Hampton Inn Closest to Universal Orlando

The Hampton Inn Closest to Universal Orlando -- yes, that's actually the name -- provides a clean place to sleep and change clothes after a day at the theme parks. Common areas are limited, but they are tidy and well-kept, and the hotel draws plenty of families and couples. The lobby is small and has modern wood laminate floors, soft blue patterned area rugs, and gold accents throughout, and there is a giant flat-screen TV for guests to catch up on news or sports. Stylish black-and-white photographs adorn the walls of the lobby and adjacent breakfast area. But this Hampton Inn is all about location and the rates are budget-friendly, a plus for guests who would rather spend their dollars on sightseeing than fancy amenities. 

The Hampton Inn Closest to Universal Orlando is less than a mile -- or two traffic lights -- to Universal Studios, though the immediate are is quiet and mostly filled with hotels and chain restaurants, including iHop and Hooters. The hotel offers a free shuttle to the parks, including Sea World, the Holy Land Experience, Disney, and Universal, but be aware that the shuttle service is shared with other hotels, meaning it can be crowded and slow, and makes only one round trip per day. The iRide Trolley stops right outside the hotel, and takes guests to the Orange County Convention Center, Amway Arena, the University of Central Florida Arena, and the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center. Of course, guests can use their own cars to access any of these destinations, and can expect 15-minute trips to Disney, a 10-minute drive to the convention center, and a 13-minute drive to Sea World. Orlando International Airport is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel..

The 120 rooms at this budget-friendly chain hotel are traditionally styled and clean, and include disability accessible rooms. Decor is relaxing and typical of most Hampton outposts, with olive-colored walls and dark-wood furniture, including desks, upholstered armchairs and lap desks for writing in bed. All rooms include mini-fridges, microwaves, flat-screen TVs with premium channels, and safes, but there are no views to speak of, and air-conditioning is centrally controlled -- rooms do not have individual thermostats. Bathrooms are spacious, with ample counter space, shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries, but they do show some wear and tear around the edges. 

The Hampton Inn Closest to Universal Orlando has a small pool surrounded by unattractive Astroturf -- there's space to stretch out in the sun but no shade or landscaping. The small fitness center has a few cardio machines but no free weights -- just a few medicine balls. The free hot breakfast is served in a pleasant room with nice photography on the walls. It includes eggs and there is a self-serve waffle maker. Cookies, coffee, and tea area available throughout the day in the lobby as well. The hotel has a lobby gift shop with snacks, drinks, and sunscreen, as well as a newsstand. There is a small, two-terminal business center and a meeting room on site with audiovisual equipment available to rent and space for up to 25 people. The hotel offers a free shuttle bus to the theme parks, once in the morning and once in the evening, though it can get crowded. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and it works well enough that most guests report not needing to pay for premium Internet service, unless they have an especially heavy online work load. Parking is free.