Residence Inn by Marriott Orlando at SeaWorld
11000 Westwood Blvd., I–4 Exit 72, Orlando, Florida, 32821, United States, Orlando, Florida, USA
Why We Like It
Casual and homey, this lodging provides just about all the comforts of home and is centrally located enough to make visiting International Drive, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and even Disney, an easy hop. The freebies are definitely a plus, especially for a family, and the spacious suites never feel cramped.
Fodor's Expert Review
From the bright, welcoming lobby to the well-appointed suites (including dishwasher, microwave, pots, pans, dishes) and the park-like atmosphere around the pool, this six-story hotel is a great choice for a family if SeaWorld, Aquatica, I-Drive shopping, Universal, or the Convention Center are on your to-do list. Free amenities include breakfast, Wi-Fi, shuttles, and parking, and a huge laundry facility is a boon for families. All suites have luxury bedding with a choice of down or foam pillows, flat-screen TVs, and an ergonomic workstation. The recreation area around the pool is like a summer camp, with a basketball court, playground equipment, picnic tables, and gas grills. The property renovated all rooms in 2017 and public spaces early in 2018.
You Should Know The six-story resort is popular because of location and benefits, so the elevators will be busy, particularly in the early mornings, as families try to get out to theme parks.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Room
This residence lives up to its name, with studios and suites containing many of the comforts of home. The rooms are decorated in an unfussy, clean way, with ample space between the well-appointed beds and other furniture. The fully equipped kitchens come with a full-sized refrigerator, and free grocery delivery, and a pantry, makes it easy to stock up on goodies for an extended stay. A desk and ergonomic chair ensure comfort if you have to work while on holiday, and free Wi-Fi and sufficient outlets for charging devices make connecting a breeze.
Bathroom
The bathroom is divided, with a tub shower and WC behind a door, and an adjacent single sink vanity with plenty of space for toiletries, allowing more than one person to use the facilities at a time. Paul Mitchell bath amenities are supplied.
Lobby
A cheerful, welcoming lobby is decorated in comfortable hominess, with space for groups to socialize. The check-in counter is adjacent to the door, and the shop and eatery also open off the lobby space.
Pool
Palm trees and lounge chairs ring the blue-tiled free-form pool, which is lined with cooling spray fountains. The pool and adjoining whirlpool, are tucked in amid the surrounding buildings. Towels are provided. Adjacent is an area with grills and picnic tables so residents can have barbecues. The park-like surroundings also contain a basketball court.
Gym
A small fitness center contains cardio and strength training equipment.
Dining
If you don't feel like making breakfast, the Residence Inn offers a free hot breakfast daily. Lunch and dinner are served at the casual Castaway Bay Poolside Bar & Grill.
You Should Know Breakfast time can be very crowded and noisy, as people are eager to grab that free breakfast and get an early start to visit the parks.
Drinking
Castaway Bay Poolside Bar & Grill offers a full bar, serving cocktails, beer, and wine, along with frozen tropical drinks.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The hotel provides a free shuttle to Universal, and the I-Ride Trolley stops outside, so you have access to the entire length of International Drive. If that's all you want to see, you won't need a car. But if you want the independence of coming and going at will, you'll need a car, or ride share service, particularly if Disney is on your itinerary.
Restaurants
International Drive’s entertainment and dining opportunities are legendary, and the Residence Inn is right in the midst of it all. Pointe Orlando (8-minute drive) offers a wide range of dining choices, including Capital Grille's steaks and chops, The Oceanaire Seafood Room and the atmospheric Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar. Farther along I-Drive, The Boston Lobster Feast (10-minute drive) is exactly what its name implies, an all you can eat seafood feast, including lobster. Look for the giant, red lobster consuming a small car. Shake Shack (12-minute drive) is a popular American burger spot. I-Drive also offers dozens of chain eateries serving everything from burgers to pizza to tacos to American home-style comfort food.
Bars
Pointe Orlando (8-minute drive) and the whole of International Drive offer more choices of drinking establishment than could be visited in a week. Two bars near Pointe Orlando cater to those who want to be decidedly cool: minus5° Ice Experience, with coat rentals to stave off frostbite from the bar and chairs made of ice; and ICEBAR Orlando, which has a warm room next door for dancing. The Pub Orlando (8-minute drive) is a pleasant, British-style spot, where staff wear kilts and you can pour your own beer. Farther along I-Drive, you'll encounter endless opportunities to lift a pint or sip a tequila or more. One quite vibrant spot is Mango's Tropical Cafe (13-minute drive) a multi-story nightclub, with spectacular shows, dance floors, and multiple bars.
Quick Facts
People Also Liked
The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando
Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive
