So what is everyone's go to cheap just "need a place to shower and sleep" hotel around Disney/Universal?...

[UGA03]

We like to do quick weekend trips down to Orlando and was wondering if anyone had a great "homebase" hotel. Obviously will barely be in the hotel but don't want it to be too much of a dump.

 

[HopperFan]

We like to do quick weekend trips down to Orlando and was wondering if anyone had a great "homebase" hotel. Obviously will barely be in the hotel but don't want it to be too much of a dump.

I'm all about best prices but I do stick to same ones I know. I would focus on the Palm Parkway hotels. Minutes in to Disney Springs and you can take "Palm Parkway" straight up to Universal parking garage, no need to get on I-4. I'd add the newer hotels behind the outlet mall are good as well for both with the Daryl Carter Overpass connecting to Palm Parkway.

I like Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites since I'm Hilton Honors (points plus Rakuten rebates).

Look at Orbitz, some good rates plus a decent Rakuten rebate on those. Several Marriotts and Holiday Inns in the area that are places I would look at.

Sonesta ES is a nice place, sometimes great rates. Breakfast included here.

Lowest priced one I'd consider is the Rosen Inn on Palm Parkway. I trust the Rosen name, just know at each price point your level of amenities are different. Being Palm Parkway area makes this doable for us. I would not stay at the International Drive ones.

And the two Universal hotels not on "property" often have some good rates, depending on your dates and if you have an AP.

We look for free breakfast but not deal breaker, prefer no charge for parking and no resort fee since we don't use amenities.

 

[Helvetica]

I guess it all depends on what you consider cheap. I like the Homewood Suites at Flamingo Crossings. The rooms are really big and the breakfast is good, but the prices have probably started to creep up since the last time I was there.

This May I’m looking at staying at a Airbnb for a few nights before I move to Saratoga Springs.

 

[MICKIMINI]

Drury at Disney Springs is new.

 

[kwdw]

I admit I stick to the low end brands of the Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott brands. This way, I know what to expect. Can you find cheaper? Sure, but what’s important to you? Free breakfast, mini fridge, microwave, coffee in room… these all add value to the price for me. Some local hotels have shuttle options to Disney that runs enough I might opt for that some days instead of paying Disney parking. How close is it to the parks? My favorite place to shop for food? For quick trips, can I leave my shampoo, conditioner, lotion, soap at home to make it easier to pack each trip? Am I a member of their rewards program? Does having their credit card make sense for me to earn rewards and better treatment/privileges like late check out? Free water? Internet quality?

Pre COVID, my go-to off property had become the Springhill Suites at Flamingo Crossing. But it was still quiet there with nothing else around it so it felt like a retreat from the hustle and bustle. Well, that whole area has exploded the past 2-3 years, so I can’t speak to that area now. I did stay at Universal a couple of times when hitting both parks. I love Cabana Bay and their suites can be less than a Disney value at times. Their value resorts are as nice as Disney’s or nicer and they cost less. But they are a farther drive at the end of the night which can be a pain. And if your timing is going to always hit rush hour, you need to learn how to cope with that. Like, be comfortable relying on you GPS or taking the time to map read to know alternative routes. I agree with idea to look around Palm Parkway, too as that’s an easy location.

Anyway, long winded way to say cheaper yet good is pretty subjective to what you value as important!

 

[HopperFan]

I guess it all depends on what you consider cheap. I like the Homewood Suites at Flamingo Crossings. The rooms are really big and the breakfast is good, but the prices have probably started to creep up since the last time I was there.

This May I’m looking at staying at a Airbnb for a few nights before I move to Saratoga Springs.

I think that Flamingo Crossing is an excellent option IF you are only doing Disney. Especially if the area adds a few more dining options.

But if OP is doing both Disney & Universal the same weekends then that is really too far to drive to Universal and I'd want something between the two.

 

[Col. Forbin]

Doubletree Disney springs

 

[Pooh's World]

Beware Quality Inn I drive near Universal.

No refrigerator and the rooms look like they are from the 1950s.
They take a copy of your driver license when checking in and give you a sheet that says no matter what you do don't open the door if someone knocks on it and other safety tips.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g34515-d85472-Reviews-Quality_Inn-Orlando_Florida.html

 

[GrumpyInPhilly]

Doubletree Disney springs

This used to be my go-to off-site hotel as well but the last few times I was there it needed a refurb.

 

[djshortsleeve]

I stayed at Springhill Suites Flamingo Crossing. It was great. As part of our trip, we stayed half here and half at Yacht Club. My family and I enjoyed Springhill Suites more than Yacht Club. I regret wasting so much money on an underwhelming time on site. We plan to stay off site from now on.

 

[Tikicristi]

We just got back and stayed for the first time at a non-Disney hotel, Holiday Inn Disney Springs. We were very pleased with it. It was very clean, rooms were big with balconies and the location was great. We literally only slept and showered there, and occasionally ate breakfast from the little grab-and-go area. It's no frills and not a huge place so not overly crowded. The pool was nice too, small but nice, we only sat out there for about an hour one day. We got the early magic hours at this hotel too. There is a free shuttle to the parks but we never used it because we had a car.

 

[Upatnoon]

Drury Inn near Universal if visiting there, Flamingo Crossings if visiting Disney.

 

[ClapYourHands]

We’re doing Universal lately, and have had good luck with all the offsite hotels we’ve tried - Drury Inn, Rosen Inn, and Hampton Inn. Basically I check Priceline and Hotwire, and focus on hotels with good reviews. This trip we’re booked at Comfort Suites before we go onsite, and Wingate by Wyndham for a night afterwards. Fingers crossed they’ll be good, too - reviews are solid and both include breakfast and parking.

 

[Pooh's World]

We’re doing Universal lately, and have had good luck with all the offsite hotels we’ve tried - Drury Inn, Rosen Inn, and Hampton Inn. Basically I check Priceline and Hotwire, and focus on hotels with good reviews. This trip we’re booked at Comfort Suites before we go onsite, and Wingate by Wyndham for a night afterwards. Fingers crossed they’ll be good, too - reviews are solid and both include breakfast and parking.

Comfort Suites closest to Universal is pretty good. And close to Walgreens, Wendy's, BK.