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Photo credit: Buena Vista Suites Orlando<\/p>\nPlanning a trip to Orlando and not sure where to stay? We\u2019ve got you covered!<\/p>\n
Orlando is enormous and has a lot of traffic, so choosing the right area will save you a TON of time. Of course, most visitors are here for the theme parks, but where you should stay really depends on which ones you\u2019re planning to visit and how much of the city you want to explore.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve spent plenty of time in Orlando, so we know that location can make a huge difference to your trip. Whether Disney is the main event or you\u2019re planning to split your time between several parks, we\u2019ll help you find the best base and hotels for your budget.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t miss out!<\/p>\n
Our Top Choice<\/p>\n
Photo credit: Buena Vista Suites Orlando<\/p>\n
This is the area and hotel we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP!<\/p>\n
Our FAVORITE area to stay in Orlando is Lake Buena Vista! It\u2019s right by Walt Disney World, so you can stay close to the magic without paying those pricey Disney Resort rates.<\/p>\n
I recommend staying at Buena Vista Suites Orlando<\/a>! Every room has a separate bedroom and living area, plus you\u2019re just 1.5 miles from Disney, with free breakfast, parking, and a scheduled shuttle to the parks.<\/p>\n Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Orlando\u00a0<\/p>\n Orlando is huge and very spread out, so there really isn\u2019t one clear winner in terms of the best place to stay. It really depends on what you\u2019re most excited about!<\/p>\n Whatever you\u2019re planning on doing, renting a car is a good idea, as it will give you the most flexibility. Just bear in mind that Orlando has a lot of traffic, and parking is expensive.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re planning on sticking to just one resort area, using rideshares and hotel shuttles can also work well. For the shuttles, you sometimes need to reserve a seat and pay an additional fee, particularly if you\u2019re heading to Epic Universe. Meanwhile, the I-RIDE Trolley is a great way to travel along International Drive.<\/p>\n Orlando is very much a family destination, so make sure to book your accommodation early for school vacations and holidays. And when we say \u201cearly\u201d, we\u2019re talking at least 6 months in advance, but preferably closer to 12!<\/p>\n Lake Buena Vista \u2013 Best for visiting Walt Disney World \u2013 Stay here for easy access to Walt Disney World and Disney Springs, with lots of family-friendly resorts nearby. Buena Vista Suites Orlando<\/a> is a large, modern resort with free parking and great reviews.<\/p>\n Universal Orlando Resort \u2013 Best for visiting Universal Orlando \u2013 This is the most convenient area for spending several days at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Surfside Inn and Suites<\/a> is a popular resort that offers free shuttles to the parks.<\/p>\n International Drive \u2013 Best for a mixed theme-park trip \u2013 I-Drive is a handy central base if you want to combine theme parks with restaurants, shopping, and other Orlando attractions. Holiday Inn Orlando International<\/a> is a great hotel right on the doorstep of Universal Studios.<\/p>\n Kissimmee \u2013 Best for great-value family stays \u2013 Kissimmee is a good pick for families and groups looking for more space and better value, especially if you\u2019re happy to drive to the parks. FantasyWorld Resort<\/a> offers a fun stay with a lazy river, water slides, and shuttle services to the top theme parks.<\/p>\n Downtown Orlando \u2013 Best for culture & nightlife \u2013 Stay Downtown if you want restaurants, bars, museums, and a more local city feel rather than being surrounded by theme parks. Hampton Inn & Suites<\/a> is a clean and contemporary hotel that offers comfort at a great price.<\/p>\n Important Tip<\/p>\n Multiple Orlando trips have taught me that this city doesn\u2019t reward spontaneity when it comes to planning.\u00a0The good places get snapped up months in advance, leaving the overpriced and underwhelming options for last-minute travelers.<\/p>\n The sweet spot for booking Orlando accommodations is 6-12 months out\u2014enough time to secure good rates but not so far ahead that you\u2019re locking in plans excessively early.<\/p>\n Where to Stay in Orlando<\/p>\n Lake Buena Vista<\/p>\n BEST FOR VISITING WALT DISNEY WORLD<\/p>\n Pros<\/p>\n Very convenient for Walt Disney World and Disney Springs<\/p>\n Lots of family-friendly hotels, often at lower rates than Disney-owned resorts<\/p>\n Many hotels offer scheduled transportation to the parks<\/p>\n Cons<\/p>\n Less convenient for Universal Orlando<\/p>\n Very touristy<\/p>\n Lake Buena Vista is the best area to stay for Walt Disney World! Well, other than inside Disney Resort itself, of course, but that gets expensive FAST. And this area sits right by the resort anyway, with a huge choice of spacious, family-friendly hotels, many of which offer shuttles to and from the park. It\u2019s a great way to stay close to the action without paying Disney hotel prices.<\/p>\n Disney Springs is the biggest attraction in the immediate area. This huge open-air complex has more than 150 restaurants, stores, and entertainment options, and it\u2019s free to enter. It actually began life as the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village back in 1975, long before becoming Disney Springs as we know it today.<\/p>\n The city of Lake Buena Vista itself is tiny, but its history is closely tied to Walt Disney World. It was established in 1967 as the City of Reedy Creek before being renamed Lake Buena Vista in 1969.<\/p>\n One thing to bear in mind is that you\u2019ll need to drive or use rideshares to visit Universal Orlando or other parts of the city. But if Walt Disney World is your priority, Lake Buena Vista is perfect!<\/p>\n Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek \u2013 $$$<\/p>\n If you want a luxury resort experience close to Disney, Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek<\/a> is perfect. It\u2019s tucked away within the Bonnet Creek resort area, so it\u2019s nicely removed from Orlando\u2019s busiest roads while still being right next to Walt Disney World.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a lot to keep families entertained here, too, including five outdoor pools, two lazy rivers, two kids\u2019 splash parks, mini-golf, and a walking trail. Adults aren\u2019t forgotten either, with a spa and four restaurants on-site, while the resort fee includes shuttle transportation to the Disney parks and Disney Springs.<\/p>\n Rooms typically start from around $200 USD per night, although rates can rise considerably during busy periods. <\/p>\n Alternatively, the Walt Disney World Dolphin<\/a> is hard to beat if location is your priority, since you can walk or take a boat to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Guests also get select Disney Resort benefits, so this is one of the closest alternatives to staying at a Disney-owned hotel.<\/p>\n We also love Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort<\/a> if you want somewhere that feels like a vacation in its own right. Its enormous lagoon-style pool has waterfalls, caves, and a waterslide, so kids will love it, plus the hotel offers complimentary daily transportation to Disney.<\/p>\n Buena Vista Suites Orlando \u2013 $$<\/p>\n For families looking for more space without paying luxury resort prices, Buena Vista Suites Orlando<\/a> is an amazing pick. Every room is a suite with a separate bedroom and living area, which is VERY welcome when you\u2019re sharing a room with kids for several nights!<\/p>\n It\u2019s also just 1.5 miles from Disney, and a complimentary scheduled shuttle runs to the parks and Disney Springs. Breakfast and self-parking are included too, so there are fewer extra costs to worry about once you arrive.<\/p>\n Rooms typically start from around $160 USD per night, making this fantastic value for a family-friendly suite so close to Disney.<\/p>\n If Buena Vista Suites is fully booked, Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando<\/a> offers excellent value just half a mile from Disney Springs. A hot breakfast, evening food and drinks, and transportation to all four Disney parks are included, and there\u2019s no resort fee either.<\/p>\n For longer stays, Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas<\/a> is another fantastic choice, with spacious one- and two-bedroom villas that come with kitchens or kitchenettes and their own washers and dryers. There are several pools and plenty of resort activities too, so it\u2019s perfect if you want some downtime between park days.<\/p>\n Pestana Orlando Suites \u2013 $<\/p>\n If you\u2019re trying to keep accommodation costs down, Pestana Orlando Suites<\/a> offers impressive value for such a central location. The suites are spacious, and some sleep up to six people, so we think this is a great budget option for families and groups.<\/p>\n There\u2019s an outdoor pool and gym for downtime, plus a shuttle service to Disney. Universal, Disney, and the Orange County Convention Center are all within around a 15-minute drive, so this is also a handy choice if your Orlando trip isn\u2019t entirely focused on one resort.<\/p>\n Rooms can start from around $100 USD per night, although breakfast and some other extras depend on the rate you book.<\/p>\n Another great-value option is Blue Tree Resort<\/a>, where the apartment-style units come with kitchens and separate living space. There are four heated pools, and free scheduled transportation runs to Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld, which is pretty impressive at this price point!<\/p>\n We also recommend Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott<\/a> if you\u2019d prefer a simple, dependable hotel over a resort-style stay. Breakfast is included, rooms have useful extras like microwaves and mini-fridges, and scheduled transportation is available to select Disney parks.<\/p>\n Universal Orlando Resort<\/p>\n BEST FOR VISITING UNIVERSAL ORLANDO<\/p>\n Pros<\/p>\n The most convenient base for Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure<\/p>\n Huge choice of hotels<\/p>\n Easy access to CityWalk for restaurants, bars, and entertainment<\/p>\n Cons<\/p>\n Epic Universe is on a separate campus, so you\u2019ll still need transportation to get there<\/p>\n Less convenient if you\u2019re planning to spend a lot of time at Disney<\/p>\n If Universal is the main reason for your Orlando trip, staying around Universal Orlando Resort makes life SO much easier. You\u2019ll be close to Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and CityWalk, with a huge choice of hotels surrounding the resort. There are options for every budget, and many of them offer scheduled park shuttles to make it easy to get to the fun stuff.<\/p>\n Universal Studios Florida was actually the first park to open here back in 1990, followed by Islands of Adventure in 1999. The resort has grown enormously since then and now has four theme parks, including Volcano Bay and the much newer Epic Universe.<\/p>\n CityWalk sits between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, so it\u2019s really convenient for grabbing dinner or drinks after a day in the parks. Some nearby Universal hotels are even connected to the main resort by walking paths, water taxis, or complimentary shuttles.<\/p>\n The big thing to know is that Epic Universe is on a separate campus from the original parks. If that\u2019s high on your list, check exactly where your hotel shuttle goes before booking, as you may need to drive yourself there instead, or find a separate bus or rideshare.<\/p>\n Universal\u2019s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort \u2013 $$$<\/p>\n If you want the full Universal resort experience without staying at one of the expensive hotels on-site, Universal\u2019s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort<\/a> is perfect. This Caribbean-inspired resort sits right within Universal Orlando, with complimentary water taxis and shuttles making it incredibly convenient for getting to CityWalk and the main parks.<\/p>\n The hotel is really an attraction in its own right, with a huge outdoor pool and four restaurants, plus water slides, fire pits, and more! Guests also get Early Park Admission at select Universal parks and attractions, which can give you a very useful head start on the crowds! Rooms can start from around $350 USD per night. <\/p>\n Alternatively, Universal\u2019s Aventura Hotel<\/a> has a much sleeker and more modern feel, plus a rooftop bar with fantastic views over Orlando. You\u2019ll also get Early Park Admission and complimentary transportation, and there\u2019s even a dedicated walking path to Volcano Bay.<\/p>\n Surfside Inn and Suites \u2013 $$<\/p>\n For a more affordable stay that still comes with the benefits of a Universal hotel, we think that Surfside Inn and Suites<\/a> is an amazing pick. It has a fun beachy theme and the standard rooms sleep up to four, while the two-bedroom suites can accommodate six people and come with a kitchenette, which is perfect for families.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll still get Early Park Admission, plus complimentary transportation between the hotel and Universal Orlando. There\u2019s also an outdoor pool and plenty of casual food options on-site, so this gives you lots of the convenience of a resort stay without the luxury price tag. Rooms typically start from around $150 USD per night.<\/p>\n If Surfside Inn is fully booked, Drury Inn & Suites Orlando<\/a> offers fantastic value, with free hot breakfast, evening food and drinks, and parking included. There\u2019s also a complimentary scheduled shuttle to all of the Universal parks, including Epic Universe.<\/p>\n We also like Hotel Landy<\/a> if you want something with a bit more personality than a standard chain hotel. It\u2019s less than three miles from Universal and has a heated resort-style pool, hot tub, and complimentary theme park shuttle.<\/p>\n Wyndham Garden Orlando Universal \u2013 $<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for a simple and affordable base close to the parks, Wyndham Garden Orlando Universal<\/a> is a brilliant budget pick. It\u2019s just minutes from both the original Universal resort and Epic Universe, so the location is VERY convenient for the price.<\/p>\n The hotel is modern and straightforward, with an outdoor pool, 24-hour gym, restaurant, and mini-fridges in the rooms. Best of all, there\u2019s no resort fee, which helps keep the overall cost of your stay down.<\/p>\n Rooms typically start from around $80 USD per night, making this one of the best-value stays near Universal.<\/p>\n Another affordable option is Four Points by Sheraton<\/a>, which sits less than a mile from Universal and has an outdoor heated pool and kids\u2019 splash pad. It\u2019s also a Universal Partner Hotel, so guests can use complimentary transportation to the resort.<\/p>\n Finally, TownePlace Suites<\/a> is particularly good for families or longer trips because its spacious studios and suites come with full kitchens. Breakfast is included too, plus you\u2019re within walking distance of Orlando International Premium Outlets and just minutes from Universal.<\/p>\n Why We Book Hotels on booking.com<\/p>\n Booking.com<\/a> is a trusted online booking platform for hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and boutique stays around the world. We\u2019ve been using Booking.com to reserve our accommodations for over a decade, and we keep coming back for a few key reasons:<\/p>\n Free cancellation on most properties \u2013 Many hotels on Booking.com offer flexible cancellation policies, which are especially helpful if your travel plans change unexpectedly or you\u2019re still finalizing your itinerary. <\/p>\n Reserve now, pay later\u00a0\u2013 Many properties allow you to book your stay in advance without paying up front, giving you more flexibility when planning your trip. <\/p>\n Verified reviews \u2013 One of the best things about Booking.com is the large number of verified reviews from real travelers. This helps give you a much better idea of what to actually expect before booking.<\/p>\n Peace of mind \u2013 Booking.com offers a secure and reliable way to book accommodations, which is especially helpful when traveling in remote countries or unfamiliar destinations. Their customer service is also very helpful if you ever run into a problem!<\/p>\n Price match promise \u2013 Booking.com offers a price-match policy for many properties. If you find the same room at a lower price after booking, you may be eligible for a refund of the difference. We\u2019ve used this feature many times!<\/p>\n Loyalty rewards and discounts \u2013 Booking.com\u2019s Genius loyalty program offers discounts, free room upgrades, complimentary breakfasts, and other perks at many properties around the world. The more you book, the more benefits you unlock.<\/p>\n International Drive<\/p>\n BEST FOR A MIXED THEME-PARK TRIP<\/p>\n Pros<\/p>\n Great all-round location for visiting several different Orlando theme parks<\/p>\n Lots of shops and restaurants<\/p>\n The I-RIDE Trolley makes it easy to get around much of the area<\/p>\n Cons<\/p>\n I-Drive is very long, so some hotels are much better located than others<\/p>\n Busy and touristy, with heavy traffic<\/p>\n If you want to split your time between several different theme parks, then staying along the International Drive is probably the best all-round choice. This busy entertainment corridor puts you close to SeaWorld and within easy reach of both Universal and Disney, while giving you a HUGE choice of hotels at different price points.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also loads to do without setting foot inside a major theme park. ICON Park is one of the biggest attractions, with the 400-foot Orlando Eye, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, restaurants, bars, and more. Meanwhile, I-Drive is also packed with outlet shopping, mini-golf, dinner shows, and family attractions. ICON Park itself opened in 2015 and has since become one of the landmarks of the area.<\/p>\n Getting around is relatively straightforward thanks to the I-RIDE Trolley, which runs throughout the International Drive area and has more than 100 stops. However, don\u2019t assume you\u2019ll be able to walk everywhere! I-Drive stretches for miles, so we definitely recommend checking exactly where a hotel sits before booking, especially if there are particular parks or attractions you want to prioritize.<\/p>\n Hyatt Regency Orlando \u2013 $$$<\/p>\n If you want an upscale resort that\u2019s well placed for exploring different parts of Orlando, Hyatt Regency Orlando<\/a> is a fantastic choice. It sits right on International Drive, minutes from Universal, Disney, and SeaWorld, so you won\u2019t be committing yourself to one particular theme park resort. You can enjoy them all!<\/p>\n But it\u2019s not just about the parks. The hotel is a full-on resort in its own right, with an enormous Grotto pool and a full-service spa. There\u2019s even a Topgolf Swing Suite and plenty happening around the pool, so you could happily spend a chilled-out day here between theme park visits.<\/p>\n Rooms typically start from around $260 USD per night, although there\u2019s also a resort fee to factor in on top of that.<\/p>\n Alternatively, Rosen Plaza Hotel<\/a> has a brilliant central location and doesn\u2019t charge a resort fee, which is always a win! There\u2019s a heated pool, six restaurants and lounges, and complimentary scheduled transportation to Universal Orlando.<\/p>\n We also love Hilton Orlando<\/a> if you want another full-on resort experience, complete with a lazy river, waterslide, spa, and multiple pools. It\u2019s also just one mile from Epic Universe and offers complimentary transportation to several major Orlando attractions.<\/p>\n Holiday Inn Orlando International \u2013 $$<\/p>\n For a comfortable mid-range stay right in the heart of I-Drive, Holiday Inn Orlando International<\/a> is an amazing pick. It sits directly across from ICON Park, putting loads of restaurants and attractions within easy reach, while Universal, Disney, and SeaWorld are all just a short drive away.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a large outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant where kids under 12 eat free, and complimentary parking, which helps keep costs down. The hotel also runs free scheduled shuttles to Universal, Magic Kingdom, and EPCOT, although you will need to reserve these in advance.<\/p>\n Rooms can start from around $150 USD per night, making this excellent value for such a central location.<\/p>\n If Holiday Inn Orlando is fully booked, another great option is Embassy Suites by Hilton<\/a>, especially for families who appreciate having more space. Every room is a suite, and you\u2019ll get a made-to-order breakfast, evening drinks and snacks, plus free shuttles to Disney, Universal, and Epic Universe \u2013 that\u2019s a lot for the price!\u00a0<\/p>\n Westgate Lakes Resort and Spa<\/a> is another ideal option if resort facilities are a main priority, with seven heated pools, a spa, mini-golf, and the huge Treasure Cove Water Park on-site. Just bear in mind that water park admission isn\u2019t included with most room rates, so check what your booking includes!<\/p>\n Mai Hana Hotel and Suites \u2013 $<\/p>\n If location matters more to you than fancy resort facilities, Mai Hana Hotel and Suites<\/a> is a brilliant budget choice. It\u2019s just a short walk from ICON Park, and despite the low price, there\u2019s an outdoor pool, a gym, and scheduled shuttles to Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld. Plus, you get free parking, which is great if you\u2019re hiring a car, so for a cheap I-Drive hotel, you\u2019re getting a LOT of practical perks here.<\/p>\n Rooms can start from around $100 USD per night, including breakfast, although there is a $20 USD per night resort fee. But even with that factored in, it\u2019s still one of the best value hotels on International Drive!\u00a0<\/p>\n If Mai Hana is fully booked, Hotel Monreale Inn & Studios<\/a> has an equally handy location directly opposite ICON Park. It also offers modern rooms and studios with plenty of space and an outdoor pool.<\/p>\n Finally, TRYP by Wyndham<\/a> is especially worth considering if SeaWorld is high on your list, since it\u2019s only around a mile away. The rooms feel modern, and there are family suites available, plus you\u2019ll get free parking and access to a heated outdoor pool.<\/p>\n Kissimmee<\/p>\n BEST FOR GREAT-VALUE FAMILY STAYS<\/p>\n Pros<\/p>\n Great-value hotels and villas<\/p>\n Excellent for families and larger groups<\/p>\n Plenty to do beyond the major theme parks<\/p>\n Cons<\/p>\n Very spread out, so having a car makes life much easier<\/p>\n Further from the major theme parks<\/p>\n Kissimmee is a great option if you\u2019re traveling as a family or group and want more space for your money. It\u2019s known as the \u201cVacation Home Capital of the World,\u201d and it boasts everything from affordable hotels and condo resorts to huge villas with multiple bedrooms and private pools. That makes it particularly appealing for longer trips and multigenerational vacations, because you don\u2019t need to try and squeeze the whole family into one hotel room!<\/p>\n It\u2019s worth knowing that Kissimmee is a BIG area rather than one compact neighborhood, and many of the hotels we recommend are clustered around Highway 192 and the Lake Cecile area. A car is definitely useful here, especially if you\u2019re planning to visit several different theme parks.<\/p>\n There\u2019s plenty to do locally too. Old Town has retro rides, shops, live music, and its famous classic car cruises, so it\u2019s a lot of fun to explore. Then you\u2019ve got Kissimmee Lakefront Park, which is lovely for walking and fishing.<\/p>\n Celebration is also nearby and is well worth a wander for its pretty lakefront, restaurants, and small-town feel. It was originally developed by the Walt Disney Company, so even your non-park days can have a little Disney connection!<\/p>\n Regal Oaks Resort Vacation Townhomes \u2013 $$$<\/p>\n If you want loads of space without sacrificing the fun of staying at a resort, Regal Oaks Resort Vacation Townhomes<\/a> is perfect. The two-, three-, and four-bedroom townhomes sleep up to 10 people, and each one has its own screened patio and private hot tub, so this is perfect for bigger families or groups.<\/p>\n You still get plenty of proper resort facilities, including a zero-entry pool, two waterslides, an arcade, tennis and pickleball courts, and an on-site bar and grill. Plus, Old Town is within walking distance, and Disney is only around five miles away, so the location is excellent for enjoying everything Kissimmee has to offer.<\/p>\n Townhomes typically start from around $250 USD per night, although the larger properties cost more.<\/p>\n FantasyWorld Resort \u2013 $$<\/p>\n For families who want plenty to do between theme park days, FantasyWorld Resort<\/a> is an amazing pick. This sprawling family resort has two pools, a heated lazy river, two huge waterslides, a splash pad, mini-golf, playgrounds, and loads of organized activities, so kids definitely won\u2019t be getting bored here!<\/p>\n The accommodation is made up of spacious vacation townhomes, making this a much more comfortable option than squeezing everyone into a standard hotel room. Scheduled transportation to Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld is also included in the resort fee, which is really handy if you don\u2019t want to drive to the parks every day.<\/p>\n Townhomes typically start from around $180 USD per night, although there is a nightly resort fee to factor into your budget.<\/p>\n Alternatively, Hilton Vacation Club Polynesian Isles<\/a> is a quieter option with one- and two-bedroom suites, two outdoor pools, tennis courts, and plenty of space to relax. Disney is only around a 10-minute drive away, so it\u2019s especially handy if you still want to spend several days in the parks.<\/p>\n We also like Star Island Resort and Club<\/a> if resort facilities are a priority, with two pools, mini-golf, tennis, basketball, a spa, and regular evening entertainment. There are suites and villas that can accommodate up to eight guests, so it works particularly well for larger families.<\/p>\n Palazzo Lakeside Hotel \u2013 $<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for an affordable hotel rather than a big vacation rental, Palazzo Lakeside Hotel<\/a> offers fantastic value. It sits right on Lake Cecile, so it feels a little more peaceful than some of the hotels along the main road, while still putting you within easy driving distance of the theme parks.<\/p>\n There\u2019s an outdoor pool with cabanas, a kids\u2019 play area, and complimentary continental breakfast and parking, so you get quite a lot included for the price. We also love the lakeside setting, which gives this budget hotel a bit more character than your average no-frills stay.<\/p>\n Rooms can start from around $80 USD per night, making this one of our favorite low-cost stays in Kissimmee.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re traveling with younger kids, Magic Moment Resort & Kids Club<\/a> is a really fun alternative, with a kids\u2019 club, playground, pool, themed kids\u2019 rooms, and plenty of family activities. Hot breakfast, parking, and a theme park shuttle are included too, which makes it excellent value.<\/p>\n Finally, Seasons Florida Resort<\/a> works well if your main priority is simply keeping accommodation costs low. It\u2019s a straightforward family-friendly base near the major Central Florida attractions, and it\u2019s pet-friendly too if you\u2019re bringing a four-legged family member along!<\/p>\n Downtown Orlando\u00a0<\/p>\n BEST FOR CULTURE & NIGHTLIFE<\/p>\n Pros<\/p>\n Best area for nightlife and live music<\/p>\n Great sports and performing arts scene<\/p>\n More of a local city feel than Orlando\u2019s theme-park districts<\/p>\n Walkable around Lake Eola, Church Street, and the downtown core<\/p>\n Cons<\/p>\n You\u2019ll need to drive or use rideshares to reach the major theme parks<\/p>\n Not the best choice if Disney or Universal is the main focus of your trip<\/p>\n Downtown Orlando is definitely the best place to stay if you want to experience more of the city beyond the theme parks. It has a much more urban feel, and there\u2019s a lot going on, from sports games at the Kia Center to live music performances and theatre shows at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. It\u2019s a great choice if you\u2019re coming for a concert or a basketball game!\u00a0<\/p>\n There are also lots of buzzing restaurants and bars to check out around here. Lake Eola is the heart of downtown, and it\u2019s also one of the nicest places to spend a more relaxed morning away from the parks. The lake is surrounded by a walking path that\u2019s just under a mile long, and you can rent one of the famous swan-shaped paddle boats and hit the water. It\u2019s also nice to just grab a coffee here and enjoy the skyline views.<\/p>\n The downside is that the theme parks aren\u2019t as convenient from here. Universal Studios is a 15-minute drive away without traffic, or you can use the #38 buses to get there in around 40 minutes, for just $2 USD per person. Meanwhile, Walt Disney World is at least a 20-minute drive outside of rush hour. You can rent a car, but if you\u2019re only spending a few days at the parks, rideshares might work out cheaper once you\u2019ve factored in those hefty parking costs.<\/p>\n The Delaney Hotel \u2013 $$$<\/p>\n If you\u2019d prefer a boutique hotel over one of Orlando\u2019s huge resort hotels, allow us to introduce you to The Delaney Hotel<\/a>. It\u2019s a family-owned hotel with just 54 individually styled rooms and suites, so it feels much more intimate than most places you\u2019ll find elsewhere in the city.<\/p>\n Another big selling point is Delaney\u2019s Tavern, the hotel\u2019s popular New American restaurant and bar, which serves everything from breakfast to weekend brunch and cocktails. The hotel sits just south of the main Downtown core, so it\u2019s a good choice if you want easy access to the city without having to deal with too much noise at night.<\/p>\n Rooms typically start from around $300 USD per night, although you can sometimes find them for less outside busy periods. <\/p>\n Alternatively, Embassy Suites by Hilton<\/a> has a much more central location just minutes from Lake Eola, with restaurants and entertainment all around you. A cooked-to-order breakfast and evening drinks reception are included in the price of your stay, and there\u2019s an outdoor pool too.<\/p>\n We also love Aloft by Marriott<\/a> if nightlife, concerts, or shows are high on your list. It sits directly opposite the Dr. Phillips Center and within walking distance of the Kia Center, plus there\u2019s an outdoor pool and lively bar back at the hotel.<\/p>\n Hampton Inn & Suites \u2013 $$<\/p>\n For a dependable mid-range stay close to Downtown, Hampton Inn & Suites<\/a> is an amazing pick. It sits just south of the city center in the SoDo District, with the Dr. Phillips Center and the Kia Center within about a mile of the hotel.<\/p>\n A hot breakfast is included every morning, and there\u2019s an outdoor pool for cooling off after a day of sightseeing. The hotel also offers complimentary shuttle service, making it a convenient option if you\u2019d rather not drive into Downtown every time.<\/p>\n Rooms typically range from around $140\u2013$260 USD per night, with breakfast included in the rate. <\/p>\n Home2 Suites by Hilton<\/a> is another great option if you want to be closer to the heart of Downtown, with bars and restaurants within walking distance. The rooftop pool has city views, and you get a free hot breakfast each morning.<\/p>\n We also recommend Crowne Plaza Orlando-Downtown<\/a>, especially if you\u2019re coming to Orlando for a concert or sporting event. Its complimentary shuttle runs within a three-mile radius and covers Downtown attractions, which is a huge bonus, while the hotel itself has recently renovated rooms and an outdoor pool.<\/p>\n The EO Inn \u2013 $<\/p>\n If you want to stay right by Lake Eola without spending a fortune, The EO Inn<\/a> is a brilliant budget pick. This small boutique hotel is housed in a restored 1920s building right where Thornton Park meets Lake Eola, with dozens of restaurants, caf\u00e9s, and bars within walking distance.<\/p>\n The location couldn\u2019t be better here, as you can walk to Lake Eola Park in about a minute and explore Downtown without constantly relying on a car. Parking is free too, which is a particularly nice bonus in this part of Orlando.<\/p>\n Rooms typically start from around $180 USD per night, making this excellent value for such a central location. <\/p>\n If The EO Inn is fully booked, DoubleTree by Hilton<\/a> gives you more of a traditional full-service hotel experience just north of the city center. There\u2019s a sky-deck pool and restaurant on-site, and you\u2019ll be around a mile from central Downtown and the Orlando Science Center.<\/p>\n Related Read: Once you\u2019ve picked your Orlando hotel, head over to our Orlando itinerary<\/a> to see how we recommend making the most of your time here.<\/p>\n Book your Airport Taxi in advance<\/p>\n Start your trip stress-free by booking your airport taxi before you arrive. You\u2019ll skip the long lines, avoid overpriced fares and scams, and won\u2019t have to worry about explaining your hotel address to a driver. Simply prebook your airport pickup online here<\/a>, and your driver will be ready to take you directly to your hotel!<\/p>\n Top Activities in Orlando<\/p>\n Hopefully, you\u2019ve found an area and hotel that suits your trip, because now it\u2019s time for the fun part! We found that there\u2019s SO much more to Orlando than theme parks, so here are some of our favorite activities when you\u2019re ready to explore beyond Disney and Universal.<\/p>\n Visit the Kennedy Space Center \u2013 This full-day Kennedy Space Center tour<\/a> was such a cool day out, and we would definitely come back! It takes care of transportation from Orlando, leaving you free to explore NASA\u2019s exhibits, see the Space Shuttle Atlantis, and even experience a simulated rocket launch.<\/p>\n Ride an airboat through the Everglades \u2013 This Everglades airboat tour<\/a> was our FAVORITE tour near Orlando! We skimmed across the wetlands while our guide pointed out alligators, bald eagles, wild boars, and even a roseate spoonbill, before exploring the wildlife park afterward.<\/p>\n Kayak through Rock Springs \u2013 We loved escaping the Orlando heat on this clear-bottom kayak tour<\/a> through the gorgeous blue-green waters of Rock Springs! We paddled beneath the trees, spotted turtles, fish, and birds, and even jumped off a hidden platform into the cool spring water.<\/p>\n See Orlando from a helicopter \u2013 We LOVE helicopter rides, and this private helicopter tour<\/a> gave us a completely different perspective on Orlando! We soared over Old Town, Fun Spot, and The Big Orange, with views stretching toward Walt Disney World and some of its most recognizable landmarks.<\/p>\n Get hands-on at WonderWorks \u2013 This WonderWorks experience<\/a> is perfect when you want something fun away from the theme parks (and Florida heat!). With fast-access tickets, you can head inside the famous upside-down building to brave 74 mph (119 km\/h) winds, lie on a bed of nails, tackle a glow-in-the-dark ropes course, play Laser Tag, and more.<\/p>\n Related Read: Want even more ideas? Our guide to the best things to do in Orlando<\/a> covers all of our favorite activities, tours, and experiences in one place.<\/p>\n Renting a Car in the USA<\/p>\n The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country\u2019s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.<\/p>\n We always book with Discover Cars<\/a> and can\u2019t recommend them enough. It\u2019s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Tips for Renting a Car in the USA<\/p>\n Drive on the right: In the U.S., vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, and the driver\u2019s seat is on the left. If this is different than your home country, take some time to adjust before hitting busy streets!<\/p>\n Know the local rules: Speed limits, road signs, and driving laws can differ between states. For example, turning right on red is generally allowed after a complete stop, unless a sign indicates otherwise. Always check the specific rules for the states you\u2019ll be driving in.<\/p>\n Add full insurance: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance, especially in the U.S., where long distances, varying road conditions, and unpredictable weather can lead to unexpected situations. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable!) to add this peace of mind when you book.<\/p>\n Choose the right car: Consider the nature of your trip. For city driving, a compact car is convenient, while for road trips or national park visits, an SUV might be more comfortable. With Discover Cars, it\u2019s easy to filter by vehicle type, transmission, fuel efficiency, and more to find the perfect fit.<\/p>\n What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA<\/p>\n A valid driver\u2019s license from your home country.<\/p>\n An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or uses a non-Roman alphabet. Some rental companies may require it, so it\u2019s best to check in advance.<\/p>\n A credit card in the driver\u2019s name is typically required for the security deposit.<\/p>\n Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.<\/p>\n Ready to hit the road and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms?<\/p>\n AIRALO e-SIM<\/a> Up To 15% Off With Code \u201cDTRAVEL15\u201d<\/p>\n What\u2019s an eSIM? <\/p>\n An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card. Instead of buying a little plastic chip and swapping it into your phone, you just download it. It connects your phone to a local network in whatever country you\u2019re visiting \u2014 no stores, no waiting, and no fiddling with tiny cards.<\/p>\n In simple terms, it\u2019s the easiest way to get data and stay connected while traveling.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve tested a bunch of eSIMs over the years, and after a few frustrating experiences, we\u2019ve found our favorite \u2014 Airalo<\/a>. It\u2019s fast, reliable, and incredibly easy to use. You can set it up in minutes (even my mom managed it solo on her first try!), and the prices are some of the best out there.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udca1 Bonus: We\u2019ve got an exclusive 15% discount for our readers. Use the codes:<\/p>\n Thanks for reading!<\/p>\n Orlando has given us some pretty memorable adventures, but choosing the right place to stay can make a HUGE difference to your trip! Lake Buena Vista is our favorite, but whether you want to be close to Universal, central on I-Drive, save money in Kissimmee, or experience Downtown, hopefully this guide has made finding the perfect Orlando base much easier.<\/p>\n If Orlando has you dreaming about your next trip already, check out more of our USA travel blogs<\/a> for tried-and-tested tips, tours, and itineraries. Or keep scrolling for more of our favorite adventures!<\/p>\n Where to Stay on Siesta Key, Florida: 3 Best Areas & Hotels<\/a><\/p>\n How to Spend THREE DAYS in Naples, Florida: 3-Day Itinerary<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Turtle](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Turtle-at-Sea-Life-in-Orlando-Florida.webp\")
A turtle at Sea Life<\/p>\n![\"Downtown](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Downtown-Orlando-and-Lake-Eola-in-Orlando-Florida.webp\")
Downtown Orlando and Lake Eola<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/The-magic-kingdom-Orlando-Florida.jpg\")
Home to the happiest place on earth!<\/p>\n![\"Disney](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Disney-Springs-in-the-evening-Orlando-Florida-2.webp\")
Disney Springs<\/p>\n![\"Wyndham](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Wyndham-Grand-Orlando-Resort-Bonnet-Creek-in-Orlando-Florida.webp\")
Photo credit: Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek<\/p>\n![\"Wyndham](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Wyndham-Grand-Orlando-Resort-Bonnet-Creek-in-Orlando-Florida-1.webp\")
Photo credit: Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek<\/p>\n![\"Buena](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Buena-Vista-Suites-Orlando-in-Orlando-Florida.webp\")
Photo credit: Buena Vista Suites Orlando<\/p>\n![\"Buena](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Buena-Vista-Suites-Orlando-in-Orlando-Florida-1.webp\")
Photo credit: Buena Vista Suites Orlando<\/p>\n![\"Pestana](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Pestana-Orlando-Suites-in-Orlando-Florida-2.webp\")
Photo credit: Pestana Orlando Suites<\/p>\n![\"Pestana](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Pestana-Orlando-Suites-in-Orlando-Florida-1.webp\")
Photo credit: Pestana Orlando Suites<\/p>\n![\"Universal](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Universal-Studios-Orlando-Florida.jpg\")
So cool!<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/A-ride-at-Universal-Studios-Orlando-Florida.webp\")
You can\u2019t beat the rides at Universal Studios<\/p>\n![\"Universal's](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Universals-Loews-Sapphire-Falls-Resort-in-Orlando-Florida.webp\")
Photo credit: Universal\u2019s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort<\/p>\n![\"Universal's](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Universals-Loews-Sapphire-Falls-Resort-in-Orlando-Florida-1.webp\")
Photo credit: Universal\u2019s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort<\/p>\n![\"Surfside](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Surfside-Inn-and-Suites-in-Orlando-Florida-2.webp\")
Photo credit: Surfside Inn and Suites<\/p>\n![\"Surfside](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Surfside-Inn-and-Suites-in-Orlando-Florida-1.webp\")
Photo credit: Surfside Inn and Suites<\/p>\n![\"Wyndham](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Wyndham-Garden-Orlando-Universal-in-Orlando-Florida.webp\")
Photo credit: Wyndham Garden Orlando Universal<\/p>\n![\"Wyndham](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Wyndham-Garden-Orlando-Universal-in-Orlando-Florida-1.webp\")
Photo credit: Wyndham Garden Orlando Universal<\/p>\n![\"Icon](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Icon-Park-in-Orlando-Florida-1.webp\"){kind=icon}
Icon Park!<\/p>\n![\"Manatee](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Manatee-at-Sea-Life-in-Orlando-Florida-1.webp\")
Manatee at Sea Life<\/p>\n![\"Hyatt](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Hyatt-Regency-Orlando-in-Orlando-Florida.webp\")
Photo credit: Hyatt Regency Orlando<\/p>\n![\"Hyatt](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Hyatt-Regency-Orlando-in-Orlando-Florida-1.webp\")
Photo credit: Hyatt Regency Orlando<\/p>\n![\"Holiday](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Holiday-Inn-Orlando-International-in-Orlando-Florida.webp\")
Photo credit: Holiday Inn Orlando International <\/p>\n![\"Holiday](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Holiday-Inn-Orlando-International-in-Orlando-Florida-1.webp\")
Photo credit: Holiday Inn Orlando International <\/p>\n![\"Mai](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Mai-Hana-Hotel-and-Suites-in-Orlando-Florida.webp\")
Photo credit: Mai Hana Hotel and Suites<\/p>\n![\"Mai](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Mai-Hana-Hotel-and-Suites-in-Orlando-Florida-1.webp\")
Photo credit: Mai Hana Hotel and Suites<\/p>\n![\"Regal](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Regal-Oaks-Resort-Vacation-Townhomes-in-Orlando-Florida.webp\")
Photo credit: Regal Oaks Resort Vacation Townhomes<\/p>\n![\"Regal](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Regal-Oaks-Resort-Vacation-Townhomes-in-Orlando-Florida-1.webp\")
Photo credit: Regal Oaks Resort Vacation Townhomes<\/p>\n![\"FantasyWorld](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/FantasyWorld-Resort-in-Kissimmee-Florida.webp\")
Photo credit: FantasyWorld Resort<\/p>\n![\"FantasyWorld](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/FantasyWorld-Resort-in-Kissimmee-Florida-1.webp\")
Photo credit: FantasyWorld Resort<\/p>\n![\"Palazzo](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Palazzo-Lakeside-Hotel-in-Kissimmee-Florida.webp\")
Photo credit: Palazzo Lakeside Hotel<\/p>\n![\"Palazzo](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Palazzo-Lakeside-Hotel-in-Kissimmee-Florida-1.webp\")
Photo credit: Palazzo Lakeside Hotel<\/p>\n![\"Bailey-enjoys-a-cocktail-out-for-dinner-in-Orlando,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Bailey-enjoys-a-cocktail-out-for-dinner-in-Orlando-Florida.jpg\")
The place to be for nightlife!<\/p>\n![\"Lake](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Lake-Eola-and-Downtown-Orlando-at-night-in-Orlando-Florida-1.webp\")
Downtown Orlando<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/The-Delaney-Hotel-in-Orlando-Florida.webp\")
Photo credit: The Delaney Hotel<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/The-Delaney-Hotel-in-Orlando-Florida-1.webp\")
Photo credit: The Delaney Hotel<\/p>\n![\"Hampton](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Hampton-Inn-Suites-Orlando-in-Orlando-Florida.webp\")
Photo credit: Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando<\/p>\n![\"Hampton](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Hampton-Inn-Suites-Orlando-in-Orlando-Florida-1.webp\")
Photo credit: Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/The-EO-Inn-Downtown-Orlando-in-Orlando-Florida-2.webp\")
Photo credit: The EO Inn \u2013 Downtown Orlando<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/The-EO-Inn-Downtown-Orlando-in-Orlando-Florida-1.webp\")
Photo credit: The EO Inn \u2013 Downtown Orlando<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/A-space-suit-at-the-Kennedy-Space-Center-in-Orlando-Florida.jpg\")
We loved exploring the Kennedy Space Center<\/p>\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/An-airboat-in-the-everglades-on-a-tour-from-Orlando-Florida-1.jpg\")
Riding through the Everglades<\/p>\n![\"Car](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Car-rental-photo-for-the-United-States-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Daniel-and-Bailey-take-a-selfie-at-a-beach-in](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Daniel-and-Bailey-take-a-selfie-at-a-beach-in-Florida.jpg\")
Thanks for reading!<\/p>\n