It's primarily a business hotel -- it's next to the Orange County Convention Center and has loads of its own meeting space -- but the 832-room Rosen Plaza also includes a large pool, a notable steakhouse, and a small, windowless gym with Life Fitness equipment. Rooms have coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, and traditional decor that's pleasant enough. The hotel is adequate overall, but its features and lackluster service doesn't rise above Orlando's stiff competition. It may be worth comparing rates with the Westin.
It's primarily a business hotel -- it's next to the Orange County Convention Center and has loads of its own meeting space -- but the 832-room Rosen Plaza also includes a large pool, a notable steakhouse, and a small, windowless gym with Life Fitness equipment. Rooms have coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, and traditional decor that's pleasant enough. The hotel is adequate overall, but its features and lackluster service doesn't rise above Orlando's stiff competition. It may be worth comparing rates with the Westin.
This 400-room hotel just off of International Drive is a solid upper-middle-range pick in Orlando. Not only does it feature up-to-date amenities that include a well-equipped fitness center, a large business center, and an outdoor pool complete with a whirlpool, but it also boasts spacious and modern rooms with iPod docks and large flat-screen TVs. A free shuttle to nearby attractions and a free breakfast buffet for children under 10 adds to the value, but fees for in-room Wi-Fi and parking are disappointing.
This 400-room hotel just off of International Drive is a solid upper-middle-range pick in Orlando. Not only does it feature up-to-date amenities that include a well-equipped fitness center, a large business center, and an outdoor pool complete with a whirlpool, but it also boasts spacious and modern rooms with iPod docks and large flat-screen TVs. A free shuttle to nearby attractions and a free breakfast buffet for children under 10 adds to the value, but fees for in-room Wi-Fi and parking are disappointing.
True to the Holiday Inn brand, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Orlando is clean and predictable but lacks distinctiveness, especially when compared with the nearby Hilton Grand Vacations or Grande Villas Resort. The pool is small, and there's no poolside bar, but the expansive meeting and banquet space is a plus for business travelers (the hotel is within three miles of the Orange County Convention Center). Suites are large enough to accommodate families and groups, and the property is close to the area's fun parks and attractions: Universal Studios is across the street, and Disney World, SeaWorld, and Wet n’ Wild are within a 15-minute drive. The hotel has free shuttle service to Universal and Disney's Magic Kingdom, the main park at Walt Disney World.
True to the Holiday Inn brand, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Orlando is clean and predictable but lacks distinctiveness, especially when compared with the nearby Hilton Grand Vacations or Grande Villas Resort. The pool is small, and there's no poolside bar, but the expansive meeting and banquet space is a plus for business travelers (the hotel is within three miles of the Orange County Convention Center). Suites are large enough to accommodate families and groups, and the property is close to the area's fun parks and attractions: Universal Studios is across the street, and Disney World, SeaWorld, and Wet n’ Wild are within a 15-minute drive. The hotel has free shuttle service to Universal and Disney's Magic Kingdom, the main park at Walt Disney World.
When driving up to this timeshare property –- comprised of two nondescript high-rise buildings –- guests may not be too impressed, but this mid-range property has a lot more to offer than what first meets the eye. All units have an upscale, homey vibe and come equipped with modern, fully-stocked kitchens, bedrooms with spacious bathrooms, and up-to-date technology like large flat-screen TVs with DVD players. And the list of on-site activities is extensive; aside from the lovely pool area, the hotel features family-friendly amenities such as basketball, volleyball, and a game room. Pesky sales people can be a bother and there is a fee to use Wi-Fi, but the Westgate is nonetheless a solid choice for those planning longer Orlando stays.
When driving up to this timeshare property –- comprised of two nondescript high-rise buildings –- guests may not be too impressed, but this mid-range property has a lot more to offer than what first meets the eye. All units have an upscale, homey vibe and come equipped with modern, fully-stocked kitchens, bedrooms with spacious bathrooms, and up-to-date technology like large flat-screen TVs with DVD players. And the list of on-site activities is extensive; aside from the lovely pool area, the hotel features family-friendly amenities such as basketball, volleyball, and a game room. Pesky sales people can be a bother and there is a fee to use Wi-Fi, but the Westgate is nonetheless a solid choice for those planning longer Orlando stays.
This upper-middle-range property is a massive lakeside resort with lovely features including seven pools, a pretty spa, and several dining options. All condo-style units feature homey touches such as kitchenettes, modern technology, and warm decor, and guests can take their pick of everything from studios to four-bedroom villas. While freebies are plentiful, they come at the cost of a daily resort fee. Nonetheless, this resort is an excellent pick for families and business travelers -- but guests may consider comparing prices with the nearby Westgate Palace.
This upper-middle-range property is a massive lakeside resort with lovely features including seven pools, a pretty spa, and several dining options. All condo-style units feature homey touches such as kitchenettes, modern technology, and warm decor, and guests can take their pick of everything from studios to four-bedroom villas. While freebies are plentiful, they come at the cost of a daily resort fee. Nonetheless, this resort is an excellent pick for families and business travelers -- but guests may consider comparing prices with the nearby Westgate Palace.
This budget-friendly property attracts both business and leisure travelers with its low rates and long list of freebies. Rooms are simple, with IKEA-like furniture, but all come with nice additions such as microwaves, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. Those who require a fitness center should look elsewhere, but there are three on-site pools and overall this hotel offers a solid value -- if nothing particularly special.
This budget-friendly property attracts both business and leisure travelers with its low rates and long list of freebies. Rooms are simple, with IKEA-like furniture, but all come with nice additions such as microwaves, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. Those who require a fitness center should look elsewhere, but there are three on-site pools and overall this hotel offers a solid value -- if nothing particularly special.
This budget-friendly, family-centric property offers plenty of freebies, making it a solid value; children eat free, there’s a free shuttle to nearby attractions (though Disney parks are not included), and parking and Wi-Fi also come included in the rates. Rooms are spacious and feature modern amenities. However, the decor is not particularly stylish and there are some quirks -- rooms have exterior entrances and odd setups with the microwaves in the bathrooms.
This budget-friendly, family-centric property offers plenty of freebies, making it a solid value; children eat free, there’s a free shuttle to nearby attractions (though Disney parks are not included), and parking and Wi-Fi also come included in the rates. Rooms are spacious and feature modern amenities. However, the decor is not particularly stylish and there are some quirks -- rooms have exterior entrances and odd setups with the microwaves in the bathrooms.
I-Drive Grand Resort & Suites, formerly Anice Inn & Suites, is a two-pearl property comparable to other budget hotels in the area. The location near International Drive and Universal Studios -- plus the often incredibly low rates -- are the real draws here. However, this is an older hotel, and the rooms and outdoor swimming pools definitely show some wear. More troublesome are the constant guest complains regarding everything from long lines at check-in to the poor cleanliness and maintenance. Free breakfast, parking, and scheduled shuttle are nice perks. Check rates at the nearby Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando -- you'll lose the fitness center but will gain more dining options and nicer rooms.
I-Drive Grand Resort & Suites, formerly Anice Inn & Suites, is a two-pearl property comparable to other budget hotels in the area. The location near International Drive and Universal Studios -- plus the often incredibly low rates -- are the real draws here. However, this is an older hotel, and the rooms and outdoor swimming pools definitely show some wear. More troublesome are the constant guest complains regarding everything from long lines at check-in to the poor cleanliness and maintenance. Free breakfast, parking, and scheduled shuttle are nice perks. Check rates at the nearby Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando -- you'll lose the fitness center but will gain more dining options and nicer rooms.
Midway between Universal Studios and Disney World, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes is one of few five-pearl properties in Orlando. Its 582 rooms and suites are stylishly decorated and outfitted with luxe amenities, and the hotel is packed with great features. Families can take advantage of the gorgeous pool, outdoor kids' splash zone, and the Ritz Kids club, while couples and business travelers can check out the spa, modern fitness center, and 18-hole golf course. Four excellent dining options appeal to all kinds of travelers, and the adjoining JW Marriott’s amenities are free to use. The Ritz isn’t affiliated with any nearby theme parks, which may not be ideal for families. The Four Seasons Resort Orlando is located within Walt Disney World, and offers Disney related perks, but rates are pricier.
Midway between Universal Studios and Disney World, The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes is one of few five-pearl properties in Orlando. Its 582 rooms and suites are stylishly decorated and outfitted with luxe amenities, and the hotel is packed with great features. Families can take advantage of the gorgeous pool, outdoor kids' splash zone, and the Ritz Kids club, while couples and business travelers can check out the spa, modern fitness center, and 18-hole golf course. Four excellent dining options appeal to all kinds of travelers, and the adjoining JW Marriott’s amenities are free to use. The Ritz isn’t affiliated with any nearby theme parks, which may not be ideal for families. The Four Seasons Resort Orlando is located within Walt Disney World, and offers Disney related perks, but rates are pricier.
