Non Universal Hotel Nearby?

[Zandy595]

DH got one of those free tickets in the mail, so we want to take advantage of it. We've only been to US once, several years ago. I would like to find a nice, not too expensive (around $80/night) hotel very close to US/IoA with free shuttle to the park. Anyone have any recommendations?

 

[robvia]

Lots of hotels to pick from, which is why I made my pages.
http://www.nogodforme.com/offsite.htm

Try the Best Western, they have a free breakfast, and it's within walking distance.
Hotel shuttles are spotty, and you still have to pay to use them. So it's best to walk over.

 

[Zandy595]

robvia ~ Is that the Best Western MovieLand you're talking about? I've been reading some reviews on TripAdvisor.com and it looks pretty good. Several people mentioned that the shuttle to Universal was free. We're only planning on staying 2 nights and we're only going to Universal and IoA. As long as it's clean and reasonably quiet I'll be happy.

 

[kdudley3]

I haven't heard too many recommendations on this place, but we stay there all the time.

It's Quality Suites on Canada Ave. and has a hot breakfast and transportation to and from Universal.

If you go to www.orlandoinfo.com and register for an Orlando Magic card you can get their rate. It depends on when you're going, but I got a rate of 59.99. This also includes a free happy hour from 5-7 pm every night.

There's a jacuzzi and a heated pool.

I called recently and found out that a new company bought it out and every room will have new beds, carpeting and appliances by June (they are suites and fit 6 people, with micro, fridge and coffee maker).

Check it out and have fun !!!

 

[robvia]

robvia ~ Is that the Best Western MovieLand you're talking about? I've been reading some reviews on TripAdvisor.com and it looks pretty good. Several people mentioned that the shuttle to Universal was free. We're only planning on staying 2 nights and we're only going to Universal and IoA. As long as it's clean and reasonably quiet I'll be happy.

The Best Western is located across the street from the parking garage. The address is 5618 Vineland Road. This is a smaller hotel, with a pool on the side. It's fairly new and clean. No one on these boards talks about it. I stayed there once for HHN, and it was great, I was able to walk back after HHN and not worry about driving.

I have also stayed at the Movie Land resort, which is located at 6233 Internation Drive. This is the one everyone talks about, it's located directly across from Wet N' Wild. This hotel is huge, many buildings that surround a pool in the middle. This is considered a resort hotel. The room I stayed in was clean, no hotel smell. I think they understand to clean the AC filters. The hotel is a little run down from being so old. If you go, ask for a remodeled room.

Check the rates for each hotel. Movieland will probably be cheaper (they don't have free breakfast), and you'll have to drive over, but you'll be right across from WnW. If you want to save the parking fee ($10 a day), you could park in the TGIFridays parking lot and walk across, or you stay at the BW Universal.

The problem with using the free hotel shuttle, is they don't leave until 9am, and you want to be walking to the gate at 8am. That 1 hour is huge in getting on all the rides before the crowd hits. You'll end up arriving the park at 10am, and that's when everyone shows up. You want to stay at the BW across the street, or drive your rental car over to the TGIFridays lot and walk.

 

[mtblujeans]

These posts answer questions I had also. We are going to USO in October and we stayed at the Hampton Inn across the street last time.....and I won't stay there again. I remembered there being other nice hotels along the street in front of the entrance to USO, but I can't remember what they are. I did not think to check for other hotels around the side streets....thanks!