Flying 2 days early and ISO a cheap but not scary off-site hotel

[mom2minniemouse]

Hi there! I am in desperate need of help!!!

Our flight costs just got way cheaper, but we have to fly out 2 days prior than expected. I have been to Florida 3 times, but I have never stayed off-site. I need a really cheap hotel for two nights, but I'm hoping there's one that meets the following criteria:

-- a safe outdoor pool for DD9
-- relatively family-friendly atmosphere
-- must be under $50 before taxes a day
-- must be somewhat near things to do (maybe Downtown Disney??? Something that doesn't necessarily cost admission to get into, kwim?)

I realize "you get what you pay for," but I'd rather be basking in the sun poolside in Florida at a 3-star hotel for two days than paying the extra money in plane tickets two days later, kwim? We can deal with an "okay" hotel just as long as we won't be bored to . At least if we're there and in one piece (LOL!) we can have a faster start to our Disney time.

Also, we'd have to be renting a car to get from the airport to the hotel. However, we will be staying at a Disney resort for the next 10 days after this. Will we be able to take the Magical Express back to the airport when we go home, or are we unable to do so because we didn't take it upon arrival, kwim?

TIA!
Cathy

 

[kbrelluvsWDW]

Hi Cathy,

I haven't stayed at this hotel before, but I looked it up on tripadvisor.com and the reviews were ok, The Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista. If you look on TravelZoo.com under lodging and click Orlando, they are having a summer sale for $39 a night. I am going to stay there for a short weekend during SWW next month and I hope it's as good as the reviews state. It's located just a few mins from Downtown Disney. Here is the link to travel zoo http://hotels.travelzoo.com/orlando-hotels/415672


I hope this helps! Have a great vacation!

 

[mom2minniemouse]

Thanks! I'll have to look into that one!

 

[kokomos]

I would check hotwire.com or bid on priceline. Ive always had great luck with both. I would stick to 3*

Good luck
Wanda

 

[Detailor]

I second the hotwire or priceline idea. Of course you don't know which hotel you're getting until you buy but both HW and PL deal with chains so the level of quality is pretty consistent

We stayed at a Crowne Plaza (corner of Sand Lake Rd and Universal Blvd) through a priceline bid a few years ago when went down a day early. Quite sure that was a 3 star hotel and it was quite nice.

Dick Taylor

 

[kjaswiger]

I noticed a strange occurrence with off-site hotel reviews from consumers. There are as many bad ratings as good with little consistency. Does this reflect people's expectations?