Traveling to Orlando is always exciting, but for me, the excitement often comes with a bit of anxiety: where am I going to stay, and how much is it going to cost me? Orlando has some of the most famous attractions in the world—Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld—but hotels can quickly eat up the budget if you’re not careful. Over the years, I’ve stayed in everything from roadside motels to budget resorts right outside the Disney gates, and I’ve learned that you don’t have to spend a fortune to find a comfortable and convenient place to rest your head.
In this article, I’ll share how I personally choose budget-friendly hotels in Orlando, the tricks I use to stretch every dollar, and five of my top recommendations for affordable stays near the heart of the action.
Why Budget Hotels in Orlando Matter
The first time I went to Orlando, I splurged on a high-end resort because I thought it would enhance the trip. The pools were gorgeous, the room service felt luxurious, and everything looked picture-perfect. But when I looked at my bank account afterward, I realized I had burned through a big portion of my travel budget just for a place to sleep. The truth is, in Orlando, most of my time isn’t spent in the hotel—it’s spent at the parks, exploring downtown, or heading out on day trips.
That’s why I’ve shifted my mindset: my hotel needs to be clean, safe, comfortable, and close enough to where I want to be, but it doesn’t need to break the bank. The money I save on lodging often goes toward experiences—like dining at a themed restaurant in Disney Springs or booking a ticket to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights.
My Tips for Choosing Budget Hotels in Orlando
Before I dive into my hotel recommendations, here are some personal strategies I use when searching for affordable places:
- Location is key: I always map the distance to the attractions I plan to visit. A cheap hotel far away can end up costing more in gas, parking, or rideshare fees.
- Look for free perks: Free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and shuttle service to Disney or Universal can add up to big savings.
- Read recent reviews: I spend time on platforms like Booking.com and Expedia checking the most recent guest feedback. Sometimes hotels go through renovations or management changes, and reviews tell me what’s happening now.
- Flexible dates: Orlando’s hotel rates fluctuate wildly. Midweek is almost always cheaper than weekends.
- Bundle when possible: Websites like Priceline and Hotels.com let me bundle hotels with flights or car rentals for better deals.
Five Budget-Friendly Hotels I Recommend in Orlando
After staying in many different places, these five hotels consistently stand out to me as offering excellent value for money.
1. Rosen Inn International – Affordable Comfort on International Drive
Location: 7600 International Drive, Orlando, FL
I remember the first time I pulled into Rosen Inn International—it felt like I had stumbled onto a hidden gem in the middle of the bustling International Drive area. The location is perfect: close to Universal Studios and the ICON Park wheel, and surrounded by affordable restaurants and shops.
Hotel Overview:
The rooms aren’t fancy, but they’re clean, spacious, and equipped with essentials like a fridge and microwave. The hotel also has two outdoor pools, a playground, and a game room, which makes it surprisingly family-friendly.
Highlights:
- Free parking (a huge plus in Orlando)
- Free shuttle service to Universal Orlando and SeaWorld
- On-site restaurant with affordable buffet breakfast
Traveler Reviews:
Most reviews I read praise the cleanliness and the helpful staff. Some people mention that the hotel is a bit dated, but nearly everyone agrees it’s great value for the price.
Booking Platform: I usually find the best deals on Booking.com, where rates often start at around \$70–\$90 per night.
Booking Tip: Prices dip if you book during shoulder seasons—late August or early November.
2. Best Western Orlando Gateway Hotel – Reliable and Convenient
Location: 7299 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL
The Best Western Orlando Gateway is one of those hotels I keep coming back to because it strikes the right balance between affordability and convenience. It’s less than a mile from Universal Orlando, which makes it ideal if I’m planning to spend most of my time at that park.
Hotel Overview:
The rooms are clean, modern enough, and have comfortable beds. There’s a pool, hot tub, and fitness center—nice extras that not all budget hotels offer.
Highlights:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Complimentary shuttle to Universal Studios and SeaWorld
- On-site restaurant and sports bar with good happy hour deals
Traveler Reviews:
Guests frequently highlight the friendly staff and great location. A few note that parking can get crowded, but overall satisfaction is high for the price.
Booking Platform: I often use Expedia for this one because I can combine it with car rentals. Average rates hover around \$80–\$110 per night.
Booking Tip: Join Best Western’s loyalty program for small perks like early check-in or late check-out—it costs nothing and has saved me a few times.
3. Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista – Disney Proximity on a Budget
Location: 8442 Palm Parkway, Orlando, FL
When my focus is Disney, the Clarion Inn near Lake Buena Vista is my go-to. The hotel is about a 10-minute drive from Walt Disney World Resort, and they even provide free shuttle service.
Hotel Overview:
The rooms are basic but functional, with mini-fridges and coffee makers. The property has two pools, a splash zone for kids, and an on-site convenience store.
Highlights:
- Free shuttle to Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld
- Kids eat free at the hotel restaurant (one child per paying adult)
- Pet-friendly policy for a small fee
Traveler Reviews:
Reviews often mention the excellent location and value for families. Some note the rooms could use updating, but most agree it’s unbeatable for the price.
Booking Platform: I find solid rates on Hotels.com, often in the \$75–\$95 per night range.
Booking Tip: Look for package deals that include park tickets—sometimes Hotels.com bundles them at a discount.
4. Days Inn by Wyndham Orlando Near Millenia Mall – Budget Urban Option
Location: 2500 W 33rd St, Orlando, FL
For travelers who want to save money and don’t mind being a little farther from the theme parks, Days Inn near Millenia Mall is a surprisingly solid choice. I stayed here when my plans were more about exploring downtown Orlando and shopping than going to Disney.
Hotel Overview:
The rooms are simple, and the amenities are limited, but the beds are comfortable, and the location is near a big shopping mall.
Highlights:
- Free breakfast
- Outdoor pool
- Easy access to I-4 for driving around the city
Traveler Reviews:
Reviews are mixed, but many travelers (like me) say it’s worth it if you’re prioritizing budget. Most appreciated the free breakfast and the convenience of the location.
Booking Platform: I usually check Priceline, where I’ve snagged rates as low as \$60–\$75 per night.
Booking Tip: Book a refundable rate just in case—you’ll have more flexibility if your plans change.
5. Holiday Inn Resort Orlando – Lake Buena Vista – Mid-Budget with Big Value
Location: 13351 State Road 535, Orlando, FL
Holiday Inn Resort near Lake Buena Vista is probably the priciest on this list, but still very much in the “budget-friendly” category compared to Disney resorts. It’s close to Disney Springs, which means quick access to restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.
Hotel Overview:
The resort has large rooms with mini-fridges and microwaves, a huge pool with a splash pad, a poolside bar, and even a movie theater for kids. It feels like a resort, but at half the price of the big Disney hotels.
Highlights:
- Free shuttle to Disney parks
- Large pool with activities for kids
- On-site Applebee’s that also offers room service
Traveler Reviews:
Guests love the resort feel for a fraction of the cost. Many mention the cleanliness and family-friendly atmosphere. Some say it gets busy during peak season, but that’s Orlando in general.
Booking Platform: I’ve had luck on Booking.com and sometimes see rates around \$110–\$130 per night.
Booking Tip: If you’re traveling with kids, this hotel’s kid-friendly amenities make it worth spending a little more.
How I Decide Which Hotel to Book
When I’m deciding among these options, it usually comes down to the purpose of my trip. If I’m going to Disney, Clarion Inn or Holiday Inn Resort are top choices. For Universal, Best Western Orlando Gateway is perfect. If I want to save as much as possible and don’t mind a simpler experience, Days Inn or Rosen Inn are solid bets.
I also weigh the perks. Free breakfast can save me \$10–\$15 per day. A free shuttle saves me on parking fees. Free parking saves me even more if I’m renting a car. These little things add up and often make a budget hotel feel surprisingly luxurious in its own way.
Platforms I Trust for Booking
- Booking.com: My favorite for finding the widest range of hotels in Orlando.
- Expedia: Best for bundling hotels with flights and car rentals.
- Hotels.com: Great rewards program—stay 10 nights, get one free.
- Priceline: Their “Express Deals” sometimes give me insane discounts if I don’t mind not knowing the exact hotel until after booking.
Every time I come back from Orlando, I reflect on how much the hotel choice shapes the trip. When I overspend, I feel it later. But when I book smart, I feel proud of stretching my dollars further, knowing that I still slept comfortably and safely without blowing my budget.
Orlando doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right strategies, the right platforms, and a willingness to focus on value rather than luxury, it’s absolutely possible to enjoy everything the city has to offer while staying within a reasonable budget.
The next time I book a trip to Orlando, I know exactly where I’ll look first—and it won’t be the luxury resorts. It’ll be these tried-and-true budget hotels that have given me both comfort and savings, leaving more money in my pocket for the adventures that really matter.
