Universal Resort?

[lynn71092]

I'm not having any luck on the Universal threads so I'm hoping someone can help me here. We're going to that "other place" Hey, I got FREE passes that's why. Anyhoo, I am not having any luck finding a "reasonably" priced resort there without being told I'm in a "bad area" . Can someone help me if they've stayed anywhere near there? The Universal Threads all seem to stay at the Universal Resort but I can't afford to pay $300.00/night for a room that I will not be spending any time in. I asked about the Holiday Inn Express on Orange Blossom Trail and that was shot down . But if most people on that thread are used to paying $300.00/night to stay on property I'm sure anything is a dive compared to the Universal Resorts. Your thoughts?? We will have a rental car but we will also be enjoying Happy Hour so I'm hoping not too far away.

 

[safetymom]

If you aren't getting any results on the Universal boards you might try the Orlando hotels board here on the DIS. I am moving your post there for more answers.

 

[hercamore]

Are you only going to Universal or are you doing Disney too?

We usually just stay at our Disney onsite hotel or our Lake Buena Vista hotel ( if we're staying offsite) and just drive over to Universal.

However to answer your question, I would suggest maybe a hotel in the Seaworld area (aabout halfway between Disney and Universal.

.

 

[lynn71092]

Are you only going to Universal or are you doing Disney too?

We usually just stay at our Disney onsite hotel or our Lake Buena Vista hotel ( if we're staying offsite) and just drive over to Universal.

However to answer your question, I would suggest maybe a hotel in the Seaworld area (aabout halfway between Disney and Universal.

.

The problem is when I think I find something, I hear bad reviews or it's in a bad area. Tha's why I'm hoping for recommedations from someplace that someone has actually stayed at. (BTW, we're only planning on going to Universal and maybe DTD on our last day).

 

[scamp]

We stayed at Floridays 2 years ago, and it was great. However, I've read good and bad reviews since. We stayed in a two bedroom villa that was brand new at the time (we were the first to stay there). The prices are reasonable, and it was a short ride to Universal.

 

[rie'smom]

Doyou have AAA? Depending on your dates, you can get really good deals. We've been able to book the Royal Pacific Resort onsite at Universal for about 200.00. The RP is our favorite and its also the least expensive. I think the reaason most recommend staying onsite is the front of the line access. All you do is show your room key and you go to a sepaarte entrance for a 5 minute or less wait.You can ride all the rides all day long by just showing your key.
Universal sells a limited number of Express passes that allow you front of the line but you can only use this 1 time per ride and they cost about 50.00. Its more economical to stay at the RPR.
I'msorry that I don't have any info on any nearby hotels.

 

[damo]

When are your dates?

 

[lynn71092]

We stayed at Floridays 2 years ago, and it was great. However, I've read good and bad reviews since. We stayed in a two bedroom villa that was brand new at the time (we were the first to stay there). The prices are reasonable, and it was a short ride to Universal.

Thanks, but they only had 2 room suites available for almost TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS A NIGHT . Again, way over my budget. I'm HOPING for less than $100.00/night. Our dates are April 12th-15th. And neither one of us has AAA.

 

[spartn1]

We are going to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Seaworld, Aquatica, and Wet N Wild in mid June and got a fantastic deal at Windsor Hills. I doubt you can beat the accomodations.

 

[SnowWtch]

We usually stay on Universal Blvd and just drive the few minutes to get to Universal. It's a great area and close to shopping, restaurants, Universal and Disney. The prices at the Country Inn and Suites close to the corner of Universal Blvd and Sand Lake Rd are usually good as well as the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites and there's also a Hampton Inn as well. There's usually not much traffic on that street since it's parallel to International Drive. The Wyndham on the corner of I-Drive and Sand Lake Rd usually has good rates and it's a nice resort. Spacious rooms. A little hard to get in and out of the parking lot but still nice.

 

[4Seasons]

I found a studio suite at Springhill Suites International Dr. (8840 Universal Blvd.) for those 3 nights for $259.73 including tax. They include a breakfast too. On tripadvisor they are the #2 hotel in Orlando and the reviews looked very good.

 

[hercamore]

We've stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn LBV twice and really like it. It's located north of downtown disney on Palm Parkway.

Palm Parkway actually runs parallel to I4 so you can take Palm Parkway to Universal which would be a benefit to you.

www.residenceinn.com and select Lake Buena Vista, Fl.

Good beds, full breakfast, quiet area.

AAA rate if you have it. Marriott also has a Residence Inn Seaworld about 5 miles north of this LBV hotel. I've never stayed at that particular Residence Inn , but it gets good reviews.

herc.

 

[hercamore]

Oh, I didn't see your post about wanting to keept it under $100/nite.

In that case, I would probably go to priceline.com and try for a 4* hotel in the Seaworld area.

herc.

 

[crazelion]

I can help this area. I have stay at Hawthorne Suites which on Canada Avenue just off I-Drive. The hotel is clean and has a excellent free hot breakfast. They have the Orlando Magic rate for 99.00 a night durning peak season.

Also if looking for something a little cheap then 100.00 a night. The Fairfield Inn and by Marriott has on Canada Avenue has rooms for 80.00 dollars a night with Orlando Magic rate. But you have to call for these rates at the hotel. I have not stay Fairfield Inn by Marriott yet but got good reviews on tripadvsior.com . I am this year for the family reunion.

I know for a fact that Hawthorne Suites is clean and basically down the street from Sea World. And has plenty of restaurants in walking distance.

What ever do not stay at Baymount Inn and Suites on Canada Avenue it use be called the Mircotel Inn and they sold my room and give another that was dirty. Plus the oj machine was broken and the hotel had no air in July 4th week. I am not picky person at all. All ask for somewhere that is clean to sleep.

I hope that helps you.

 

[DOOM1001]

Stay on International Drive,it's right next to Universal and Sea World with many other attractions,malls and restaurants right by there.I would choose somewhere on the south side of I-Drive closer to the Convention center and Pointe Orlando.

 

[damo]

Did you check the Universal partner hotels? They provide free scheduled transportation to Universal.

http://www.univacations.com/hotels/uph.asp

 

[lynn71092]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I went to the Southwest Airlines website and I found Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista on Palm Pkwy. for $63.00/night and I'll get a Rapid Rewards credit toward using for free airfare. It includes a continental breakfast, a fridge and a microwave. It's 7 miles from Universal. Has anyone heard anything bad about this one. My sister said that she doesn't want to stay at any of the hotels across the street from Universal because it looked shabby but she doesn't know the name of the street, that helps huh????

 

[vettechick99]

The Comfort Inn scored a 64 on a scale of 100 from the Unofficial Guide. That's about typical of hotels in that price range.

If you want to spend a few dollars more (around $100), Westgate Lakes is in that same area and scores a 92. In fact, they rank it #1 of Best Hotel/Resort Deals. In the same area, the Radisson LBV scores an 81 and is #13 in their list. It runs around $100, also.

Also, check octopustravel.com and see if they can get you a better rate on hotels. Apparently, they have the best deals around.

P/S If you want more recommendations, I've got the book in front of me and can help you out. Just PM me.

 

[lynn71092]

Thank you so much for all your suggestions, I really appreciate it!! I think we're going to try the Comfort Inn for $63.00. If it is a dive I will be sure to report it here. But being a true L.O.T.W. I'm sure you can appreciate my logic. $100.00/nt. vs $63.00/night leaves $37.00/night times 3 nights for BEER during Happy Hour at Universal!!!

 

[lynn71092]

OK, i'm back to square one. I just looked at some of the reviews and they don't look good. How can a Choice Inn be bad, I thought that was supposed to be a decent chain?
Thanks vettechick99, I'll try octopustravel.com
Still open for suggestions......