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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Florida, USA

Accommodation Types

Orlando's lodging choices cover every budget and travel style.

Common Categories

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly for backpackers or solo travelers, offering dorms or private rooms.

  • Budget Hotels/Motels

    Widespread, with basic amenities at lower prices, often including a simple breakfast and pool.

  • Mid-Range Hotels

    A good balance of cost and amenities, with comfortable rooms, larger pools, and shuttle services.

  • Luxury Hotels/Resorts

    High-end properties with extensive amenities like multiple pools, fine dining, and spas.

Specialized Options

  • Vacation Rentals

    Apartments, townhouses, and homes, popular for families or groups seeking space and kitchens. Vrbo

  • Extended Stay Hotels

    For longer stays, these properties include kitchenettes, separate living areas, and laundry.

  • Camping and Outdoor

    Campgrounds available in wider Central Florida for tents and RVs.

  • Timeshares/Vacation Clubs

    Resorts with spacious accommodations and resort-style amenities, available for nightly rentals. TrustedHousesitters

Neighborhood Guide

Orlando's accommodations span distinct neighborhoods, each with unique character and advantages.

International Drive I-Drive

Benefits
  • Central to many mid-range attractions and dining.
  • Many hotels with I-Ride Trolley access.
  • Wide range of lodging types.
  • Generally safe due to high tourist presence.
Considerations
  • Can feel generic and overly touristy.
  • Traffic can be heavy.
  • Long walking distances between points.
  • Can be noisy along the main road.

Lake Buena Vista / Walt Disney World Area

Benefits
  • Closest proximity to Disney parks and water parks.
  • Many hotels offer Disney perks and transportation.
  • Very high security presence.
  • Generally quieter within resort grounds.
Considerations
  • Can be expensive, especially official Disney resorts.
  • Internal transportation required within Disney property.
  • Access to non-Disney dining outside the "bubble."
  • Less spontaneous exploration.

Universal Orlando Area

Benefits
  • Easy access to Universal parks and CityWalk.
  • Many hotels with walking paths or water taxis.
  • Official Universal resorts offer early park entry.
  • Good security presence; resorts usually peaceful.
Considerations
  • Can be expensive, especially on-site resorts.
  • Mainly focused on Universal attractions.
  • CityWalk can be busy.
  • Limited non-Universal dining choices nearby.

Other Areas to Consider

Downtown Orlando:

Orlando's business district with a growing residential and entertainment scene. A local city experience, distinct from theme park areas. Travel to parks takes time and cost.

Kissimmee:

Numerous budget hotels and motels, known for vacation rental homes. Often the most budget-friendly option, especially for families. Driving needed for most attractions, traffic can be heavy.

Booking Strategies

Securing your Orlando accommodation strategically can lead to better choices and rates.

Advance Booking & Platforms

  • High Season: Book 6+ months ahead (school holidays, Christmas, Spring Break) for theme park resorts.
  • Shoulder Season: 3-4 months ahead for popular properties.
  • Low Season: 1-2 months ahead; last-minute deals possible.
  • Trusted Platforms: Use Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, or direct hotel sites for best rates and perks.

Policies & Pricing

  • Negotiation: Not common for walk-in rates; online booking usually yields better prices.
  • Deposit & Cancellation: Policies vary. Non-refundable rates are cheaper but rigid. Flexible rates allow penalty-free cancellation (check terms).
  • Seasonal Fluctuations: Prices are higher during high season (holidays) and lowest in parts of January, late August, and September.
  • Theme Park Resorts: Official Disney and Universal sites recommended for special benefits like early park entry. IHG Hotels

Consider Your Priorities

Flexibility vs. Savings:
  • If your travel dates might change, choose flexible rates, even if they cost a bit more.
  • For locked-in plans, non-refundable rates save money.
  • Read all terms before committing to any booking.
Direct vs. OTA:
  • Direct bookings with hotels can offer loyalty points.
  • OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) present a wider selection and comparison.
  • For specific theme park perks, direct booking with Disney/Universal is often the path.

Hostel & Vacation Rental Tips

Hostelworld:

Use Hostelworld for budget accommodation with communal spaces.

Booking.com:

Good for a broad range of options, from hostels to luxury. Booking.com

Agoda:

Another great option for accommodation worldwide, especially Asia. Agoda

Accommodation Recommendations

Tailored suggestions for various traveler types and preferences.

Budget & Mid-Range Picks

Budget-Friendly

For lowest prices, seek motels or hotels in Kissimmee or less central parts of International Drive.

  • Hostels in downtown Orlando.
  • Properties with free breakfast.
  • Value resorts slightly off the main tourist paths.
Mid-Range Value

Chain hotels along International Drive, in Lake Buena Vista, or near Universal.

  • Good amenities like pools and shuttle services.
  • Family suites with extra space.
  • Resorts with on-site dining options.

Luxury & Vacation Rentals

Luxury Stays

On-site Disney or Universal resorts offer theme park immersion and perks. High-end hotels near the convention center or Dr. Phillips provide refined experiences.

  • Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
  • Universal's Portofino Bay Hotel.
  • The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes.
Vacation Rentals

For groups or families, communities in Kissimmee or Davenport have large homes with private pools. Apartments closer to I-Drive or downtown suit smaller groups seeking kitchen facilities. Vrbo

  • Multiple bedrooms for space.
  • Full kitchens for self-catering.
  • Private pools in larger homes.

Family & Solo Traveler Focus

  • Family-Friendly Options

    Resorts with extensive pool complexes, kids' clubs, and family suites. Vacation rentals with full kitchens and laundry are excellent for space.

  • Solo Traveler Recommendations

    Hostels foster social interaction. Hotels along International Drive offer easy access to entertainment and dining via trolley or walking.

  • Breakfast Benefits

    Look for properties that include complimentary breakfast to save on dining costs.

  • Shuttle Service

    Consider hotels offering free shuttle to parks, reducing transportation stress.

Long-Stay & Unique Stays

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Extended stay hotels (Residence Inn, Homewood Suites) are ideal with full kitchens and laundry. Vacation rentals also offer home-like settings.

  • Pet-Friendly Options

    Many hotels and vacation rentals welcome pets; confirm policies and any fees in advance. TrustedHousesitters

  • Cultural/Historical Significance

    Orlando is a modern tourist hub, so lodging emphasizes themes and amenities over historical significance. Theme park resorts themselves embody an unique cultural design.

  • Celebration's Charm

    A picturesque master-planned community near Disney, with a walkable town center. Limited tourist lodging, mainly B&Bs or vacation rentals.

Booking Considerations

Read Reviews

Before booking, check recent guest reviews on platforms to gauge cleanliness, service quality, and actual proximity to attractions.

  • Look for recurring comments on specific aspects.
  • Pay attention to photos shared by guests.
  • Compare reviews across multiple platforms.
Location vs. Price

Balance the desire for close proximity to attractions with your budget. Sometimes, staying slightly further out means significant savings for transportation.

  • Factor in parking fees at parks.
  • Consider rideshare costs.
  • Evaluate shuttle service availability from your chosen accommodation.

Diverse Experiences

Boutique Stays

For a more personalized experience, look for charming boutique hotels, often found in areas like Winter Park or Downtown Orlando.

Golf Resorts

Orlando has numerous golf courses with associated resorts that cater to enthusiasts seeking a golf-centric stay.

Spa Retreats

Many luxury resorts feature full-service spas, ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation after busy park days.