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Our Favorite Hotels Near Universal Orlando Resort

by Mommy Frog on February 22, 2023 Orlando

Off-Site Hotels Universal - PinterestWhether it's because we're looking to save some green or just can't find that perfect fit for our entire froggy crew on property, there are many different reasons why we've opted to stay off-site during a visit to Universal Orlando Resort. While we may be giving up Early Park Admission or complimentary Universal Express Unlimited, there are tons of affordable hotel options just a few minutes away from the theme parks that we're always hoppy to call home! What are some of our favorite hotels near Universal Orlando? Glad you asked, friend! Keep reading to find out what we think are the best off-site hotels near Universal Orlando.

Frog Family-Approved Hotels Near Universal Orlando

Holiday Inn & Suites Across from Universal Orlando Resort (Starting at $133 per night)

Let's start with the closest. For large groups or families who want an affordable hotel with convenient access to the parks, look no further. If you're entering Universal property from South Kirkman Road, this is directly across the street! A short six-minute drive or 15-minute walk, the Holiday Inn & Suites offers a scheduled shuttle to Universal Orlando and does not charge a daily resort fee. Laundry valet and dry-cleaning services are also available here, as well as on-site laundry facilities, to keep your clothes fresh. We also love the on-site TGI Fridays that offers a breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner, and Lily especially loves the outdoor kiddie pool with water features! Consider upgrading to a suite if you're traveling with multiple frogs (and take advantage of the full-size refrigerator), and don't froget to ask for connecting rooms if you're booking multiple rooms and want to keep your party together. This hotel is also pet-friendly which works out perfectly when we can't bear to leave our best boy, Hopper at home!

Hyatt Place Orlando/Universal (Starting at $151 per night)

Right next to the Holiday Inn is another hotel we highly recommend. This Official Universal Partner Hotel is also just a 15-minute walk to the parks and offers modern rooms that feature a separate sitting area for a more relaxing feel. How's this for accommodations: a FREE hot breakfast buffet, FREE self-parking and FREE Wi-Fi. It's also pet-friendly! Take home leftovers and enjoy them later with the mini-fridge and microwave available in each room or grab a coffee or snack from the on-site market if you're in a hurry. If your family wants to be close to the action but doesn't want to deal with added fees, this is the hotel for you!

Rosen Shingle Creek (Starting at $300 per night)

Off-Site Hotels Universal - Rosen Shingle Creek

Another Universal Partner Hotel, the Rosen Shingle Creek is home to four separate pools for ultimate relaxation, 15 different dining options with a variety of cuisines and price points (including two AAA Four Diamond destinations), outdoor recreational facilities including a golf course, a sand volleyball field, a lake for seasonal fishing and a nature trail and a spa with a fitness center and full-service salon. The best part? You get all of these resort-style luxuries without the typically associated resort fee! The Rosen is located just 10 minutes from Universal Orlando but a complimentary shuttle is provided. Even if you choose to use a car, while there is a fee for parking at the hotel, the fee is discounted if you book through Undercover Tourist! We love staying here for the sweeping views, elegant furnishings and first-class amenities.

Caribe Royale Orlando (Starting at $182 per night)

Off-Site Hotels Universal - Caribe Royale Pool

Perfect for families looking for a memorable vacation, Caribe Royale, located in the heart of Orlando, blends home-style comforts with unbeatable hotel amenities. Here, you'll find three outdoor swimming pools (a tropical pool with water slide, a pool for tadpoles and a private villa pool), a wide variety of fun seasonal activities for frogs of all ages such as Movies Under the Stars and a host of on-site recreation facilities including a fitness center, basketball courts, tennis courts and a running trail and so much more! Dine at any of six on-site options, rent a cabana for a relaxing day of fun by the pool or challenge your family members to a game of ping pong or cornhole. Oh, and don't froget to request one of the newly renovated Suites or Villas at check-in.

Orlando World Center Marriott (Starting at $249 per night)

Off-Site Hotels Universal - World Center Marriott

Located a mere 15 minutes away from Universal, the Orlando World Center Marriott truly has it all. Where else can you enjoy a 10-minute nightly laser light show?!? (Yes, you read that right.) In addition to its variety of on-site dining options, recreation facilities, including an 18-hole champion golf course, state-of-the-art fitness center and tennis, sand volleyball and basketball courts and oversized games such as Connect 4 and chess, the Orlando World Center is home to one of "World's Coolest Hotel Pools" as voted by Forbes. This amazing outdoor pool complex features waterfalls, whirlpools, winding, speed and inner tube waterslides, a zero-entry lazy river and a separate water playground for tadpoles. When you're not down by the pool or at the park, you can spend your nights in one of the hotel's newly renovated rooms — all of which include oversized balconies.

Crowne Plaza Orlando — Universal Blvd (Staring at $122 per night)

The Crowne Plaza Orlando is less than 10 minutes away from Universal property and a great place to stay for families! Each room is equipped with a microwave, mini-fridge, Keurig coffee maker and other convenient amenities. You can even request a quiet zone room if you have tiny tadpoles in tow and want noise to be kept to an absolute minimum. Leap and I love spending afternoons relaxing at the pool and enjoying some drinks at the tiki bar while Lily and Tad splash around. And on cooler nights, there's even a fire pit to gather 'round — making for a delightful end to any day!

Buena Vista Suites (Starting at $183 per night)

Off-Site Hotels Universal - Buena Vista Suites

Located in the heart of Orlando, Buena Vista Suites is known for its spacious suites and homey amenities. Unwind in a guest room designed to offer a peaceful retreat and take advantage of offerings such as a complimentary full American breakfast buffet (including a new "cooked-to-order" egg station), recreational facilities including a fitness center, basketball courts and tennis courts and seasonal activities such as Movies Under the Stars. We love the Bistro Pizza Express where we can get grab-and-go pizza, sandwiches and wings and the complimentary self-parking here. This hotel truly has everything you need to enjoy an unfrogettable vacation!

B Resort & Spa (Starting at $186 per night)

Off-Site Hotels Universal - B Resort Spa

The furthest away from Universal property, but one undoubtedly worth mentioning, B Resort & Spa provides a chic mix of modern sophistication and playful, family-friendly fun! Some of my favorite features here are the signature Blissful Beds specifically designed to provide the perfect balance of softness and support, the farm-to-table American fusion cuisine at American Kitchen Bar & Grill and the bathroom amenities from the Aveda line. We also all really enjoy the zero-entry heated pool with interactive water features for the tadpoles, the Kids Zone where Tad and Lily can enjoy movies and games, and a poolside bar where Leap and I get our relaxation on!

Any of these hotels near Universal Orlando sound like the perfect fit? Don't froget to book through Undercover Tourist for some special offers and hoppin' deals on hotels near Universal, or anywhere across the U.S. Sweet dreams!

Related: Our Top Tips for Staying Off-Site at Disney World

Hoppy planning!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
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