Where to Stay - Walt Disney World and Orlando 2010 - page 118

118 Jurassic Park-themed Kid Suites are sure to be a hit). The big plus: Guests get Express-

line access to almost every ride at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, and
preferred seating privileges for shows and restaurants.
6300 Hollywood Way, Orlando, FL 32819. & 800/232-7827 or 407/503-3000. Fax [phone]. www.
loewshotels.com/hotels/Orlando or www.universalorlando.com. 1,000 units. $219-$469 double; $339-
$1,950 suite. Extra person $25. Children 17 and younger stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V.
Valet parking $22; self-parking $15. From I-4, take exit 75B, Kirkman Rd./Hwy. 435 and follow the signs to
Universal. Small pets welcome ($25). Amenities: 2 restaurants; 3 lounges; babysitting; supervised chil-
dren's program; concierge; concierge-level rooms; Jacuzzi; outdoor heated pool; kids' pool; sauna; small
spa; free water-taxi and bus transportation to Universal Orlando; free shuttle to SeaWorld; transportation
to Disney parks for a fee; limited Wi-Fi (free). In room: A/C, TV, DVD (suites), fridge (suites; otherwise upon
request for a fee), hair dryer, Internet (fee), microwave (suites; otherwise upon request for a fee), minibar,
MP3 docking station.
Staybridge Suites Like its Lake Buena Vista cousin (p. 104), this hotel is
friendly, well run, and neat as a pin. Its price and its spacious one- and two-bedroom
suites (the latter 550 sq. ft., with beds for eight) are two of its biggest pluses. The hotel
attracts leisure and business travelers. Courtyard rooms have balconies. The property is
across the street from the Square (a new shopping and dining village that, at press time,
remains under construction), and just up the road from Pointe Orlando and its all-new
shopping and dining options.
8480 International Dr. (btw. Beachline Expwy. and Sand Lake Rd.), Orlando, FL 32819. & 800/866-4549
or 407/352-2400. Fax [phone]. www.sborlando.com or www.staybridgesuites.com. 146 units.
$139-$289 suite. Rates include continental breakfast and manager's reception on select nights. AE, DC,
DISC, MC, V. Self-parking free. Amenities: Exercise room; Jacuzzi; outdoor heated pool; kids' pool; free
transportation to all major theme parks. In room: A/C, TV/DVD/VCR, movie library (free), CD player, fridge,
hair dryer, Internet (free), fully equipped kitchen.

MODERATE
DoubleTree Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando Location alone
(right across the street from Universal Orlando) earns this hotel a star. Built for the con-
vention trade, this former Radisson has reasonably nice rooms. Rooms on the west side
of floors 6 through 18 offer views of the Universal parks and CityWalk. DoubleTree's
famous chocolate chip cookies are complimentary upon check-in (though you may want
to buy some to take home because they're that good).
5780 Major Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819. & 800/333-3333 or 407/351-1000. Fax [phone]. www.
doubletreeorlando.com. 742 units. $119-$259 double. Extra person $10. Children 17 and younger stay
free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $16; self-parking $12. Amenities: 2 restaurants;
food court; lounge; exercise room; Jacuzzi; outdoor heated pool; kids' pool; room service; free transporta-
tion to Universal, SeaWorld and Wet 'n Wild parks; transportation to Disney for a fee; Wi-Fi (free). In room:
A/C, TV, fridge, hair dryer, MP3 docking station, Wi-Fi (fee).

4

Embassy Suites Hotel Orlando This hotel's run-of-the-mill exterior hides an
impressive interior atrium highlighted by brick and wrought iron accents, palm trees, and
lush foliage. Eight floors of suites surround the atrium, some with balconies overlooking
the courtyard below. Suites are fairly spacious, with separate living and sleeping areas. It's
one of the few hotels to offer both an indoor and an outdoor pool. Another big advan-
tage: the proximity to I-Drive's nightlife, restaurants, and shops. Renovations have kept
the property in good condition. A complimentary cooked-to order breakfast and evening
reception are a few of the perks to staying here.
8978 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819. & 800/EMBASSY (362-2779) or 407/352-1400. Fax 407/363-
1120. www.embassysuitesorlando.com. 244 units. $100-$330 suite. Extra person $10. Rates include full