Hotel suggestions please w/shuttle for airport/park?

[forgop]

Taking my wife to Universal Studios for Rock the Universe in September. I'm quite knowledgeable about Disney, but know nothing about Universal Studios. Since we're just going to be there Fri-Sun, I'd prefer a hotel if I can get a shuttle to/from the airport and park to avoid renting a car. I'm not looking for a dive, but I'd prefer not to spend a lot of money as we'll only be there just long enough to get some shut eye for 6-7 hours for 2 nights. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!

 

[linda679699]

I have been to Universal many times and we always stay at one of the 3 onsite hotels because of the Universal Express. You show your room card at just about every attraction, and you get into the express line. With Harry Potter opening, you may want to price out the hotels for the heck of it. September tends to be a little less expensive and the Royal Pacific Hotel is their least expensive of the 3.

As far as a shuttle, I don't believe they have one other than maybe recommending you to Mears. When we go, there are usually 4 of us and we use "Orlando Transportation Services". They are a privately owned taxi service, and the owner, Marty is one of the nicest people around. He is very accomodating, and always there when he is supposed to be. We don't rely on hoping a cab is somewhere we will be when we need it. It is nice to have a reservation for a pick-up or drop-off ahead of time. One time we were staying in Universal and took a day to go to Disney. He picked us up by 7am for us to make our breakfast res at Contemporary then at around 12am picked us up from magic kingdom after the Christmas party. Didn't have to worry about getting back. His website is orlandotaxiservice.com. For a trip from MCO to Universal, it's about $49.

Hope this helps. Have a blast!

 

[bubba's mom]

I agree...we usually stay onsite for the express convenience AND the ability to walk to the parks. I don't know which offsite hotels have shuttle service?

That said...if you still don't want to stay onsite, I would recommend either the DoubleTree (may offer shuttle) or Holiday Inn Express at the entrance to UO. You can walk to the PBH from there. Once at PBH, you can ride the boat to CW or walk ... not much further.

As for transportation to/from MCO, grab a taxi (be around $50 each way appx.) or Mears. Cheaper than car rental.

 

[damo]

The Doubletree charges for parking. The Holiday Inn Expess and the Hyatt Place Universal are alternatives within walking distance that don't charge for parking.

 

[bubba's mom]

The Doubletree charges for parking. The Holiday Inn Expess and the Hyatt Place Universal are alternatives within walking distance that don't charge for parking.

what about airport shuttle? OP is asking about both.

idk...we always rent a car one way or the other.

 

[damo]

what about airport shuttle? OP is asking about both.

idk...we always rent a car one way or the other.

We usually take a cab. It runs about $110 return depending on tip. Not any cheaper than booking a limo.

We did take Mears once but since they stop at other hotels along the way, it just seemed a waste of time and to us, time is money.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I recommend a car service and staying at an onsite hotel -- you get a grocery stop which is well worth it for loading up on breakfast items, soft and hard beverages, and snacks -- with the price of soda and alcohol, we actually save money by taking the car service.

Maria

 

[bubba's mom]

That's what we do too.

Either get car service and grocery stop, or we rent a car to visit family and return it at UO...getting cab back to airport.

Even w/ car service or taxi, it's still cheaper than renting a car you aren't using and PAYING to park it.

Unfortunately not many hotels offer airport transportation like the ME.