Clean CHEAP hotel near Universal?

[bobbie68]

Hi,

I just want to throw my opinion in. You can't go wrong with a Hampton Inn. We stayed at the one by Universal and it was great. In fact every trip we go on if there is a Hampton Inn we stay there. It is a reasonable priced hotel and consistently good. My husband worked for them and he knows their inspections and policies are very strict. They will pull the Hampton Inn name from any that don't stay on par.

Good luck!!!!!!

 

[mjohnson96]

I've just been reading reviews on TripAdvisor.com. I'm cheap but not stupid. The reviews for Days Inn are awful and include cops telling people they don't want to be staying there and gunshots fired in the night, along with roaches and bedbugs dressing the scene.

This is so true! We made the mistake of staying there last year since we got into town a day early and DH just wanted to stay at the first hotel is saw. It was horrible, didn't feel safe or clean. Could not wait to get over to the PBH the next day.

 

[brenda1966]

I'm interested in finding something pretty cheap for a one night stay before we check into our onsite hotel. I'm not familiar with the area at all. I'd like it to be reasonably close to US, even though we'd taxi over. We're hoping for "Early entry" and plan to be at the park gates at opening and will have to check in at the hotel, store bags, etc. So, closer is better. Reading all the hotel reviews can really give you pause about booking anywhere!

 

[sportbettor]

We have stayed at the Doubletree many times. It's great but it feels more like a business hotel than a vacation hotel. The rooms are very clean and some of the rooms have an ok view of the park.

The walk is kinda long imho. We either drove to the valet park or took a cab. They had a shuttle but I think it was pretty infrequent and it was pretty crowded.

 

[funhouse8]

We have stayed at the Doubletree many times. It's great but it feels more like a business hotel than a vacation hotel. The rooms are very clean and some of the rooms have an ok view of the park.

The walk is kinda long imho. We either drove to the valet park or took a cab. They had a shuttle but I think it was pretty infrequent and it was pretty crowded.

How much was a cab? Did you have the front desk call it for you. Thanks

 

[cmclaura]

I recently booked a room for 2 nights at the Wyndham on Sand Lake Road and International Drive. It's a short drive from Universal, so shouldn't be outrageous for a taxi (although taxis in Orlando are generally pricey).

I've stayed at the Doubletree before and found it quite boring. It's a convention center/hotel so they feel entitled to charge more for what are basically very basic rooms. And they add on costs for everything from computer usage to breakfast to parking in their lot, which irks me as I'm then double paying for them and the park all day.

It's a doable but long walk across the street (and up to the park entrance). Their shuttle is very limited.

I used to live in Orlando so we always get a car going back as it works out quite cheaply, so the Wyndham is in a good spot for us. Their details are:

Wyndham Orlando International Drive
8001 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
407-351-2420

Their posted cheap rate is $99 per night, but I booked it via Priceline name your own price for $42 per night. A good deal!

Take all the room reviews you read with a grain of salt (as everyone has their own version of comfort and what's good enough) and always check the beds for bedbugs, wherever you go! They have been found in 1 star and 4 star hotels.

 

[jnjusoioa]

Has anyone ever stayed at the LaQuinta, I have stayed at them before and they seem pretty nice and right now they have the best rates for April. So was just curious. Thanks in advance.

 

[myosotisd]

Try hotwire generally we can find for 39$ a three stars in the location universal north, i got the four point sheraton and the best western gateway great deals!! and walking distance from universal

 

[damo]

Has anyone ever stayed at the LaQuinta, I have stayed at them before and they seem pretty nice and right now they have the best rates for April. So was just curious. Thanks in advance.

My daughter stayed there and said it was fine for a night or two. Your basic room but clean and breakfast was half decent.

 

[MemphisBlonde]

We've stayed at the LaQuinta and Baymont Inn on Major Blvd, and there was nothing wrong with either, considering the price. The location isn't walking distance, (tried it first day- never again) but they did have free shuttles. I can't recall if LQ had free breakfast or not, but Baymont definitely did. And if you want to venture back beforehand, the taxi ride is about $6. Within walking distance is a great value restaurant, Miller's Ale House, on Kirkland, where the food is good and the servings are huge! Plus adult beverage specials daily if you partake! Of course if you can swing it, my top budget friendly choice is Hawthorn Suites Universal. Nice accomodations and great amenities. It includes free shuttle service, Free hot breakfast, and they have free Happy hour everyday from 5-7pm I believe, which includes 2 glasses of wine or beer per adult, and unlimited soft drinks.

The best price for tickets I've found is through Mapleleaf, but go through the expertmoneysavers link first and get another small percentage off, usually enough to pay the shipping.

Good Luck. We are going back mid October for 5 nights and can't wait!!!

 

[mickeyluv]

I've been to WDW twice and stayed on property both times. Now we are planning a Universal/Sea World trip and I have no idea where to stay.

I'm looking for something under $100 per night that is both clean and safe somewhere near Universal. Any advice?

Thx,
kclyn

There is a thread regarding a "Friends & Family Discount" at IHG brand hotels that you should check out if you haven't already....http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2270021&highlight=ihg+friends

Also see the thread I just posted regarding the Holiday Inn Main Gate Universal...http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37692558#post37692558

I am really leaning towards booking this hotel for our upcoming trip in November using this discount. We have been to WDW many times also and stayed on-site but this is our first visit to US/IOA. I hope it all works out for you and your family!

 

[Procrastinate]

We stayed at Comfort Suites on Major Blvd for $72 with a Sam's Club discount code. It was very nice with a good breakfast. The only negative was the warning about not leaving valuables in your car due to crime in the area, but we don't do that anyway.

 

[sportbettor]

How much was a cab? Did you have the front desk call it for you. Thanks

Cabbies are lined up waiting outside the hotel lobby. However they do get a little perturbed that you only want a ride to Universal. The ride itself is like $5. I usually tipped $3-$5 because I felt guilty.