Staying in Orlando doesn’t need to break the bank. In fact, there are many places to rest your head in this sunny Florida city that make it easy to stick your budget, whether you’re coming to Orlando for theme parks, business or just to explore. Here are a few of our favourites affordable Orlando hotels.
Drury Inn and Suites Orlando
The Drury brand is known for its free services and extras that make it a great budget-friendly option, and Drury Inn and Suites Orlando is no exception. For starters, there’s a free hot breakfast served every day from 6:00 to 9:30 a.m and it isn’t your average spread of toast and muffins. You can fill up with eggs, waffles, sausages, bagels, biscuits and gravy, and more. In addition, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. each day you can take advantage of the hotel’s “Kickback,” which means free hot food and cold drinks. This includes simple items like macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, baked potatoes, soup and salad. There’s also free Wi-Fi, and free popcorn and soda in the lobby from 3 to 10 p.m. daily.
Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando
Located off International Drive, Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando is another great option for travellers wanting to save on accommodation in Orlando. Families visiting Orlando who want take advantage of the area’s many theme parks will be happy to know about the free scheduled shuttle service to and from many popular attractions like Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld and Aquatica. Another thrifty bonus: one child under nine gets to eat free with a paying adult. The property also offers free Wi-Fi, comfortable rooms, two heated pools, a playground and an arcade room.
Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
All of the suites at Lake Buena Vista Resort are condo-style, meaning they come with a kitchen and a washer-dryer, making them ideal for families. Having a kitchen means you can stock up on basics for snacks and breakfast thereby saving a substantial amount during your vacation. A scheduled shuttle service is offered to SeaWorld, Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios, and you can also purchase theme park tickets from the concierge. The resort has two pools – one for relaxation and one for kids with a fun pirate theme. Free Wi-Fi is offered and there is a fitness centre for anyone who wants to squeeze in a workout.
StaySky Suites I-Drive Orlando
A stay at StaySky Suites I-Drive Orlando involves several perks that can save you money. Start your day with the hotel’s complimentary breakfast and when you’re ready to check out a few theme parks, take advantage of the free shuttle service to Universal Resort, SeaWorld and Walt Disney World Resort. Adult guests can unwind on Wednesdays and Fridays during social hour where complimentary beer and wine are served. Free Wi-Fi is also on offer, there’s an outdoor pool and hot tub, and there are no resort fees.
Best Western Plus Universal Inn
Best Western Plus Universal Inn is located across from three popular Orlando attractions making it an ultra-convenient location for families. Start your day with a free hot breakfast and then walk over to Universal Studios, the Island of Adventure and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Attractions further away are serviced by a scheduled shuttle. The property has an outdoor pool, a fitness centre and offers free Wi-Fi.
Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista
All rooms at the Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista include free Wi-Fi; a compact refrigerator, perfect for storing small snacks; a microwave and a coffee/tea maker. The hotel’s “Kids Eat Free” program means that one child 9 and under eats free when accompanied by a paying adult at the Boardwalk Restaurant. Downtime can be spent at the hotel’s pool and kids can play in Ozzie’s Splash Zone, a colourful splash pad with vibrant sprayers. Being close to several theme parks makes this a good option and the hotel offers a free shuttle to surrounding Disney parks. It’s also a good idea to check with the front desk to see if they have any ticket packages available that might save you money.
Avanti Resort
The Avanti Resort is centrally located with many shops and restaurants nearby making it easy to explore Orlando on foot. You can also hop on the iRide Trolley for a small fee, which takes you from one end of International Drive to the other. Like many hotels in Orlando, Avanti also has free shuttle service to and from nearby theme parks. Rooms here have coffee makers, fridges, microwaves, Wi-Fi and daily housekeeping. The oversize pool is perfect for unwinding after a long day, as is the poolside Jacuzzi. There’s also a sandy area for playing beach volleyball.
Featured image: Chad Sparkes, Orlando Florida via Flickr CC BY 2.0
