January trip...looking for a cheap, clean room

[sherry7]

Hello all. I haven't been on these boards for a few years, so I'm terribly out-of-date on the good deals.

I am thinking about a trip from Friday, January 16 to Sunday, January 25 (MLK day falls during that time, which I believe raises the hotel rates for a couple of days.)

I'd like to do this trip as cheaply as possible. (We may even decide to drive instead of fly.) We were actually thinking about skipping vacation for 2009, but if I get things within budget, it's definitely doable.

I'm looking for a cheap, clean room for the 3 of us (me, DH, and 18 year old DS). We'll be spending 1/2 of our time at WDW, and the other 1/2 at IOA, US, and SW. So, it really doesn't matter which one it's closer too. We will have a car, so shuttles really aren't a big priority.

I've been looking around, but it seems like most of the current deals don't extend to my January dates. I found some good rates at the Days Inn International and for the Masters Inn, but the reviews on TripAdvisor are dismal.

Does Disney ever have a special off their rack rates for January? Or, any decent off-site rooms that would fit our needs?

Thanks for any help.

 

[MomofKatie]

Check out Hotwire- DD and I are going from 1/16- 1/26 and we got a deal for $34/night at the Best Western Lakeside (just west of Maingate on 192). It gets pretty good reviews on TripAdvisor- it isn't a luxury resort or anything, but should be fine for what we want it for. We stayed at Extended Stay Deluxe LBV in May, and the rate right now for your dates is $42/night.

www.betterbidding.com can help out a lot- they list which hotels match up with the descriptions on Hotwire and Priceline.

 

[tednvon]

Agree totally with Katie's Mom...we have never had a bad experience with Priceline or Hotwire...I know others have, but we have not...Best Western Lakeside comes up a lot on Priceline, I believe at a 2star level...check with betterbidding.com for sure and $35 is a good range. I don't think MLK will affect Priceline or Hotwire that much.
Not sure of your price range, but 3 adults in a small room for a week is tight.
I am 90% sure you could find a two bedroom two bath basic condo for 50-60 a night if you shop around.
Here are a few I found online in 5 minutes...
http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/6616.html

http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/21510.html

Or be adventuresome and send an email to all two/three bedroom condos at Windsor Palms and tell them your budget is $40/night or $45/night or whatever you want and see if one owner wants the guaranteed $$. http://www.windsor-palms-florida.net/

You can do it...a little time can get you a lot more space than a motel room...If you do the motel, stick with Priceline or Hotwire, NO question this is the best price day in and day out....

Good Luck and have a great time...Ted

 

[Cruz91]

We use VRBO.com and have rented several times from the same owner. For the money, convenience, and amenities, I don't think you can beat it. We usually get a 3 BR, 2 BA place for under $100 a night.

 

[JEmaryland]

I just got back last night from our trip and I can't say enough good things about our hotel. We stayed at the new Radisson in Lake Buena Vista. It's literally right across the street from Disney propery (one exit down the highway) and only a few miles from Universal and Sea World. I booked directly on the Radisson website and paid a total (including tax) of $560.00 for seven nights. Mind you, this was during the busy summer season so January might be even cheaper. There is a decent sized fridge and microwave in every room and a grocery store right next door so you can do some meals in your room. There's a big pool and hot tub that were never crowded and the entire place was very clean. We even booked our theme park tickets with the consierge and recieved a (modest) discount. We will definately stay there again!

 

[crazelion]

Fairfield Inn by Marriott on Canada Avenue is nice clean room. Plus they have Orlando Magic Rate deals.

 

[leicesterbob]

Courtyard on Palm Parkway is a good basic hotel, very clean and handy for both Disney and Universal. If you book the 'suite' you will get a seperate twin bedroom and sitting room with sofa bed. Alpharooms has good rates.Good reviews on Trip Advisor too.
Highly recommended

 

[EMom]

subbing....

 

[kgloverii]

If you use Hotwire and couple it with Betterbidding.com to see what hotel you're actually getting, you can get some major deals. Lots of hotels are pricing out at $40/or less per night on Hotwire for the dates you've selected. There's even a 2 1/2 star suite on I-drive for $44/night. You can even eat in since you'll have a kitchenette.

I booked a Homewood Suites on I-Drive for $45 a night with Hotwire and couldn't have been more pleased.