Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Orlando International Drive

Wedged between Universal Boulevard and West Sand Lake Road, Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Orlando International Drive is somewhat difficult to spot from the road. Its nondescript entrance doesn’t stand out in a crowd of other similar hotels, like the neighboring Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive or Crowne Plaza Hotel Orlando-Universal. The property is arranged like a residential apartment complex, with a handful of two-story buildings that surround a central pool. The lobby is a corridor-like space with a simple front desk and a half wall that separates it from the breakfast room. An adjacent room has communal computers, a printer, and an ATM, along with several shelves that hold local area pamphlets. Guests run the gamut, from families with kids, to bachelorette parties and business travelers.  

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Orlando International Drive, is not, in fact, located on International Drive. Instead it’s wedged between West Sand Bay Road and Universal Boulevard, near the northern end of International Drive. The area immediately surrounding the hotel is filled with similar, budget-friendly hotels, along with bars, restaurants, and tourist shops. It’s not the prettiest, and can feel a little sketchy, especially at night. The property is a 12-minute drive from the Orange County Convention Center, an eight-minute drive from Universal Studios, a 20- to 25-minute drive from most Disney attractions, and a 23-minute drive from Orlando International Airport. 

Though Hawthorn Suites is an older property (hello, popcorn ceilings), rooms were nicely updated in 2017 with attractive finishes, like crown molding, granite countertops, and stainless-steel appliances, plus some even have fireplaces. All of the hotel’s rooms are suites, featuring full kitchens and living spaces with flat-screen TVs. Entry-level rooms have one king or two queen-size beds, but rooms with two queens can feel a bit tight on space. Larger units, like the penthouse suite we visited, offer more room and bedrooms that are separated from the kitchen and living areas. Kitchens have full-size appliances, including refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers, along with small appliances such as microwaves, coffeemakers, and toasters. Cabinets are stocked with cutlery, flatware, pots and pans, and other cooking essentials like spatulas and measuring cups. Bathrooms have the same granite counters as the kitchens, shower/tub combos, travel-size toiletries, and hairdryers. Unfortunately, no in-room safes are provided.

Hawthorn Suites has sufficient features for a hotel of this caliber, and the added value of freebies such as breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi. The hotel’s central pool is a gathering place during the warmer months. The L-shaped pool has a separate hot tub, and it's surrounded by lounge chairs. Next to the pool, there’s a grilling area with outdoor dining tables. A tiny fitness center has three cardio machines and a few free weights. It isn’t large, but it’s a welcome feature, considering many local hotels at this price point don’t have gyms. There’s also an outdoor basketball court, for guests who prefer to exercise outside. For business travelers, Hawthorn Suites has a small meeting room/function space with a projector, screen, and audiovisual equipment. For vacationers, there’s an on-site Orlando concierge who can help guests with things like park tickets and restaurant reservations. The hotel’s nightly rates include free breakfast, parking, and Wi-Fi. The free buffet-style breakfast is served in a spacious room off the lobby. Breakfast includes hot and cold items, such as eggs, bacon, sausage, make-your-own Mickey Mouse waffles, yogurt, fruit, and cereal. There’s ample parking, but the Wi-Fi signal receives mixed reviews.