The Floridian Hotel and Suites

The Floridian Hotel and Suites is a modest, 129-room hotel that's part of a small local hotel group. It has a sister hotel situated farther north, away from Orlando's tourist hotspot area. As with the other hotels on the block, it looks every bit the suburban hotel from the outside, with Floridian cream-and-peach facade and manicured mulch beds with tropical landscaping. The lobby is simple but cheerful, with a wood reception desk, beige and yellow walls, cool stone tiling, and stripy orange armchairs. It has an open plan layout that also extends to the breakfast area -- a modest space with ample natural light that tends to be crowded in the morning. Some furnishings and furniture are dated, such as the old-fashioned wooden cupboards, tables, and chairs in the breakfast area. Additionally, guests often complain about a generally lacking attention to detail that often makes for a less-than-stellar stay. In any case, for travelers who want no more than a reasonably priced place to crash at night, it might fit the bill.

The Floridian Hotel and Suites is reasonably situated for exploring area theme parks and other attractions. The hotel is located on a quiet, tree-lined road that runs parallel to International Drive, where there are plenty of shops, restaurants, entertainment activities, and nightlife. I-Drive 360, the Orlando Eye, and Madame Tussaud’s are all about a 15-minute walk from the hotel. The shops and restaurants at Pointe Orlando are a little farther, about an eight-minute drive. Universal Orlando is only a five-minute drive away, while Disney World is a 15-minute drive away. A free scheduled hotel shuttle can take you to both. Expect a 20-minute drive to the airport from the hotel.

Rooms have a more modern vibe than the hotel's common spaces, with comfortable beds, modern bedding, a contemporary mustard-and-gray color scheme, and bed throws in a stylish geometric pattern. Some furnishings may feel a bit cheap or dated, such as the laminate wood furniture and traditional patterned carpets, and there have been complaints about upkeep. Bathrooms are basic, with imitation marble sink tops, plastic shower/tub combinations, and dated fixtures. Rooms are divided into two different categories: Standard and Junior Suite. Both are equipped with two queen beds, making this hotel a decent budget option for families and groups. Junior Suites have an additional kitchenette island between the beds - a good idea in theory, but the only added features are a sink and cabinet space. Some may find the layout a bit awkward as well: the suite’s two queen beds are separated by the kitchenette island which stands in the middle of the room. All rooms come with cozy cushioned window seats, flat-screen TVs with cable channels including HBO, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi.

As a modest budget hotel, the Floridian Hotel and Suites has a limited range of facilities: there’s a breakfast room for example, but no on-site bar or restaurant. This isn't necessarily an issue, as there are decent restaurants just over a ten-minute walk away. The continental breakfast is free and includes doughnuts, pastries, waffles, fruit juices, and coffee -- most guests find the offerings limited, and the service can get crowded. There's also an outdoor pool with sun loungers. A good range of freebies are offered, helping to add a little value to a stay here. The parking and Wi-Fi are free, as well as the shuttle service to Disney World and Universal Studios.