Orlando Area Non-Disney?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 48
Orlando Area Non-Disney?
Hello all,
I've found myself in the Orlando area for about a week, and I've got a lot of IHG points to burn. I'm a single guy in my 30s, so I have no interest in a Disney trip, and we're living in strange times anyway, I don't think I'm going to be doing any socializing right now. I'm just looking for a comfortable hotel to relax in and kill time. Does the forum have any suggestions for a good hotel in the area to make the best of it? Thanks!
I've found myself in the Orlando area for about a week, and I've got a lot of IHG points to burn. I'm a single guy in my 30s, so I have no interest in a Disney trip, and we're living in strange times anyway, I don't think I'm going to be doing any socializing right now. I'm just looking for a comfortable hotel to relax in and kill time. Does the forum have any suggestions for a good hotel in the area to make the best of it? Thanks!
#2
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 320
I’ve always liked the Holiday Inn Vacations Orange Lake resort. Definitely not a regular hotel as it’s more of a timeshare condo place. You actually need a car to drive around the whole property. They used to have golf cart shuttles at set times but dunno if they’re running during covid.
Hotel rooms are in the main lobby building and aren’t anything special compared to the 2 and 3 bedroom condos/villas, however the resort property is nice. Golf courses, multiple fitness rooms, multiple pools, restaurants, water sports rentals like jet skis or kayaks, etc. You really don’t have to leave the property in an entire week if you didn’t want to. But that’s pre-covid so I don’t know what’s open now. Also, Orlando in general books up fast during the holiday season if using points.
Hotel rooms are in the main lobby building and aren’t anything special compared to the 2 and 3 bedroom condos/villas, however the resort property is nice. Golf courses, multiple fitness rooms, multiple pools, restaurants, water sports rentals like jet skis or kayaks, etc. You really don’t have to leave the property in an entire week if you didn’t want to. But that’s pre-covid so I don’t know what’s open now. Also, Orlando in general books up fast during the holiday season if using points.
Last edited by db1234db1234; Dec 16, 2020 at 12:01 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 48
Thank you for the suggestion, I will look into it. Does anyone have an opinion of Holiday Inn Orange Lake Resort vs. Orlando Breeze Resort? What about the Holiday Inn Lake Buena Vista?
I have access to a car, if I were to drive somewhere outside of Orlando, would there be any notable IHG properties worth traveling to? Thanks for all of the help!
I have access to a car, if I were to drive somewhere outside of Orlando, would there be any notable IHG properties worth traveling to? Thanks for all of the help!
#4
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 320
I haven’t stayed at the other 2 listed but wanted to add some more info. Orange Lake is a true resort (not all-inclusive though) whereas the others look like hotels with a few extras attached. It’d be like comparing Vegas hotels and comparing the Bellagio to the Staybridge Suites just off strip. Both have hotel rooms and you could even argue Staybridge has a better basic room than Bellagio (dated) but the B’s amenities more than make up for things. Covid might have closed some areas though...suggest contacting them directly. They do charge a daily amenity fee too.
It seems like Orange Lake’s points cost is 40000 any given night next year which is a bit high especially when the cash rates are just over the other 2 hotels cited. I went further into the booking process and see that 40000 isn’t for a basic hotel room in the main lobby tower. It’s for a 2-bedroom 1200 sq ft villa. I don’t see a rewards option for a basic room. Maybe contact them directly? Those villas are spread out around the property where you drive right up to your front door. Think small golf villas all around a golf course. They are a bit dated but you’d have a full condo with kitchen and laundry for the week. Not sure if that’s too much for 1 person but it sure would be relaxing versus a regular hotel room.
Why not split your stay amongst 2 of them and get the best of both worlds?
It seems like Orange Lake’s points cost is 40000 any given night next year which is a bit high especially when the cash rates are just over the other 2 hotels cited. I went further into the booking process and see that 40000 isn’t for a basic hotel room in the main lobby tower. It’s for a 2-bedroom 1200 sq ft villa. I don’t see a rewards option for a basic room. Maybe contact them directly? Those villas are spread out around the property where you drive right up to your front door. Think small golf villas all around a golf course. They are a bit dated but you’d have a full condo with kitchen and laundry for the week. Not sure if that’s too much for 1 person but it sure would be relaxing versus a regular hotel room.
Why not split your stay amongst 2 of them and get the best of both worlds?
Last edited by db1234db1234; Dec 16, 2020 at 7:51 pm
#5
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 870
I haven’t stayed at the other 2 listed but wanted to add some more info. Orange Lake is a true resort (not all-inclusive though) whereas the others look like hotels with a few extras attached. It’d be like comparing Vegas hotels and comparing the Bellagio to the Staybridge Suites just off strip. Both have hotel rooms and you could even argue Staybridge has a better basic room than Bellagio (dated) but the B’s amenities more than make up for things. Covid might have closed some areas though...suggest contacting them directly. They do charge a daily amenity fee too.
It seems like Orange Lake’s points cost is 40000 any given night next year which is a bit high especially when the cash rates are just over the other 2 hotels cited. I went further into the booking process and see that 40000 isn’t for a basic hotel room in the main lobby tower. It’s for a 2-bedroom 1200 sq ft villa. I don’t see a rewards option for a basic room. Maybe contact them directly? Those villas are spread out around the property where you drive right up to your front door. Think small golf villas all around a golf course. They are a bit dated but you’d have a full condo with kitchen and laundry for the week. Not sure if that’s too much for 1 person but it sure would be relaxing versus a regular hotel room.
Why not split your stay amongst 2 of them and get the best of both worlds?
It seems like Orange Lake’s points cost is 40000 any given night next year which is a bit high especially when the cash rates are just over the other 2 hotels cited. I went further into the booking process and see that 40000 isn’t for a basic hotel room in the main lobby tower. It’s for a 2-bedroom 1200 sq ft villa. I don’t see a rewards option for a basic room. Maybe contact them directly? Those villas are spread out around the property where you drive right up to your front door. Think small golf villas all around a golf course. They are a bit dated but you’d have a full condo with kitchen and laundry for the week. Not sure if that’s too much for 1 person but it sure would be relaxing versus a regular hotel room.
Why not split your stay amongst 2 of them and get the best of both worlds?
#6
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 320
#7
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 870
#8
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 320
I see points are 20000 per night, half of Orange Lake so it’s up to you whether a true resort versus regular hotel room is worth double the points (or cash). Nothing wrong with a standard hotel room of course but that’s what Candlewood Suites is. Orange Lake would give a full on vacation resort feeling with a bigger room. It’d be a no brainer if you were going to book 2 rooms for a family vacation. 2 rooms at 20000 points a night for a family of 4-6 or even 8, then I would definitely take the 2 bedroom 1200 sq ft Orange Lake villa at essentially the same amount of points per night and have all the resort amenities at your doorstep.
For some, all they need is a bed to sleep in so the extras are worthless. If you have to worry about entertaining kids or teenagers, they won’t be bored at Orange Lake.
#9
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 870
No first hand experience myself at the Candlewood in Buena Vista but if you’ve stayed at any other Candlewood location, I imagine this one sticks to the brand guidelines. Kitchenette with full sized refrigerator, laundry facilities on site, no breakfast, etc. It looks new so that’s always nice and the location is nice too.
I see points are 20000 per night, half of Orange Lake so it’s up to you whether a true resort versus regular hotel room is worth double the points (or cash). Nothing wrong with a standard hotel room of course but that’s what Candlewood Suites is. Orange Lake would give a full on vacation resort feeling with a bigger room. It’d be a no brainer if you were going to book 2 rooms for a family vacation. 2 rooms at 20000 points a night for a family of 4-6 or even 8, then I would definitely take the 2 bedroom 1200 sq ft Orange Lake villa at essentially the same amount of points per night and have all the resort amenities at your doorstep.
For some, all they need is a bed to sleep in so the extras are worthless. If you have to worry about entertaining kids or teenagers, they won’t be bored at Orange Lake.
I see points are 20000 per night, half of Orange Lake so it’s up to you whether a true resort versus regular hotel room is worth double the points (or cash). Nothing wrong with a standard hotel room of course but that’s what Candlewood Suites is. Orange Lake would give a full on vacation resort feeling with a bigger room. It’d be a no brainer if you were going to book 2 rooms for a family vacation. 2 rooms at 20000 points a night for a family of 4-6 or even 8, then I would definitely take the 2 bedroom 1200 sq ft Orange Lake villa at essentially the same amount of points per night and have all the resort amenities at your doorstep.
For some, all they need is a bed to sleep in so the extras are worthless. If you have to worry about entertaining kids or teenagers, they won’t be bored at Orange Lake.
#10
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Posts: 3,360
Second, many off-site hotels provide very limited shuttle service. Typically, they only run a few times each morning and a few times each evening. And many will only go to one of the four theme parks. It's usually Epcot. If you're not going to Epcot, you'll need to transfer to a Disney bus or monorail to reach your final destination. That process can take 20 to 60 minutes each way.
#11
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 870
Make sure to understand exactly how their shuttle operates. First, make sure it is operating. Many hotels have temporarily eliminated shuttles due to COVID.
Second, many off-site hotels provide very limited shuttle service. Typically, they only run a few times each morning and a few times each evening. And many will only go to one of the four theme parks. It's usually Epcot. If you're not going to Epcot, you'll need to transfer to a Disney bus or monorail to reach your final destination. That process can take 20 to 60 minutes each way.
Second, many off-site hotels provide very limited shuttle service. Typically, they only run a few times each morning and a few times each evening. And many will only go to one of the four theme parks. It's usually Epcot. If you're not going to Epcot, you'll need to transfer to a Disney bus or monorail to reach your final destination. That process can take 20 to 60 minutes each way.
#12
Join Date: Jul 2017
Programs: IHG spire ambassador, SPG/Marriott Gold(new plat), Virgin Atlantic
Posts: 150
Hello all,
I've found myself in the Orlando area for about a week, and I've got a lot of IHG points to burn. I'm a single guy in my 30s, so I have no interest in a Disney trip, and we're living in strange times anyway, I don't think I'm going to be doing any socializing right now. I'm just looking for a comfortable hotel to relax in and kill time. Does the forum have any suggestions for a good hotel in the area to make the best of it? Thanks!
I've found myself in the Orlando area for about a week, and I've got a lot of IHG points to burn. I'm a single guy in my 30s, so I have no interest in a Disney trip, and we're living in strange times anyway, I don't think I'm going to be doing any socializing right now. I'm just looking for a comfortable hotel to relax in and kill time. Does the forum have any suggestions for a good hotel in the area to make the best of it? Thanks!
Last edited by somedudefromFLa; Dec 23, 2020 at 8:38 pm
#13
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: ORF
Programs: Amex Plat, AA, BA Silver, Marriott Plat, Choice Gold, HHonors Gold, IHG Diamond
Posts: 3,749
Hello all,
I've found myself in the Orlando area for about a week, and I've got a lot of IHG points to burn. I'm a single guy in my 30s, so I have no interest in a Disney trip, and we're living in strange times anyway, I don't think I'm going to be doing any socializing right now. I'm just looking for a comfortable hotel to relax in and kill time. Does the forum have any suggestions for a good hotel in the area to make the best of it? Thanks!
I've found myself in the Orlando area for about a week, and I've got a lot of IHG points to burn. I'm a single guy in my 30s, so I have no interest in a Disney trip, and we're living in strange times anyway, I don't think I'm going to be doing any socializing right now. I'm just looking for a comfortable hotel to relax in and kill time. Does the forum have any suggestions for a good hotel in the area to make the best of it? Thanks!
I never go to the parks but drive through the area along I-4 occasionally, and traffic down that way can be frustrating at almost any time of the day, although I suspect it's currently much lighter because of the pandemic. Lake Mary puts you about 1/3 of the way from Orlando to Daytona Beach, and I like the north side of Orlando for a number of things. First, there's a decent lifestyle/shopping/town center at Altamonte Springs, about 10-15 minutes south of Lake Mary. Wraps around a lake and although the shopping area is dying, there are a number of restaurants in the area.
Second, Winter Park, another 5-10 minutes south, has a neat little downtown with a number of restaurants, shops, and the Morse Museum spread along Park Avenue. Despite its location adjacent to Orlando, Winter Park has a true small town feel with a train station running right along Park Avenue (Amtrak and SunRail make stops here), cobbled streets, and at this time of year, lots of holiday lights. Rollins College is at one end of Park, and the Winter Park Country Club (despite the name, a public 9-hole course) is at the other. Plus, along the fringes, you will see some spectacular homes--when Doc Rivers was the coach of the Magic, he lived in Winter Park, and his son Austin went to and played for the public Winter Park High basketball team before going to Duke.
By the way, if you're a golfer at all--I am, one of the main reasons I go to Orlando--there are a number of decent courses north of Orlando that tend to cost a lot less than the expensive courses surrounding the theme parks
#14
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Rochester, MN
Programs: UA Silver, Hilton HHonors Diamond, IHG Plat
Posts: 1,830
Holiday Inn Lake Buena Vista has a very nice, warm tropical pool area to hang out in. A little busy in that area....but has some walkable restaurants. Do recommend.
#15
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Bangkok, Thailand. No longer Palm Coast, FL though still exiled, again, from the Bay Area.
Programs: Only the good ones
Posts: 5,153
Hello all,
I've found myself in the Orlando area for about a week, and I've got a lot of IHG points to burn. I'm a single guy in my 30s, so I have no interest in a Disney trip, and we're living in strange times anyway, I don't think I'm going to be doing any socializing right now. I'm just looking for a comfortable hotel to relax in and kill time. Does the forum have any suggestions for a good hotel in the area to make the best of it? Thanks!
I've found myself in the Orlando area for about a week, and I've got a lot of IHG points to burn. I'm a single guy in my 30s, so I have no interest in a Disney trip, and we're living in strange times anyway, I don't think I'm going to be doing any socializing right now. I'm just looking for a comfortable hotel to relax in and kill time. Does the forum have any suggestions for a good hotel in the area to make the best of it? Thanks!
Of course, if you just want a place to hang out in Orlando, I've liked the StayBridge Suites at the airport. Boring, but comfortable and Sonny's BBQ is nearby, well they are almost everywhere, but decent.. Of course, I've also stayed in Jacksonville, and actually liked the two Candlewood Suites there. Jacksonville is deader than disco, but it depends on what you like. I'm more the beach type. Jacksonville Beach has some good seafood places, and a beach, though last time I was there, the jellyfish were in season.
Last edited by rbAA; Jan 3, 2021 at 6:53 am