More about Springhill Suites Orlando Convention Center / International Drive
Great for families!
by TripAdvisor Member rogue_traveller
My wife, three-year-old son and I spent 10 days at the SpringHill Suites Orlando Convention Center beginning on Dec 27th. We had a king suite. We should note that the rooms with two beds were noticeably larger than the ones with a single bed. On the whole we had a very good experience with the SpringHill Suites and would recommend it to vacationing families and others looking for a little more space.
The hotel was quite busy during the holiday period and with the volume clearly straining the facilities, staff and resources. This meant that it took a little longer to get an elevator, find a table at breakfast or an available laundry machine. However, these minor inconveniences did little to damage the fine reputation of the hotel.
Our general impression was that this was a well managed property that is well suited for families. The suites are not true suites akin to Embassy Suites but, rather, about 25% larger than a traditional hotel room. There was a bar bridge, sink and microwave in the kitchen area and a partition wall separating the living area from the bedroom. Missing was a dining table and stove/oven; though not a serious shortcoming.
The room was clean and well maintained but don't expect posh. The furniture, bed and bathroom were modern and functional but without any distinct charm or luxury. Very comfortable beds with quality linens. Storage space was barely adequate. A true closet was missing and the clothes had to be stored in the smaller drawers of the nightstands, tv stands and the open hanging bar next to the bed. This would be an inconvenience for anyone with a larger family or staying for more than a few days.
Housekeeping was competent. We did, however, run into a problem after seven days when the room needed more than a "once-over" cleaning. The coffee maker and cups hadn't been cleaned and the bathtub need a scrubbing. We complained to the front-desk and the problem was promptly remedied. Management also sent over a nice gift basket as an apology. We suspect that the problem had much to do with the sheer numbers of guests during the holiday season. The management response was appropriate and left us feeling good about the place.
The hotel facilities were good. There is a modest pool with a small adjacent kiddie-pool. There are self-serve laundry facilites on three floors and a helpful concierge desk for travel planning. The morning breakfast was both expansive and of good quality. Even with the traffic, the staff kept the food coming and the tables bussed. The self-serve waffle station was popular and enjoyable but would have benefitted fronm some additional capacity during the holiday season. Coffee was great and, along with tea service and chilled water, was available 24-hours a day.
The hotel location was ideal. Univeral Drive is parallel to the International Drive. This provides easy access to the restaurants and attractions but without the traffic and noise. We would recommend the nearby Ming Court for excellent Chinese food. The hotel did not have room service but this was not missed with all of the choice just outside the hotel doorstep. Universal Drive also joins Hwy 528 which provides a quick connection to I-4 to Disney World and Sea World. Of course, Universal Studios is a short drive to the north.
Those expecting a luxury full-service hotel will be disappointed by the SpringHill Suites. However, those who intend to spend their time and money at the parks and are looking a good location, friendly staff and great value would find the SpringHill to be ideal for a family vacation. We would happily return to this location.
Good Hotel
by TripAdvisor Member jt57
This is a very nice hotel to stay at while visiting the Orlando sites. It is conveniently located near Int'l Drive and has easy access to all roads and theme parks. It took about 15 minutes to get to MGM Studios. It is also very close to a large movie complex. Check in was fast and easy, and delicious free cookies were available at the front desk. Rooms had two TV's and a small living area. Beds were very comfortable and air conditioning was efficient and quiet. The double head shower was lovely but no vent fan in bathroom made for a hot steamy room. Free breakfast was above average for a hotel. Only drawback was that no pay movie selection is offered so on rainy days you are at the mercy of the shows on cable TV and can't order up a family movie to enjoy. I would easily recommend this hotel to all travelers, and would certainly stay here again.
Great Hotel
by TripAdvisor Member Elliewoman
Stayed for 2 weeks with my husband and 2 kids. No delays at check in - after 24hrs travelling we just wanted to get to our room and bed. 2 comfortable beds and plenty of pillows. There is a seperate living area with a sink unit, fridge microwave and coffee maker. The 2 TV's are very close together so it is not really possible to watch 2 different programs. Room was spotlessly clean on check in. Breakfast area was also spotlessly clean and the breakfast which you helped yourself too was plentiful with a good choice of cereals, bagels muffins, eggs, sausages, juices and make your own waffles. It set us up for a day in the parks. The hotel is situated about a 5 min walk from Intl Drive in a very quiet area. No night time noise. The staff very helpful and friendly always say hello when you enter the hotel. The pool area is clean and tidy not a huge pool but grand for a refreshing swim after the parks.
Great place to stay
by TripAdvisor Member uktrav
Stayed at the Springhill Hill Suites middle of September for two weeks.
This is my 8th trip to Florida and this is the only hotel that I have stayed at that I would go back too.
Suites were spacious and kept very clean and the beds were so comfortable after a day in the parks.
Being on Universal Boulevard meant you missed the traffic on I-Drive and never took long to get anywhere.
The breakfast was good and plenty of choice. Lots of good quality restaurants within easy walking distance (just walk through the road entrance to the Homewood Suites).
Pool although small was never busy and even coming back at 3 in the afternoon there was always sunloungers and tables available.
What really made this hotel was the staff and especially Ricardo at the front desk.
Great place to stay
by TripAdvisor Member SR2
The Springhill Suites is on Universal Boulevard, only 2 minutes from International Drive.
Check in very quick. The rooms are big, ours had 2 double beds and a seperate seating area with a sofa bed, armchair and desk, there was also a sink, microwave , fridge and coffee maker. This hotel probably has the best sound proofing of any I've stayed in we heard no noise between rooms at all.
The hotel is kept very clean. The free buffet breakfast is an added bonus, help yourself to as much as you want and then you don't need to buy as much at park prices during the day.
The pool is quite small although we used it both morning and afternoon and never had any problems getting either a table or sun loungers.
The staff are very friendly and always speak in the passing.
There are no safety deposit boxes in the rooms although we got one no problem at reception.
There is coffee available in the lobby all day, you just help yourself, and the cookies are delicious.
If you are walking up to International drive go out the back door of the hotel and turn left across the car park, through the gap in the hedge and just walk up through the car park, its only a 2 minute
walk and its well lit and busy.
We didn't have a car and didn't find it a problem at this hotel, Sea World, Wet'n'Wild and Universal aren't that far away and the free bus to disney runs 3 times a day, one day the bus was full when it go to us so the driver arranged for a people carrier to pick us up.
I would stay at this hotel again and I'm sure you wouldn't be disappointed.
Fantastic hotel
by TripAdvisor Member Disneyphile
We have just returned from a 2 week stay at this hotel. This was one of the best hotels we have ever stayed in.
The room was large and very clean. The twin-headed shower was just great after a hot day at the parks. The 2 TV's were also great as our kids could watch one thing and we could watch another. The beds are also very comfortable.
The breakfast provided was good and adequate with eggs and sausage available every day. Having breakfast in the hotel saves both time and money.
All public areas of the hotel were kept spotless and all the staff were very friendly.
Our kids looked forward to the free cookies that were available at reception throughout the day.
One of the best things about this hotel is its location. A short walk out the rear of the hotel takes you to one of the nicest parts of I-drive with 3 good restaurants - Bahama Breeze (our kids favourite), The Olive Garden and TGI Fridays.
We thought this hotel had no bad points and will definitely stay here next time we are in Orlando.
Not a bad place
by TripAdvisor Member WannaTravelMore
Stayed here overnight while in town for a Football game. The hotel is really close to things. The room was nice and had a good amount of room in it.
I never saw the cookies that the previous poster referred too.
The staff was nice and let us check in early which was REALLY nice...
Great hotel !
by TripAdvisor Member ANGELinCANCUN
We used our electric company rewards discount to book a stay at this location. I am glad we did! Rooms were ample (even for a family of 6!) We had 3 adults, 1 teen and 2 children in a Queen suite. The beds were very comfortable and the sheets were SOFT ! Lots of pillows and nice furnishings.
I do have to rave about the breakfast bar ! It was great that it is free and it is a rival to any fancy hotel. Hot items were all very good, and so were the other offerings including a self serve waffle maker !! Lots of choice not just donuts and bagels most hotels offere for free.. they even had a 4 selection juice dispenser and a cold milk dispenser. They would even leave out the desert type pastries for your chosing pretty much all day long.. fresh fruit was also offered ! It was too cold for the pool during our stay, but it looked very clean from our room view. the lobby was well maintained as well as the game room and the computer area. it was a great deal for us to stay and close to all the universal area busineeses and resturaunts.
Plain and simple
by TripAdvisor Member realhanes
Stayed at this hotel while in town for a convention. We selected it because it was advertised as near the convention center, however it wasn't easily walkable and we ended up having to take a taxi at $8.00 a trip. The property was clean, but very basic and simple...definitely a no frills hotel. You can easily find a closer hotel with more features for a lower price. You have to walk through two other hotels parking lots to reach any restaurants and it was uncomfortable to do so at night with the poor lighting in the area.