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Old 02-25-2007, 03:46 PM   #1
Shell_of_the_South
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Question Off property hotels near USF

Which off property hotels near Universal can you recommend for a budget trip?

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Old 02-25-2007, 03:53 PM   #2
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there are such a ton along idrive.

i've stayed at best western movieland which was decent. about a block away from universal blvd, by quite a few fast food locations, across the street from wet'n'wild and right near a 24 hour walgreens or something.
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Old 02-25-2007, 05:22 PM   #3
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In 2005 I stayed at the hilton Garden Inn Seaworld. I would stay there again, they had a deal getting the 7th night free. Right across the street from Sea World, and good bus transportation to Universal. Rooms were large with fridge & Microwave. We could see the fireworks in Sea World from our room.
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Old 02-26-2007, 11:04 AM   #4
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We are staying at the Best Western Universal Inn in March and got a great rate ($80-something a night for a family suite). I'll let you know how that goes next month! Last year we stayed at the Days Inn on Caravan Court, right across from USF. DO NOT stay there, it was dirty and gross! There are lots of hotels very close to USF, and within walking distance. I found the Best Western by doing a google search (hotels near Universal) which linked me to a website that reviewed many of the hotels in the area.
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Old 02-26-2007, 03:33 PM   #5
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I've stayed at the Holiday Inn across from Universal on Kirkman Blvd. It's a nice place. If you're a Priority Club member, your room might be upgraded to a suite. You get lots of space in a suite! There's also a pretty good Motel 6 on American Way.

I've stayed at the Best Western Movieland and it's a pretty good, no frills place. The Clarion Universal on Universal Blvd. is also another good property.

Be careful staying on International Drive. Traffic goes to a slow crawl at nights, particularly on Friday and Saturday night. It might be easier to walk. If you want to avoid I-Drive, try to stay at properties along Universal Blvd. I've never seen bad traffic on Universal Blvd.
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Old 02-27-2007, 08:36 AM   #6
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There is also a Doubletree right outside the main entrance that we looked into. Haven't stayed there, but it looks nice and they gave our group a proposal which seemed pretty reasonable.
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Old 03-27-2007, 07:23 PM   #7
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We got back last night and the Best Western Universal Inn was great if you are on a budget. It was small, but very clean and had a basic, free continental breakfast. (Nothing fancy, toast, mini bagels, cereal, pastries, muffins, donuts, juice, fruit). They also had 24/7 coffee service (free). The staff was friendly and helpful and the pool was small, but nice and clean. I'd recommend staying there. It is across from Universal on the intersection of Kirkman/Vineland Roads. There are tons of restaruants walking distance, both sit-down and fast food. The price was right--about $80/night for a family room that slept 6 and had a frig and a microwave. There are smaller rooms for less money.
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