Best Hotels near Fun Spot America

With its prime location less than a mile away from Universal Orlando Resort, the Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando Resort has chosen to entice with what it calls "South Seas" flavor. To that effect, this Loews outpost boasts of Emeril Lagasse's Tchoup Chop restaurant and the weekly Wantilan Luau all-you-can-eat Polynesian buffet (a particular favorite among visiting families), not to mention four other dining venues and character dining experiences. Themes aside, most guests keep coming back to this resort because of its attentive staff and clean, comfortable rooms. Accommodations feature a gray color palette with colorful accent walls and pillows and offer amenities like flat-screen HD TVs, iHome clock radios 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 branch 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 full name suggests, the Loews Portofino Bay sits on the grounds of Universal Orlando Resort, giving you easy access to the Universal theme parks, like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Of course Orlando 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's CityWalk Plaza. Lodgers vouch for the star-quality treatment that you'll receive in the resort; however, others lamented the expensive rooms and amenities. Accommodations all feature iHome clock radios, Keurig coffee makers 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. 

Staying at this hotel in Orlando, Florida, puts travelers near Universal Orlando Resort and grants access to many exclusive theme park benefits. Those who choose to stay at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort score early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay water park, wake-up calls from and meet and greets with Universal characters, golfing perks, and complimentary water taxi and shuttle transportation to several attractions on the Universal campus. This Loews outpost houses 1,000 guest rooms and suites that feature island decor, free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, coffee makers and minifridges. Microwaves are not included in the accommodations, and to rent one costs $15 a day, a pain point for some previous guests. Outside the rooms, visitors will find four restaurants, which dish out everything from Caribbean specialties to tapas to fresh seafood. Additional amenities include a large pool, a hot tub and a waterslide, along with a fitness center. Families will be thrilled with the Loews Loves Kids program, which provides kids camps, babysitting services, games and more. The hotel has several facilities for business professionals, too, including a 24-hour business center, 115,000-plus square feet of event space and meeting planning services.

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.