8504 Universal Blvd, Orlando, Florida, United States | (888) 962-8097
Spacious and bright lobby area
Nicely landscaped courtyard area
Small guest laundry facility
Some rooms include a small kitchenette area
Plenty of free parking
Pet-friendly
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Pool area is in need of a good spray washing
Pool furniture needs updating, repair and cleaning
Business center consists of only one PC in the lobby area
This budget-friendly chain hotel is located, as the name suggests, near the Orlando Convention Center. Rooms are fresh and modern after a 2012 renovation, and the hotel is a good fit for both convention-goers and families. Several extras add to the value: the free continental breakfast (hot items are limited, however); free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel; free parking; and a morning shuttle to Universal Studios. Some (but not all) rooms have microwaves and mini-fridges to help guests save costs on food. Guests traveling with pets will appreciate the hotel's pet-friendly policies. Just note that some guests still complain about maintenance and minor cleanliness issues.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
A budget-friendly chain hotel renovated in 2012
This budget-friendly chain hotel has 199 rooms spread across seven floors, and after a 2012 renovation, it looks appealingly modern. The grounds feature plenty of trees, a small gazebo, and a decent-size pool; the grounds are mostly well-kept, but the pool area could use better maintenance. The large open lobby has an inviting living room feel and two-story ceilings; second-floor hallways overlook the spacious seating area.Budget travelers will likely appreciate the abundance of freebies here, including the ample free parking. There's not much to do on-site, but most are attractions are a short drive away.
Location
A short drive to the Orlando Convention Center and across the street from the Orlando Eye entertainment complex
The hotel is a three-minute drive to the Orange County Convention Center, one of the largest convention centers in the United States. The popular parks aren't too much farther -- it's about a six-minute drive to Universal Studios and a 15-minute drive to Downtown Disney, depending on traffic. There are many restaurant options nearby, ranging from Orlando’s best restaurants to a national chain restaurants. The Orlando Eye, a huge 400-foot Ferris wheel and dining, shopping, and entertainment center is right across the street. (The complex is scheduled to be operational in 2015.)
Rooms
Modern rooms and technology
The rooms are surprisingly modern, and not as generic as one may expect from this level of chain hotel, with an attractive blue and green color scheme. Technology includes flat-screen TVs with 30 channels and plug-and-play capabilities for connecting to electronics. Some, but not all, rooms have microwaves and mini-fridges; if those amenities are important to you, be careful to note whether the room type you book includes them. Rooms with two double beds or two-room suites with a king bed and sofa sleeper are available for larger parties. Despite the 2012 renovation, some guests still complain of some minor maintenance and cleanliness issues.
Features
Lots of freebies, including Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfast
La Quinta Inn offers lots of free extras, including Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfast. The continental breakfast includes, cereal, pastries, and fruit, but no hot items aside from the waffles. The outdoor pool and whirlpool are located in a sunny courtyard, but the plastic pool loungers could use an upgrade. A small fitness facility, a laundry room, and vending machines are also available.
