Discover the perks of staying off-site for Universal Orlando – budget-friendly options, hotel points, free breakfasts, and more
Are you planning a trip to Universal Orlando but wondering whether staying at an off-site hotel is a viable option? The benefits of staying on-site are plentiful: proximity to the parks, Early Park Admission, Annual Passholder Hotel Discounts, and the immersive experience. We have had plenty of experience staying at both on-site and off-site accommodations for our frequent trips to Universal Orlando, so let us share the advantages with you.
Budget-Friendly Options
The main benefit of staying off-site for your trip to Universal Orlando may be budget. Unless you’re prepared to splurge on one of the Premier on-site resorts for Unlimited Express Passes, staying at an off-site hotel can be a financially savvy choice. Off-site accommodations often come at a lower cost, leaving more room in your budget for other park experiences.
If you are spending nearly all of your time at the parks and just using the hotels to sleep, off-site is a great option.
Free Parking/Shuttle Services
Many off-site hotels provide free parking, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of your visit, especially if you’re shuttling to the parks. Parking at both the on-site hotels and in the parking deck at Universal Orlando can become expensive very quickly for a longer stay.
Some off-site hotels offer shuttle services that can be a convenient way to get to and from the parks, especially if you prefer not to drive and save money on parking. But if you have a Preferred or Premium Annual Pass, don’t forget to use your discount on parking in the deck.
Free Breakfasts
One of the appealing aspects of staying at off-site hotels near Universal Orlando is the prospect of enjoying complimentary breakfasts. None of Universal Orlando’s properties include free breakfast.
Many off-site accommodations, especially those situated along International Drive or within the vicinity of the parks, offer guests a hearty breakfast as part of their stay. These breakfasts often include a variety of options, ranging from continental fare to hot, cooked-to-order meals. Having breakfast included can not only save you money but also valuable time in the morning, allowing you to kickstart your day without the hassle of finding a place to eat.
Exploration Opportunities
Staying off-site allows you to explore the surrounding area beyond the Universal bubble. If you are in Orlando to visit multiple theme parks, opting to stay between Disney and Universal can be a strategic move that minimizes commute times to both theme parks. By selecting accommodations in the vicinity of Interstate 4, you position yourself conveniently between the two entertainment giants.
This central location allows you to easily access Disney’s enchanting world of magic while also enjoying Universal’s thrilling attractions without excessively long travel times. Whether you’re exploring Disney’s Magic Kingdom one day or experiencing the Wizarding World at Universal the next, you’ll appreciate the shorter distances. Moreover, this mid-point positioning provides access to a plethora of dining, entertainment, and shopping options in the International Drive area, ensuring that your Orlando vacation is a well-rounded adventure filled with excitement and convenience.
Convenience and Quality
Many off-site properties are well-managed properties that offers excellent value for money. While it might not offer the immersive experience of an on-site hotel, it provides comfortable lodgings close to the parks. Off-site hotel rooms tend to be larger, with more amenities (kitchenettes, larger rooms, more storage).
Hotel Rewards Programs
Utilizing hotel points systems to stay off-site near Universal Orlando can be a savvy strategy for frequent travelers. Many major hotel chains offer rewards programs that allow you to accumulate points through stays at their properties. These points can then be redeemed for free or heavily discounted nights at partner hotels in the vicinity of Universal Orlando. By leveraging these rewards, you can enjoy the convenience of off-site accommodations while still benefiting from the perks of established hotel chains, such as Hyatt or Marriot.
We are members of the World of Hyatt, and there are several Hyatt locations very close to Universal Orlando that we use. All of those hotels have free breakfasts, shuttles, discounts on nightly stays, and large comfortable rooms that are great for our family.
This approach not only provides cost savings but also adds flexibility to your travel plans, giving you more options to customize your stay according to your preferences and budget.
Our typical off-site/on-site stay
Our typical trip to Universal Orlando includes nights at both on-site and off-site hotels.
We typically drive in late on Friday nights (around 11pm) to stay at an off-site hotel (typically one of the Hyatts on International Drive) for the lower nightly cost, the free parking and free breakfast. Then early the next morning (around 7:30am), we switch to a Premier hotel for access to the Unlimited Express Passes for Saturday and Sunday.
This way we save money on the first night (where we are just sleeping), and then taking advantage of the benefits of the on-site hotels for the time we can actually use them. We pack two different suitcases to make it easy for us to switch between hotels and be prepared for each.
Would you stay at an on-site hotel or an off-site hotel?
Ultimately, whether you choose to stay on-site or off-site at Universal Orlando depends on your budget and preferences. While staying off-site might not offer the same level of immersion, it can provide significant savings and opportunities to explore the surrounding area. With the money you save, you can enhance your Universal Orlando experience in other ways, such as purchasing Express Passes or enjoying extra meals and souvenirs. Remember, the magic of Universal Orlando extends beyond the resort’s borders, and off-site accommodations can be the key to unlocking a memorable adventure.
