Best Western International Drive – Orlando

Housed in the chain's signature yellow stucco building with clay-colored roof, this Best Western hotel doesn't veer from the typical. There's a large parking lot shaded by leafy trees, and well-kept landscaping leads up the driveway to the main entrance's sliding glass doors. In the lobby, decor feels dated, particularly the red floral-patterned chairs, brownish couches, and fake flower decorations, which clash with dark tile floors and a display of colorful brochures and advertisements for Disney attractions. Guests must use outdoor walkways to access their rooms, which may pose an inconvenience on chilly nights. There’s an outdoor pool whose clay-colored stone deck is lined with a few lounge chairs and tables with umbrellas; a poolside stone patio offers additional seating at simple, white tables and chairs shaded a bit by towering palm trees. Guests tend to be families in town for the theme parks, and the odd business traveler seeking an efficient respite -- as such, the breakfast room, with wood floors and blue-patterned seat cushions, tends to get crowded each morning. 

The Best Western is conveniently located on International Drive, putting guests within an easy drive of area attractions and business hot spots. There are several restaurants within walking distance, mainly of the casual, family-friendly variety.  Universal Studios, Disney World, and Sea World are all within a 15- to 20-minute drive, and the hotel provides a free shuttle to those attractions. The shuttle stops at Epcot, from which guests can take a monorail, ferry, or bus to other Disney parks, such as Animal Kingdom. The hotel is also within a five- to 10-minute drive of the Orange County Convention Center. 

Rooms are generally clean and decorated in a typical chain hotel style, with pale yellow walls, brown-patterned carpeting, and dark wooden furnishings. Gold-framed artwork and heavy, maroon curtains give the rooms a dated feel, though the crisp white bedding does brighten things a bit. All rooms have microwaves, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs with cable satellite, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are simple and white, and have shower/tub combinations. Some guests complain of a musty smell, perhaps from old carpeting and humid air. 

The hotel has an outdoor pool with lounge chairs as well as a courtyard with tables and chairs. Free breakfast is served in the morning and includes a nice variety of hot and cold items -- the waffle- and pancake-makers are particularly popular. There’s free parking, and a free shuttle provides service to the nearby Disney theme parks; guests can purchase park tickets in the lobby. The business center has one computer and a printer. There is a fitness center with various cardio machines and free weights for guest use.