2261 E Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, Florida, United States | (888) 635-3814
A budget-friendly hotel outside of the touristy Orlando area
Located directly off the Florida Turnpike
Water park on-site includes a lazy river and tiki bar
Rooms include microwaves, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges
Two swimming pools, as well as a shallow children's playground pool, are nice for families
On-site party planner is available for special events
Small on-site fitness center has modern machines
Daily kids activities, as well as a movie room, add value
A casual restaurant and coffee shop are convenient
Pet-friendly property (for a fee)
Free Wi-Fi
Consistent cleanliness in rooms is an issue
Most first-floor rooms have unappealing parking lot views
Water park access not included in hotel stay
Noise from the pool can go late into the night
Wi-Fi strength is iffy in some areas
30-minute to an hour drive away from popular theme parks
Daily resort fee
The Flamingo Waterpark Resort is a mid-range property offering outdoor activities meant for the whole family to enjoy. There's a kiddie pool and playground, daily outdoor kids' activities, and the coup de grace, an on-site water park complete with a lazy river and water slide. There are some amenities within the hotel for business travelers -- such as a meeting room and computer area. However, the rooms are in need of an upgrade and cleanliness is an issue. What's more, there are extra fees to use the water park, daily resort fees, and spotty Wi-Fi. There are no other hotels within a few miles of the resort, but for the same price, guests can stay closer to the parks on International Drive -- although the area is more hectic and congested since it is a high tourist area.
Scene
Florida-style family fun on a budget
The Flamingo Waterpark Resort is a 240-room hotel centered around family fun, with its colorful decor and outdoor amenities. The building is bright blue, and as guests enter the lobby, they take in the bright orange walls and floor-to-ceiling orange curtains. There are three floors to the hotel and access to rooms is motel-style with outdoor hallways. Outside, guests flock to the water park, which has three colorful slides circled by a roped-off lazy river. Near the tiki bar are tables with thatched umbrellas -- the only shade in the park save for the blue cabanas for rent. In a separate area sits a swimming pool and children's pool with water fountains and other playground features. Inside, the Dulce Coffee Bar is a tile-floored space with flat-screen TVs and animated character decorations typical of theme parks. The hotel also has an arcade with games, completing the family-centric vibe.
Location
An industrial neighborhood off the turnpike, removed from tourist area
The hotel is easily accessible, located directly off of the Florida Turnpike and a major highway. The neighborhood is industrial and plain with a storage facility, bail bond office, and carpet and tile shop within walking distance. The Osceola County Corrections Department is on the other side of the turnpike, and Gateway High School is also just minutes away. Along the E. Irlo Memorial Highway are a diner and a few fast food restaurants, all within fewer than 10 minutes by foot. A food market is also located on the busy highway. Major theme parks, such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, are 30 minutes away by car to the north, and LEGOLAND is an hour southwest.
Rooms
Basic rooms -- not always clean or in top shape
Rooms are filled with dark-wood furniture and framed art in bright colors. Beds have white linens and bright comforters on top; on either side of the beds there are wall lamp. Rooms have mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers. Bathrooms are stocked with towels and basic toiletries, including hairdryers and vanity mirrors. Showerheads and drains in the shower/tub combos are not always clean. Family suites include brighter-painted walls, animated character decor, and wooden bunk beds.
Features
Popular water park -- for a fee -- and two pools
The hotel is home to a small water park, and guests are given inner tubes to use for free -- however, each guest must pay an entry fee as it is not included in the hotel charge. Also at the water park is a tiki bar, and cabanas are available for rent. In a separate area, there is a smaller, gated swimming pool and a children’s playground pool. The laundry room is open 24 hours a day, and guests can purchase soap, bleach, and fabric softener there. The business center is small with two computers. For fitness, there is a gym with basic exercise equipment and a flat-screen TV. For dining, the Dulce Coffee Bar serves an all-you-can-eat breakfast every morning for a fee.