BUDGET LODGING IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA

How do you find budget lodging in Orlando?  That's one of the most asked questions when planning your Orlando vacation.  

There are several budget hotels near the attractions and you will need to consider if you plan to visit several attractions or if you plan to stay in one area.  We planned our trip around visiting Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.  The hotels around this area can be expensive, especially if your have specific needs.  For example, we needed a hotel with a kitchenette since we had a baby and needed to be able to keep and heat formula.  We were also planning to be there 5 days and wanted to be able to prepare food in the room.  




I found several in the area but I really wanted one within walking distance.  I ended up booking with the Holiday Inn across from Universal Studios.   The rate was around $130 a night but I ended up finding a deal on Groupon for $99 a night for two of the nights.  It was a "secret" listing but had the stock photos from the hotel so I knew I was booking the same room. 

You can do a google search "Groupon secret loding in Orlando" and it will take you to any current deals.  Click HERE for the link I used.

I also want to mention that the title of the hotel is a little misleading.  It states that it is across from Universal Studios but it is a mile walk from the hotel to the entrance of the parks.  They do have a shuttle from the hotel but it also stops at other hotels along the way.  Whether you take the shuttle or walk, it takes about 30 minutes to get to the park.  

There were other hotels listed for as low as $60 a night so affordable lodging is available.  Most of these hotels will not be within walking distance so check to see if they have shuttle service to any of the area attractions.  Your other option is to rent a car but, keep in mind, there are parking fees at all of the parks.  Universal Studios charges $20 a day so staying in a cheaper hotel plus parking fees plus car rental may be more expensive than paying more and staying closer to your destination.

Hotel Review:  We were there for 4 nights and stayed in a one bedroom suite.  It is an older hotel but was clean and the staff was friendly.  We had a room on the seventh floor and could see some of the taller rides at Universal Stuidos & Islands of Adventure from our window.  

The beds were comfortable and the rooms were clean, spacious, and well equipped.  We had a full size refrigerator, sink, dishwasher, and microwave.  Overall it's a decent hotel in a good location at a fair price.  I would stay there again if I returned to Orlando.

.