Hotels between Tampa and Orlando?

[Big Kid]

Can anyone recommend a hotel(s) between Tampa and Orlando that is clean and comfortable for a 2.5-year old. We are going to a graduation ceremony in Tampa on Saturday, May 8, a party in the Tampa area on Sunday, May 9, and will spend Monday and Tuesday at Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach (we usually go in January when it is borderline too cold to truly enjoy swimming).

We would like to stay in one place, not move from Tampa to Orlando for just two nights, and need a separate bedroom and a kitchen. Laundry would be handy too.

Looking at the map, Lakeland appears to be the halfway point and has plenty of suite hotels. Would appreciate any advice or suggestions. TIA.

 

[swilshire]

I'd probably just move, but I've stayed at the Residence Inn in Lakeland and don't recall having any complaints.

Sheila

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

I would definitely move. The traffic between Tampa and Orlando can be hideous with frequent accidents that shut down I4 for hours!

Stay in Tampa for the Tampa days and then move to Orlando for those days. You'll waste way too much time driving and sitting in traffic otherwise.

 

[Big Kid]

Thanks for the advice. I dislike traffic jams about as much as standing in line in the sun. Now we're booked for three nights in Tampa and two at the World.