Our 10 Best Orlando Hotels On & Around International Drive
We LOVE Orlando. The parks. The shopping. The theme parks. The attractions. So much to do, but it can be a minefield to work out where is the best place to stay. International Drive is a popular place to stay but stretches all the way from the Orlando Premium Outlets by Universal Orlando Resort, all the way down to Lake Buena Vista, with hotels, shopping malls, restaurants and attractions along the way. So here are our top 10 favourite hotels on & around International Drive, Orlando, Florida, to help you work out where might be best for you to stay on your next trip to America. And don't forget to check out brands like TUI, Virgin Holidays, BA Holidays and loveholidays for Orlando holiday deals with theme park tickets.
10. Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando, International Drive ★★★
Once you start adding on park tickets, a trip to Florida can start coting a few pretty pennies, so if you're in need of a cheap holiday to Orlando, but not compromise on location, the 3-star Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando could be a great option. Smack bang in the middle of International Drive, it's almost equidistant between Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, making it very convenient. Clean, comfortable and with three swimming pools and a childrens playground, this budget friendly option is also just across the road from Pointe Orlando, which offers great shops and restaurants too.
Distance From The Parks: Walt Disney World - 13 miles / 20-25 mins, Universal Studios - 4 miles / 17 minutes
Why We Love It: Budget friendly
9. Avanti Palms Resort, International Drive, Orlando ★★★
If you prefer to be at the top end of International Drive, then the Avanti Palms Resort is worth taking a look at, especially as there are free shuttle buses to Universal Orlando® Resort, Walt Disney® World Resort and SeaWorld Orlando®, so it's really easy if you don't like driving over in the USA. There's a lovely pool area, as well as a cafe and grill restaurant, and a Starbucks®. There are a few shops and restaurants within walking distance of the hotel too.
Distance From The Parks: Walt Disney World - 14 miles / 20-25 minutes, Universal Studios - 2 miles / 10 minutes
Why We Love It: Free shuttle buses to the main parks, plus there's a great pool area and interconnecting rooms
8. Rosen Shingle Creek, Universal Boulevard ★★★★
Okay so this one isn't actually on International Dr, it's actually set back on Universal Blvd but the Rosen Shingle Creek is a strong contender for a great hotel in Orlando. You'll probably want a hire car when staying here, but the hotel has 4 swimming pools, 8 restaurants, a golf course, a spa and spacious rooms which can sleep up to 5 people (4 adults and 1 child on a rollaway bed).
Distance From The Parks: Walt Disney World - 13 miles / 15-20 minutes, Universal Studios - 5 miles / 10 minutes
Why We Love It: Ideal if you prefer more space, pools and walking trails, but still have access to plenty of facilities
7. Homewood Suites by Hilton International Drive, Orlando, FL ★★★
As one of the most popular hotels on International Drive (according to TripAdvisor reviews), the 3-star Homewood Suites by Hilton International Drive couldn't be missed from our list, especially as it's one of the more budget friendly options too. Each suite has a small kitchen, making eating meals in or even just snacks much easier. However, you can get bed & breakfast when booking with TUI and you have a number of restaurants nearby like Boston Lobster Feast, Bahama Breeze and Hooters. The outdoor swimming pool here doesn't get too much sun, however, it's a great way to cool off on hot summer days.
Distance From The Parks: Walt Disney World - 15 miles / 25 minutes, Universal Studios - 3 miles / 10 minutes
Why We Love It: Budget friendly and basic, but convenient as a base with a kitchen
6. DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld, International Drive ★★★
As one of the closest hotels to both SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica Orlando water park, the 4-star DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld is well located in the middle of International Drive. It's a big building with over 1,000 guest rooms, 2 swimming pools including a children's pool, free WiFi and a coin operated laundry which is perfect for longer stays.
Distance From The Parks: Walt Disney World - 13 miles / 20 minutes, Universal Studios - 5 miles / 15 minutes
Why We Love It: Closest to Aquatica water park and SeaWorld and free parking with selected tour operators
5. Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Surfside Inn & Suites, Universal Blvd ★★★
Just a five minute drive from Universal Studios, on the corner of International Drive and Universal Blvd, is Universal's Endless Summer Resort - Surfside Inn & Suites. Part of the Loews Hotels brand, this 3-star hotel is also just a 10 minute drive from the Orlando International Premium Outlets, and has easy access to a number of shops and restaurants like Walgreens, Applebee's Grill + Bar, and Waffle House, within walking distance.
Distance From The Parks: Walt Disney World - 15 miles / 20-25 minutes, Universal Studios - 1.5 miles / 5 minutes
Why We Love It: Great outdoor pool deck, and good if you've done a lot of Disney and want to do a little more of Orlando
4. Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Lake Buena Vista ★★★★
We couldn't create a "best" list, without including at least one of the Disney Florida hotels, so Disney's Satatoga Springs Reosrt & Spa in Lake Buena Vista is the closest Disney hotel to International Drive. All the Disney branded hotels are south of Orlando and surround Walt Disney World Resort® Florida, like Disney's Animal Kingdom & Blizzard Beach, rather than being close to the other attractions near Williamsburg, like SeaWorld Orlando and the Orange County Convention Center. Here you'll find some great facilities including a spa, free shuttle buses to the Disney Parks, and they have multiple room types, including 2 bedroom villas which sleep up to 8 people.
Distance From The Parks: Walt Disney World - 5 miles / 10-15 minutes, Universal Studios - 10 miles / 20-25 minutes
Why We Love It: Free shuttle to the Disney theme parks, two pools and a lovely spa, plus 2 bedroom villas for larger groups
3. CoCo Key Hotel & Waterpark, International Drive ★★★
Need somewhere budget friendly AND family friendly? Take a look at the 3-star CoCo Key Hotel & Waterpark, located towards the north of International Drive. Just a 10 minute drive from Universal Orlando Resort, this hotel is a favourite for families who want to mix the parks with a low cost option, especially as there is a free shuttle bus to Universal Studios. There's a great water park here which has both indoor and outdoor activities, plus there's a quiet pool too. Two restaurants and a small shop, and you've also got other restaurants like Chuck E Cheese on your doorstep which is great for kids too.
Distance From The Parks: Walt Disney World - 14 miles / 20-25 minutes, Universal Studios - 2 miles / 10 minutes
Why We Love It: Budget friendly, convenient, and, of course, the on-site water park!
2. Vista Cay Resort by Millenium, Universal Blvd ★★★★
If the thought of spending all your money on going out for meals gets you a little flustered, self catering in Orlando can be an ideal option to help keep the cost of your holiday down, giving you the freedom to go out for meals as and when you want. That's why we really like the 4-star Vista Cay Resort by Millenium. Although it's on Universal Boulevard (a short drive from International Drive), these vacation rentals are set in a peaceful location next to Cay Lake. There are apartment and townhouse options here, all with a good sized kitchen, with 3 bedroom apartments sleeping up to six guests. Whether you're a large family, prefer to be close to it all but in a quiet location, or just want some decent facilities to make your own meals, this is perfect!
Distance From The Parks: Walt Disney World - 14 miles / 20-25 minutes, Universal Resort - 7 miles / 15 minutes
Why We Love It: Ideal for self catering, and it's in a peaceful location with great facilities.
1. Sonesta ES Suites Orlando - International Drive ★★★★
Well rated, centrally located and with easy access to restaurants and things to do at ICON Park, the f-star Sonesta ES Suites Orlando International Drive is great if you've never been to Orlando, Florida before, or don't really know where you want to be, but you want to be central. The two bedroom apartments are great for families up to six people (4 adults and 2 children), and all apartments have a small kitchen for self catering. There's also an on-site launderette, gym and a bar. There's a huge Walmart across the freeway (although you've got to go around which takes a 10 minute drive).
Distance From The Parks: Walt Disney World - 14 miles / 20-25 minutes, Universal Studios - 3 miles / 10-15 minutes
Why We Love It: Centrally located, greta for first timers to Orlando, and close to ICON Park for restaurants and attractions
