5905 South Kirkman Road, Orlando, Florida, United States | (251) 219-4428
Great location minutes from Universal Orlando
Rooms feature coffeemakers and safes
On-site TGI Fridays serves all meals (free for kids under 12)
Swimming pool, plus separate kids' splash pool
Free shuttle to Universal/Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld Orlando, and outlets
Business-friendly, with event spaces and close to convention center
Pet-friendly, with on-site dog park
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Wi-Fi can be unreliable in rooms
Some guests have complained about dirty rooms and lackluster housekeeping
Rooms could use a paint job
Rooms lack views
Typical chain decor
Fee for breakfast
The large, moderately priced Holiday Inn & Suites Across From Universal Orlando is an adequate and value-priced base of operations for families with theme parks on the agenda. The 256 rooms and suites all feature coffeemakers and safes; Full Rooms add microwaves and mini-fridges and suites have kitchenettes. A pool and mini splash park for kids and an on-site TGI Fridays where kids under 12 can eat for free make this a good pick for families. Alternatively, guests may want to check out the similarly priced Cabana Bay Beach Resort on site at Universal, which offers retro style and tons of fun family activities, including a bowling alley.
Scene
A serviceable chain hotel for a family vacation
The Holiday Inn & Suites Across from Universal Orlando is a straightforward, no-fuss property, much like other Holiday Inn hotels in America. Its barebones public spaces don't invite much socializing, but the hotel acts more as a home-base for traveling families, who can take advantage of the shuttle service to the nearby theme parks and outlet malls.
Location
Fifteen minutes by foot from Universal Orlando and CItyWalk
Located across a busy intersection from the Universal them park and CityWalk, the hotel is a an easy option for travel families. Shuttle service is provided. Other nearby conveniences include chain restaurants.
Rooms
Flat-screens, big beds, space, but spotty housekeeping and thin walls
The rooms at the Holiday Inn Suites feature identical tasteful if unremarkable decor, which is mostly done in brown and green and finished with wall-to-wall carpeting. Suites have two flat-screen TVs and kitchenettes with full refrigerators, toasters, and dishwashers (no ovens or stoves). Full Rooms have microwaves and mini-fridges, and coffeemakers and safes are provided in all rooms. Doors are sprung to close automatically, which can create noise problems, as do the thin walls. Guests have reported spotty housekeeping and non-working appliances.
Features
Kids' pool, game room, coin-operated laundry and TGI Fridays
The hotel has two pools (one of which is for kids) surrounded by large patio equipped with lounge chairs. While there is hotel restaurant, a TGI Fridays location is on-site to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The hotel offers free-meal vouchers for kids. The breakfast buffet here can get crowded.The on-property gift shop stocks frozen food, coffee, and souvenirs. There is a coin-operated laundry, a well-equipped video game room, events spaces, and a business center, but there are usage fees except for printing out boarding passes.