Where to Stay in Orlando: A Neighbourhood Guide
Orlando is spread out, and where you sleep affects how much time you lose in traffic on I-4 or on the parkways. The theme parks sit well south and west of the urban core, while the airport and downtown business district sit east and north. Most visitors should choose their base by which parks they plan to visit most, not by trying to be central to everything.
International Drive (I-Drive)
International Drive is the tourist corridor closest to Universal Orlando and within reach of SeaWorld and the Orange County Convention Center. It's dense with mid-range and budget hotels, outlet malls, and chain restaurants, and the I-Ride Trolley runs the length of it.
Hotels here include Aloft Orlando International Drive, Avanti International Resort, Best Western Orlando Gateway Hotel, Baymont by Wyndham Orlando/International Dr/Universal Blvd, Best Western Plus Universal Inn, City Express by Marriott Orlando International Drive, and Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection. This stretch suits travellers prioritizing Universal, convention attendees, and anyone wanting walkable dining without a car.
Lake Buena Vista and the Disney Area
Lake Buena Vista and the roads around Walt Disney World (World Center Drive, Palm Parkway, Winter Garden Vineland Road) hold hotels aimed at Disney visitors, many offering shuttle service to the parks. Traffic on the interstate connectors here can be heavy at park opening and closing times.
Options in our catalogue include Caribe Royale Orlando, Buena Vista Suites Orlando, Blue Tree Resort at Lake Buena Vista, Aloft Orlando Lake Buena Vista, and Candlewood Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista, covering a range from extended-stay suites to full resorts. This area makes sense if Disney is your main draw and you want to minimize drive time.
Downtown Orlando
Downtown is the business and nightlife district, separate from the theme park zone. It has a more urban feel, with office towers, bars, and Amtrak/SunRail access, and works well for business travel or for visitors who want to see Orlando as a city rather than only as a park gateway.
AC Hotel by Marriott Orlando Downtown and Aloft Orlando Downtown sit on South Garland Avenue and South Orange Avenue respectively, both walkable to downtown venues. Expect a 30-45 minute drive to the main parks from here, so weigh that against the change of scenery.
Near Orlando International Airport (MCO)
A small cluster of hotels sits close to the airport along Conway Road, useful for late arrivals, early departures, or layover-style stays rather than park touring. Avid Hotels Orlando International Airport and Cambria Hotel Orlando Airport are both on Conway Road, a short ride from the terminals.
This area isn't set up for walking to attractions, so plan on renting a car or using rideshare if you base here for more than a night.
Getting There and Around
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the main gateway, with rental car counters, taxis, and rideshare available on-site. From the airport, Lake Buena Vista and International Drive are typically a 20-30 minute drive depending on traffic, while downtown is closer.
A car is the most flexible way to move between neighbourhoods given how spread out the city is. If you're staying entirely on I-Drive or in a Disney-area resort with shuttles, you can manage without one, but visiting multiple park zones or downtown is easier with a car.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best for visiting Walt Disney World?
Lake Buena Vista and the World Center Drive/Palm Parkway corridor put you closest to Disney property, often with shuttle options, cutting down on drive time to the parks.
Where should I stay if I'm going mainly to Universal Orlando?
International Drive is the closest tourist corridor to Universal, with a range of hotel price points and the I-Ride Trolley for getting around without a car.
Do I need a rental car in Orlando?
If you're staying on I-Drive with trolley access or at a Disney-area hotel with shuttles, you can get by without one. For visiting multiple park zones, downtown, or areas off the main tourist corridors, a car makes things easier.
How many days should I plan for an Orlando trip?
A single-park focus (just Disney or just Universal) can work in 3-4 days; combining both major park groups plus a day for something else like the airport-area attractions or downtown typically needs 6-8 days.
Is downtown Orlando worth staying in in for a theme park trip?
Downtown is better suited to business travel or a city-focused visit; it's a 30-45 minute drive from the main parks, so it adds commute time if theme parks are your priority.