universal off site hotel-help PLEASE

[Vraptor]

HI,

First of all, I love these boards. Everyone seems so nice and the information here is wonderful.

I am taking my son for the first time to Universal. We can't wait. I got the 5 conseq. day passes. We are arriving on July 15th for 5 nights, then to Clearwater beach for 2. (I havent been to Florida for 10/11 years). We are only going to universal/islands. I found the holiday inn-universal for 55.00 night. I would like to be close to the hotel so we can get out of the HEAT for a bit. We are on a TIGHT budget. Do you think this hotel is good, or is there another we should look at that offers a comp.breakfat. I called holiday inn, they have a breakfast buffet for 6.99. PLEASE help me decide. I am overwhelmed but very excited.

 

[Robinrs]

Hi, and welcome, Vraptor:

There are plenty of good hotels very close to Universal. Most on are Kirkman, Vineland or Major Roads. Carrier and Intl Drive are also close. I have stayed at the Radisson Universal, very nice hotel, the Hampton Universal, the Red Roof Inn Universal and the Suburban Lodge Universal, all nice hotels, nothing fancy, just nice. The Ponderosa on Kirkman has a great breakfast buffet for $3.99 and of course, there is always Burger King and MickeyDs on Vineland.

You could try Hotwire or Priceline for real good deals. Check www.biddingfortravel.com for how to do this. The 2 1/2 and 3 star categories in the Universal area are all good hotels.

You can also try posting on my other board the Universal Resorts and Hotels Board for more information.

Hope that helps!

 

[Vraptor]

Thanks Robinsr,

I never knew choosing a hotel good be so overwhelming. I was considering priceline also. I just wasnt sure of the distance of the hotels with universal and wanted to take a quick shuttle ride from a hotel vs. driving and paying for parking. I am going to check out the 3 star hotels now.Thanks again for the info.

 

[PattiPB]

Hi Vraptor!

I have no info on that particular Holiday Inn, but was struck by the fact that it has a $6.99 breakfast buffet. Most hotels in Orlando (and the ONLY ones we consider) have a free (at least) continental breakfast---some offer free HOT breakfast!

I suggest you go on hotelkingdom.com to look for a hotel---they have great rates and info on the properties. The first time I started looking for a hotel after finding these boards, I, too, was completely blown away by all of the options!

Patti

 

[Jaynerita]

I stayed at this hotel 2 years ago. We had a suite so we ate breakfast in. The hotel is very plain with not much of a pool. We had no car and the bus service was slow. We took cabs, much quicker and not expensive at all. We went the next year and stayed at the Royal Pacific on sight. The difference was between night and day!!! You just can't beat that front of the line access especially during a busy time. Do yourself a favor and stay at least one night on site. You'd get 2 days with front of line access!!!

 

[Vraptor]

Thanks everyone,

I am trying to find a hotel with a breakfast and looking to swing one night onsite. Hopefully can do- if I go CHEAP the other 4. Who knows though. I just think it would be best to stay close to universal. I have a decision to make-hopefully I will make it sooner than the night before we leave

 

[cinamin27]

I enjoyed my stay at the Universal Fairfield Inn & Suites. hotelkingdom.com has some pretty good rates but you can also call the hotel directly & get decent rates. I paid $40 in January of 2003. they include a free continental breakfast, danish, muffins, bagels, cereal, juices, etc. If you are a Marriott Rewards member you can also log onto marriott.com & use code M11 & get a pretty good rate also. hotelkingdom.com shows $55.90 for the nights you will be there. they are less than 1 mile from the parking entrance to Universal & when I stayed in January, they shared free shuttle service with a couple other hotels. they are very clean & I think only about 2years old. right out front is a burgerking, TGI fridays, ponderosa & a walgreens drug store, across the street is a carrabas italian restaurant.

Fairfield Inn and Suites Universal Orlando
5614 Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32819

 

[Kimberlyfamilyfv]

we usually stay at an off site hotel the first and last night of our vacation. When my son and I went in may we stayed at the holiday inn mercado on universal blvd. Just 2 miles from universal. The hotel was nothing fancy but had a frig and microwave and a self laundry room. The rooms were very clean and the hotel very quiet. If you would like to book this room go to this web site I Have used this before. It is very very reliable www.hotelmartusa.com
I was able to get our rooms for only 55.95 per night tax included.

 

[FlameBoyUK]

I have a soft spot for the Sheraton Studio City which has a great I-Drive location for Universal. When I stay I usually forego the shuttles and walk to the parks, but I love to walk (even if it does involve crossing some intersections!).

This year, however... I'm bound for the Hard Rock, Club Level. I simply couldn't resist...

 

[JessicaR]

We stayed one night at Crowne Plaza Universal booked through hotwire. Got it for $57, what a deal! Great location and really nice rooms. Free shuttle to the parks also. I would stay there again in a heartbeat! Good Luck

 

[Vraptor]

Well I decided to use priceline(i think). I am looking at bidding for travel. i figure since I can't make up my mind, I will have someone else do it for me Can you tell I have a hard time making decisions!!

 

[prncess674]

Originally posted by Vraptor
Well I decided to use priceline(i think). I am looking at bidding for travel. i figure since I can't make up my mind, I will have someone else do it for me Can you tell I have a hard time making decisions!!

definitely read up on PL at www.biddingfortravel.com as Robin suggested. This will help ensure you have not overbid. I think you will be happy with your PL hotel choices. I am sure you can get something in the $30 range using PL. Since you would be saving over $15 a night over your Holiday Inn choice you would be able to park on the premises and still save money. Having your own transportation makes things so much more enjoyable IMHO.

I had a great time at USO/IOA.