Hotel Recommendations Near Universal?

[Rpsemont]

Just wondering if anyone has an good/bad recommendations for a hotel near Universal. We're renting points on Disney Property for all nights except Friday and Sat, so we need a place for those nights. Since we'll be checking out of BWV on Friday, and into OKW on Sunday, we probably won't spend much time at the offsite hotel at all. We plan to spend all day Sat at USF/IOA and catch a MArdi Gras parade. Don't want to spend the money to stay on site at USF. Here's how I perceive my choices:
1)Resort bidding on Priceline for Universal Area
2) Resort bidding on Priceline for Walt Disney World area
( These I peg at approx cost of $75-80/night)
3) Stay at All Stars with a code, if I can get it - Approx cost $100 (we have an extra adult)
4) 3* Priceline WDW Bid ($40-50/night)
5) 3* Universal BId (this is where I'm hesitant - I'm not familiar with those hotels)
6) Find a hotel close to Universal in the $60/night range - This is where your input would be helpful.

Any ideas or advice?

 

[tinaluis]

We've bid 3* in the Universal area and have gotten the Wyndham on I-Drive (has gotten some negative reviews lately but we have stayed there approx. 5 different times and LOVED it), the Rosen Centre I-Drive (very nice, but a little too fancy when travelling with kids) and 2.5* we've gotten the Amerisuites Universal and Amerisuites Convention Center. We LOVED both and actually prefer the 2.5* because of the convenience of having a small microwave, small refrigerator and free deluxe continental breakfast. We've also bid 2.5* Florida Mall (just off the beaten path near Universal, but a little further away) and gotten the Wellesley Inn and Suites. This, by far, was a favorite because it was an actual suite with a full kitchen (cooktop, microwave, dishwasher, and full-size refrigerator) and included a free deluxe continental breakfast. We've never spent more than $35/nt. for any of these places, even the 3* ones. For us, Priceline is the way to go!