Embassy Suites Hotel Orlando-Downtown
The Embassy Suites in Orlando is right downtown, close to most of Orlando's major attractions. Besides the hotel restaurant, there are a number of local restaurants within easy walking distance. Other amenities include complimentary breakfast, which features a buffet and omelets cooked to order, a fitness room and pool, and a nightly happy hour at the hotel bar. Using your government/military discount gets you about 40 percent off the hotel's regular room rate, which makes it a good value for a relatively luxurious hotel. With 167 rooms, the hotel will have reservations generally available except in the summer and during the week between Christmas and New Year's Day, which are the peak seasons in Orlando.
Embassy Suites Hotel Orlando-Downtown
191 East Pine Street
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 841-1000
embassysuites.com
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Main Gate to Universal Orlando
The Holiday Inn Orlando has no military rate per se, but military members can use the government rate and save almost 30 percent off an already very reasonable room rate, particularly considering the location. However, the location, which is less than a 10-minute walk from Universal and a 10-minute drive from Sea World, will also ensure that even with 390 rooms, the hotel will be fairly full at peak seasons. Amenities include a fitness center, a pool, and a TGI Friday's restaurant in the hotel itself, with other local restaurants within easy walking distance, including the many in Universal's City Walk.
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Main Gate to Universal Orlando
5905 Kirkman Rd.
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 351-3333
holidayinn.com
Crowne Plaza Hotel Orlando Universal
The Crowne Plaza Orlando also has no military rate per se, but does have a government rate available. The government rate can save you almost 30 percent off the peak season prices, but when using it off-season, check the "best available" rate category, and any other special rate for which you qualify, because the government rate may be higher. This happens sometimes because the large hotel chains always seem to know what the government per diem is for employees on official travel, and they'll set the rates to equal the maximum reimbursement rate. However, either the "best available" or military rates are quite reasonable for a luxury hotel, and even with 306 rooms available, you're likely to need to make reservations somewhat in advance here during the peak season. Amenities include shuttle service to Universal, Sea World and Disney World parks, which can be quite convenient, as riding the shuttle will save you the expense and trouble of fighting traffic and parking at the parks. The Crowne Plaza also has its own restaurant, and is convenient walking distance from other Universal-area restaurants.
Crowne Plaza Hotel Orlando Universal
7800 Universal Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32819
(888) 620-4899
cporlando.com
