Hyatt Place Orlando/Convention Center

The atmosphere at this hotel is a true mix of guests on holiday and those in town for business, as the proximity to both theme parks and the convention center draw plenty of Hyatt brand loyalists. Housed in a series of beige and
off-white buildings that are standard for the chain, this Hyatt Place features a
large outdoor parking lot and lines of trees leading up to the glass door
entrance. The lobby is relatively small, but nicely decorated with a slick
wooden reception desk and a seating area with wooden and upholstered animal print couch alongside a coffee table. The snack bar sits in the lobby as well, where fresh sandwiches, burgers,
coffee, and pastries are available 24 hours a day. Next door are the bar and dining area,
featuring comfortable cushioned chairs, a large window letting in plenty of
natural light and a few TVs mounted on the walls. Expect to see plenty of families and corporate travelers, and the hotel can get quite busy on the weekends. 

Situated on Universal Boulevard, the
area around the hotel is open, green, and suburban. There is not much in the
immediate vicinity aside from an Extended Stay America next door. The hotel is most
convenient for business travelers, as the Orange
County Convention Center is a three-minute drive or less than a 20-minute
walk away. It is also within easy driving distance of Orlando's major theme parks (and a few tourist traps). Ripley's
Believe It or Not is about a four-minute drive up the road, the Universal Theme
Parks are around 10 minutes away by car, and it is a 10-minute drive to
SeaWorld. Disney World is a 15-minute drive away. Expect it to take 15 minutes to reach downtown, while the Orlando International Airport is a 17-minute drive or taxi
ride from the hotel. Outdoor self-parking is free and easy in a large and secure lot. 

There are 150 rooms at this Hyatt
Place, all of which feature a fairly straightforward executive style characterized by plenty of tan, taupe, and mid-tone wood. The set-up is excellent for business travelers on extended stays or families (up to five people in one room) who need the extra space that comes standard. Rooms feature a roomy and partially separate living
area, a 42-inch HDTV situated between the bedroom and living area, free Wi-Fi
access, and a kitchenette with sink, mini-fridge, and coffeemaker. There is also
a wooden desk with a black rolling chair. A modern selection of abstract
prints and photos hang on the walls. Each room includes a safe, ironing board and iron, and individual
air-conditioning units. Living areas feature a large beige sectional sofa, some of which have built-in sofa beds. The sink and vanity -- which are large, with plenty of granite counter space -- are located in the main portion of the room, while a private toilet
and bathing area feature either a spacious glass shower or shower/tub combo
with curtain. Toiletries and a hairdryer are provided. 

The Hyatt Place Orlando offers convenient features for tourists and business travelers, though the lack of an area shuttle to theme parks or the convention center is notably not provided. The day starts with a free breakfast buffet, including hot skillet items like eggs and meats. There is also a bistro that sells sandwiches,
coffee, and snacks 24 hours a day. A small bar provides cocktails and beers, but there is no sit-down lunch or dinner service. The hotel has a small 24-hour fitness room is clean and has a nice variety of modern machines and free weights. A rectangular outdoor pool is clean and refreshing, with plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas surrounding it, located just above the parking lot. There is also a coin-operated laundry room and office-like business center available for guest use. Free Wi-Fi access
is available in rooms and throughout the hotel.