Could anyone suggest a few hotels that would be close to Universal outside of the park? Maybe walking distance if there is such a thing that you like?
-
Welcome to the WDWMAGIC.COM Forums!
Please take a look around, and feel free to sign up and join the community.
Universal Hotel Suggestions
- Thread starter willtravel
- Start date
CJR
Well-Known Member
The Drury Inn and Suites is a decent choice. It's just a standard hotel and not a resort, but if you don't care about large swimming pools (it does have a pool and hot tub), it's a great choice. Even better, they offer a nice breakfast (eggs, biscuits & gravy) and something called a kickback that includes hotdogs, chili, salad, and free alcoholic beverages.
Thanks for info
I was just looking at it. Looks good. Like free food. Curious about the transportation to Universal for maybe an October vacation.
Rental car would be your best bet. It us also very close to restaurant row on Sand Lake, so lots of great dining options.
Knothead
Well-Known Member
Drury Inn? Um no thanks. It has breathtaking views of the I-4 parking lot on one side, a 7-11 on another, a tire kingdom across the street, and a Kmart plaza behind it. Anyone interested in walking to universal would be better off trying one of the several hotels on Major Blvd. The holiday inn and Doubletree are the closest. Just my 2 cents, hope it helps.
CJR
Well-Known Member
Just a head's up, when I stayed there in early January, the Drury Inn offered a free shuttle to Universal. I would call them for more information though as I did not ride it since we have an AP with free parking. That would save you parking costs at Universal.
Yes, it is right next to I-4, a 7-11, Wendy's, and K-Mart. What is a negative to that person is all positives to me. Being by I-4 makes it easy to find, I love 7-11 and the gas prices are usually good, Wendy's is great for a late night snack, and K-Mart's great for buying things that may have been forgotten. All are within walking distance really. I've read some reviews that complained about noise from the road, but I had no problems and didn't notice anything from the road, so I can only speak for myself. Some people are super picky so it's important to know what you get before you get it. It's not a resort hotel by any means, but it's a good value, in a great location.
The hotels along Major Blvd are great if you want to walk to Universal. However, I found walking to Universal to be a bit dangerous crossing Major Blvd and Kirkman Road, back in the day (2009). None of them are bad hotels by any means, but they do lack the amenities I found at Drury. The free shuttle is just a bonus, if they still do it.
Yes, it is right next to I-4, a 7-11, Wendy's, and K-Mart. What is a negative to that person is all positives to me. Being by I-4 makes it easy to find, I love 7-11 and the gas prices are usually good, Wendy's is great for a late night snack, and K-Mart's great for buying things that may have been forgotten. All are within walking distance really. I've read some reviews that complained about noise from the road, but I had no problems and didn't notice anything from the road, so I can only speak for myself. Some people are super picky so it's important to know what you get before you get it. It's not a resort hotel by any means, but it's a good value, in a great location.
The hotels along Major Blvd are great if you want to walk to Universal. However, I found walking to Universal to be a bit dangerous crossing Major Blvd and Kirkman Road, back in the day (2009). None of them are bad hotels by any means, but they do lack the amenities I found at Drury. The free shuttle is just a bonus, if they still do it.
Last edited:
Knothead
Well-Known Member
All valid points. I personally would just feel ripped off if I planned a vacation in Orlando and ended up at a place like that. Just trying to be realistic about the location so nobody gets the wrong idea. It may be a great hotel, but the location chosen for it has always made me scratch my head. Glad it works for you though.
Has anyone ever stayed at the Best Western Universal Inn? Description says across from Universal Studios. Just curious on what you thought. I am picking Best Western because I have gift cards. Going at the end of May.
Knothead
Well-Known Member
What's the address of that best western? 5618 vineland rd? If so, it seems to be a decent place. Its also in a parking lot with a fast food restaurant (Burger King) but there is a Walgreens and Starbucks and Ale House too. I personally would prefer this location over Drury. Don't know anything about amenities however.
Yes that it the one . Just want a clean hotel with no mold in bathroom, no bed bugs and in a safe neighborhood. Only going to be there for 2-3 days. Thanks