Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney Springs Area

Pulling up to the hotel, this property looks like your standard Holiday Inn –- and upon entering, the interior decor reflects the budget-friendly brand as well. The lobby and common areas are clean and relatively calm –- thanks in part to the fact that the meeting rooms feature a separate entrance –- but even after a recent renovation, they’re not particularly up-to-date.Most guests of the hotel seem to be families who appreciate its proximity to Downtown Disney and its many theme parks. Plenty of business travelers also stay at the hotel, however, and it makes sure to cater to both groups with business-friendly and family-friendly amenities that include a small fitness center and a large outdoor pool.

Technically sitting on the sprawling grounds of Disney World, this Holiday Inn is located on the main thoroughfare that leads to Disney – but traffic is usually surprisingly calm. Once at the hotel, many attractions are within easy reach; Downtown Disney and numerous restaurants are within walking distance, and the hotel provides a free shuttle to all of the Disney parks, including Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Magic Kingdom. Several golf courses are also just a short drive away, and the hotel provides ample parking (although for an additional fee).

Besides a handful of ADA-approved rooms, the Holiday Inn has just two standard room types –- which offer a choice of either one king bed or two queen beds. The beds are comfy, with pillow-top mattresses and pillow menus that enable guests to select their optimum firmness. All rooms feature fresh –- if not particularly pretty –- decor in a red-and-green color palette. Large flat-screen TVs (though expected) add a modern touch.The rooms are spacious –- particularly the king rooms, which have sitting areas with pullout couches. All include useful amenities for budget-conscious guests, such as microwaves, coffee makers, and mini-fridges. They also feature work desks and closets with irons, ironing boards, and safes. Some rooms also have balconies, but those facing the rear of the hotel can experience some traffic noise.

Though this Holiday Inn attracts more families than business travelers, both stay at the hotel and take advantage of its numerous features. Most of them are standard, but some do go above and beyond -– particularly the massive outdoor pool, which has both a free-form area and a lane for swimming laps; a whirlpool sits nearby.Considering its proximity to Disney, it is no surprise that the hotel has kid-friendly amenities such as a game room and a free shuttle to Disney’s theme parks, which leaves every half hour. Families may also appreciate the on-site laundry facilities, and all types of travelers can take advantage of the small fitness center; it does not have any weight-training equipment, but does feature several cardio machines and free weights.Ten meeting rooms all come equipped with free Wi-Fi –- an amenity that is offered throughout the entire hotel –- and feature a separate exterior entrance so as not to congest the hotel’s common spaces. Though the lobby has two computers available for guest use, the hotel does not offer a business center.For dining, guests can sit at the hotel’s restaurant –- which serves dinner and a breakfast buffet -– or grab to-go sandwiches, salads, pastries, and snacks for every meal at the on-site deli. Room service is also available, and an on-site lounge serves cocktails and appetizers.