Orlando Hotels - A Guide to Hotel Locations

Walt Disney World

If Walt Disney world is at the top of your agenda and you really want to make the most of it while here, then choose a hotel in the Walt Disney Resort. Walt Disney World is not actually located in Orlando city but about a 35-minute drive southwest of the city.

Hotels in Walt Disney World are very family orientated and each one has its own individual theme. There are many advantages to staying here. Hotels are convenient to the theme parks and you won't have to worry about the hassle of driving to the resort and then trying to find parking. Some Walk Disney Resort hotels also offer extended theme park hours, complimentary resort transportation and airport transportation.

There are approx 20,000 hotels room in the Walt Disney Resort and while some will be quite expensive, you'll also find some affordable hotels.

Disney Area/Lake Buena Vista

Walt Disney World and other major theme parks are located in the Lake Buena Vista area. This area appeals to both young and old and has Disney owned attraction and non-Disney owned attractions. The area also boasts many top golf courses like the Lake Buena Vista Golf Club, the Falcons Fire Golf Club and the Grande Pines Golf Club. The famous Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores are also located here and you can get up to 75% designer brands!

Universal Orlando - International Drive

The International Drive or "I-Drive" is one of the most sought after hotel locations in Orlando. This is where the Walt Disney rival - the Universal Orlando Resort is located. The "I-Drive" is lined with everything you would expect of a top holiday destination. It's got 6 of the world's best theme parks, over one hundred restaurants, tonnes of shops, designer stores and outlet malls, one of the nation's biggest convention centres, huge movie cinemas and entertainment complexes and a choice of over 100 hotels.

The I-Ride Trolley (bus service) is a fun and pleasant way of getting up and down International Drive.

Downtown Orlando

If you want to escape the theme park frenzy and see what the real Orlando city is all about then head for downtown Orlando or Orlando city centre. It is recognised by the skyscrapers of the central business district but the city's historic core is also evident on Church Street between Magnolia Ave and Orange Ave. Orange Avenue is the vibrant corner of the city with lots of restaurants, bars, café, theatre, nightclubs and concert venues.

Attractions to see in downtown Orlando include Amway Arena - home of the Orlando Magic NBA team and Lake Eola - a beautiful park known for its colourful fountain.

Downtown is well connected with Lake Buena Vista, International Drive and the Walt Disney World Resort by public transport.

Downtown Kissimmee

Kissimmee is a city just about a 30 minute drive south of Orlando. It is a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to the Walt Disney World Resort and Lake Buena Vista. Also, Orlando International Airport is just about a 25-minute drive from Kissimmee.

This charming city has lots of attractions of its own to keep you entertained. It has tranquil beaches nearby (1 hour drive approx), spectacular golf courses, outdoor adventure sports and of course, it also has its fair share of theme park thrills and rides.

The town itself is a pleasure to stroll around and you'll come across some really quaint restaurants and bars. The shopping is second to none too!

Orlando International Airport

This airport is the main entry point for both domestic and international visitors to Orlando. This is the busiest airport in Florida and is located about 20km south of Downtown Orlando.
Hotels are always in demand at this airport and there's plenty to choose from whether you want one nearby, on site or even in the terminal! Shuttle buses are always in operation between the airport and the city centre.

Two major Orlando attractions are located close by the airport. One of the largest shopping mecca's in Florida - The Florida Mall, and the Orlando Watersports Complex where watersking and other watersports can be enjoyed.

Orlando hotels can charge exorbitant prices, but don't worry, you can also find some really affordable hotels too. In general, the further away from Walt Disney World you go, the cheaper your hotel room price. If you do want to avail of cheaper hotel room rates then opt for a stay in the off-peak season i.e avoid March - August inclusive. Also if you are not a lover of warm weather avoid the late Spring and summer season when temperatures can crawl up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit!

Hotels in Orlando range from modest 1 star to exclusive 5 star. If you're looking for cheap hotels in Orlando, then choose a lower star rating like a 1 or 2 star. The higher the star rating the higher the price you pay! No matter what type of vacation you are on there's sure to be an Orlando hotel to suit you with lots of business hotels, golf hotels, family hotels, spa hotels, self catering hotels and lots more.

Mairead writes for top travel and accommodation website PlacesToStay.com.

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