5893 American Way, Orlando, Florida, United States | (618) 248-8274
Located a short drive to Universal Studios and Wet ‘n Wild water park
Bright, modern suites with full kitchens and sleeper sofas
Heated outdoor pool and whirlpool
Nice patio area with gas grills and a fire pit
Fitness center with cardio machines and free weights
Free shuttle to Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Wet ‘n Wild
Rates include a hot breakfast, and weekday evening receptions with light fare and drinks
24-hour convenience store on-site
Guest laundry room and valet dry cleaning and laundry
The hotel sells tickets to Universal Studios
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Small bathrooms
Complaints of road noise and tired suites
No shuttle service to Walt Disney World Resort
Smoking rooms available (a pro for some)
The three-pearl Homewood Suites Orlando-Nearest to Universal Studios’ convenient location near Orlando’s top attractions and its residence-style suites make it a popular choice for tourists and business travelers. It’s a 10-minute drive to Universal Studios, and the hotel provides a free shuttle service. Rates include a hot breakfast buffet, parking, and weekday evening receptions with food and drinks. Other highlights include a heated outdoor pool, laundry room, and a small fitness center. The bright, well-maintained suites have full kitchens and separate living rooms, but bathrooms are small and road noise is easily heard. The hotel is a solid choice for travelers seeking residence-style accommodations with cooking facilities, but prices are on the high side. Travelers could also check out Sunsol International Drive, which has much lower rates and free breakfast.
Scene
A busy chain hotel with a bright and contemporary lobby
This hotel’s proximity to Universal Studios and other top attractions attracts many tourists, especially families, and its residence-style suites are popular with business travelers, too. The lobby stands out for its vibrant colors. Lavender chairs and an olive-green sofa sit atop an aqua blue rug. The sitting area is separated from the dining room by a glass wall with flowing bubbles illuminated in purple and bright green that emit a festive glow. The dining area is also bright and cheerful, with lots of comfortable seating. Guests gather and socialize here during the week for the popular evening receptions that include snacks and drinks.
Location
Near Interstate 4 in Orlando’s tourist district, 10 minutes from Universal Studios
The Homewood Suites is conveniently located near Orlando’s top attractions. It’s adjacent to Interstate 4, close to the intersection of International Drive and Universal Boulevard. The closest restaurant is at the Hilton Garden Inn next door (a two-minute walk), and other restaurants are within a five-minute walk. A world of dining options is within a five-minute drive, including the popular eating spot at Universal CityWalk (a two-minute drive or shuttle ride). Universal Studios and Orlando Premium Outlets are a 10-minute drive away, and Wet ‘n Wild is a two-minute drive. Walt Disney World Resort, Epcot Center, and SeaWorld Orlando are about a 15-minute drive. The Orange County Convention Center is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Orlando International Airport is about a 20-minute drive away.
Rooms
Bright and contemporary residence-style suites, with full kitchens and sleeper sofas
The decor in these homey suites features bright, almost neon shades of green, lavender, and blue complemented by cream walls and matching wood furniture with an amber finish. The ambience is cheerful and contemporary, but a little tired. The full kitchens have blond-wood laminate floors and tan granite counters. They come with full refrigerators, dishwashers, stove-top burners, microwaves, coffeemakers, and utensils. Small tables provide seating for two. The living rooms have sleeper sofas and 42-inch flat screen TVs. Bedrooms provide additional TVs, and have either a single king or two queen beds. Free Wi-Fi and safes are standard. The suites aren't overly spacious, and bathrooms are on the small side. They have standard shower/tub combos framed by beige tile. Roomy, tan granite vanities are placed outside the bathrooms. While generally quiet, rooms facing Universal Studios and the road pick up some ambient noise; those facing the pool are quieter.
Features
Hot breakfast, weekday receptions, and shuttle service included in rates
This hotel offers many value-added amenities, such as free parking and shuttle service to Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and Wet ‘n Wild. The hot breakfast buffet is also included in the rates, along with weekday evening receptions with drinks and light fare. The 24-hour convenience store sells sundries and a variety of food and drinks. The heated outdoor pool has an adjacent whirlpool and patio that includes cabanas, tables, gas grills, and a fire pit. Guests also can use the pool at the adjacent Hilton Garden Inn that has a tiki bar. The fitness center is small, with only a few cardio machines and free weights. The 24-hour business center has two personal computers and a printer. The hotel has one meeting room that can accommodate up to 35 people. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Guests can buy tickets to Universal Studios in the lobby. There's a guest laundry room, and valet dry cleaning and laundry services are available for a fee.