Where to Stay - Walt Disney World and Orlando 2010 - page 121

121 theme parks for a fee; Wi-Fi (free). In room: A/C, TV, fridge (some rooms), game system, hair dryer, Internet

(free), microwave (some rooms).
Orlando Metropolitan Resort Like many I-Drive properties, this resort (once
upon a time the Radisson Barcelo) offers a good location for people whose vacations
center on Universal Orlando or SeaWorld, and a central location for travelers who plan
to visit Disney and downtown, too. Rooms are tastefully decorated (the Deluxe towers'
rooms, all recently renovated, are larger and worth the extra dough) and have refrigera-
tors, but views are basic. Otherwise, you'll be watching traffic on I-4 or I-Drive. As a
plus, kids 10 and younger eat free with a paying adult at breakfast. Guests may also use
the YMCA aquatic facility nearby.
8444 International Dr., Orlando, FL 32819. & 888/380-9696 or 407/345-0505. Fax [phone]. www.
orlandometropolitanresort.com. 522 units. $69-$1,489 double. Extra person $10. Children 17 and
younger stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Self-parking free. Amenities: Restaurant; grill; 2
lounges; outdoor heated pool; room service; lighted tennis court; free shuttle to Universal Orlando,
SeaWorld, and Wet 'n Wild parks; transportation to Disney parks for a fee. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, game
system, hair dryer, microwave (deluxe rooms), Wi-Fi (deluxe rooms; fee).
Point Orlando Resort This all-suite boutique hotel is one of the newest ownership
resorts to spring up along International Drive in one of Orlando's busiest tourist districts.
Each of the Junior suites (385 sq. ft.), one-bedroom executive suites (716 sq. ft.), and 2-bed-
room family suites (1,056 sq. ft.) has a private balcony that overlooks the courtyard below,
a tasteful contemporary decor, full-size kitchens, flatscreen TVs, and soothing whirlpool
tubs. Take a refreshing dip in the pool, lounge around the spacious sun deck, or rejuvenate
in the poolside Jacuzzi. Though on-site dining options are minimal, a vast array of restau-
rants is within minutes of the resort's door (some just a short walk away). A continental
breakfast (served daily) and in-room Internet access (wired) are just two of the complimen-
tary perks when staying here. While already a good value, the resort offers an ever-changing
array of packages that should entice even the most budget-conscious traveler.
6039 Carrier Dr. (off I-Dr. at the corner of Carrier Dr. and Universal Blvd.), Orlando, FL 32819. & 866/956-
2015 or 407/956-2020. Fax [phone]. www.thepoint-orlando.com. 144 units. $159-$239. Extra per-
son $25. Children 17 and younger stay free in parent's room. Rates include continental breakfast. Daily
resort fee $9.95. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Self-parking free. Amenities: Cafe; lounge; health club; Jacuzzi; 2
outdoor heated pools. In room: A/C, TV, fridge, hair dryer, Internet (free), fully equipped & stocked
kitchen, washer & dryer.

4

SpringHill Suites Orlando Convention Center Value This property offers
guests a chance to stay near but not in the middle of the I-Drive crowds and traffic.
Clean, very spacious suites (about 700 sq. ft., with beds for five and a separate living
area), reasonable rates, and a handful of perks (such as a complimentary breakfast buffet)
make this all-suite property worth considering.
8840 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819. & 866/811-6530 or 407/345-9073. Fax [phone]. www.
springhillsuites.com. 167 units. $123-$143 double. Extra person $10. Rates include hot breakfast buffet.
Children 17 and younger stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Self-parking free. Amenities:
Concierge; exercise room; Jacuzzi; outdoor heated pool; free transportation to the WDW parks; transpor-
tation to Universal and SeaWorld for a fee; Wi-Fi (fee). In room: A/C, TV, fridge, hair dryer, Internet (fee),
microwave.
INEXPENSIVE
Fairfield Inn International Drive Value If you're looking for I-Drive's best
value, it's hard to beat this one. This Fairfield combines a quiet location off the main
drag, down-to-earth rates, and a clean, modern motel in one package. It's not only the