Nice place to stay near Convention center?

[rascalmom]

This will be our first non-Disney trip to Orlando - no kids, no on-site hotel. I'm spoiled with my previous stays and want to make the best of this business trip. Any suggestions for someplace nice/fun to stay near the convention center? The official hotel is the Rosen, but I've read some poor reviews. Right now we have tentatively booked at the Hard Rock, but that's just so we have a backup. The convention rate there is $199. I have AAA and a WDW AP, dates are 9/29 - 10/4. Thanks!

 

[Daftman]

What about The Doubletree Hotel The Castle very different to look at and have seen very good reviews of it, reasonably priced also.

Sean.

 

[Cindy B]

Originally posted by rascalmom
This will be our first non-Disney trip to Orlando - no kids, no on-site hotel. I'm spoiled with my previous stays and want to make the best of this business trip. Any suggestions for someplace nice/fun to stay near the convention center? The official hotel is the Rosen, but I've read some poor reviews. Right now we have tentatively booked at the Hard Rock, but that's just so we have a backup. The convention rate there is $199. I have AAA and a WDW AP, dates are 9/29 - 10/4. Thanks!

The AAA should get you a Better rate at Hard Rock. Its a wonderful looking hotel, and you would get onsite express pass if you decided to go to universal. Onsite express is basically go in the express line to the front for all rides.

 

[spiceycat]

the Peabody is right across the street.

 

[sue Z]

have stayed twice at the Doubletree Castle
we loved it!!!! great people who work there, very friendly and clean! love to go up on the roof (Terraces)at night and watch the fireworks from MK and the high ones from Epcot.

I don't know how it is now to see wishes from the terrace as when we stayed there it was still the other fireworks show at MK.

 

[rascalmom]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. We just found out today that there will be shuttles to the convention center from an extensive list of hotels. Not sure now whether to just go ahead & stay at WDW or try offsite. We will definitely be quite busy during the daytime, but our evenings are free and we do have AP's. Might just keep the Hard Rock, we've stayed there before & love it. Does anyone know what a good rate is there?

 

[TINK61]

You may get a better rate at the Royal Pacific. It's a beautiful resort. Where are your AP's Universal or WDW? If they're Universal, you should be able to get a discounted rate for any of the onsite hotels.