The 233-room Allure Resort is located right in the heart of Orlando, on the attractions-packed International Drive. It's part of an eight-hotel group that looks pleasant enough, but often doesn't deliver. Maintenance issues and a generally forgotten-about approach to everything from rooms to features are hard to overlook, even with the hotel's big pool and rock-bottom rates. Rooms look pleasant enough, with light tones and wood accents, but are often short on supplies such as towels and pillows and some come with broken appliances. Hidden fees for standard amenities such as Wi-Fi and shuttles, a lack of secure parking, and the buffet breakfast are also disappointing. For a hotel without hidden fees and an overall better experience, try Rosen Inn International instead, which has similar rates.
The 233-room Allure Resort is located right in the heart of Orlando, on the attractions-packed International Drive. It's part of an eight-hotel group that looks pleasant enough, but often doesn't deliver. Maintenance issues and a generally forgotten-about approach to everything from rooms to features are hard to overlook, even with the hotel's big pool and rock-bottom rates. Rooms look pleasant enough, with light tones and wood accents, but are often short on supplies such as towels and pillows and some come with broken appliances. Hidden fees for standard amenities such as Wi-Fi and shuttles, a lack of secure parking, and the buffet breakfast are also disappointing. For a hotel without hidden fees and an overall better experience, try Rosen Inn International instead, which has similar rates.
Red Roof Inn Orlando - International Drive/Convention Center is a no-frills budget motel located off International Drive and within easy walking distance of the convention center. It's ideal for business and leisure travelers with a budget in mind, who prefer a simple place to sleep over fancy features and amenities. It has an off-the-highway motel vibe, though rooms are relatively well kept and include the necessary basics like flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. An outdoor pool and hot tub are available, though most guests stay at the hotel to do little more than sleep at night. The free shuttles to Disney World and Universal Studios are convenient, but there is no free breakfast. For a similar hotel with a bigger outdoor pool, try the Days Inn just one hotel down.
Red Roof Inn Orlando - International Drive/Convention Center is a no-frills budget motel located off International Drive and within easy walking distance of the convention center. It's ideal for business and leisure travelers with a budget in mind, who prefer a simple place to sleep over fancy features and amenities. It has an off-the-highway motel vibe, though rooms are relatively well kept and include the necessary basics like flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. An outdoor pool and hot tub are available, though most guests stay at the hotel to do little more than sleep at night. The free shuttles to Disney World and Universal Studios are convenient, but there is no free breakfast. For a similar hotel with a bigger outdoor pool, try the Days Inn just one hotel down.
The 414 Hotel is a 22-room boutique in Midtown West, along a quiet, tree-lined stretch of Restaurant Row (a popular area for pre-theater diners). Times Square and its eight subway lines are a short walk away, as are Broadway's main shows, making this a convenient stay for tourists. But the hotel also feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of NYC -- a vibe created by the homey nature of the hotel. Two historical town houses make up the 414; rooms in both buildings are bright, airy, and modern, with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and mini-fridges. Many face the hotel's charming courtyard, where guests can enjoy the hotel's free continental breakfast and evening wine and cheese in warmer months. Guests who need an elevator (414 Hotel does not have one) might prefer the French Quarters Guest Apartments, a nearby boutique hotel with an elevator and a popular on-site restaurant serving Creole-style cuisine.
The 414 Hotel is a 22-room boutique in Midtown West, along a quiet, tree-lined stretch of Restaurant Row (a popular area for pre-theater diners). Times Square and its eight subway lines are a short walk away, as are Broadway's main shows, making this a convenient stay for tourists. But the hotel also feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of NYC -- a vibe created by the homey nature of the hotel. Two historical town houses make up the 414; rooms in both buildings are bright, airy, and modern, with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and mini-fridges. Many face the hotel's charming courtyard, where guests can enjoy the hotel's free continental breakfast and evening wine and cheese in warmer months. Guests who need an elevator (414 Hotel does not have one) might prefer the French Quarters Guest Apartments, a nearby boutique hotel with an elevator and a popular on-site restaurant serving Creole-style cuisine.
The 221-room Clarion Inn and Suites At International Drive is a convenient pick for budget-minded families and business travelers with a location convenient to theme parks like SeaWorld and the Orange County Convention Center. The hotel stands apart from any other budget mid-range hotel in the area -- including the nearby Days Inn Orlando Convention Center that is nearly priced the same -- because it has an E-Z car rental shop on-site. There is also a stylish outdoor pool and hot tub with shaded lounge areas. Some guests with heavy luggage found the hotel to be a bit inconvenient, as there is no elevator to the second floor.
The 221-room Clarion Inn and Suites At International Drive is a convenient pick for budget-minded families and business travelers with a location convenient to theme parks like SeaWorld and the Orange County Convention Center. The hotel stands apart from any other budget mid-range hotel in the area -- including the nearby Days Inn Orlando Convention Center that is nearly priced the same -- because it has an E-Z car rental shop on-site. There is also a stylish outdoor pool and hot tub with shaded lounge areas. Some guests with heavy luggage found the hotel to be a bit inconvenient, as there is no elevator to the second floor.
A location right on Third Street, one of L.A.'s best stretches of trendy shops and restaurants, is this mellow boutique hotel's most notable feature. Its 95 rooms are large and comfortable but not quite luxurious, and there's no party scene. There is a small pool, 24-hour fitness center, and two saunas on site. For a centrally located base for shopping or business, the stylish and affordable Orlando is a solid pick.
A location right on Third Street, one of L.A.'s best stretches of trendy shops and restaurants, is this mellow boutique hotel's most notable feature. Its 95 rooms are large and comfortable but not quite luxurious, and there's no party scene. There is a small pool, 24-hour fitness center, and two saunas on site. For a centrally located base for shopping or business, the stylish and affordable Orlando is a solid pick.
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.