Hampton Inn Orlando/Lake Buena Vista

Housed in a five-floor building surrounded by palm trees and lush foliage, this Hampton Inn is bright and fresh. The lobby features a high-vaulted ceiling with white pendant lights and large windows. Welcoming touches include free coffee and tea throughout the day, and cookies are served here in the afternoon. There are a couple of high long wooden tables adjacent to the front desk as well as a wall-length lounge and a series of smaller tables for working. The breakfast room is next door and decorated with lime green and light blue chairs and wooden tables. With its proximity to Walt Disney World, the hotel sees plenty of families -- with this in mind, the outdoor pool is clean and spacious and is a fine way to keep kids occupied during downtime between park visits. The hotel doesn't have meeting rooms, but the lobby is big enough for small gatherings should any business travelers happen to pass through.

Theme park lovers take note: this hotel offers easy access to most of Orlando's major destinations. The hotel is located in a suburban area surrounded by palm trees in the heart of Lake Buena Vista area of Orlando, about a nine-minute drive to the lake itself. Access is easy and streets in the area are clean. There are several other chain hotels in the immediate vicinity. Disney World is a mile away -- a five-minute drive without traffic. SeaWorld is a seven minute-drive from the hotel and Epcot Center takes just over 10 minutes to reach by car. It is a 17-minute drive to Universal Studios and theme parks and to the Orange County Convention Center. Orlando International Airport is a 20- to 25-minute drive from the hotel. 

Rooms have a homey feel that's standard for the Hampton chain, with soft pastel colors, wooden headboards on beds, and soft hooded lamps. Soft green patterned carpets line the floors and mid-tone wood veneer furniture has classic lines -- it's not the most contemporary look, but rooms are impeccably clean. There is also a large desk with rolling chair in every room plus air-conditioning, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, modern flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi access. Rooms have two queen beds or one king, and some feature a plush armchair. Bathrooms are spacious and modern, with earth-tone tile floors. There are plenty of thick, high-quality towels and a shower/tub combo. Neutrogena toiletries are provided, as is a hairdryer mounted to the wall. Rooms lack balconies, though views are nothing to write home about as most rooms overlook the parking lot.

Yes, this is a chain hotel, but there are some standout features here, a few of which are especially thoughtful. Every day, the staff chooses a guest of the day and awards them with a gift basket -- it's a charming tradition that ups the warmth at this Hampton outpost. The hotel also offers a free breakfast buffet with fresh fruit and hot items like eggs and waffles. There isn't a bar or full-service restaurant on site, but there is free coffee and tea in the lobby, as well as cookies every afternoon. Guests can purchase tickets at the hotel for Orlando’s theme parks and attractions, and the hotel provides free shuttle service to the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios (though it is scheduled and has limited hours). There is a nice outdoor pool and a small fitness center with Precor bikes, treadmills, and weight machines. The hotel also offers a business center, a coin-operated laundry area, and a shop that sells snacks, travel necessities, bottles of wine and beer, and Disney souvenirs. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Outdoor parking is free and easy.