Hotels by Hood

Last updated: October 28, 2026 · By the Hotels by Hood team

Why Orlando

Orlando is the theme park capital of the United States — and for millions of American families, it is a road trip away. Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld are all here, along with outlet malls, water parks and a long strip of restaurants and attractions on International Drive.

Top things to do:

• Walt Disney World — four theme parks plus Disney Springs for shopping and dining.
• Universal Orlando Resort — Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Epic Universe.
• SeaWorld Orlando — marine-themed park with rides and shows.
• International Drive — restaurants, attractions and the ICON Park observation wheel.

Which area should you stay in?

✓ Universal area: best if Universal is your main park — some hotels are on Universal property.
✓ International Drive: the best all-round base, between Universal and SeaWorld, with lots of restaurants and lower prices.
✓ Disney Springs area: best for a Disney-focused trip.
✗ Downtown Orlando: fine for business, but far from the theme parks.

Hotels at a glance: 8 stays rated 9+

Prices exclude taxes and resort or parking fees.

The hotels

1. Rosen Shingle Creek — Best value resort

★ 9.2/10 from 897 guest reviews · 4.5-star · Universal Blvd / Convention Center area

A large resort with its own golf course, rated 9.2 — and one of the lowest prices in this guide when we checked.

What we like

✓ 9.2/10 guest score
✓ Resort facilities at a mid-range price

Keep in mind

✗ Breakfast was not included in the rate we checked
✗ You will want a car or rideshare to reach the parks

From $148 / night

Check availability on Agoda →

2. Drury Inn & Suites – Universal Orlando Resort — Best for Universal

★ 9.2/10 from 314 guest reviews · 3-star · Near Universal Orlando

Rated 9.2 and located near Universal Orlando Resort — a practical base if Universal is the main reason for your trip.

What we like

✓ 9.2/10 guest score
✓ Close to Universal Orlando
✓ Breakfast was included in the rate we checked

Keep in mind

✗ 3-star, so fewer resort-style facilities

From $200 / night

Check availability on Agoda →

3. Drury Plaza Hotel Orlando – Disney Springs Area — Best for Disney

★ 9.2/10 from 304 guest reviews · 3-star · Disney Springs area

The only pick in this guide in the Disney Springs area, close to Walt Disney World — rated 9.2.

What we like

✓ Near Disney Springs and Walt Disney World
✓ 9.2/10 guest score
✓ Breakfast was included in the rate we checked

Keep in mind

✗ Pricier than the I-Drive hotels in this guide

From $328 / night

Check availability on Agoda →

4. Rosen Centre Hotel — Most reviewed

★ 9/10 from 994 guest reviews · 4-star · International Drive (Convention Center)

The most reviewed hotel in this guide (nearly 1,000 reviews), on International Drive next to the Orange County Convention Center.

What we like

✓ Most reviewed pick here
✓ On International Drive, close to restaurants and attractions

Keep in mind

✗ Breakfast was not included in the rate we checked
✗ Pricier than its sister hotel, Rosen Plaza

From $299 / night

Check availability on Agoda →

5. Rosen Plaza Hotel — Best budget

★ 9/10 from 743 guest reviews · 4-star · International Drive (Convention Center)

The lowest price in this guide, on International Drive, with over 700 reviews averaging 9.0.

What we like

✓ Lowest price here ($141)
✓ Over 700 reviews

Keep in mind

✗ Breakfast was not included in the rate we checked

From $141 / night

Check availability on Agoda →

6. Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites — Best value Universal hotel

★ 9/10 from 334 guest reviews · 3-star · Universal Orlando Resort

One of Universal Orlando Resort’s own value hotels, rated 9.0 — a budget-friendly way to stay on Universal property.

What we like

✓ On Universal Orlando Resort property
✓ Under $200 when we checked

Keep in mind

✗ Breakfast was not included in the rate we checked
✗ Value-tier rooms are simple

From $199 / night

Check availability on Agoda →

7. Universal’s Aventura Hotel — Modern Universal hotel

★ 9/10 from 149 guest reviews · 3.5-star · Universal Orlando Resort

A modern hotel on Universal Orlando Resort property, rated 9.0.

What we like

✓ On Universal Orlando Resort property
✓ 9.0/10 guest score

Keep in mind

✗ The most expensive hotel in this guide
✗ Fewer reviews (about 150) than most picks here

From $346 / night

Check availability on Agoda →

8. TRYP by Wyndham Orlando — Good for SeaWorld

★ 9/10 from 300 guest reviews · 3-star · South International Drive (near SeaWorld)

A budget-friendly hotel in the SeaWorld area of south International Drive, rated 9.0.

What we like

✓ Under $150 when we checked
✓ Handy for SeaWorld

Keep in mind

✗ Breakfast was not included in the rate we checked
✗ A drive or rideshare to Disney and Universal

From $149 / night

Check availability on Agoda →

Getting there and around

• Driving in: most visitors arrive by car. Check each hotel’s parking fee before booking — it can add up over a week.
• Flying in: Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the main airport; rideshare and rental cars are the most common way to reach the hotels.
• Getting to the parks: some hotels run shuttles to the theme parks. Confirm the schedule with your hotel, or plan on driving or rideshare.
• Fees: many Orlando hotels add a daily resort fee and taxes at check-in, so compare the final price, not just the nightly rate.

FAQ

Is it better to stay near Disney or Universal?

Stay near the park you will visit most. If you are splitting your time, International Drive sits between Universal and SeaWorld and has the widest choice of hotels.

Do I need a car in Orlando?

It helps. Hotels and parks are spread out, and while some hotels offer shuttles, a car or rideshare gives you the most flexibility.

How much is a 9+ rated hotel in Orlando?

On the date we checked, the hotels in this guide ranged from $141 to $346 per night before taxes and fees.

More United States guides

• Where to Stay in Orlando: 8 Hotels Rated 9+ Near the Theme Parks (2026)