How do you find the best deals on hotel rooms in Orlando? We're willing to go off Disney property to save money.
Orlando has more hotel rooms than any other city in the country, so there are plenty of beds out there for the taking. Here are a few tips to make sure you're getting your money's worth.
The Entertainment Guide is another source of major discounts; over 100 hotels in the greater Orlando area offer price breaks of up to 50% to cardholders. You get the Entertainment Membership card by purchasing one of the Entertainment books (usually between $25 to $45 per book), which are available in bookstores and are also a major source of fundraising for schools and civic groups. Most people buy the books for the restaurant coupons--or because their kids' soccer team is selling them--and don't realize they include a list of hotels all over the nation offering half-price rooms to cardholders. For more information, visit their Web site.
If there's a chain whose hotels you especially like, you can simply call their 800 number and ask for the hotel nearest Disney World. This can eliminate the element of surprise, since one Hampton Inn looks pretty much like another. Be sure to stress you want a location near Disney World (preferably located off I-4 near exit 27 or 25, the two exits that flank Disney property). Proximity to Disney raises the rate about 20% but location is important. A hotel near the airport or downtown can mean a major commute, and Orlando traffic, especially in the morning, is brutal.
Another tip: Try calling both the hotel's 800 number and the direct line to the particular resort. You may be quoted different rates.
Some visitors swear by condos or all-suite hotels; the rates tend to be slightly higher than individual rooms, but you can save money by fixing breakfast and keeping drinks and snacks in your room. Condolink (800) 733-4445 handles many different properites, and several of our readers have mentioned that they liked the Vistana Resort (800) 877-8787, which is managed by Sheraton.
Finally, six magic words can save you major bucks. When talking to a hotel reservationist always ask "Do you have any discounts available?" Remember that the reservationist works for the hotel, and if she can sell you a room at $85 a night, there's no incentive for her to tell you how you can drop the rate to $59. But if you specifically inquire about discounts, she has to tell you. The moral is, always ask.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in February 2001. Last updated November 2005.
