How to book hotels in Orlando, on a budget.
It is easy to book a Disney or comparable Orlando resort – but is all that luxury really necessary? Who really needs two or three pools in the hotel when most of one’s time will be spent in the theme parks?
A simple Google search should yield a range of more reasonably priced hotels. Or just keep eyes and ears open on the Internet – web-based email ads may lead to the best deals in town. Here is a shortlist of hotels that offer the best value.
In-Town Suites
In Town Suites are the best value for longer stays of a week or more. The attractive price tag (starts from $149/week) may preclude its existence in big cities, but fortunately, Orlando offers four choices that range from $149.99-209.99/week. No lease is required. The pricier hotel is located in the central Orlando area and features an outdoor pool, while the least expensive is situated along the Orange Blossom Trail.
The furnished suites offer the advantage of fully equipped kitchens, so one need not eat out all the time. The downsides are lack of transportation to theme parks and weekly housekeeping, but otherwise, this is the most competitive of the lot. Keep in mind that the suites normally do not show up on a Google Orlando hotel search.
Choice Hotels
The Choice Hotels site features multiple chains, but the best deals are Rodeway Inn, Econolodge, and Days Inn chain hotels that start from the ’20s and ’30s per night. Choose from hotels on the popular International Drive or nearby Kissimmee.
Many offer transportation to and from Disney theme parks, and some will whisk you off to Universal as well. Another trick is to choose a hotel that includes breakfast – restaurants in theme parks are notoriously expensive. The Rodeway has efficiencies that start from the 40’s – and help save on eating out. Most hotels offer a seasonal outdoor pool – really, for the most part, one pool is all you need.
Disney Resorts
Disney offers a variety of resorts – value, moderate, and luxury. Disney resorts offer the advantages of airport shuttle pickups and dropoffs (Disney magical Express) as well as a shuttle to and from theme parks. The disadvantage? The relatively high price tag.
In summary, choose a place that is attractively priced, not too far from the airport (to avoid astronomical cab fares), and runs a scheduled shuttle service to the theme parks.
(All information courtesy In Towne Suites.com and Choice Hotels.com).