So you’ve decided to take the family to Universal Orlando! You really want to be close to the parks and CityWalk, but the on-site hotels do not work for your budget. Here is a list of Universal’s Partner Hotels that are within walking distance of the resort.
These selections are listed in order from closest to furthest from the parks. At the bottom of the post you can view a map with all six hotels and the walking routes.
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO PARTNER HOTELS NEAR THE KIRKMAN BLVD & MAJOR BLVD
Doubletree Hotel at the Entrance to Universal
0.65 miles walking distance from Universal
Minimum check-in age 18
If you are considering booking this hotel as part of a Universal Orlando vacation, this hotel is a good selection. It has a few restaurants, two pools, Starbucks coffee, and of course their famous cookies at check-in. Also, other than the three on-site hotels, this is the single closet hotel to Universal.
A view of Doubletree from the Universal Orlando parking complex.
Unless you get stuck at the stoplights, it is only about a 13 minute walk from Doubletree to CityWalk’s entrance (you enter going up the stairs near valet parking). Keep in mind that you will have to walk across the eight lanes of traffic at the intersection of Kirkman Rd and Major Blvd. Nevertheless, it can be done, and many people do.
This Doubletree is also a Bonus Benefits hotel, meaning that you can get discounts of food, beverages, and merchandise throughout Universal Orlando Resort if you stay here.
View this hotel on Universal’s vacation package website
5780 Major Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 351-1000
Official website: http://www.doubletreeorlando.com
Holiday Inn & Suites at the Entrance to Universal
0.67 miles walking distance from Universal
Minimum check-in age 21
If you are considering booking this hotel as part of a Universal Orlando vacation, it’s a really good selection. In 2010 this hotel went through a massive renovation in which they basically gutted the entire complex and rebuilt it from the inside-out. Don’t get me wrong, it is still a three-diamond hotel, so you’re not going to get world-class amenities. But, in terms of the renovation and its proximity to Universal, it’s a fine choice.
A view of Holiday Inn from the Universal Orlando parking complex.
In fact, other than the Doubletree across the street and Universal’s three on-site hotels, this is the closet hotel to Universal. It is only about a 14 minute walk from here to CityWalk’s entrance (you enter going up the stairs near valet parking). Keep in mind that you will have to walk across the eight lanes of traffic at the intersection of Kirkman Rd and Major Blvd, but after that the walk is really pleasant. And you’re gonna have to work off the buffet breakfast you just ate at the attached TGIF anyway, right?
This Holiday Inn is also a Bonus Benefits hotel, meaning that you can get discounts of food, beverages, and merchandise throughout Universal Orlando Resort if you stay here.
This hotel on Universal’s vacation package website
5905 S Kirkman Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 351-3333
Official website: http://www.hiuniversal.com
Hyatt Place
0.81 miles walking distance from Universal
Minimum check-in age 21
When one considers price, quality, amenities, unique atmosphere, and its distance to Universal Orlando Resort, this is probably the single best choice for someone who wants to book a Universal Orlando Vacation but can’t quite swing the cost of the on-site hotels.
If you’ve never been in a Hyatt Place before, prepared to be impressed. The hotel’s modern, boutique style and feel immediately strikes you as you walk in the door. Approaching the check-in counter you’ll be thinking “there’s something different about this place, and I like it. I like it a lot.”
Don’t interpret what I’m saying the wrong way. This is a three-diamond hotel, so it isn’t going to have high end, resort-level amenities like a huge, themed pool area. However, given the price and its size, it really is a gem: complimentary breakfast, signature cocktails, suite-style rooms with innovative layouts, and more.
If you want to book a property within walking distance, this is a great option. Depending on the stoplights it might take you 16 minutes or so to get over to CityWalk, but you can definitely do it. Hyatt Place is also a Universal Bonus Benefits hotel, so if you stay here you’ll get discounts on food, beverages, and merchandise throughout the resort.
This hotel on Universal’s vacation package website
5895 Caravan Ct
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 351-0627
Official website: http://www.orlandouniversal.place.hyatt.com/
Fairfield Inn & Suites near Universal
1.01 miles walking distance from Universal
Minimum check-in age 21
If you are considering booking this hotel as part of a Universal Orlando vacation, it’s a good selection. The hotel itself is a fairly intimate property with limited amenities. However, they have complimentary breakfast in the morning, a decent pool, and bright, clean rooms. The hotel overall feels quite new, and has a surprisingly refreshing vibe in a neighborhood that’s a little rundown.
Fairfield Inn & Suites near Universal.
Possibly the best advantage to this Fairfield is its proximity to Universal. While it may be a 20 minute walk or so from the hotel door to the CityWalk entrance to Universal (you’ll go in by the valet parking area), you can definitely get over there by foot. Keep in mind that you will have to walk through some parking lots and across the eight lanes of traffic at the intersection of Kirkman Rd and Major Blvd. Nevertheless, it can be done–I’ve done it.
This Fairfield is also a Bonus Benefits hotel, meaning that you can get discounts of food, beverages, and merchandise throughout Universal Orlando Resort if you stay here.
This hotel on Universal’s vacation package website
5614 Vineland Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 581-5650
Official website: http://www.marriott.com/…orlando-resort
Comfort Suites Orlando
1.05 miles walking distance from Universal
Minimum check-in age 21
Are you looking for the closest, least expensive hotel that can fit six people in a room? Well, my friend, you have found it.
This Comfort Suites is not going to blow your mind in terms of amenities. But in terms of value, this property is a winner. Most importantly, you can fit six people in their regular rooms (two queen beds and a sofabed) without paying what you’d usually pay for a “suite” or a nightly rollaway fee at something like the Holiday Inn down the road. They also have a complimentary buffet-style breakfast.
And like all the hotels on this list, this Comfort Suites is within walking distance of Universal. Now, it’s going to be a 20 to 25 minute walk, and you’re going to have to cross through a few parking lots to get over to the intersection of Kirkman and Major Blvd, but it is definitely an option if the once-in-the-morning-once-in-the-evening shuttle service doesn’t work for you.
This hotel on Universal’s vacation package website
5617 Major Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 351-3046
Official website: http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel-orlando-florida-FL616
UNIVERSAL PARTNER HOTELS NEAR THE UNIVERSAL BLVD & INTERNATIONAL DRIVE
Four Points by Sheraton Studio City
1.09 miles walking distance from Universal
Minimum check-in age 21
Staying at this hotel isn’t so much about getting world-class accommodations as it is about the location. The hotel definitely has a dated feel to it (in fact, I have to believe this one of the oldest properties in the area). However, if you go in with realistic expectations, you may be pleasantly surprised.
As I stated at the beginning, the advantage to staying here is location. This Four Points is the closet Universal Orlando Partner Hotel to Universal itself and the venues on International Drive, including Wet ‘n Wild. It even shares its parking lot with a pretty impressive mini-golf course called Congo River Golf. And its next to an IHOP, a Red Lobster, and more. So, if staying on-site at Universal doesn’t quite fit your budget, and you are looking for a “value” property within walking distance of Universal, Wet ‘n Wild, and numerous other dining and entertainment venues, this is it.
By the way, when I say Four Points is within walking distance of Universal, don’t misunderstand me. It is a good 20 to 25 minute walk across the I-4 overpass to get to Universal. But it is actually not a bad walk at all–there’s a very well structured and maintained walkway–and when you’re here you see people doing it all the time.
Lastly, if you stay here, you’ll get Universal’s Bonus Benefits, meaning you get discounts on food, beverages, and merchandise.
This hotel on Universal’s vacation package website
5905 International Dr
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 351-2100
Official website: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/…propertyID=1142
Westgate Palace
1.25 miles walking distance from Universal
Minimum check-in age 18
Westgate Palace features two-bedroom condo accommodations, sometimes referred to as family suites. It sits on the edge of a lagoon that it share with Wet ‘n Wild and the Enclave Resort (not a Universal Orlando Partner Hotel).
Westgate Palace. Photo courtesy of Westgate Palace.
Built in 2008, it is new compared to many of the hotels in the area. As one of the tallest structures in the area, it looks very impressive.
The condos include a master bedroom with a king bed, a second bedroom with two twin beds, and a queen pullout sofa. The accommodations has have a full kitchen and a washer and dryer.
Be aware that its a decent trek–about 20 minutes or more depending on the stoplights–from Westgate Palace over to the transportation hub at Universal Orlando. However, it is a remarkably easy walk. You just need to skip across the street and follow Universal Blvd all the way.
If you are looking for a condo-style hotel with a full kitchen that is close to Wet ‘n Wild, Universal, and will get you Early Park Admission (as long as you book a Universal vacation package), you have found it.
This hotel on Universal’s vacation package website
6145 Carrier Dr
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 996-6000
Official website: http://www.wgpalace.com/
The Point Orlando Resort
1.38 miles walking distance from Universal
Minimum check-in age 21
Point Orlando Resort offers condo accommodations, also know as family suites. It is actually a vacation ownership property. However, like almost all vacation ownership properties in Orlando, the rooms can be rented by the night.
The Point was built in 2008, so it is very new compared to most of the hotels in the area. It features a South American motif. You can sense a high level of detail in the decor, and in general there is a subtle sophistication that permeates the property.
This hotel is the last one in my list of Universal Partner Hotels within walking distance of resort. I have included it because, as condo-style hotel, it is an upscale alternative to Westgate Palace. Now, it’ll be a good 25+ minute walk from here over to Universal. But it is a very simple walk–you just head straight down Universal Blvd–and I think it is surprisingly enjoyable.
Despite what I’ve written already this hotel has one downside. The Point Orlando has a king bed in every room–no double doubles or double queens. There are plenty of sofabeds to be found, but it would sure have been nice to be able to book a 2-bedroom suite with a king in the master and two doubles in the second bedroom.
Nonetheless, if you are looking for a bit of elegance, a bit of peace and quiet (The Point is somewhat removed from International Drive), yet you want to be able to walk to Universal if you have to, this is a fine selection.
This hotel on Universal’s vacation package website
7389 Universal Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 956-2000
Official website: http://www.thepointorlando.com
Universal Orlando Partner Hotels within walking distance – map
Click any marker to display the attraction or venue name. To scroll or zoom, use the controls on the top-left of the map. You may also switch to different map views by using the buttons on the top-right of the map.
View Universal Orlando Partner Hotels within walking distance.