The Universal Studios amusement resort in Orlando, Florida, is open year-round and attracts tourists to its movie-themed roller coaster rides and entertainment venues. Since it is open year-round, a convenient time to visit is during the winter months, as most vacationers go to Universal during the spring and summer. Although hotels are on Universal Studios' premises, you can find more reasonable room rates in the hotels within 10 minutes of the amusement park.
The Orlando Continental Plaza Hotel is a five-minute drive from the entrance of Universal Studios, and it offers rooms with two queen-sized beds at a rate at $45 per night, as of 2010. The hotel is right off International Drive, which provides quick access to shopping opportunities at the Festival Bay Mall, less than 10 minutes from the hotel via the I-Trolley transit system. Family-oriented amenities at the hotel includes a game room with arcade machines and an outdoor swimming pool with a sundeck. The pool is heated during the winter. You can purchase tickets to Universal Studios in the hotel lobby, so you can avoid the hassle of waiting in line at the resort's front entrance.
Orlando Continental Plaza Hotel
6825 Visitor's Circle
Orlando, FL 32819
800-511-5388
orlandocontinentalplazahotels.com
As of fall 2010, the Enclave Hotel offer room rates beginning at $64 per night. This hotel is only five minutes from Universal Studios and is within walking distance of shopping and dining opportunities at the Village International Shopping Center. Families can take advantage of the hotel's close proximity to the Wet 'n Wild water amusement park, which is only a five-minute walk away. The hotel also caters to families with their KidsQuarter guest suites, which have bunk beds for children, fully furnished kitchen and living room with sleeper sofa. Larger families may need the hotel's two-bedroom and two-bathroom suites.
The Enclave Hotel and Suites
6165 Carrier Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
800-457-0077
enclavesuites.com
The Imperial Swan Hotel is only a 10-minute complimentary shuttle ride from the front entrance of Universal Studios. The hotel is also less than five minutes from Interstate 4, which makes a trip to downtown Orlando attractions, such as the Amway Arena, only a 15-minute drive. As of fall 2010, room rates start at $69 per night. The hotel is within walking distance or a I-Trolley transit ride to restaurants on the corner of International Drive and Kirkman Road, including Red Lobster and Denny's. On-site dining is available at the Sidewalk Cafe, which has menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of the week.
Imperial Swan Hotel and Suites
7050 Kirkman Road
Orlando, FL 32819
407-351-2000
imperialswanorlando.com
