Off-Site Hotels Really Close to Universal?

[dwheaton]

Hi. My wife and I will be visiting US and IOA in January or February of 2008. I looked at staying for three nights on-site, but all the hotels are over $200 a night. That's a bit too much for us, so I'm exploring other places that are close.

I noticed that several hotels, including the Doubletree, Holiday Inn, and Hyatt Place are all within 0.3-0.4 miles of Universal. Is this close enough to walk to the parks? If not, is the shuttle service convenient. These hotels are much more reasonable than Universal, and I'm wondering if any are worthwhile.

I'd appreciate any help that people could provide.

Thanks!

 

[mommiepoppins]

stay away from Days inn universal . I am far from pickey to. I am telling you real gross

 

[Metro West]

A buddy of mine stayed at a newer Motel 6 off I Drive. It's across the I-4 bridge from Universal. Their rates are usually very reasonable and the motel is only a couple of years old. It's about 3 miles from Universal so I don't think you'd want to walk it but the cab fare may not be too much.

 

[Robinrs]

All of the Kirkman Road and Major Rd hotels are close to the parks. I've stayed at the Doubletree, the Red Roof Inn, Suburban Suites, Holiday Inn and the Hampton Inn Universal, all fine choices for close hotels.

 

[Metro West]

Oh yeah...I forgot about the Hampton Inn and the Quality Inn...both are nice.

 

[inkkognito]

Way back in the old days before we moved to FL, we stayed over on Kirkman...it was nice to be within walking distant of numerous restaurants. We probably could have walked to the parks, too, but we were too freakin' lazy and just took the hotel shuttle.

 

[robvia]

Here's my offsite hotel page.

Offsite Hotels

The Double Tree and Holiday Inn are the closest. The Double Tree gets good reviews, stay away from the Holiday Inn, they're a partner hotel and don't have to try.

Bestwestern Universal is a good budget choice. Amerisuites (now called the Hyatt) would be a good splurge.

Don't rely on hotel shuttles, they run late, and only a few times a day.

The good news is that you're going at the one of the best times of the year for light crowds. Parks close early but who cares, you will have easily seen everything in a few hours.

 

[mumzie2three]

We stayed at the Homewood Suites, they have free shuttle service, but we had a car. Clean, roomy rooms and free breakfast and "dinner". The morning waffles were so good I bought my own waffle iron when I got home. Pool was average but we weren't there for that anyways.

 

[Mickey's Goofy Gal]

We stayed at the Sheraton Studio City Hotel on I-Drive for 3 nights in July2006. We were very pleased with our stay and it was very easy to get to the parks and parking deck(s). It was close by and we would stay there again. They have a shuttle, but we opted to drive so we could stay later than the shuttles pick up. Also - hotel does not charge to park like some do. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[NurseW2Kiddies]

Can you say Priceline??? Select the Univeral area and bid away. We have gotten...Doubletree across the street, Sheraton Studio City, and Crowne Plaza Universal for under$75 a night.

 

[luvmsunshine]

I just used priceline and got Sheraton - Studio City for $44/night.

We stayed there for 2 nights a couple of years ago when we went. It's close to Universal (less than 2 miles) and we enjoyed our stay. I can't wait to get back to Florida!

 

[scorpad99]

We just came home from Double tree and it was nice, clean rooms, nice pool and hot tub. We did have a rental car, but chose to use their transportation to the park, they have 2 in the am (one at 830 and one at 930) and then 2 in the afternoon (not sure of the times) but it was cheaper to grab a cab when we were ready to leave the parks, it costs us 5-6 dollars depending if the cabby made the light on the highway to cross or not, that included a tip , and parking in the lot is 11 dollars, so it worked out fine for us.
Some people have mentioned they walked it, but after a whole day of walking, I was just not willing to walk back.
It is the closest hotel, very clean, they have a starbucks inside the hotel, such a plus, free internet access in the lobby (or you can pay to have access in your room via your own laptop or webtv) You even get a warm choc chip cookie per person at check in!
And they were kind enough to check us in for A passes the day b4 our departure for southwest airlines and printed our passes for us.
I cant say anything bad about them................they even gave us a frig for my sons medicine and it was large enough to use it for water bottles. If you have no car, you can walk to walgreens and buy a case of water there.
Fridays is across the smaller street and their food was reasonable and good!
HTH`s!
I was worried booking it online, we paid 530.00 for 5 nites,(family of 4) and it was perfect!

 

[wilma-bride]

Another recommendation for Homewood Suites - we had a great weekend stay there in February and are planning to return in April

 

[andromedaslove]

We stayed at the Sheraton Studio City Hotel on I-Drive for 3 nights in July2006. We were very pleased with our stay and it was very easy to get to the parks and parking deck(s). It was close by and we would stay there again. They have a shuttle, but we opted to drive so we could stay later than the shuttles pick up. Also - hotel does not charge to park like some do. Have a wonderful trip!

Here's another vote for the Sheraton Studio City Hotel. We stayed here when we went to HHN a few years ago and just fell in love, so did my SIL and her boyfriend. In April my MIL and FIL stayed there at our suggestion and absolutely loved it too. All of the rooms have an exterior view, because the building is circular, duh. The beds had tons of pillow, the 50's style themeing is REALLY neat. We usually stay on Disney property, but when we don't this is the ONLY place we'll stay!!

Dana

 

[downunder]

Has anyone stayed at Fairfield Inn and Suites on Canada Drive?