Which Offsite Hotel for Universal?

[TINK61]

I'm planning a 4 night trip to Universal this December. To keep costs down, this time we will stay offsite at one of the hotels located in or around I-Drive. Which of the following would you choose as a good location/quality hotel. We are driving so we will have a car, but would prefer to shuttle if it's not too inconvenient. I've been looking at 1) Sheraton Studio City; 2) Clarion Universal; 3) Wyndham on I-Drive, or 4) Holiday Inn on I-Drive. I may even try to use Priceline. I've been seeing Sheraton and Wyndham for around $32 to $40 as winning bids. What's your opinions or experiences with these properties?

 

[Aimeedyan]

We stayed at the AmeriSuites across the street when we went in may and it's a decent hotel =) I know that wasn't on your list, but worth a look.

 

[sue Z]

Which Holiday inn on I drive?

 

[TINK61]

Originally posted by sue Z
Which Holiday inn on I drive?

The Holiday Inn International Drive Resort

 

[mishoe01]

There's a Doubletree across the street for the Universal Complex (5780 Major Blvd), with free shuttle service to the complex (this used to be the Radisson). This is the hotel that is actually in 2 tall buildings that you can see from I4.

Hope this helps!

 

[twinkles0819]

I won the Wyndham on I-drive from priceline for $32/nt. I haven't gone yet so I don't know much about the hotel. But I have read some reviews and they are split I guess, but for $32/nt, I'm not expecting the Grand Floridian

 

[iluvdizknee]

I just got back and stayed at the Sleep Inn across the street. It was $89.00 a night, including continetal breakfast and free shuttle to US, IOA and Wet and Wild, and Sea World. Not a bad
hotel

 

[TINK61]

twinkles, when are you going? And, can you let me know what you think after you return, please.

 

[cinamin27]

I like the Kirkman road area near Universal better. International drive can get so congested. but if you really want I-Dr, I stayed at the new Homewood Suites (Hospitality Way) off of I-Dr near wet & wild last year, excellent hotel with a *free* hot continental breakfast (scrambled eggs with veggies & meat, bacon, sausage, make your own waffles, etc. this alone would really help on your breakfast budget) but have had a hard time finding decent rates for it anymore (lower than $100 per night). It is very close to the parking garage entrance & you wouldnt need to travel on I-Dr but for about 25-50 feet, just turn right at the light & cross over the overpass & you're at the parking garage. We also had a view of IOA from our room.

IMO, the area near the Wyndham is way too congested & takes forever to drive in that traffic, especially on the weekends. I've read that people that win the Wyndham on priceline seem to have mixed reviews of their stay, check out the hotel reviews for it on betterbidding.com.

 

[TINK61]

Melissa - thanks for the info. That is certainly something to consider regarding I-drive area. I wished I had scoped the area out more last year, but we were at the RPR and only got in the car to travel to WetnWild.

 

[twinkles0819]

I will be staying at the Wyndham from Aug 12-15....if you would like me to report back to you on the hotel I will gladly do that.

 

[TINK61]

Please do Twinkles. Would love to hear about your trip, in particular the Wyndham. Thanks.

 

[The Sweetness]

We stayed at a Hojo's on I-drive. There was transport every morning to attractions (USF, SW, maybe even WDW, but check), A free, real buffet breakfast (HAd to pay for bottled juice, but coffee and water were free), and the room was clean. We payed 45 a night, couldnt beat it

 

[RC Fan]

Hi The Sweetness!

Do you recall which HoJo's on I-Drive? Did you use the free shuttle? If so, how was it?

 

[CdnMom2]

We found the Kirkman Rd. area much easier for getting to Universal than the traffic on I-drive. We stayed end of December at the Amerisuites 2 years ago. Had a decent rate booked then an e-mail came about "Share the Season" rate & rebooked at new lower $59 then -- breakfast buffet included. We had suite (no dividing walls, but nice kitchenette) with room for all 6 of us AND surprise nice view of Universal fireworks that night! I was definitely happy when we were checking in & people beside me were verifying their "discount" room rate at $100 plus for same kind of room. Found it clean & quiet. Kids & DH had pool (just a normal pool, but a BEAUTIFUL sunset view that eve) to themselves while I did laundry just inside the doorway. We all had plenty to eat at the buffet before hitting full day at Islands of Adventure.

Don't remember if there was a shuttle, but there are other hotels that are often recommended here in that area too.

 

[TINK61]

CdnMom2 - When did the special rate come out? Thanks.

 

[TN Traveler]

We stayed at the Embassy Suites on I-Drive South in early June and absolutely LOVED it. Not one single complaint. PERIOD! The accommodations were awesome....as you come in the door there is a sofa to the left w/a chair. On the right the TV and a table w/4 chairs. The sofa pulled out into a double sofa sleeper. Had a bar w/under counter fridge, MW, sink and a coffee maker. Bathroom was nice--large tub w/shower, potty and sink/mirror. The bedroom was very large w/2 double beds...hmmmmm...on 2nd thought might have been 2 queens...let the girls sleep in there! Dresser/mirror area, nice TV, phone and sink/mirror. There was a complimentary hot breakfast every morning w/eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, toast, muffins, sweet rolls, cereal, oranges, watermelon, apples, bananas and pudding. Also a counter where you could order fried eggs, fried potatoes or omletes. I can honestly say it is probably one of the better hotels I have ever stayed in and I've stayed in some good ones in the last several years. There was a gift shop w/very reasonable priced items (compared to Disney's prices), a guest relations person that had all kinds of info on all Theme parks, an arcade, lounge and 2 pools--indoor and out. Because we spent all day at the parks we didn't go in the pools but they looked fine. Best of all we paid only $59 a night!! Will admit traffic was a little tricky but hotel itself made up for any problems whatsoever. Also there was a Friendly's restaurant just down the road that was wonderful. We don't have that chain here in Nashville but the food was very good and the service was the best. We ate at the Cattleman's restaurant one night and was very, VERY expensive. Wish we had found Friendly's first night!!
Hope this helps. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me.

Karen

 

[TINK61]

Karen - that sounds absolutely fantastic. How did you find such a great rate? Thanks.

 

[chach]

We will be staying at a timeshare near Disney but plan on
arriving early and would like to spend a couple of nights
in the Universal area also. I am also looking for inexpensive
lodging (under $60) that have a continental breakfast
for August 12th and 13th?
thanks

 

[JMD]

We're staying at the Hampton Inn on Windover Drive, when we go in September. We got a great rate and they have free breakfast.

I've had good luck with Hampton Inn in the past.

Has anyone stayed at the one on Windover Drive, or know the area at all?