Offsite hotel, cheap but livable?

[schoonersky]

Any suggestions? I'd love a good deal but I don't want to be sleeping with any critters. I'm new to the offsite routine so would appreciate any help you could give.

 

[cjnix29]

my suggestion would be to check travelzoo.com. They have great deals, then go to tripadvisor.com to see the reviews. There are so many to choose from, that I often just look there to narrow it down! Good luck and have a great time!

 

[MomofKatie]

We stayed at Extended Stay Deluxe Lake Buena Vista in May of last year- got it for $32/night on Hotwire. Was very nice, and very close to DTD/Crossroads Shopping Center. Would definitely stay there again.

Also on Hotwire, got the Best Western Lakeside for $34/night in January. Very nice- very similar to WDW Value resorts layout. just west of WDW property on 192. Would stay here again.

 

[MomofKatie]

OH!! Forgot to add- the Radisson Resort Orlando- Celebration (just to the east right off I-4 at the 192 exit) is really nice- people have been reporting thay they are getting it on Hotwire and Priceline for the $30's/night. That's a GREAT deal!!

 

[donaldduck352]

If you want too stay in the middle of things,I would reccomend the LaQuita Inn off I-drive on Jamaicen Ct.
Stayed there many of times and enjoyed it everytime!!!
Dont go on the sites that rate them,Thet give the worst first compared to the good reviews,,

 

[schoonersky]

Appreciate the help! This isn't easy!

 

[pmdeve]

I have never used hotwire before. I am on the site looking for the Radisson Resort Orlando- Celebration for $30. Since they don't publish the name, how can I find the the Radisson?

 

[MomofKatie]

I have never used hotwire before. I am on the site looking for the Radisson Resort Orlando- Celebration for $30. Since they don't publish the name, how can I find the the Radisson?

You can't 100% guarantee which hotel you'll get on Hotwire, but you can guess with accuracy. Here's how I learned to do it from other DISers:

1) Go to Hotwire. Enter your dates. Narrow your search to areas near WDW: Main Gate/Celebration, Lake Buena Vista, Kissimmee, West of Disney.

2) make a copy of the places that come up. You will need the star rating, location, and exact amenities listed.

3) Go to www.betterbidding.com and go to the "Florida" forum. Then, click on the "Priceline/Hotwire hotel lists & tips" section. At the top of that section, there is a pinned topic: "Hotwire hotel list for FL". Open it.

4) Scroll down to Orlando and the hotels are listed by area. Find the ones that came up by looking at star rating, and matching exact amenities lists. You should be able to figure out which properties there are based on these criteria.

** The Radisson Resort Orlando Celebration is listed by BetterBidding as a 3.5* in the Main Gate/Celebration area. The amenities that are listed are: Resort, restaurant, pool, fitness center, hi speed internet, business center, tennis, and laundry.

 

[pmdeve]

Thank you so much for your help. I loves these boards, I am learning something new every day.

 

[schoonersky]

Just wondering...new to all of this offsite stuff

 

[MomofKatie]

Just wondering...new to all of this offsite stuff

You don't bid on Hotwire- that's just Priceline. On Hotwire, there is a stated per night price, and you either book or not. You won't find out the name of hotel you've booked until after you commit. The $$ is non refundable, so you really need to be comfortable with the * rating, amenities, and location before you hit that "Book It" button.

I have used Hotwire quite a few times, and have never been disappointed- of course, I do my research beforehand, so I can make an educated guess which property I am getting.

 

[dougsmom98]

What do you consider inexpensive? Someone recently posted a travelzoo special for Comfort Inn Lake Beuna Vista for $33. I always recommend Comfort Suites Main Gate East. You can usually get them for $89 including taxes through www.hotelmartusa.com. They provide free deluxe continental breakfast (pastries, yogurt, cereal, make your own waffle...).
There was also a recent review for Holiday Inn Main Gate East:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1995066&highlight=Holiday+Inn

Have you considered a condo or townhome? The most popular place is Windsor Hills. The least expensive I have seen are through Grand Palms. Here are a couple of examples:
http://www.vrbo.com/101631
http://www.vrbo.com/143228

 

[auntyjenn]

I've been totally looking at the Comfort Suites because you can fit six people in a room, plus I have to have breakfast and the pool looks fun. Have you ever used their shuttle to the park? I hear its also close to some restaurants and shopping. Any other details you have?

 

[schoonersky]

I did see the Comfort Inn rate which is great but for these 3 nights we are planning to tour Sea World and Aquatica and move to the RPR at Universal the next day for a night, so I would prefer something nearer to these parks just for convenience.

I've seen some good rates on some hotels on I Drive, I just don't really know what they would be like.

There's a deal on travelzoo for $59 for a Country Inn and Suites in that area which sounds good. If you know of any others in that area, good or bad, like Quality Inn on I-Drive, Clarion, Days Inn, etc I would love to know. We're not staying at this hotel for it's luxury, just want a clean place to lay our heads for a couple of nights before we get to WDW.

 

[dougsmom98]

I've been totally looking at the Comfort Suites because you can fit six people in a room, plus I have to have breakfast and the pool looks fun. Have you ever used their shuttle to the park? I hear its also close to some restaurants and shopping. Any other details you have?

My sister and mother stayed here maybe 4 years ago, but there have been reviews since that time that have all been good. They did not use the shuttle. Off site shuttles generally are not very flexible. Most of us wouldn't stay off site with out a car. That being said, the location of this hotel is good. You can see some of the restaurants and attractions in this area on this map.
http://www.kissimmee-us192.com/map/map4/kiss192map4.htm
They were thrilled with the breakfast for the 3 days they were there. They loved the waffles. They also enjoyed the pool area. The only complaint I have heard about this hotel is that the elevator is slow. My mom and sister didn't notice it though.

 

[figgy4me]

www.hotelmartusa.com

I have dealt with hotelmartusa several times in the past few years - once for a one night @ cocoa beach before a cruise & once for an 8 nt last minute trip @ Xmas.

Well, now I can't get any contact info to work. Both phone numbers are not working and I have left messages using 3 different email addresses and 2-3 wks later - still no response.....

So, I went with Hotwire for Orlando and 1800hotels.com for the Cocoa Beach.

 

[dougsmom98]

I have dealt with hotelmartusa several times in the past few years - once for a one night @ cocoa beach before a cruise & once for an 8 nt last minute trip @ Xmas.

Well, now I can't get any contact info to work. Both phone numbers are not working and I have left messages using 3 different email addresses and 2-3 wks later - still no response.....

So, I went with Hotwire for Orlando and 1800hotels.com for the Cocoa Beach.

Thanks for the info. We haven't used them for a couple of years because we usually rent villas now, but when we did use them, they were great. After we booked once, they realized that the 2 bedroom townhouse was being refurbished, so they upgraded us to a 4 bedroom home in Windsor Palms at no additional cost. It was awesome.