Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Orlando at SeaWorld

This hotel is housed in a tall yellow-and-white purpose-built structure located on one side of a cul-de-sac that it shares with its sister property, Springhill Suites. Both hotels look out on a lake with a huge fountain feature. Inside, the lobby is cool and quiet, with lots of plush seating around coffee tables. However, it remains nearly vacant through much of the day, when guests are either out in Orlando or hanging out at the pool, by far the most popular common area (shared with the Springhill next door). The Springhill Suites tends to get more business travelers than the family-focused Fairfield (though both are popular with those in town to visit SeaWorld across the road). Note that the entire hotel is non-smoking. 

Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld is located at the junction between International Drive and Central Florida Parkway, just across from SeaWorld and Discovery Cove. There are plenty of restaurants within a five-minute walk, including a Buffalo Wild Wings, a TGI Fridays, and one of the area's most popular Thai joints, Thai Thani. It's a good location for those who want to check out multiple theme parks, as both Disney World and Universal Studios are around a 20-minute drive from the hotel (albeit in opposite directions). The Orange County Convention Center is about a 10-minute drive away. The Orlando International Airport takes about 25 minutes to reach, while it's a half-hour drive to downtown Orlando. 

The hotel offers a variety of rooms, ranging from entry-level Guest Rooms (all with either one king bed or two queens), up to Studios and One-Bedroom or Two-Bedroom Suites, all of which come with sofa beds, making them good for families. All rooms have air-conditioning units below the windows and Wi-Fi is free in rooms and throughout the hotel. Standard amenities include coffeemakers, mini-fridges (without freezer compartments), microwaves, irons and ironing boards, Mp3 docks, and flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms are larger than average, with huge black granite countertops, shower/tub combos, and hairdryers. Paul Mitchell toiletries are provided. Most rooms overlook the swimming pool or the hotel's entrance and parking lot. 

Features at this hotel are geared toward tourists, especially those with kids in tow. Features are spread across the hotel's grounds and all are shared with the adjacent Springhill Suites next door. Perhaps the most attractive feature is the hotel's outdoor pool, which features a penguin- and whale-themed splash area for kids, a whirlpool hot tub, and plenty of seating. There's also a pool bar, Splash Bar & Grill, serving drinks and pub food at dinner time. Room service is available from the Splash Bar as well as from the SpringHill Lounge next door, which offers Starbucks coffee and light meals. However, hours are limited to dinnertime. Alternatively, The Market sells instant noodles and snacks that guests can prepare in their rooms. Breakfast is included in room rates and includes a variety of hot and cold items served buffet style in a room just off the lobby. Other facilities include a game room with a handful of arcade games and a pinball machine. There's also a large 24-hour fitness room with cardio equipment and free weights. Wi-Fi is free and fast throughout the hotel, and there's plenty of free outdoor parking. There's also a free shuttle service to SeaWorld (though it's in walking distance so some might find the service unnecessary). Check with the concierge for the schedule as times vary, and be sure to book spots the night before.