Sanford Airport Hotels

[Ju]

Wonder if any of you experienced guys and gals can help on this one?!
We're flying into Sanford and wish to know if there is a good hotel/motel (but emphasis on cheap BUT clean) to stay in just for 1 night. It must be a family sized room as there's 5 of us which include my Mum so a bit of "space" would be ideal. Our accommodation doesn't start until the next day so instead of driving to apartment we thought it'd be great to literally drive 1/2 mins and then SLEEP!!!!!!!!
Cheers in advance for the info.
Ju

 

[WDWfan uk]

Hi Ju,
I don't know if you have the Brits Guide, but Simon recommends a couple of B&B's in Sanford itself but I don't know how far they are from the airport. Only their phone numbers are given but also he suggests looking at this site -
http://www.visitseminole.com

There is an accommodations link on that site which is worth checking out. The B&B's Simon names are The Higgins House & The Martin House.

 

[TigH]

Lake Mary is not too far from Sanford. There is a new Marriott on the Sanford/Lake Mary border, but it might be more than you want to pay.

I don't think there are any hotels right near the airport, but I could be wrong. It would take you about 10 -15 minutes to get to the hotel area of Lake Mary (very close to I-4, you can just take Lake Mary Blvd. from the airport and follow it to get to the area where most of the hotels are located).

If this link works, you'll see an example of the hotels in Lake Mary and the price range they offer. Good luck!

http://anyhotelanywhere.com/findcity.cfm/LAKE-MARY/FL

 

[Ju]

Thanks for your replies - having a bit of trouble logging on to the site Shirley suggested but I will keep trying. Yep I have got THE book - when we went last time in 2000 it was invaluable so I made sure I ordered it again this time, but unfortunately I hadn't read that bit properly!! So I'll thumb through it again. I haven't gone through it with my highlighter yet like I did last time, BUT I WILL!!!

Thanks until next time
Ju

 

[SimonV]

Hi there guys, The Martin House is no longer available as a B&B, but the other two are very nice (but not cheap options). There are a few regulation hotels in the Lake Mary area (the La Qinta is probably the best bet, newer and with a good reputation), but, if you are going to drive that way from the airport, you might be better off going an extra 15-30 mins further south and picking up one of the main budget hotels in the Orlando area, such as one of the Hampton Inns or Howard Johnson properties which all offer pretty good vfm.

 

[Ju]

Thanks Simon for your comments. I read on one of your posts (somewhere) that it didn't take you long from arrival at Sanford to checking into your Disney area hotel - approx how long? What my Hubby is worried about is a long drive after a long flight. But I believe Sanford is alot easier with the luggage retrieval (not having 2 lots of collections etc) than Orlando.
If it's not too far (in length of time) then we may just book an extra night at our Lake Buene Vista place.
Whilst I've got your attention (or not?!) I read in your invaluable book that the Guest House at the airport is a really good deal - would you 100% recommend this, ie is it worth the dosh?
Cheers
Ju

 

[SimonV]

Getting to LBV from Sanford CAN be problematical as it is a toss-up whether you go down I4 or take the longer route around the Greeneway (417). If you are up and running on the roads before 4pm, I4 is usually your best bet and it is no more than 45 minutes from Sanford to the LBV I4 turn-off. However, after 4pm, I4 turns into the M25 at rush hour through the downtown section and your journey time can almost double. Therefore, take the Greeneway and you can guarantee to be at LBV in an hour or just under from the airport. If you are heading to Kissimmee and the more accessible parts of 192, it is about 45 mins from Sanford, so the Greeneway is your best bet at any time.

And yes, I do think the Guest House is great vfm. Not many people have discovered it yet and it is a little sanctuary from the madding crowds on the way home, especially at peak times when the departure lounge gets crowded and you need to be there sooner to get through security.

Simon