Amy
Seasonal Pass
Orlando is my happy place :)
Posts: 1,354 
|
Post by Amy on Apr 16, 2016 21:19:45 GMT
I've been searching for a hotel for our July trip, and think we've settled on Drury Inn. We've stayed at one in Ohio and really like it. Free parking, they give you free popcorn and soft drinks and even give you a drink coupon for 2 free alcoholic beverages in the evening. Plus they have a free hot breakfast bar which is pretty decent for hotel breakfasts. I will report back after our stay. It's on Turkey Lake, about 10 minutes from Universal.
We may stay there a few nights in September when we can't check into the condo.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dan_Mol on Apr 16, 2016 21:23:26 GMT
Amy was it the popcorn that sold it?  West of Sea World turn off? Going to look it up now.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dan_Mol on Apr 16, 2016 21:28:13 GMT
Scrap that, I know exactly where you mean now, even closer to Universal than we are staying, especially if follow Turkey Lake Rd to CBBR turn off its 5mins max. You might even see Volcano Bay from the window. Have to let us know how you find it Amy we'll be just down the road in September at Lakes again. |
|
|
|
Post by Merry McSparkles Grimes on Apr 17, 2016 0:01:00 GMT
We've stayed on site just twice in all of our Universal visits. We liked Westgate as well and are big fans of the Marriott Vacation Club places but we work with someone that has a timeshare for those. I do like that area, lots of what you need on that road and it's close to Uni. We look for hotels with the free breakfast, it makes a big difference and there usually is a good variety in most. Also a place that offers a mini fridge anymore seems to be a rarity (*cough* Universal, cheap).
|
|
|
|
Post by MattLynch91 on Apr 17, 2016 10:37:52 GMT
My parents are members of a timeshare called Diamond Resorts International (the CEO was on Undercover Boss once ha!) and I have been lucky enough to go to a number of their resorts. The resorts themselves are very nice and as are the apartments/condos, the amenities are great.
My favourite resort from Diamond is called Grande Villas and just off South Apopka/Vineland Road so is very close to Disney, not too far from Universal (within 15 minutes) as it's only a mile or two past the Walmart on Turkey Lake. Also has a great location as have lots of restaurants within a 10 minute walk.
As with the Westgate Resorts, Grande Villas is bookable by anyone through sites such as Booking.com and Hotels.com.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2016 10:55:08 GMT
My friend and I stayed on i-drive on our first visit to Orlando. I can't remember the name of the hotel, but it was opposite the gift shop with the big shuttle attached to it.
Marty and I stayed at the Doubletree at the Entrance to Universal the first 2 times we went to Orlando and really liked it. We had a park view room both times and it was great sitting at night with a wee drink watching the fireworks.
I saw an article the other day there mentioning the possibility of a pedestrian bridge being built at Kirkman. It's much needed. Marty used to say getting across that road was like a real life version of Frogger!
This trip in September will be our 3rd time staying on site and its definitely our preferred option now.
|
|
|
|
Post by Rosie16 on Apr 17, 2016 12:52:20 GMT
My friend and I stayed on i-drive on our first visit to Orlando. I can't remember the name of the hotel, but it was opposite the gift shop with the big shuttle attached to it. Marty and I stayed at the Doubletree at the Entrance to Universal the first 2 times we went to Orlando and really liked it. We had a park view room both times and it was great sitting at night with a wee drink watching the fireworks. I saw an article the other day there mentioning the possibility of a pedestrian bridge being built at Kirkman. It's much needed. Marty used to say getting across that road was like a real life version of Frogger! This trip in September will be our 3rd time staying on site and its definitely our preferred option now. That Kirman Road crossing is lethal. The lights give you so little time you have to run across all 8 lanes. |
|
|
|
Post by Merry McSparkles Grimes on Apr 17, 2016 16:59:09 GMT
As with the Westgate Resorts, Grande Villas is bookable by anyone through sites such as Booking.com and Hotels.com. I didn't know that Matt--how much of a difference is there with price for timeshare members and regular bookings, do you know? |
|
|
|
Post by Dan_Mol on Apr 17, 2016 17:28:02 GMT
As with the Westgate Resorts, Grande Villas is bookable by anyone through sites such as Booking.com and Hotels.com. I didn't know that Matt--how much of a difference is there with price for timeshare members and regular bookings, do you know? Depends on the Timeshare deal. My parents owned at Westgate Towers (nearer Disney) the annual maintenance fee was more than just booking direct with the hotel, or via third party. Best part is getting to pick and choose between any interval timeshare location. |
|
Amy
Seasonal Pass
Orlando is my happy place :)
Posts: 1,354
|
Post by Amy on Apr 18, 2016 23:27:10 GMT
Amy was it the popcorn that sold it? West of Sea World turn off? Going to look it up now. Well popcorn is one of my top 2 favorite foods, so yep! |
|
Amy
Seasonal Pass
Orlando is my happy place :)
Posts: 1,354
|
Post by Amy on Apr 18, 2016 23:28:42 GMT
Can we add offsite condos to the list? Our first visit was to Tuscana Resort in Davenport or Kissimee (2012 and 1st visit so can't remember) - was a great 3 bdrm with a nice pool but we had a screw up with keys as we arrived after midnight and they misunderstood our message that we would be late (delayed flight) so they didnt leave the keys in the lockbox...yada, yada...we ended up staying the car in their parking lot with 2 boys under 6 at 2 am til someone showed at 7:30 only b/c of the time diff in Ireland and Facebook (they had wifi, so i commented on a pic the resort had just posted thay we were left waiting and it happened to be the owner's daughter in Ireland so lots of shit went down when he found out and we got upgraded and free nights)...we did find one wee ill cockroach/palm beetle is it  on the last morning there on the kitchen floor...but it was nice what we remember...8 days and everyday we were out but one afternoon at the pool. 2nd time 2014: Oakwater Resort 3 bdrm condo...wonderful with playground, splash pad, gym, theatre, arcade, and pool; really close to Animal Kingdom; games room in basement. 3rd time 2015: Bahama Bay Resort 3 bdrm condo...awesome with splash pad, spa, pools, gym, restaurant, arcade, and bars. Super awesome but furthest from UOR, 30 mins or elss to Legoland; seems to be in the kiddle of nowhere driving to it; walls are a little thin if inconsiderate neighbours; nice bartenders  We rented Oakwater and BB from a friend of my aunt's...we got them both times for $100USD/night all taxes/fees inc...on Facebook, it's "Florida Vacation Homes". Def recommend these 2...little dated decor but great for self catering with kitchen am dining and two baths; would prob stay in Oakwater again since it is clsoer to Disney and Universal. www.rentinghomesinflorida.com I thought yesterday that I should have titled the thread "Offsite Accommodations" - maybe Dan_Mol can change it... |
|
|
|
Post by Dan_Mol on Apr 19, 2016 5:47:55 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by Future Boy on Apr 22, 2016 12:18:42 GMT
I've been searching for a hotel for our July trip, and think we've settled on Drury Inn. We've stayed at one in Ohio and really like it. Free parking, they give you free popcorn and soft drinks and even give you a drink coupon for 2 free alcoholic beverages in the evening. Plus they have a free hot breakfast bar which is pretty decent for hotel breakfasts. I will report back after our stay. It's on Turkey Lake, about 10 minutes from Universal. We may stay there a few nights in September when we can't check into the condo. Drury is one of the hotels I've worked in. I enjoy it as a hotel. The GM is this tall, bald guy who is very personable and always makes more then enough effort to make everyone feel welcome and the FD is basically the same way. Not to mention, the location is prime since it's off I Drive, a short ride to UO and right around anything you might need. Not to mention, they give you a good bang for your dollar as well and the floors are so shiny! |
|
|
|
Post by Future Boy on Apr 22, 2016 12:23:00 GMT
I would probably recommend looking into Avanti International Resort as well. They used to be an Econolodge but revamped it when Paramount Resorts took over. They're sister hotels with Floridays and The Point. They're more towards a value hotel but they're also right in the middle of I Drive, within walking distance of just about anything you want(except for the Wal Mart. Don't let anyone fool you. That's not a walk you want to take.), the management and staff there are pretty great and for what they offer, the price isn't too bad.
The only down side is they're right next to the highway. So while it wouldn't be a major issue as far as sound, don't expect a view unless it's the pool lol but I mean, you're just sleeping and resting there anyway. It's not like it's a beach resort.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dan_Mol on Apr 22, 2016 12:56:58 GMT
The Avanti looks a nice updated and modern hotel Future Boy was a sad sight earlier last year when it got struck by lightning. I did consider staying there as was reasonably priced with modern looking rooms. |
|
