Holiday Inn Universal

[tnkrbell]

Have you stayed here? What did you think of it? We are staying there for a cheerleading competition in January this year. Im pretty excited we get to compete in Universal Studios!! Just thought I would get some opinions on the hotel

 

[Motherfletcher]

We stayed there a year ago. We were checked in by a kid that worked as a HHN Scareactor. He gave us a room on the top floor with a view of IOA. I liked the fridge and microwave. The pool was a little too far away.

 

[tnkrbell]

We probably will not have time plus it will be clold in Jan to use the pool, but to be able to IOA would be neat!! How about food? are there any close good resteraunts?

 

[Motherfletcher]

One bad thing was traffic on I-Drive after US/IOA closed. Southbound from Universal Blvd to hotel took about 1/2 hour. They "cruise the strip". We ate at Black Angus but nothing to write home about.

 

[robvia]

The Holiday Inn has mixed reviews. After you check in, have everyone check their rooms to make sure everything is ok.
There is a TGIFridays next door. There is also a Denny's within walking distance. You can walk to IOA, just need to be careful because it's 10 lanes of traffic to cross.
In the shopping center across the street are a few more restaurants.

Check out my page to see some pictures of what it will look like.
http://www.nogodforme.com/offsite.htm

 

[Motherfletcher]

tnkrbell-
I think I lead you astray. I confused HI Universal with HI International. I attended a workshop at HI Universal last Thurs. and Fri. I had read some nasty reviews on TripAdvisor and opted to stay offsite at the onsite Universal's RPR. I asked a couple of guys what they thought of the hotel and they didn't have anything negative to say. I was getting $75 for a rate through their Priority Club. Transportation/access to the hotel is smooth.

 

[tnkrbell]

Thanks for all the info!! I dont think we will be walking can you just see 60 cheerleaders running across 10 lanes of traffic??!!!
EEEEK!!!
But Being that close will be nice. Also having Fridays close will be nice you know us cheer parents we like to have a cocktail after a day of cheer competitions!!!

 

[PatMcDuck]

We stayed there a few years ago. There was at that time a new wing, and an older one. We were in a 2BR suite, in the new wing. We faced the parking garage, but could see fireworks form both parks from the room. Pool small but ok. We stayed with the kids eat free promotion, nice, we have 4 kids......

We thought it was ok, but we did not try to walk to parks (In the August heat, no way!) Our 2 BR suite slept up to 10 people.

 

[tnkrbell]

WOW a 2br suite would come in handy!!

 

[w770496]

Here is the response I got when I voiced my concerns:

Thank you for your interest in the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Universal Orlando.

We are aware that in the past we have not received the best of reviews from our past guests. I can reassure you that in the last 6 months the property has undergone many changes, including renovation and management.

All of our one and two-bedroom suites have been fully renovated, all public areas and hallways have been repainted and new carpet installed. All of these projects have been completed.

In June we were fortunate to add a new General Manager to our team and we have seen not just physical changes to the hotel but also much better customer service through all of our efforts to exceed the expectations of our guests.

Please do not hesitate to contact us directly should you have any further questions, and I feel comfortable in saying that you will enjoy your stay with us in February. If you can forward your confirmation number, I will be better able to see what rooms you could possibly be accommodated in.

Looking forward to hosting your accommodations in Orlando.

Thank you,

Mayra M. Queris
Director of Sales & Marketing
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites

 

[tnkrbell]

WOW great question and great response!! Thanks for sharing it with me I really appreciate it!!!

 

[robvia]

Wow, that was an amazing response of them to admit their reviews have not been that great in the past. I guess they finally realize that people talk on these boards and the word gets out. If your stay is good, then we'll say nice things. You will enjoy walking to the TGIFridays after a long day in the parks.