We had spent our first vacation in about four years at Howard Johnson Maingate West that was conviently located about 10 minutes from Sea World away from traffic and all the hussel and bussel of vacationers. The hotel had plenty of rooms and was spacious. It was so nice to come to a place where there was hardly any noise and a lovely spacious room to rest in after a long day at Sea World. We had the room with the sleeper sofa and a queen bed. I think we would rather have a King but this hotel did not have them.
House keeping was above average, very clean rooms and it really felt as if you were at home. We would go to a park all day to come home and find our room in excelent shape. We have to say that we were not too impressed with the contential breakfast, it seemed very low budgetted and the only other negative part of our stay was the the Ice Machine near our room did not work and the Ice Machine down the other wing did not work and after driving to another wing we finaly had ice. The grounds and building and lobby area was very well kept.
The pools were lovely and luxurious. Our kids are 8 and 2 1/2 and they enjoyed it. Restaurants are close by and there are plenty to choose from.
Overall I would say that this hotel was above average and that a family looking to get away and yet have an affordable place to vacation and get away from it all, this would be their home away from home.

we booked a 3 night stay in daytona beach, fl over the thanksgiving holiday through bookit.com.. we decided to take the last night in kissimmee. called bookit to make the change , a few hotels were suggested, one was the howard johnson maingate west and for a lower price.. we booked it with bookit.. it was a great choice and so close to disney ... we even scheduled a time share tour at the hotel for property right next to disney with prizes and gifts.. we had a wonderful stay.... we'll do it again .!!!!!

For the money this is a good place to stay. If you are in Orlando for the sites it is close to the atttractions. It also has plenty of places to eat near by.

We stayed at the Howard Johnson Maingate Resort West during the Thanksgiving Holiday. My husband, daughter, and I were pleasantly surprised at the cleanliness of the hotel. The grounds were well kept up and the hotel was very close to the Disney grounds. The continental breakfast was a great bonus before going to the parks. My husband and daughter also enjoyed a nightly swim at the covered pool. This hotel was a great value for the money and we had an excellent experience with all of the staff members during our stay.