingly, some of the properties can be well in to the luxury category. Finally, I'm sure you're probably well aware that once you've paid the room is non refundable. Good luck

Thanks for the suggestion. I've always been a little leery of doing something like this, but it might be the best way to go. Since you can't pick your exact location when you do this, do you suggest staying closer to the airport or to Universal? I'm guessing Universal, but I'm not familiar with the area at all.

 

[rmoore7]

...do you suggest staying closer to the airport or to Universal? I'm guessing Universal, but I'm not familiar with the area at all.

Many variables to consider; if you're renting a car or getting in late I'd consider staying closer to the airport for two reasons. 1, you can typically take the hotel shuttle to your room, sleep, and shuttle back to the airport the following morning and save one day car rental charge. 2, you don't have to negotiate travel through an unfamiliar city in the dark when you're tired. It's about 20-25 minute drive from MCO to Universal depending on the traffic.

The other considerations are price and amenities of the hotel you choose. If you can get a 90% recommended 4 star hotel that includes breakfast for the same price or less than 2.5 star that charges for wireless...which would "you" choose?

Ultimately, it's only one night and I'm sure you'll have a great time no matter where you rest your heads that first evening.

 

[Ksquared]

I just looked at that Orlando Pointe Hotel. Looks real nice. Might be something we consider for our first night if we decide not to check right into Universal.

 

[ClioMuse]

Many variables to consider; if you're renting a car or getting in late I'd consider staying closer to the airport for two reasons.

We won't be renting a car, but the tip about a shuttle to the airport hotels is a good one. Once we make our final flight arrangements, I'll take a look on hotwire and see what I can find.

Thanks!