HELP! Offsite First-Timer Needs Hotel Suggestions

[annnewjerz]

I'm hoping I can get some suggestions for super cheap hotels for a quicky trip down to WDW in October.

DH and I will be driving from NJ to FL in one day (insane, I know) and want to find a really inexpensive place to crash for the night of the drive, and the night after MNSSHP.

My only requirements are:

1. It can't be in a horrible part of town, since we will be arriving late in the evening both nights of our stay.

2. It has to be clean. I don't mean I'm one of those people who takes a picture of some mold on the door jam, but I don't want dirty stained sheets, broken fixtures, etc.

So far, I found a Fairfield Inn at t the Marriott Village for about $70 + taxes and fees per night (with a AAA discount). Right now, it's the best deal I have found (short of $30 per night motels).

So---does anyone have any personal recommendations for less expensive, within a few miles of WDW places to stay??

Thanks!
Ann

 

[crusoe2]

We stayed at the Ramada Gateway several years ago and I think I just saw a recommendation for it somewhere on here not long ago. I actually just recommended it to my DSis last night as they were driving down and would need a place to crash when they got there in the wee hours. The online rates I found were in the $45-$60 range, depending on what kinds of discounts you qualified for. I think the website was www.ramadagateway.com. There is a tower building and then smaller two story buildings behind it. The rooms in the two story bldgs are less expensive but you still get two queen beds, a fridge, and a nice big bath area. One of the things I loved about it was that the sink area is seperate from the tub/toilet area but is still private. You can also specifically book a room facing either the parking lot or the pool, whichever you prefer. There were two pools - both in enclosed courtyard areas with lots of lush landscaping. The hotel is a little older but it definitely met our needs for just a night or two. Hopefully someone who has stayed there more recently can verify if it's still a good place to stay.

ETA: This hotel also had a security guard, was located right on 192, and was an easy drive to and from the parks. It was also really easy to get in out of the parking lot onto 192 - just hang a right as you're leaving and I think there was a traffic light there so that turning left to get back into the hotel parking lot wasn't too difficult.