Cheap hotels

[missyc]

I am curious about how cheap you can get away with near WDW! I'm talking about all those $30/night places you see while driving. I've never stayed at one before. I'm going in a few weeks with my sister and 4 kids. She just wants to go and stop at the (best looking) cheapest place we see. We'll just be sleeping one night.
Are they just totaly gross? Or are they just not all dressed up?
I'm no princess...but I don't want a "hooker motel" either! LOL

 

[floridagirrl2]

You gotta be very, very careful! There are plenty of truly awful motels in Orlando.

Personally, I wouldn't go to Orlando without a reservation, especially if you have kids in tow. I would look for some cheap prices on the internet (via hotelkingdom.com, etc.), then do a search on the Dis boards to see what people's experiences with them have been.

You might also consider Priceline--don't go lower than 2.5 stars (in my opinion) though. DH and I have stayed at the Clarion Maingate on 192 twice via Priceline, once for $30/night and once for $26 per night. Older hotel, safe, and clean, but nothing fancy.

 

[bartleby1]

I second the idea of using priceline. We've stayed in a few different 2.5 and 3 star hotels in the orlando area for between $27 and $38 per night. Check out biddingfortravel.com for help with bidding.

 

[Jamieb]

We have stayed at the EconoLodge Maingate Hawaiian a couple of times. It was pretty cheap and they run specials on thier site, http://www.enjoyfloridahotels.com , quite often.

It's an older hotel but the rooms have always been clean and it's easy enough to get in an out of your room as you can park close to your room.

I have not stayed there in the past couple of years but looks the same every time I drive by there.

There are plenty of hotels to choose from. If you plan on arriving later at night I would strongly suggest finding something before you leave. If your showing up mid week, easrly in the day, in a slower season then you should no have any problems finding a room.

 

[5forDiz]

as I have heard tool from people who's opinions I definitely trust that if the price looks too low to be true you will often understand completely why it is once you check in (lots of horror stories).

If I remember correctly, I believe you said you will be travelling with your sister and 4 kids... can you all be accommodated in a typical hotel/motel room? Most have a max occupancy of 4 or 5.

A suite-style property may be a better option even though it will cost you more than $30 - 40. For example, I keyed in an overnight stay on 5/18 for Homewood Suites (a Hilton property) located on Palm Parkway just outside Downtown Disney and got a rate of approx. $88 with tax -- this would provide comfortable accommodations for your group and includes free hot breakfast & also a "manager's light dinner" is shown to be included as well on weekday nights. What you save on breakfast (& perhaps even on dinner with "manager's light dinner") may make this well worth the extra money. Also, the suite includes a kitchenette which can provide you with your own meal and snack options as another savings to paying for eating out in restaurants.

Check out Holiday Inn Family Suites as well -- those accommodations would be able to handle your group and I have seen good rates come up and many people post good things (kids eat free at meals, etc.)

Good suggestions from other posters on Priceline too but definitely do your homework and read up on what hotels can come up for the different quality levels and always keep in mind that Priceline bids once accepted are non-cancellable or refundable.

 

[missyc]

Thanks for all the info/advice

 

[lawgs]

missy

you might want to check out

www.easyclicktravel.com

they often have nice properties at reasonable rates ( they tell you how much it will cost upfront ...but it is prepaid )

we used them in las vegas and orlando in january of this year and were pleased with the accomodations for the nights we needed