DoubleTree at the Entrance to Universal Orlando
It seems a vacation to Orlando is at the top of many family wish lists. With the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park, Universal Orlando has quickly become the go-to destination for families looking for action and fun.
And when you’re looking for a great place to stay, DoubleTree at Universal Orlando is right in the middle of it all.
The Location: DoubleTree Universal is located directly across the street from Universal Orlando- it’s the closest of the Official Universal Orlando Partner Hotels.
You have a few options for getting to the theme parks:
-DoubleTree Universal has a complimentary shuttle to the Universal Parks. The downside is it only runs back and forth a few times a day at scheduled times and a reservation is required. If you can schedule your day between shuttle times, this is the best option.
-Since the hotel is adjacent to the entrance of Universal Orlando, it is within walking distance. I would estimate it as a 15-20 minute walk.
-Taxis are readily available at the hotel and cost approximately $5 each way (up to 4 passengers). This was the method of transportation we chose and we were very pleased.
-Drive and Park. This is the least economical choice as Universal charges $15 a day to park your car.
There are plenty of dining options in the area as well. From CityWalk to T.G.I. Friday’s and Carrabba’s, you won’t have to travel far for a meal. Plus, other area theme parks are easily accessible via I-4.
The Rooms: The first word that comes to mind when I think of the rooms at DoubleTree Universal is spacious. We were fortunate enough to be upgraded, but I got a peek at a standard room at it was larger than most others in the area. Each room features a mini fridge, coffee maker, 32″ Flat Screen TV and Sweet Dreams Plush Top Bedding. I found the beds (and bedding) to be extremely comfortable. I really wanted to take home one of the Sweet Dreams pillows! The bathrooms were also large with Neutrogena amenities.
Dining: As part of our Bed & Breakfast package, we enjoyed a DoubleTree breakfast buffet each morning at Pompanos. We all agreed the breakfast was excellent with nice variety of food choices. The buffet included fresh fruit, oatmeal, muffins, eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, breads, cereals, yogurt and Belgium waffles with fruit and whipped toppings. There was even a made-to-order omelet station. Upon arrival, I was very happy to see a Starbucks in the lobby, but ended up not needing it as the in-room coffee was so good (Wolfgang Pucks & Numi Organic Teas).
The DoubleTree Difference: You know you’re at a DoubleTree when they hand you warm chocolate chip cookies at check-in 🙂 The staff at DoubleTree Universal was extremely friendly and accommodating and I really couldn’t have asked for a better stay. Between the cookies, staff, spacious rooms, Sweet Dreams bedding and location- DoubleTree Universal is the perfect hotel for a Universal Orlando vacation.
Great for: Family Travel, Weekend Getaways, Business Travel
Special thanks to DoubleTree Universal for hosting my stay.
