avid hotel Orlando International Airport by IHG

The room was on the small side, though it was cozy and did what we needed. I can see how it suits people who travel a lot and mainly need somewhere to rest. My fiancé and I stayed for four days, and this location worked well for visiting Universal, Kennedy Space Center, and Epcot. It’s near the airport and expressway, but the noise didn’t bother us. The service was great, the staff were super nice, and breakfast was better than what we’ve had at other hotels. Just be aware that they charge for parking, even though it wasn’t mentioned. I don’t know the amount because I didn’t drive.

The room had some good features: it was spacious, the AC worked well, the pillows were soft, there was no carpet, and the bathroom had plenty of counter space. They supplied lots of towels and trash bins, and the hotel is right by a gas station and quite close to the airport. All the staff I met were friendly, but the parking cost over $50 for two nights, which felt overpriced. The room also showed clear wear. Both sides of the curtain were ripped, the desk had a chipped corner and a sticky spot when I arrived, and part of the desk chair’s top right armrest was missing. I found stains on the mattress cover when checking for bugs, and dust on the bed frames. The shower never got hot enough. Between the cleanliness and condition, I don’t think I’d stay here again.

For a short trip or long layover, especially as a couple, I’d strongly recommend this hotel. The rooms were nearly immaculate, with fresh towels and a neatly made bed each day, and the staff were kind and attentive. Breakfast was included and had a good range, even if nothing was especially fancy. I had eggs, a bagel with butter and cream cheese, and orange juice. There was also oatmeal, muffins, fruit, different sausages depending on the day, cereal and milk, a coffee bar, and cranberry and apple juices. I don’t drink coffee, but didn’t hear complaints. There’s a very busy 7/11 within walking distance if you want something else. Keep in mind that parking costs extra each night, and planes taking off and landing nearby can make it noisy at any hour. My fiancée and I live by a busy road, so we tuned it out, but light sleepers may not. Getting in and out can also be a pain depending on traffic. The hotel is awkward to reach, and joining the 528 in either direction is especially frustrating at rush hour, when cars seem to appear from nowhere and openings are rare. That traffic isn’t the hotel’s fault, but it’s worth knowing. We chose the place because it was fairly cheap, had good reviews, and was convenient for our plans. It’s clearly aimed at airport travelers on long layovers or short stays. The rooms are tiny, only a little better than a large prison cell in size and amenities. That suited us because we just needed a place to sleep and wash up, but it’s not family-friendly. If your group has more than two people, you may want to look elsewhere. You could put your family here, but you’d need to be comfortable with the kids having their own room and paying for two rooms. There were no bedbugs or other insects in ours, though it’s always worth checking before you settle in.

The room was spacious, spotless, and had two queen beds. We got good value, and check-in was straightforward. The front desk person answered our questions and took care of us. We had an early flight, so we couldn’t try the included breakfast, but getting to the airport was very easy. The restaurant at the Cambria next door was convenient, and the food was good.