Best Hotels in Universal Orlando™ area, Orlando-Walt Disney World

Of course Orlando, Florida, has a Hard Rock resort; this brand is almost a theme park in and of itself. The resort proudly touts more than $1 million worth of music memorabilia from the likes of Elton John, Elvis Presley and Eric Clapton – and that's just the short list. And while you're here, you can create your own music thanks to The Sound of Your Stay program, which allows you to borrow a Fender guitar (plus amps and headphones) for the duration of your stay. Though the property offers its own forms of nightlife, a stay here will also put you within walking distance of the restaurants and clubs found at Universal Orlando Resort's CityWalk Plaza. Lodgers vouch for the star-quality treatment that you'll receive in the resort; however, others lament the expensive rooms and amenities. Accommodations all feature iHome clock radios, Keurig coffee makers, free Wi-Fi access and flat-screen televisions. And for an extra dose of R&R, plan on relaxing poolside in a cabana while the kids are kept entertained at Camp Lil' Rock. For most travelers, the best part of staying in the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando is being near the city's best activities. You can walk to Universal's Islands of Adventure and the Universal Orlando Resort.

With its prime location less than a mile away from Universal Orlando Resort, the Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando Resort entices visitors with what it calls "South Seas" flavor. This Loews outpost is home to the Indonesian-style Islands Dining Room and the weekly Wantilan Luau all-you-can-eat Polynesian buffet (a particular favorite among visiting families), not to mention three other dining venues. Themes aside, most guests keep coming back to this resort because of its attentive staff and clean, comfortable rooms. Accommodations feature gray color palettes with colorful accent walls and pillows, plus amenities like flat-screen HDTVs, free Wi-Fi access, minifridges and Cuisinart coffee makers. But like its sister, the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort, a stay at the Loews Royal Pacific comes attached to a high price tag. Add in additional fees for parking and you may find your vacation funds running low. That said, travelers who have stayed here say the extra cost might be worthwhile due to the property's easy access to the nearby Wizarding World of Harry Potter (at Islands of Adventure). Another bonus: You can enjoy extra perks and benefits if you participate in the Loews YouFirst rewards program.

The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort enthralls its visitors. Its Mediterranean-inspired setting is a treat for the eyes, but the most compelling reason guests rave about this Loews outpost is its high-end amenities. Examples of perks travelers love include the full-service Mandara Spa and the elegant atmosphere found in Mama Della's Ristorante (just one of this Loews hotel's four restaurants). The guest rooms also earn high praise for their style and creature comforts, such as flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations and Keurig coffee makers. On the other hand, the ritzy features come with a price tag that guests say can take a toll on your pocketbook. Plus, there are extra fees for valet and self-parking. (However, you can earn perks by becoming a member of the Loews YouFirst rewards program.) As its name suggests, the Loews Portofino Bay sits on the grounds of Universal Orlando Resort, giving you easy access to the Universal theme parks.

You don't need to putt on Grand Cypress' coveted greens to indulge in some quality golfing in Orlando. Satisfied travelers would just as well recommend Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge. This resort's 27 holes should entertain most golfers. And the service is first-rate, from inside the lodge to around the spa and fitness center – and of course at the clubhouse as well. Some previous guests do say that staying at Arnold Palmer's felt a little like being trapped in a time capsule; you'll see outdated furnishings and somewhat conventional fabrics in some of the 70 lodge rooms. Even the 27-inch flat screens don't push the accommodations into the 21st century. On the bright side, this resort in southwest Orlando is nearly always reasonably priced, and you'll be close to one of the city's top parks – Universal's Islands of Adventure, which features the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Recent lodgers also note that Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge offers a quiet and well-priced respite from the ritzy theme park resorts.

For close proximity to area theme parks, friendly customer service and clean and spacious accommodations, stay at the Crowne Plaza Orlando Universal. Guest rooms at this Crowne Plaza outpost come with pillow-top mattresses, flat-screen TVs, minifridges and free Wi-Fi access; however, a few prior lodgers reported tired decor and poorly insulated walls. What's more, some had mixed feelings about Elements Bar & Grille's options and quality during breakfast, although many gave the Aqua Tiki Pool Bar rave reviews. Other facilities found at this IHG Hotels-affiliated property include a gym, an arcade, multiple meeting rooms, an outdoor pool and a business center. Additionally, complimentary shuttle service is provided every day to and from SeaWorld Orlando, Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, but departure times are limited and reservations are required at least 12 hours in advance. To offset added expenses for on-site parking (which starts at $14 per vehicle, per 24 hours) and meals, members of the IHG Rewards Club can use earned points to stay for free.

DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando is a 4 star hotel located at 5780 Major Blvd in Orlando-Walt Disney World. It has a 4.0 overall guest rating based on 1084 reviews.

Westgate Palace a Two Bedroom Condo Resort is a 4 star hotel located at 6145 Carrier Drive in Orlando-Walt Disney World. It has a 4.0 overall guest rating based on 1738 reviews.

The Point Orlando Resort is a 3.5 star hotel located at 7389 Universal Blvd in Orlando-Walt Disney World. It has a 4.5 overall guest rating based on 5474 reviews.

Hilton Garden Inn Orlando International Drive North is a 3 star hotel located at 5877 American Way in Orlando-Walt Disney World. It has a 4.5 overall guest rating based on 1315 reviews.

Homewood Suites By Hilton Orlando-Nearest Universal Studios is a 3 star hotel located at 5893 American Way in Orlando-Walt Disney World. It has a 4.5 overall guest rating based on 1786 reviews.

Orlando International Resort Club is a 3 star hotel located at 5353 Del Verde Way in Orlando-Walt Disney World. It has a 4.5 overall guest rating based on 285 reviews.

Best Western Orlando Gateway Hotel is a 3 star hotel located at 7299 Universal Blvd in Orlando-Walt Disney World. It has a 4.0 overall guest rating based on 3168 reviews.

Clarion Inn & Suites is a 3 star hotel located at 5829 Grand National Drive in Orlando-Walt Disney World. It has a 4.0 overall guest rating based on 622 reviews.

Four Points by Sheraton Orlando Studio City is a 3 star hotel located at 5905 International Dr in Orlando-Walt Disney World. It has a 4.0 overall guest rating based on 2454 reviews.

Hyatt Place Orlando/Universal is a 3 star hotel located at 5895 Caravan Ct in Orlando-Walt Disney World. It has a 4.0 overall guest rating based on 1498 reviews.