Where to stay in Orlando

International Drive – also known as i-Drive – is one of the most popular places to stay in Orlando. Cutting through the heart of the city, this 11-mile road is a hubbub of bars, restaurants, hotels and shopping malls. And, best of all, it’s within easy reach of Universal Orlando Resort™ and Walt Disney World® Resort.

There are so many things to do on International Drive. Bargain-hunters can browse hundreds of outlet stores, while foodies can hop between endless restaurants. You’ll find lots of family-friendly attractions on i-Drive, too, like bowling, mini-golf and ICON Park, where there’s a 120-metre observation wheel. And make sure you take the kids to one of Orlando’s famous dinner shows – you can be entertained by pirate adventures, comedy sketches, murder mysteries and more.

The cherry on top of the cake? If you stay in one of the hotels on International Drive, your holiday doesn’t have to break the bank. There are loads of budget-friendly options available, including Rosen Inn International, Rosen Inn Pointe Orlando and DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld.

If you want to spend all your time at Orlando’s theme parks, consider staying on-site. That’s right – you can actually stay within your favourite park, whether it’s Universal Orlando Resort™ or Walt Disney World® Resort. So, every morning, you can roll out of bed and head straight to the rides.

When you stay at a Universal hotel, you’ll get all kinds of extra perks. Whatever your budget, you can look forward to complimentary shuttles to the parks, and early admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ – which means you’ll have access to the rides an hour before the park opens. Fancy a break at the end of a busy day? Simply flash your room key to enjoy complimentary club-to-club access to select venues on Universal CityWalk™.

If you’re determined to go on every single rollercoaster, we’d recommend staying at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort or Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel®. When you book one of these Premier Universal hotels, you’ll be able to skip the queue at lots of rides and attractions, as Universal Express Unlimited™ is included within your stay.

If you want to strike a balance between affordable accommodation and a great location, take a look at Kissimmee. Just south of Orlando, this vibrant city offers the best of both worlds. There are loads of things to do locally but, when you fancy some theme park thrills, Walt Disney World® Resort is just a 20-minute drive away.

You’ll find lots of villas in Kissimmee, which are ideal for friends or families. When you stay somewhere like Championsgate Resort or Solterra Resort Platinum Homes, you’ll have your very own villa and private pool. Plus, you’ll have access to top-notch communal facilities, like the resort’s pool, waterslides and on-site bar.

There are plenty of things to do in Kissimmee, too. You can kayak along Shingle Creek, splash some cash in The Florida Mall – the largest shopping centre in Central Florida – and tee off on Kissimmee’s sun-soaked golf courses. Activities like go-karting and mini-golf will entertain kids and adults alike, and the whole family will love ’gator-watching in an airboat. And, in the evenings, why not watch knights joust at a Medieval dinner show?

Right next door to Walt Disney World® Resort, Lake Buena Vista is a very popular place to stay in Orlando. It’s about as close as you can get to the House of Mouse, without actually staying inside the park. You’ll be less than a five-minute drive away, and Universal Orlando Resort™ is just 15 minutes up the road.

When you stay at Lake Buena Vista, you’ll be able to chill out in your very own home-from-home. You can choose between self-catered apartments – complete with a fully-equipped kitchen and comfy living area – and family-sized villas. And, wherever you stay, you’ll have access to your hotel’s facilities, including the pools, bars and restaurants.

If you decide to stay in Lake Buena Vista, make sure you visit Disney Springs. Right on the lake, this sprawling complex boasts nearly 100 shops and dozens of restaurants, along with countless activities. You can take the kids bowling, stock up on gifts and souvenirs at the World of Disney® and go on a guided tour of the lake on a vintage dream-boat. When you fancy a bite to eat, you’ll have every cuisine at your fingertips. From Mexican restaurants and American diners, to smokehouses and food carts, this place has it all.