Floridian Express

In 2016, this property changed its name from The Metropolitan Express to the Floridian Express Hotel and updated  all its guest rooms, but the makeover fell short of addressing all the building's shortcomings. This low-rise property still has budget written all over it, with its cracked tarmac forecourt, mismatched lobby furnishings, and unkempt corridors. The complex is made up of two L-shaped accommodation blocks centered around a pool terrace, and little else. A casual though occasionally hectic atmosphere prevails, especially in the mornings as guests wait for the free shuttle. Considering its location at the entrance of Universal Orlando, it's no surprise that this hotel attracts plenty of budget-minded families in town for the city’s kid-friendly attractions. A number of international travelers also stay at the hotel as do business travelers in town for meetings at the Orlando Convention Center. 

The Floridian Express Hotel sits conveniently close to the entrance of Universal Studios on International Drive, Orlando’s main tourist corridor -- albeit its seedier end. As well as the Wet 'n Wild theme park just opposite, guests are within walking distance of the many shops and restaurants that line the street, and there are wide sidewalks that make pedestrian traffic possible. However, guests -- especially those with small children -- should be careful as the road gets heavy traffic. Numerous other restaurants, shops, and attractions are just a short drive away, and the Orange County Convention Center is 10 minutes away by car.  The hotel provides a free shuttle to Disney and Universal theme parks, while Orlando International Airport is about a 20-minute drive, without traffic.

The hotel has 218 guest rooms, all updated in 2016 and largely identical with traditional-style dark wood furniture, carpeted floors, and a gold-and-yellow color scheme. Still, lumpy textured walls detract from the makeover and bathrooms were clearly overlooked in the renovations. They suffer from dated and tired fixtures and old, discolored grouting; all come with shower/tub combos (with clingy shower curtains), wall-mounted hairdryers, and surprisingly decent toiletries. Amenities are modern enough, with 25-inch flat-screen TVs (with pay-per-view movies), microwaves, fridges, and electronic safes. In-room Wi-Fi is free of charge, though the speed can vary significantly. Rooms overlook the hotel car park or pool, though they lack outside space. Rooms closer to the freeway are also prone to traffic noise.

The hotel's L-shaped swimming pool is certainly the main attraction at the Floridian Express, relatively large for the size of the property, clean and well-maintained, with a separate splash pool for kids, plus a poolside Tiki-style bar. Guests also get a basic breakfast buffet with cereals, waffles, juice, and coffee included in the room rate. While there's no proper restaurant on-site, there's a Dairy Queen fast food joint next door and a Brazilian eatery. The free Wi-Fi extends to the pool area (though it generally isn't very fast). Practical facilities include a coin-operated laundry, free parking, and ice machines.