Nice hotel near Convention Center....

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

Hi All,

Next March, don't have the dates yet, we will be going to a big convention in Orlando for my husband's Herbalife business. They haven't announced anything yet so I don't have dates or anything, just a few questions. They usually tell us about 10 hotels that will have discounted rates for us and they are usually nice hotels(not the cheapies). At this years' convention there were about 15,000 people. I think that would put it at the Orange county Convention Center, right?

What hotels are close to that conv. center? Is that on the infamous I-drive I'm always hearing nightmares about?

What are your thoughts? They probably won't announce anything more for a few months or longer. Uugghh!!!! Don't they know I like to plan these things way ahead of time?

Thanks for any help.

Pamela

 

[MiniMissMinnie]

Hi !!

I've heard that the Peabody Hotel is nice - it's the one with the ducks! It's right on Int'l Drive and close to the conventioncenter ( correct me if I'm wrong )
Rosen Plaza shopuld also be great! or Rosen Centre

I-Drive isn't that bad. We never rent a car, so we travel up and down using the trams/busses - it's cheap and comes reguarly!

There are several other hotels, but try :

http://www.iridetrolley.com/

Have a great time planning!

Marie

 

[Robinrs]

Hi, Pamela;

International Drive can be a nightmare but the area near the Conv. Ctr is alot nicer.

The Renaissance Seaworld is the nicest hotel in the area, the Peabody as Maria mentioned, is a classic.

There is also a very nice Embassy Suites in that area.

Let us know when you get the list!

 

[horseshowmom]

We stayed at the Embassy Suites/Convention Center a couple of years ago and really liked it. It was a major convention, and I think the rate was something like $165. I think you could probably get it cheaper with AAA or maybe the Entertainment Card. You might also check to Orlando Magicard. We didn't worry about it, because it was being paid for by the employer.

Our room had two queen beds in the bedroom (which is separate with a door). I believe there was a sink and dressing area in the BR too, but I might have that wrong. The LR/DR area had a sleeper sofa and a table with 4 chairs. The kitchenette had a small fridge and a microwave behind a bar.

Of course, a full hot breakfast was included. You can choose from the already prepared buffet, and/or you can also order something specially cooked at the grill (for example, an omelet). It was wonderful while we were there (boy, did we hate to come home).

The atrium is lovely with glass elevators. The rooms were comfortable to us (and very satisfactory), but they weren't brand new.

 

[sue Z]

we have stayed at the Doubletree Castle and the Holiday Inn/Convention Center which is on Universal Blvd. Actually both are on Universal Blvd.

The holiday Inn is in back of the Mercardo and the Doubletree Castle is just a block away from The Pirate Cove mini golf!

I liked the castle because you could go up on the Terrace area on the Roof and see over to WDW and I was able to watch the Fireworks from MK and see the High ones from Illuminations!!
Only thing missing was the music and the crowds

That whole is area is going to have some changes with the addition of the 2nd Convention center which has a walkway to the other one!!

Most of the time when we are driving in this area we used Universal Blvd to avoid some of the congestion on I drive.

I would walk to the Mercardo from both hotels and also walk up to the Pointe Orlando.

 

[daannzzz]

The Rosen Center is right next to the convention center. We stayed there via Priceline for just one night but I was impressed. It has simple but nicely decorated rooms and a nice big pool. The Deli had good food. I would think this would be great for those attending a convention.

 

[kylara]

Not to throw this off the topic, but is this convention held in April? Just wondering because Herbalife held some kind of meeting at the Radisson on Kirkman at that time this year. Not sure if it was the same convention you are talking about, but if it is, just thought I would mention it so you wouldn't be surprised if it ends up by Universal instead of the convention center.