Not really familiar with area...

[klstiger]

We are checking into a Disney hotel on a Sunday, but arriving Saturday evening.
I am looking for a hotel that is clean and in a safe area for one night. It will be just my son and myself, as my husband is flying in at a later time.
I am not familiar with the area at all and have no clue where to book. OR can you tell me where to stay AWAY from....
Is it safe to say that if it says Lake Buena Vista area, we are ok?

Thanks for your help!
Kristy

 

[DOOM1001]

I would stay away from 192 (Irlo Bronson Mem hwy) as this was the area where people stayed before Disney had two dozen hotels and even though there still are a few good places to stay at,for the most part the area is not the best.The Lake Buena Vista area has good places and is located along 535(Apopka Vineland rd) from around Palm Parkway and Disney's Hotel Plaza Blvd on the north end to 536 on the south end.Another area that probably has more hotels and in my opinion even better bargains is International Drive.It's a pretty long street with Universal,Wet n Wild,One of the Premium Outlets on the north end,the convention center,Pointe Orlando in the middle and Sea World,Aquatica and the other Premium Outlet towards the southern end.The better area is southof Sand Lake rd towards the convention center and Sea World,the area is just full of hotels so you'll have plenty of options.

 

[TotoToo]

I would stay away from 192 (Irlo Bronson Mem hwy) as this was the area where people stayed before Disney had two dozen hotels and even though there still are a few good places to stay at,for the most part the area is not the best.The Lake Buena Vista area has good places and is located along 535(Apopka Vineland rd) from around Palm Parkway and Disney's Hotel Plaza Blvd on the north end to 536 on the south end.Another area that probably has more hotels and in my opinion even better bargains is International Drive.It's a pretty long street with Universal,Wet n Wild,One of the Premium Outlets on the north end,the convention center,Pointe Orlando in the middle and Sea World,Aquatica and the other Premium Outlet towards the southern end.The better area is southof Sand Lake rd towards the convention center and Sea World,the area is just full of hotels so you'll have plenty of options.

In general I would agree with most of that post. But those areas are not inexpensive and it sounds like you don't want to spend too much. There is one motel we are familiar with on 192 that has been inexpensive but clean/safe in the past. The Golden Link - right at the end of 535 at 192 sits by a lake & is operated by a couple that are very proud of their property. They keep it very clean, well lighted and it has been free of crime. Take a look and see if they are still there (the last time we stayed there a year ago they were talking retirement after about 30 years) IF they are or if the new owners (assuming they sold) still seem to carry on their traditions that is one exception to the "avoid 192 hotels" rule. Check it out & if you stay let the group know if it is still a good place/deal.

 

[DOOM1001]

Depending on where you book your room you could easily find hotels on I-Drive or LBV anywhere from $30-$50,I know because I've probably stayed in 2/3 of the hotels on I-Drive and aside from special peak days like holidays I don't think I've paid more than $50 for a room offsite in years.I think the only exceptions were the new Hilton by the convention center and the Rosen Shingle Creek where I paid $63 for the Hilton and $55 for the Shingle Creek.Maybe in the last half year some of the prices have gone up a bit with the Potter opening but on my last visit December 10th I stayed at the Country Inn and Suites in Lake Buena Vista,it wasn't the nicest of these hotels as it was crammed into a small space next to a shopping centers parking lot but it was still pretty good with a decent free breakfast and I paid $36.

 

[klstiger]

Thanks everyone! I just booked the Best Western at Lake Buena Vista for 70. bucks a night. I just remembered that I stayed there for a trade show a few years ago and it was ok.

Thanks again for the input!
Kristy

 

[ladylinda65]

For the future since you have already booked the Best Western I have normally stayed at what is now the Clarion on Palm Parkway (the old Comfort Inn). I have always been able to get a room there for about $50 a night no matter what season and the place is very close to Downtown Disney.

Give it some thought if you ever need a place close to Disney again. I highly recommend it!