My partner and I stayed in this hotel for two weeks in June. Again we too were a little anxious about staying here after reading the bad reviews. Well to be honest these people must have stayed in a different hotel to us because the hotel and service was lovely and of a very high standard in my opinion. For the price we payed, which was virtually nothing (we got a good package deal) it was perfect. Some poeple just like to moan about the smallest things, and a holiday is what you make of it, who goes to Florida to sit in a hotel room all day and night anyway???

The reception staff were extremely friendly and would go out of their way to help you, as were the people in the Lobby selling attraction tickets. If you don't drive or haven't hired a car I would recommend buying I-Ride passes from the lobby. The I-Ride stops right outside the hotel and goes up down I-drive and also to Seaworld and Aquatica and all the Malls and Outlets. This is ideal as the shuttles the hotel offer only do one drop off and one collection a day to the theme parks, which isn't a big problem, if you want to come back before the shuttle is due to pick up we just walked it back or got the I-Ride. The shuttles are great, comfortable and air-conditioned.

The room was immaculate, very clean and tidy. We got clean towels everyday and the maid would tidy up and vac. The bathroom was a bit small but there was enough room. The room it's self was very spacious. You get a room safe but there is a $2.50 charge a day but it means your passports and things are safe. There is also a $25 deposit or hold on your card when you check in but you get that back. There is a hairdryer and ironing board in the room and ice machienes on each floor (very handy in the heat). There is also a gift shop in the lobby, a ATM, two computers for FREE internet use and a games room.

The pool isn't as big as it looks on the photo but is big enough. This two was also cleaned everyday (which when we stayed in a hotel in Clearwater we didn't see that one be cleaned once and was a green colour). There are loads of towels and sun beds by the pool. The best bit is the hot tub, which is great at night. The pool and the pool bar are open until midnight and be warned there are lot's of kids in the pool right up until midnight splashing about which can be a little bit nosy but that only bothered us on our first night when we wanted to get to sleep after a long flight. We only eat in the pool bar once and the food was ok but there are that many restrauants close by we didn't really want to eat there all the time but is ideal to get and ice cream from while by the pool.

The hotel is in the best location. It has a Walgreens, Denny's, T.G.I Firdays, Subway and Domininos pizza right across the road. There is also point Orlando a 10 minute walk down the road just after Wonderworks. In the opposite direction there is a Ponderosa and lot's of gift shops but like I said if you get the I-Ride there is lot's lot's more to be seen and done just a small ride away. I would reccomend getting Sizler for breakfast rather then Ponderosa which the hotel recommends, there is much more choice at Sizler and better value for money.

Over all the hotel was very very nice and made our Florida holiday very enjoyable. I would definitely go back again!

After reading so many bad reviews my partner and I were very worried about visiting this hotel however we quickly realised most of the complaints were unfounded! When booking this hotel we requested a pool view and a fridge freezer, both requests were met! The rooms are basic however they are spotless and the shower was great! As always in Florida the room also comes with a huge TV with loads of great film channels to watch after a long day at the park. One of the best things about this hotel is the pool bar! It is run by a local family and they are so friendly! You must try the chicken salad sandwich with fries!

The hotel also offers a daily shuttle service to all parks, all buses are of a very good standard too (so don't listen to the horror review about brakes seizing up etc). My only complaint about the shuttle would be that there is only one pick up time so if your feeling the heat you can't bail early unless you are willing to pay a taxi.

The location was ideal as we did not rent a car as we are both under 25. Within walking distance there was a whole load of restaurants and even a small shopping complex called "the pointe" where there is a bb king blues bar and IMAX cinema too.

All in all the hotel is of 3 star quality! Location is great, the pool area is good, the rooms are pretty basic but clean. I would easily stay again next year!

The Econolodge could not be better siutated in I-Drive for Trolley and buses. Very little noise at night - big comfortable beds - bedding changed every 3rd night - towels, loads of them (even face flannels) changed daily and spotless white. Toiletries available and coffee and tea making machine which is replenished daily. Safe, daily charge, big enough to accommodate a notebook or small laptop (perhaps not a 15.4"). The bathroom is not copious and neither is the hanging space which is in the dressing area along with the safe and wash basin. 4 very deep large drawers in each room though. The only problem we found was with the water - to get continuous hot water to the shower you have to keep putting it back to main tap for a couple of seconds and then switching back to shower - not too much problem when the temperature outside is 100 +. The carpet is bottle green but I suspect it may have been a little soiled as when we walked around with no shoes the bottom of our feet got very dirty. The free shuttle to the parks are very good but beware if you are returning from Disney at 6 p.m. If the first bus driver tells you that you should get on the next bus, then do so. The next driver will not say he is going to the Econolodge but familiarise yourself with the hotels in I Drive(most of them are there) and regardless of where he is going get on it. If not, you will be left stranded, as we were. The next bus leaves at 8.45p.m. quite a wait. Most taxi drivers wanted $50 to take us back but we found one who did for for $25 so if you are resorted to a taxi shop around, cheap ones are there. We did find that people did not queue up
for the bus so when it comes just barge in - don't be polite - no one else is An alternate method to get to and from the Disney parks is on the Lynx bus 8 - transfer at Sea World (free ticket from 8 driver) to bus 50 - very efficient - adults $2 and children are free (seniors $1). All in all the Econo Lodge is good value for money and do not believe people when they say thee are bugs in the rooms - we didn't even see a common house fly. Enjoy!

I stayed here in october 2008 and it was great! I booked this with portland direct because this was the cheapest price and its only a base to get beauty sleep. Its about a hour transfer from the airport. The location on the hotel is the best! Right in the middle of everything. The shuttle stop is right outside and goes every 20minutes. Dennys opposite the road, ponderosa next door. The thomson tour guide'Andy' was chirpy and made us want to go out and explore straight away.
Getting checked in was a bit slow and they where snotty. Our room was on the ground floor facing the pool, It had 2 double beds,big tv, fridge and microwave,it was all clean. We were hardly in the hotel,as we were far too busy exploring. We didnt go by the pool, so cant really tell you about it.
This hotel is great and its all you need, far too many people complaining about stupid things. Its cheap and its just a place to rest your head. I have booked to go to florida in 2010 in this hotel and i cant wait. I have recommended this hotel to alot of people. Its the cheapest hotel on portland direct.