SpringHill Suites Orlando at SeaWorld

The SpringHill occupies a yellow-and-white structure in the middle of a parking lot it shares with a Holiday Inn Express and its sister property, Fairfield Inn and Suites. The hotels look out on a lake with a huge fountain feature. The lobby is open and light-filled. Recessed lighting and a few soft round light features keep up the cheery vibe, without making it too bright. The hotel gets a variety of guests, including tourists wanting easy access to nearby SeaWorld, but the clientele tends to be more business-oriented here than at the adjacent, family-focused Fairfield. Note that the entire hotel is non-smoking, which is increasingly the norm in Florida, but not legally required.

Unsurprisingly, SpringHill Suites Orlando at SeaWorld is located across the street from SeaWorld. It's situated next to the Fairfield Inn & Suites, a sister property with which it shares a swimming pool. There's a CVS pharmacy right around the corner and a few eating options including a Buffalo Wild Wings, a TGI Fridays, and a local Thai restaurant with intricate, temple-like decor -- Thai Thani are within a five-minute walk.  The Orange County Convention Center is about a 10-minute drive away. Disney World and Universal Studios are each around a 20-minute drive from the hotel (in opposite directions). The Orlando International Airport takes about 25 minutes to reach by car, and it's a half-hour drive to downtown Orlando.

This hotel offers a variety of rooms. Most have either one king bed or two queen beds, plus a sofa bed for those traveling in groups or with kids. Decor is simple but pleasant, with gray carpets, muted light-blue sofa beds, and extra pops of pastel color in modern wall art and decorative vases. Features include flat-screen TVs, desks with reading lights and ergonomic chairs, microwaves, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges, irons, and ironing boards. Bathrooms feature walk-in showers. Paul Mitchell-brand toiletries are provided, as are hairdryers. Most rooms overlook the hotel's entrance and parking lot. 

All the features at this hotel are shared with the Fairfield Inn and Suites next door. An outdoor pool is sandwiched between the two hotels and features a splash area with whale- and penguin-themed features, a small whirlpool hot tub, and plenty of seating on sun loungers or at tables and chairs. The poolside Splash Bar & Grill serves drinks and pub food, but only opens at dinner time. Room service is also available from the Splash Bar and from the Coffee Bar, but only in the evenings. As an alternative, The Market sells basic items such as instant noodles and snacks that guests can prepare in their rooms. Note that breakfast is included in room rates and includes a variety of hot and cold items served buffet style in a room just behind the coffee lounge. Other facilities include a game room with a handful of arcade games plus a pinball machine located in the Fairfield building. There's also a large 24-hour fitness room with Precor cardio equipment and rack of free weights. A meeting room has space for up to 10 guests. Wi-Fi is free and fast throughout the hotel, and there's plenty of on-site parking. There's also a free shuttle service to SeaWorld (though it's in easy walking distance so some might find the service unnecessary). Check with the concierge for the schedule as times can vary, and be sure to book a spot the night before.