Universal Area Suite

[Tommymac]

Hi Guys. Thanks for all of the great info! We are going to Universal for the first time in May (after many Disney vists) and we are looking for a suite type room close to US and IOA. We would prefer that the hotel had a free continental breakfast, free transportation to US & IOA and had a reasonable price (on a budget). Are these type rooms available on Priceline or Hotwire? Please let me know if you know of any hotels in the area meet this criteria. Also, we are looking for any park touring tips that you could suggest. Thanks again. Tom

 

[kcarp]

Hi Tommymac,

We had a blast at this place last June. I don't remember what site I used to book this place, but do some searching you will find some great deals out there.

Good Luck



Just back from Hawthorn Suites, we stayed there the first 3 nights of our vacation and really enjoyed our stay. We arrived our first night and the Free 2 hour evening cocktail reception & hors d’oeuvres was just starting. We checked in and went straight into the lounge. This Free reception is for everyone. Then we moved into our room, this was a nice suite with a full size fridge, microwave, stove and dishwasher. The hotel also has a basketball court area, not a full court, game room, fitness room, whirlpool spa, BBQ grills and guest laundry. They do have a basic swimming pool and no kiddy pool, but it was ok with us. The next day we went down for Free hot breakfast. I loved this every morning, we really saved some money. I’m not saying it was the best breakfast, but it was a good deal. This hotel is 1 block off International Drive on Canada Avenue next door to the Pirate Dinner Show. You can also catch the I-Trolley on International Drive, 5 min walk. The Free Bus Transportation to all Disney parks, U. Studios, IOA, Sea World and Wet & Wild. I will say this is not the best service I ever used, but it was not the worst either.
The bus service ran on a set schedule, but seem to be on time most of the time. One thing I did like about the service, if the bus was full when it arrived at your hotel, the driver would call another bus that would arrive in minutes, also the bus service ran till 2am for City Walk. U. Studios is less than a mile away if you want to drive. If you take a left out of Hawthorn's parking lot onto Canada Avenue go to the stop sign and take a left on to Sand Lake Rd. Drive about 2 miles look to your right there is a Super Walmart & Dollar Tree, plus other stores. In conclusion I have read comments on people saying the free drinks & breakfast wasn't all that. Well, it's free, that's all I got to say about that. I will say this is a nice clean place to stay, I got a rate of $ 69.00 a night and was well satisfied. I would stay here again.

 

[ncgolfer]

I would recommend the Sierra Suites on Int. Drive, the hotel is very clean, suites are spacious, breakfast is great. There is an Int. Drive trolley stop in front of the hotel. The hotel also have comp. transportation to Universal and Seaworld. I prefer taking the trolley to Seaworld (much quicker). I think I paid $62.00 per night and felt I received great value for my money.

Enjoy the trip.