Crowne Plaza Orlando - Universal Blvd

Sort-of Upscale Hotel

Ventajas: Located near Universal Studios and I-4 (most direct route to Disney World). The best feature - a Giordano’s Pizza within walking distance. The hotel has an upscale, perhaps even a little gaudy and artificially pretentious feel. The rooms and public areas are clean and well maintained.

Desventajas: Perhaps because of the convenient location, the roads around the hotel are very contested, making it hard to get in and out of the parking. Parking is the other issue - there is not much, and what there is, costs $12 a night. There were 2 private events at the hotel the night we checked in, and the parking was over-full with abandoned cars blocking parking empty spots, and other cars which could not get out - a perfect nightmare. Finally, the hotel seems to be the location the chain uses to lure people to Orlando for their time-share presentation - "Stay 3 nights in Orlando for free if you attend a 45 minute presentation." If you are into timeshares, great! We are not. If we ever visit Orlando again, we will choose a different hotel.

Great location

Ventajas: Close to Universal and I-Drive, In walking distance to the Orlando Eye and several attractions on I-Drive

Desventajas: Cost of room was more than what the facility warranted. I paid up-front but was additionally charged $32 for a parking pass, this was ridiculous and I felt was a hidden charge to yet get even more money. Overpriced!