Hilton Garden Inn Orlando International Drive North

From the outside, this Hilton Garden Inn looks like your run-of-the-mill mid-range chain hotel, housed in a six-floor red-and-yellow structure emblazoned with the hotel's name on one side. Inside, things are surprisingly snazzy for a hotel of this category. The lobby is sleek and inviting, with turquoise-and-green carpeting, soft lighting, a mix of stone wall panelling and mosaic accent walls, and lots of cozy seating in tones of blue and green. Water infused with apples and lemons is a nice touch. A pair of elevators leads up to the rooms, and the fitness center is located down a hallway behind the front desk. The hotel attracts a variety of guests, including business travelers needing a high-quality but affordable spot to stay as well as lots of families wanting easy access to nearby theme parks, notably those at Universal Studios. 

As the name suggests, this hotel is located right off of International Drive. It's across from the Wet 'n Wild water park and a 12-minute drive to Universal Studios. In the opposite direction, the giant Coca-Cola Orlando Eye is an eight-minute drive away, right next to Ripley's Believe it or not and Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf, a kitschy roadside mini-golf course themed with a swashbuckling theme. Getting to the Orange County Convention Center takes 12 minutes by car. Downtown Orlando is 15 minutes from the hotel without traffic. Further afield, it's about a 20-minute drive to Walt Disney World. Orlando International Airport is a 25-minute drive away. 

The hotel offers rooms with either one king bed or two double beds -- some of the king rooms add sofa beds. All rooms are more or less identical, with spacious floor plans and a mix of medium-wood furniture and muted green carpets, armchairs, and drapes. Framed prints on the walls featuring modern designs with pops of turquoise help brighten the already cheery spaces. Desks with ergonomic chairs are standard, and all rooms feature mini-fridges, microwaves, Keurig coffeemakers with tea and coffee capsules, irons/ironing boards, and flat-screen TVs with cable -- but rooms lack safes. Bathrooms are simple, with granite countertops and shower/tub combos, and Neutrogena toiletries are provided.

Amenities at this hotel are typical of a mid-range chain hotel in Orlando. Most guests appreciate the lovely outdoor pool with lots of lounge chairs and shaded areas. Inside is a decent fitness center with separate Precor cardio and weight-training sections, and though it's not open 24/7, it does stay open late. Meals are available at Garden Grille, which serves breakfast (not included in room rates) and dinner daily, plus evening room service. Dinner and drinks are also available at the poolside Tiki Bar, but not until around happy hour. Neither are open for lunch. There's also a 24-hour market in the lobby with snacks and a small selection of microwave dinners. Coin-operated laundry facilities are popular with families. The hotel also offers a free shuttle to SeaWorld, Aquatica, and Universal Orlando on a first-come, first-served basis--shuttles run from early morning until late at night, with a break in the middle of the day. Wi-Fi is free and fast throughout the property and there's tons of outdoor parking.