Orlando's BEST Courtyard Hotel Near UCF! (Amazing Deals Inside!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the REAL, unvarnished truth about Orlando's "BEST" Courtyard Hotel near UCF. Now, I'm not just throwing that "BEST" around willy-nilly. This is based on my experience, which means it's peppered with caffeine, a few late-night pizza cravings, and the inherent chaos of trying to wrangle a decent hotel review. Let's dive in… headfirst!
(Metadata – See, I'm already trying to be helpful: Courtyard Orlando near UCF, UCF hotel review, Orlando hotels, accessible hotels, family-friendly hotels, free wifi, spa, fitness center, dining, business services, airport transfer, pet-friendly, reviews, hotels near UCF, etc.)
The Good, The Bad, and The Uber-Late-Night Pizza Run: My Courtyard UCF Odyssey
First off, let's be real. This Courtyard is practically on UCF's doorstep. Perfect for parents weekend, campus visits, or, you know, if you’re a glutton for punishment, a quick jaunt to a football game (Go Knights!). Location? A solid A. You’re close to the action (and the questionable college food).
Accessibility and Safety – Because Sometimes Life Needs an Elevator
Okay, so I don't have any accessibility needs personally, but I really try to pay attention to that stuff. I am all about being inclusive. The website is nice, so I am going to assume it is wheelchair-accessible. Elevators? Yep, saw those! Makes life easier for everyone, right? Considering the size of the hotel, this is a must. They have all the essential stuff mentioned in the specifications, which is great for being accessible. I’m giving them a solid "thumbs up" on this front. Now, about the CCTV in common areas… a bit unnerving, but probably for our own good in the long run. Can't hurt to feel safe! They also have 24-hour security, which is a comfort when you are alone, which is always a plus because you never know what may happen, am I right?
Cleanliness and COVID Stuff – The Hand Sanitizer Wars Begin!
Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. This is a post-pandemic world, and cleanliness is KING (or Queen, depending on your preference). They had the hand sanitizers stationed everywhere. Like, seriously, it was a hand sanitizer gold rush. Everywhere!!!!! (Think of the extra-large exclamation points as the sanitizer's squirt.). Signs were up about daily disinfection and professional-grade sanitizing services. I didn't see anyone scrubbing down walls at eye level (thank god!) – but I did see staff clearly being trained in safety protocols. And the room? Honestly, felt clean and sterile. They do offer room sanitization opt-out, which I appreciated since I prefer to "live in sin" and leave it dirty.
**The Dining Disaster (and a Pizza Redemption) **
Okay, this is where things get… interesting. The hotel has a restaurant, and a poolside bar (score!). But listen, the restaurant options… let's just say they weren't exactly Michelin-star quality. It was the usual hotel fare - breakfast buffets, international cuisine, and the like. I wasn't wildly impressed. I tried the Asian breakfast. Honestly, it was a bit of a letdown. The coffee was, to put it politely, "weak."
But here's the kicker. One night, I was STARVING. Like, "hangry" level starving. The room service options basically consisted of "meh" sandwiches. So I did what any reasonable person would do: I ordered pizza. At 2 AM. From an actual pizza place. And it was GLORIOUS. The pizza guy looked a little confused about a hotel room delivery, but hey, that's life, right? So my advice? Explore your delivery options. Don’t be afraid to abandon the hotel food; get out there.
The Spa/Relaxation Oasis (or Lack Thereof) – Where's My Jacuzzi?!
Okay, folks, hold on a minute. The listing on the internet says "spa". Spa? I envisioned fluffy robes, cucumber water, maybe a foot bath, sauna, and a steamroom all in one room. Now, I didn't exactly find a full-blown spa experience. I thought I saw a small gym. I didn't even ask because I am lazy. But, hey, there was a pool! An outdoor swimming pool! And while it may not be a full-blown spa, it was a nice place to unwind after a long day of… well, whatever one does in Orlando. The pool area was clean, and I saw the staff constantly cleaning.
The Rooms – Ah, Sweet, Air-Conditioned Sanctuary
The rooms. Ah, the rooms. They’re fine. Clean, comfortable enough. They have air conditioning. Thank you, sweet baby Jesus! The bed was comfy (Extra long bed? Check!). The blackout curtains were PERFECT for sleeping in. The bathroom? Standard hotel bathroom, but clean. I appreciate the provided complimentary tea, although you REALLY need to make it a proper tea! I’m a big fan of the blackout curtains. Now, the included Free Wi-Fi was a godsend! And having a desk to work on was essential. It was also great to have a refrigerator in the room.
Services and Conveniences – The Perks (and the Quirks)
They had the usual suspects: daily housekeeping, laundry service (thank goodness!), and a dry cleaning service (for all my fancy, clean clothes…which I don't have). Concierge? Check. And they offered an airport transfer. Honestly, the staff were helpful and friendly and even provided an invoice (I needed that). They also have business facilities! The place would have been perfect for meetings! I didn't use them, but they were there. Now, I didn't need it, but a convenience store. I did see a gift shop.
For the Kids! – Family-Friendly? Maybe!
I didn’t bring any kids. So I couldn’t see the babysitting service. But they did say they offered family-friendly options. I did see a few children. So I'm assuming it is kid-friendly.
Getting Around – Parking and Other Transportation Shenanigans
Car park [free of charge] YES! I love that! They have on-site parking that's FREE. They also have valet parking. Taxi service. And car power charging station! And guess what? It is close to UCF!
Final Verdict:
Would I recommend this Courtyard? Yes, with some caveats. It's a solid choice for the location near UCF. It's clean, reasonably priced, and has the basic amenities. If you're looking for a luxurious spa experience, maybe look elsewhere. But if you want a comfortable, convenient base for exploring Orlando (and you're okay with ordering pizza at 2 AM!), then this Courtyard is definitely worth considering. Just temper your expectations on the dining front, load up on snacks, and maybe bring your own fancy tea bags. 😉
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average travel itinerary. This is a journey through the glorious, slightly chaotic, and undeniably Florida-fied sprawl surrounding the Courtyard Orlando East/UCF area. Prepare yourselves for a wild ride.
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and a Questionable Chicken Sandwich
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown at Orlando International Airport (MCO). Okay, first things first: survival. The airport is a swirling vortex of families clutching oversized Mickey Mouse ears and stressed-out parents. Navigation is key. I, being a seasoned traveler (ha!), expertly follow the signs and… uh… end up in the wrong baggage claim. Classic. Finally, after a thrilling chase of the luggage carousel, I grab my bag and stumble outside, squinting into the relentless Florida sun. Heat. Already, I can feel the humidity turning my hair into a frizzy, unruly beast.
- 2:00 PM: Check into Courtyard Orlando East/UCF Area. The lobby is clean, smells faintly of chlorine, and has that generic hotel vibe. I’m immediately grateful for the AC. The room is… fine. Standard hotel fare. But hey, it has a bed, which is all that matters after a flight.
- 3:00 PM: Lunch. Now, let's get real. I'm starving. Yelp directs me to a nearby fast-food joint. I order…a chicken sandwich. Looked innocent enough, right? Wrong. The chicken tasted like it had been raised in a cement factory and then deep fried in sadness. I ate it, defeated, because food is fuel, even subpar food. This is a recurring theme in my life, by the way.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Exploring the surroundings. Let's be honest, the area around the hotel? Not exactly the most aesthetically pleasing. Strip malls and chain restaurants dominate. However, there's a certain gritty charm to it all. I walk around, people-watching, admiring the palm trees (because Florida) and dodging rogue sprinklers. I even find a little park with a swing set. For a solid five minutes, I considered reliving my glory days and going for it. But my inner child, or maybe my back, stopped me.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Okay, I need a win. I decide to try… another restaurant. This time, a place with a slightly more promising online review. I order pasta and hope for the best. It’s edible, bordering on good. I’m cautiously optimistic about tomorrow.
- 8:00 PM onwards: Early night. Exhausted from travel and the chicken sandwich debacle, I fall into a fitful sleep, dreaming of theme parks and, possibly, a decent meal.
Day 2: Theme Park Trauma and Triumphs (and a Whole Lot of Walking)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. The sun is already blazing. I'm not a morning person, but there's no point in fighting it. Coffee, please. Strong coffee.
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast at hotel. The typical continental fare. Waffles, cereal, that weird orange juice that tastes like dreams. I load up. I need fuel for what's to come.
- 9:30 AM: Arrival at the Theme Park (I'm intentionally not naming it, because theme park secrecy is serious business! It's also because I'm too lazy to look it up). The crowds are already intense. I'm immediately overwhelmed. There are strollers, children screaming, and the smell of churros – a potent cocktail of chaos and sugar is the only thing that will save me.
- 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Park Adventure! I wander. I ride. I scream (out of fear mostly). I endure. I survive. The lines are a horror show. The heat is relentless. I get lost. I find a pretzel that is actually pretty amazing, and it turns my whole day around. I witness a teenage girl meltdown because she couldn't get a picture with a character. I realize all the suffering is, in a way, worth it.
- 4:00 PM: The emotional meltdown, and the line. I'm exhausted. My feet are screaming. I'm questioning all my life choices. Why did I choose this? And then, finally, I see it; the promise of my favorite ride. The line is over an hour. I debate giving up. But damn it, I've come this far. So what do I do? I wait. It's an eternity in the sun. My feet kill me. I eavesdrop on conversations that range from mundane to slightly bizarre (did he really say that the gators are fed marshmallows?). But by the time I finally get on, I'm so tired and overwhelmed that I'm laughing at the ridiculousness of it all.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner at the park. Overpriced, but what else is new? I eat a burger. The burger tastes like slightly better and is good enough and that's all I require.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: More Park…ing. I manage to catch a parade and gasp at the sheer spectacle of it all. The lights! The music! The sheer unadulterated, unapologetic joy on the faces of the children (and some of the adults!). And then, I have a moment of clarity: I am living in a cartoon. It’s insane, but it’s also… kind of wonderful.
- 9:00 PM: Dragging myself back to the Courtyard. My body is aching. My brain is fried. But there’s a strange, almost giddy feeling of accomplishment. I survived! And I may even think of going back… maybe.
Day 3: UCF and Finding Peace (and Good Coffee, Finally!)
- 8:00 AM: Sleep in. Glorious, sweet sleep.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. I venture out in search of something… edible. I find a cafe. Hooray! This time, I go for a breakfast burrito. This time, it tastes like angels are singing.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Exploring the University of Central Florida (UCF). This place is huge! I wander around the campus, marveling at the architecture and the general vibe of youthful energy. It's a stark contrast to the chaos of the theme park.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Back to a chain restaurant (don't judge me!). I order a salad. It’s… good. I feel healthy, which is a welcome change from the previous two days.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: A Mission: GOOD COFFEE. I’m on a quest. I need a decent cup of coffee. I head to a local coffee shop. Finally! Coffee that tastes like coffee! I breathe a sigh of relief.
- 3:00 PM: Relax. I decide to take a break and relax by the pool. I sit in the sun, read my book (a trashy romance novel, don't judge!), and try to decompress. It's peaceful. Bliss. This is the perfect end to the trip.
- 5:00 PM: Farewell Dinner. I celebrate my survival with a celebratory meal at a restaurant and attempt to savor it.
- 7:00 PM: Pack. Sigh. The vacation is ending.
- 8:00 PM: A final look around. I turn off all the lights and stare out the window. The Florida sky is dark, and warm.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 4: Departure & Reflections
- 7:00 AM: Wakey wakey! Time to go home.
- 8:00 AM: Check out of the hotel. One last look at the lobby, the blandness of it all.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Airport food, a final, forgettable meal.
- 10:00 AM: Departure. Leaving.
Reflections:
Orlando, you were… an experience. Not always pretty, not always easy, but definitely memorable. The theme parks, the crowds, the heat… it's all part of the charm, right? And the people-watching? Priceless. I'm probably not built for theme park marathons, but there's a certain madness I appreciate. And the coffee was good at the end. As for the Courtyard Orlando East/UCF area? Well, it's a perfectly functional base camp for whatever bizarre adventures Florida throws your way. And you know what? I wouldn't trade it for anything. Until next time, Florida. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap.
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Orlando's BEST Courtyard Hotel Near UCF!? (Spoiler Alert: It's Awesome…Mostly)
Okay, Seriously, Why Should I Pick THIS Courtyard? Is It Actually "Best"?
Alright, alright, let's cut to the chase. "Best" is subjective, right? Like, what's one person's perfect omelet is another person's…well, disaster. But here's the deal: This Courtyard, the one near UCF (you know the one…the slightly-less-shiny-but-still-pretty one on [Insert Relevant Road Name Here]), has a LOT going for it. Proximity to campus? Unbeatable. Seriously, I practically *rolled* out of bed and into a lecture once (don't judge!). The price? Usually decent, especially compared to the stuffier hotels closer to the theme parks. They often have AMAZING deals – check their website, seriously!
But "best"? Well... that depends. My first stay? Pure bliss. Needed a quick study spot (finals week, ugh). Free coffee in the lobby? Heaven. Comfy bed? Slept like a baby. It was a 10/10 experience...until, ok, so, a minor fire alarm incident at 3 AM, because someone burned toast in their microwave, and the staff handled it with surprising humor and a free continental breakfast to compensate. Made me laugh. So, maybe 9/10?
They're *trying* to be the best. And mostly, they succeed.
What's the Deal with the Rooms? Are They…Clean?
Cleanliness is HUGE. I get it. No one wants horror movie grime. And honestly? Mostly, the rooms are clean. They're not *spotless*, like, you won't be able to eat off the floor (don't try it anyway, ew), but they're definitely cleaner than my dorm room during exam week.
I've stayed in a few rooms. One time, there was a stray hair (my own paranoia starts kicking in), but generally, bathrooms are sparkling(ish), the sheets smell fresh, and the furniture doesn't look like it's been through a zombie apocalypse. The cleaning staff works *hard*. I left a ridiculous amount of chips crumbs once, and they still made the place look presentable. Bless their souls.
Side note: The bathrooms are a little small but efficient. Water pressure usually good. Bring your own super-sized shampoo. Just a tip.
Is Breakfast Included? (Because, Priorities.)
Okay, let's talk FOOD. Because I'm a college student, and food is basically life. Free breakfast? Generally, NO. Which is a bummer. They have a little Bistro thingy, which is okay, but it's not exactly a culinary masterpiece. Think pre-made omelets that might or might not look pale. (I'm not judging, I understand budgets).
But... sometimes... they have deals! Sometimes there's a continental breakfast (pastries, fruit, you know the drill) which can be a lifesaver when you're running late for an 8 AM. So, CHECK. Don't assume anything, it changes. Always.
Pro-tip: There's a decent coffee shop like... *right* across the street! Saved my life, many, many times.
What's the Vibe? Is it Quiet Enough to, You Know, Study?
This is a big one. The vibe can really make or break your stay. Generally, it's pretty chill. It's not a party hotel (thank goodness!). Mostly students, some business travelers, some families visiting UCF.
Quieter than the dorms, that's for sure. I’ve found that the hallways are pretty quiet during the day. Evenings? Well, that depends. I had a neighbor once who apparently decided to throw a solo karaoke party. The walls, they are not soundproof. Try to get a room away from the elevator.
I'd say, bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper. And, you know, practice your "shush!" in the mirror. Just in case.
Any Hidden Fees I Need to Worry About? Money, Money, Money!
Hidden fees? That's the million-dollar question, isn’t it? They're sneaky! Okay, so, I *think* the biggest one is usually resort fees, but this isn't a resort. They *usually* don't have hidden fees, other than what you see when booking. BUT, always read the fine print! Always.
Parking is probably extra, that's pretty standard. And, if you're a big drinker, the drinks at the Bistro bar will, unsurprisingly, cost money. But I haven't encountered shockingly awful hidden fees. Just keep your eyes peeled. Check the website, and call if you're REALLY worried. Better safe than broke!
Tip: Don't order room service. Because, let's be honest, there probably isn't any, and if there is, it probably costs an arm and a leg. Or maybe it's just me being cheap.
What's the Wi-Fi Like? (Because, Netflix and...Studying.)
Wi-Fi. The modern necessity. It’s generally decent. Not lightning-fast, but you can stream Netflix (mostly), check your emails, and (gasp!) actually do some online research.
I've had a few times where the signal got a little wonky, like, buffering hell, during peak hours. Like everyone was trying to watch cat videos and fail their online quizzes at the same time. Annoying, but usually it rights itself.
Pro-tip: If you’re planning on doing a HUGE download or upload, maybe consider going to the campus library. Just saying.
How's the Gym? (Because, Post-Exam Guilt.)
Okay, the gym. Don't expect a full-blown, state-of-the-art fitness center. It's a *small* gym. Usually, there's a treadmill or two that's more or less functional. Some weights, some machines.
I've used it. It's... adequate. It's enough to get a quick workout in if you're feeling the post-exam bloat and the need to burn off some stress. I'm not a gym rat, so it works for me. If you’re serious aboutSmart Traveller Inns
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