The Orlando center is approximately the area of SunTrust Center and the area of Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center.
While some people come to Orlando without kids in tow, this destination is most popular with families. As a result, crowd levels and hotel prices tend to be at their highest when school is out. That means peak season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with a spring-break spike from late March to the middle of April, and another from mid-December to the beginning of the new year. If you're planning to visit within those windows, expect to pay a premium for your accommodations.
Visiting in the off-season has several benefits. First and foremost, you'll enjoy lower rates on hotels and related expenses like car rentals. There is also less competition for hotel space, so you'll have a greater selection of properties and room types available to you. Another downside to visiting in summer is that it brings hot, humid, rainy weather to Orlando. Temperatures often hit the 90s, and with humidity levels commonly also in the 90s, it can feel much hotter. Expect frequent thunderstorms, which can lead theme parks to close some attractions for safety. Also keep in mind that June 1 to Nov. 30 is hurricane season.
No matter what type of property you choose, you can ensure you get the best possible deal by taking advantage of available discounts. Several hotels near the airport offer AAA, senior citizen, and military discounts, including the Wingate by Wyndham Orlando Airport, Quality Inn Orlando Airport, and the Renaissance Orlando Airport Hotel. You can also get these discounts at upscale properties like the Grand Bohemian Hotel and The Alfond Inn.
If you plan to travel with a large group, you may qualify for discounted rates. Disney offers group rates for visitors reserving multiple rooms. In addition, Disney's Villa properties, including Animal Kingdom and BoardWalk Villas, offer two-bedroom villas that can accommodate as many as nine guests. You'll also find group rates available at national chain hotels in Orlando, such as Embassy Suites and Courtyard by Marriott.
Value hotels offer the best combination of affordability, location, and amenities. The Point Orlando Resort boasts large rooms, spacious bathrooms, and fully appointed kitchens for less than you'd pay for a smaller room at some luxury properties, as well as free shuttle service and a pool.
You may also want to check out the value hotels offered by the larger theme park resorts. Disney's Port Orleans Resort French Quarter is a mid-priced option that transports guests to the Mississippi Delta. The large pool complex and romantic setting make it feel luxe, and the central location is perfect for getting to and from the parks quickly. Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort is a great option for families. Mini-kitchens make it easy to prepare a quick and easy breakfast or snack. On-site activities include a pool and lazy river, bowling alley, and fire pits for toasting marshmallows under the stars.
Kids will have the time of their lives at the Nickelodeon Suites Resort. Here, you can play in two water parks, an arcade, a laser maze, and several pools with daily "slimings." Grownups will appreciate that every room has a kitchenette or full kitchen, so you can refuel from all the fun without heading to a restaurant.
When you're traveling with family, it's amazing how quickly food and beverage costs add up. Without careful planning, your dining budget can quickly escalate out of control. Fortunately, you can keep those costs down by making smart hotel choices.
The first thing to remember is that you'll pay a premium of at least 25 percent when you dine at a theme park. If possible, plan your days so most of your meals happen before or after your time in the parks. Choose a hotel with a kitchen, and shop for quick breakfast and snack items so you can easily grab a bite before you leave and save the snacking for when you get back to the room. Another way to save on food is to look for hotels that offer "kids eat free" deals, such as Nickelodeon Family Suites and Orlando World Center Marriott Resort.
If you're staying in a theme park hotel, ask about dining plans. These packages can help you save as much as 40 percent off regular prices at resort restaurants, making it easy to eat economically without having to travel far from your hotel.
There are so many things to do in Orlando that one trip will never be enough. If you've never been here, prepare to discover a new favorite destination. And, if you have visited Orlando in the past, you already know there's always something new to discover. Your Orlando hotel will be your home base for your trip, so take the time to think about what you want from your accommodations. No matter what you're looking for, you'll find the right property in this tourist-friendly city. Choosing the right hotel is the first step in planning an unforgettable Orlando vacation.
Walt Disney, Seaworld, and Universal Studios made the city of Orlando eternally synonymous to theme parks. What was once a subdued farming town is now America's most visited city. Apart from the theme parks that attract millions of tourists per year, Orlando is a host of varying attractions, from the best nightlife to camping at the Magic Kingdom. Your adventure begins as soon as you arrive at the International Airport, as Disney's Magical Express Transportation is offered for free. Some hotels capitalize on the city's surreal aspect, with choices that include Nickelodeon family Suites by Holiday Inn and Renaissance Orlando Resort at Seaworld, but there are plenty of more affordable hotels around Lake Buena Vista. You can choose from exploring the Future World's geodesic dome and see the experimental community of tomorrow, ride the gravity-defying drops at the Twilight Zone, see gazelles in the Kilimanjaro Safari, or try the Universal Studios' Fear Factor Live. The array of phenomenal attractions can make guests go crazy, as the city is also home to Jurassic Park, Marvel Super Hero Island, the Journey Atlantis, and Wet N Wild.
Orlando can have that impact even on tourists. It is a city that is, for what it is worth, given wholly to tourism. It has been constructed, designed, maintained and styled to bring more and more of tourists from America, and the rest of the world. It would only be fair to credit the men and women behind this endeavor, a huge success by most standards, as over 20 million tourists visit this fun-filled city every year.Â
There is a lot to see, do and experience when you are in Orlando. The city loves to call herself 'the city beautiful', a nickname that's apt in any way you can think of. Considering the tall stature of Orlando in American tourism industry, it's well in order for tourists to get to know the accommodation scenes here in Orlando, before actually planning their trips.Â
The chief purpose behind this instant guide to Orlando hotels is precisely the same.Â
Finding cheap hotels is among the top priorities, even concerns, for many tourists. In a city like Orlando that's heavily busy with tourists all year round, this becomes a valid issue. But tourists should stay assured that Orlando, despite being a top tier tourism destination, has got a number of affable, convenient and cheap hotels that will make your stay easy, affordable and pleasant. What tourists need to remember, however, that, with affordability comes some compromise. So long as you are willing to travel a little bit more every day to visit sights that Orlando has on offer, many of these hotel and resort establishments will be the best option for you.Â
The Floridian Hotel and Suites is a top-choice budget hotel located centrally in the city. It offers the best amenities and choices of rooms to tourists for the price range that it lies in. Rosen Inn and Drury Inn are similar choices, albeit a little shorter on decor. Hampton Inn can also be a suitable choice for you, especially if you are a solo traveler or a backpacker.Â
Orlando is an ideal city for tourists who want to lead a lavish and extravagant life for the duration of their stay here. With over 40 five star resorts, you will be sure to find the exact one that clicks with your tastes and your budget.Â
Disney operates a number of grand resorts in Orlando. The first one, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, is the more lavish one in comparison, and quite understandably, the more expensive one as well. The other one, Disney's Polynesian Village, is a Polynesian themed resort society that rents villas and suites for tourists who will be staying for longer periods.Â
Among other luxury hotels in Orlando, Four Seasons Orlando is notable as it brings the familiar brand of comfort and style that Four Seasons is best known for, all across the world.Â
If you are not entirely taken by the idea of staying in a hotel for long duration, you can hope to find many independent and boutique hotel units scattered on the outskirts of Orlando.Â
The most fashionable among these are summer villas and rental condos. These are usually rented out for a maximum of two weeks, and replicate a home living experience, at a fraction of the cost of luxury resorts.Â
Disney's Boardwalk Villas is a great representative of this category of hotels in Orlando.Â
Sightseeing in Orlando can get confusing if you do not manage your time in the city well. This primarily happens because, simply, there's too much to see.Â
Orlando is known as the 'theme park capital of the world', and not without solid reasons. Universal Studios operates many theme parks here, and most of them offer pure, unadulterated fun for families. Special mention should go to Universal's Islands of Adventure that boasts of countless fun rides, shows, food joints and miscellaneous entertainment options. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, another Universal Park, is a great place to get lost in, if the life at Hogwarts is something you have grown up wishing to lead.Â
Cirque de Soleil is a mesmerizing experience that no trip to Orlando can be complete without. Discovery Cove, in the same manner, offers great entertainment and education for young tourists and children.Â
Orlando Int. Airport is the second busiest among all airports in the state of Florida. It handles over 10 million passengers every year, and there's a good chance that if you are traveling to Orlando, this is where you will be landing.Â
If you do, then you will be best advised not to waste time looking for a hotel near the airport. The airport is located just outside the city limits, a ride that won't take you more than ten minutes, even in heavy traffic. So, the most sensible thing for you to do would be to travel straight to the city and find the most compatible one among umpteen Orlando hotels.Â
Orlando features a consistent pattern of weather throughout the year. There's no significant fluctuation in temperatures here, with temperatures never dipping below the freezing point.Â
Your trip to Orlando will be most economical in January to March season, as hotel prices are known to be at their lowest during these month. Unless you are taking your children along, try to avoid summer months as much as possible, for hotel prices skyrocket during that season.Â
Below are the GSA reimbursement limits for hotel spending in Orlando, FL excluding taxes per night. See gsa.gov for more details.
Applies to Orange
| Season Begin | Season End | Lodging Rate | Meals & Incidentals |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 1, 2018 | July 31, 2018 | $121.00 | $59.00 |
| August 1, 2018 | September 30, 2018 | $129.00 | $59.00 |
Below are reviews of the city of Orlando, FL from an actual visitor's perspective.
Orlando is a clean, and very pretty city. Lots of Offerings for ALL aged children!
I been here a lot of times I like it very much.
Clean city, nice folks, beautiful weather, happy atmosphere, easy access to all points of travel!! Lots to do for everyone!!!
Disney World being so close to our hotel.
I'm from Orlando anyway, the stay was fabulous.
Everything exceeded my exceptions what a fabulous stay !
So much to do in this area!
I like that there are several options for dining and the offerings for attractions and activities are endless.
Food, Shopping, Theme parks were fantastic!
The weather was great, we were close to many of the things that we needed to get to. I was kind of hard to get to the hotel once we got off interstate 4 due to the construction. We feel that you need get a few signs to direct people from out of town to the hotel.
We had a congress in the city.
Wonderful stay great staff service.
Outlet malls and restaurants were very convenient to get to. Close to all the major parks.
Good places to eat and some easy to access events.
To meet a diverse group of people.
Lots of shops and restaurants you can walk to.
It was a lot to do there and more.
It was a lot to do there.
Disney, Universal.
Great place for vacations.
Disney world was wonderful, really enjoyed our stay.
Lots of amusements besides Disney an abundance of outlet stores and plenty of restaurants.
There are so much to do. Very nice place for family and children. I would be back.
The universal park and the Holley Land were spectacular.
Shopping and entertainment were a plus.
Orlando is a very nice city. A great place for tourists. Since this trip was all about Disney Magic Kingdom did not disappoint.
I liked that there is a lot to see and do, no matter what area you are in. There is something in Orlando for all age groups.
The shopping!!!!!
Weather was nice and lots of theme parks.
The city is ever expanding and the ability to get around was very easy.
It is the city of fun.
Tons of things to do but there are an awful lot of overpriced 'tourist trap' things to beware of. You can find plenty of clean, reasonably priced accommodations, the weather is great 12 months out of the year, and there is a great airport served by almost every international airline.
We were there to visit the HolyLand Experience . It was wonderful.
The group enjoyed all thats in area for shopping and eating.
Orlando's great! Wonderful place for a band performance trip.
Epcot is a "Don't Miss" location for your next Orlando experience! Between Disney parks and Universal, Orlando is the place for family amusement.
Disney is a most definite come back to with all my family!!!!! A discount would be great.
Disney is a most definite come back to with all my family!!!!!
Great variety for activities and experiences.
Orlando is a city that is easy to access via many airlines. There seems to be something for everyone whether a fan of Mickey Mouse or Harry Potter, to pool time or sightseeing - you will find something to satisfy everyone in your family.
Local restaurants were very accommodating and offered amazing food selections.
Many choices in restaurants and shopping choices.
I live in Orlando but my family were not really fans of the traffic here although there is no shortage of things to do in this town. We all had a lot of fun in spite of the hub-bub of tourism and poor infrastructure.
My favorite thing was the convenience to shops, mall, attractions.
Close to so much entertainment.
Orlando stay was great, loved the outlets that were nearby.
Hotels , restaurants on site.
The food was great
The location to shopping, restaurants, and the theme parks (Universal Studio, Wet N' Wild, the Magic Kingdom, especially Walt Disney World)
There is a wide variety of activities for the entire family. Perfect kid friendly hotel!
There is a lot to do
The hotel was nice and clean. The staff was extremely kind and helpful to all of our needs.
There is a lot to do
Orlando is a nice city, fun for all ages. There's always something to do.
Wet n Wild was great. The Holy Land Experience was entertaining and insightful. Would highly recommend.
It's beautiful and not far from the beach either!
The weather was great the whole time. I hosted my conference that week so I didn't get out much. but my guest did and they enjoyed it.
Didn't visit Orlando... just Disney.
Overall love the location, the breakfast and one particular agent was great. The lady at check in was excellent, she deserves a reward.
Fun Spot is amazing
Lots to do! Restaurants, shop and all walking distance. Great weather and great fun!
Lots to do! Restaurants, shop and all walking distance. Great weather and great fun!
There is a lot to do.
The hotel was really close and centrally located to everywhere we need it to be. We were there specifically for a sports event at ESPN complex and the hotel was significantly close to that. It was also closed all the major theme parks and easy to get around to.
We visited Kennedy Space Center and it was wonderful and informative! Also, we attended the Blue Man Group performance within City Walk and they were amazing!!!
Tons to do for every age!
I was only there on a one-day business trip. The area is so versatile, there's lots to do and plenty to see.
All the events and places to visit were great. We especially enjoyed visiting SeaWorld and the waterpark.
We went to Orlando specifically to go to Universal & Islands of Adventure. It does make me sad that we have to pay for parking at the parks especially since the tickets are not cheap. We enjoyed the many dining options for our group.
We only stayed in the city for one night because we were leaving the next day on a 7 night cruise.
Visitor and children friendly!
There are several entertainments venues, restaurants, and shopping.
We loved all the great places to eat, shop, and have fun so close to the hotel. The people were lovely too.
We enjoyed going to Universal Studios and doing lots of shopping.
I-fly was the best. If you have the opportunity, you should go.
Being on or around International Dr. provided an unlimited impunity of things to do.
One of the most exciting off site event locations you can have is at one of several theme parks here in Orlando which would create a very spectacular and memorable experience for your group although it may cost a pretty penny. However Orlando offers some of the best options to entertain your group outside of the parks as well as in the hotel itself. Orlando offers top notch group dining locations (such as restaurant row and Pointe Orlando), world class golf courses, spas, night life and Vegas style shows. Whether you prefer to be the big fish in the small pond or desire to be in the middle of the action, Orlando boasts 450 hotels that offer onsite meeting space which ranks Orlando #1 for the most number of meeting hotels in the United States. For the very lowest group hotel rates, consider August through September. Competitive rates can be found in the third and fourth quarters of the year too and with Orlando being a top destination, you shouldn't find any issues in booking direct flights to and from nearly all major airports in addition to 45 international destinations. As far as airport transportation, you can save in advance by booking a round trip shared ride shuttle for about $29 per person.
There is always something to do.
Universal Studios seemed cooler than Islands of Adventure. The Holy Land Experience was awesome.
We enjoyed City Walk, we ate at Hard Rock and we partied at Bob Marley and The Groove. We also partied at BB Kings.
I personally liked the flea markets.
Orlando is an amazing city with so much to do for individuals on a tight budget to those with more funds. I can't wait until you have the Miami-Orlando connection completed. International Drive has it all.
I like the selection of Flea Markets.
We were over by the airport and the traffic and roads in this area are not as crowded or crazy as they near Disney. Made for a very relaxing trip.
Came to Orlando to visit Disney World. Well worth the visit.
I enjoyed everything about Orlando. The weather was nice, people were friendly, and the parks were amazing. Universal Island of Adventures & Studios was simply outstanding. I'm from New Orleans and Orlando gave me a quality of restaurants as if I was in my city.
Orlando offers so much to do for all ages. From amusement parks to museums, parks, and more.
I love the weather and the people were nice.
Excellent weather, great bars and restaurants with a fantastic airport.I loved Capones for a really fun night out.
Love the city and will come back. The people are friendly and there is so much you can do on vacation.
All the parks: Disney, Universal, Busch Gardens, LEGOLAND, and the Amway Center, malls, outlets, and restaurants were great. Love Orlando.
We loved Orlando! From the streets to the scenery, weather, entertainment, and restaurants.
The Holy Land Experience was amazing.
Many food choices around the city.
A definite visit.
Orlando is a beautiful city. I enjoyed the attractions and look forward to visiting again.
Very docile drivers as compared to Miami. Orlando goes to sleep by 9 pm. Good if you're looking for peace and quiet after hours.
The layout of the streets was easily understood and easy to find what was needed. Was there during a very busy week for Disney, but the traffic was not real bad. The traffic lights kept the traffic flowing and there was a lot of alternate streets.
Orlando was a very nice city to visit.
Theme parks, nightlife, variety of restaurants, designer factory outlets.
So much to do! A great variety of attractions and activities to suit any and everyone!
Disney (Magic Kingdom, Disney Quest & SeaWorld), La Nouba - Cirque du Soleil, outlet shopping, great restaurants and quality time with our family who are Florida residents.
Everything was in the area and love Wet n' Wild.
Everything we needed was in the area, and I love the wet & wild park.
It was very HOT! Plenty to do for the family, but make sure you drink lots of water and bring your sun screen. The hotel you select must have great air conditioning as well. I suggest outdoor activities in the summer in the early morning or late afternoon and the rest of the time should be at the pool with a cabana for shade, preferably with a cool drink near by.
Plenty of places to eat a meal. New to the area I liked how the Road signs were given ahead of time. You folks seem to have a Bus Service which is always good in any town. The whole area seemed very clean and friendly. I Really was there to get the full message of Keep Seeking First GODS Kingdom Convention held @ the UCF Arena.
The Holy Land Theme Park was too awesome. Also, our children enjoyed Fun Spot America, Inc. Another plus was the city bus which took us to the Florida Mall.
Very tropical. It reminds me so much of the islands.
Holy Land Experience was worth a visit.
Use public transportation whenever possible, take advantage of the shuttle services, if offered. When going to any theme park, pack light. All bags will be searched. Bring water bottles (disposables are fine) for each member of your party. they can be refilled throughout the day at water fountains.
Love the trees and night life lit up. Beautiful at night!!
The weather. The atmosphere, food and the recreational activities available. So much that you can do as a family, group or alone.
Lots of things to do. You could never get bored in Orlando. Good places to bike (Celebration) and one of the best cigar bars in the world, Corona on Sand Hill Road. Orlando rocks.
Orlando is great. Spring break so crazy lot of traffic.
Orlando is a hub for major activities! Although there seems like an abundance of hotels, better plan well ahead of your event to secure a place to stay!!
The cab service option is good as there was quite a range in terms of pricing. I also liked the concept of the I-Trolley. Very useful for price consciencous tourists as a big amount could be spent on transportation in Orlando.
Orlando is an amazing place! This was the best vacation I ever had! The Disney parks are out of this world!
I love how clean the city is and how polite the people are!!
We really didn't get around Orlando per se. We spent from very early in the morning to closing each day at Disney and/or Universal the first eleven days of our vacation. Then one day at Disney downtown, one day at the premiere discount mall, one day along International Drive at Titanic and some of the other tourist features. Another day our whole group did laundry and that was pretty much it. After that it was load and leave. So we really didn't get into Orlando proper. But we did have a good time at the above sites. Thanks for asking!
I find the public transportation inadequate in Orlando.
I loved the weather, shopping and most of all the parks.
I love the UCF area in Orlando. College town with lots to do and every restaurant you can think of.
The shopping is lovely. Hospitality is great.
International Drive is like the "Vegas Strip of Orlando" - enchanting, mesmerizing and intoxicating! Its upscale eateries, shopping, and entertainment are a must-see & do for any Orlando visit. Orlando satisfies the vacation needs of the young, older, and older alike --- truly a win-win for everybody.
Orlando is family friendly with lots to do and the hotel was in a central location. You must visit Universal Studios - we went after two p.m. and still got to ride a ton of rides!
I went to universal horror night.
Great for business, for fun, for shopping, this city has it all.
Its a great city, you can take the bus most anywhere. There are events every night.