International Drive Questions

[Andrea]

We are getting a hotel on International drive. Any advice on which one to stay at? Also what attractions does your family like?

We are going down on friday night and leaving sunday. We are spending the day at Universal.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

If the budget can swing it, I would wholeheartedly recommend staying onsite at Universal (at either the Royal Pacific, the Hard Rock, or Portofino Bay) for the free Express passes alone. Absolutely worth it, IMHO.

If not, we have stayed at the Hawthorn Suites Universal on Canada Avenue and were pleased with the accommodations. Large rooms (with the option of having a suite with a fully separate bedroom), buffet breakfast included, free parking, free shuttles to the theme park, and good proximity to lots of dining establishments (TGI Fridays, Chili's, etc.).

 

[Planogirl]

My suggestion would be find a place on Universal Blvd. It's very close to International Drive and even crosses it but it has far less traffic and is an easy direct shot into Universal. There are even a few hotels just across the entrance into Universal. I would try to stay north of the convention center area and Sea World. I would pull up a good map and look for your favorite hotels.

Also maybe check out Major Blvd. There are some decent places there and this road is also quite close to Universal. I don't know if you are looking for budget or nice but we did not like the LaQuinta Universal. Other locations are fine if you just want a place to sleep.

It is nice to stay onsite but certainly isn't necessary.

 

[Enjoying Life]

I definitely agree with the other poster who suggested the Hard Rock, the Portofino, or the Royal Pacific, if you can afford it. When going to Universal, we love to stay at the Hard Rock. Being on property gets you the coveted front of the line passes, but it is costly. For instance, we are going in September (not going to Universal) and checked the Hard Rock rates. They were about $250.

We ended up booking the Hilton Orlando on Destination Parkway, with a rate of $100. The off season rates at the Hilton are a good value. We have stayed here before and love it. It's a great new hotel with an awesome pool area, but you do need a car. It is located on the South end of I-drive, and is close to Sea World and Universal, but it is offset from the main road.