How to Find Cheap Hotels in Orlando, Florida

Orlando, Florida is one of the top five tourist destinations in the United States, with over 50 million visitors annually. Famous for theme parks including Universal Studios, Disney World, Sea World and Islands of Adventure, Orlando is also a hub for sports and hip-hop music. Outdoor enthusiasts will love Orlando's rivers, lakes and nature parks, with activities like hang gliding, trout fishing and hot balloon rides available. Another popular attraction is the Westgate River Ranch, which offers archery and horseback riding. With so much to see and do in Orlando, you'll want to save on accommodation costs to fit in as many activities as possible.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step 1

Compare rates online. Travel aggregator sites like Kayak.com and BookingBuddy.com compare rates across major travel web sites representing hundreds of Orlando-area hotels. Search by price, amenities or distance from major attractions.

Step 2

Go last minute. There are over 30,000 hotel rooms on International Drive alone, so it's no surprise that many go unfilled each night. Wotif.com offers last-minute deals on a wide range of Orlando hotels. You may not get the exact hotel you hoped for, but rates can go as low as 50 percent off.

Step 3

Look for special offers. The Orlando and Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau offers an email circular that delivers deals and discounts on Orlando hotels directly to your inbox. Visit OrlandoInfo.com to sign up, and click "unsubscribe" in an email to stop receiving messages once your vacation is over.

Step 4

Choose no-frills. While International Drive is known for its Vegas-style hotels and resorts, you'll also find less flashy Best Western and Holiday Inn hotels in good locations. Save on a discount hotel and spend the extra change at the theme parks.

Step 5

Book a package deal. Combine your hotel room with your airfare, rental car or theme park admission tickets for extra savings. Web sites including Expedia.com and Travelocity.com will bundle flights and hotels, while all the major Orlando theme parks offer hotel and park admission packages through their web sites.

Step 6

Add up hidden costs and benefits. Free parking, free breakfasts and free shuttle services can add up to big savings, so look for these perks when booking a hotel. Guests at any of the Universal Studios or Disney-managed hotels also get priority access to rides at those theme parks. Hidden charges can also cost you money, so ask about internet, phone and parking rates before you book.

Article Written By Hailey Williams

Hailey Williams is a freelance writer and editor from Los Angeles, California. She has a particular interest in culture, lifestyle, health, and women's interest reporting, and her work has been published in magazines including TV Week and Sugar. She graduated from the University of Sydney.

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