RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT NEAR UNIVERSAL ORLANDO, Orlando

The hotel sits 2 km from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and 2 km from Universal Islands of Adventure, making it a top choice for theme park visits. Universal Studios Florida and Volcano Bay are also close. A free shuttle runs four times each morning and returns in the afternoon/evening. Walking to the parks takes about 15 minutes (less comfortable in summer heat). Nearby dining within 0.5 km includes Wendy's, Starbucks, Carrabba's Italian Grill, and Kobe Japanese Steakhouse. Parking is free and ample, but the lot is monitored by camera only - lock your car. International Drive and Millenia Mall are a short drive, and the I-Ride Trolley stops nearby for access to wider Orlando.

Room types include studios with either 2 queen beds or 1 king, and one-bedroom suites with a separate living room. Every unit has a private bathroom (bath or shower), air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, tea/coffee maker, and a well-equipped kitchen: stovetop, refrigerator, dishwasher, and cookware. Two-Queen Studios/Suites offer a larger kitchen with a 4-seat dining area. King One-Bedroom Suites have a door separating the bedroom from the living area. The sofa bed is comfortable for children but may not suit adults. Some rooms show wear: dated carpets, uncomfortable living room furniture, and occasional cleanliness concerns (dust, hair, stains). Noise from the AC unit and thin walls is possible; upper floors are quieter. Rooms do not have balconies.

Breakfast is included and available from 6:30-9:30 AM on weekdays and 7:00-10:00 AM on weekends. The buffet includes hot items (scrambled eggs, sausage, potatoes, waffles), continental options (cereal, yogurt, fruit, bagels), and gluten-free selections. The staff keeps the area well-stocked during busy mornings, but variety is limited - some find it repetitive. There is no lunch or dinner restaurant on site; nearby dining options (within 0.5 km) include Carrabba's, Wendy's, Starbucks, and several others. The lobby offers complimentary coffee and tea 24/7. Self-catering is easy with the in-room kitchen.

The outdoor swimming pool is open from sunrise to sunset; pool towels are provided at the pool area. The fitness centre is free but limited - it lacks a full range of dumbbells and a pull-up bar. Free bicycle rental is available for exploring the area. On-site leisure includes a mini-golf course (free), an outdoor fireplace, a picnic area with BBQ facilities, and a terrace with outdoor furniture. Sun loungers and beach chairs are set around the pool. The pool area requires a room key for access and does not have changing rooms or a nearby shower. The outdoor spaces are well-suited for relaxing after a day at the parks.

Wi-Fi is free in all areas. Parking is free and private (no reservation needed). The 24-hour front desk handles check-in/out and luggage storage. Laundry facilities are available at an additional charge ($2 wash, $2 dry) with complimentary detergent. The business centre is free; meeting/banquet rooms are available for a fee. Pets are allowed with a one-time non-refundable fee of $75 (up to two dogs). The property is wheelchair accessible, with Braille and tactile signs, and service dogs are permitted. A minimarket/grocery delivery service is available for an extra charge. There is no in-room safe, but the front desk provides a dual-key safety deposit box. Housekeeping does not clean daily; full service is provided every 6 days for stays over a week; otherwise, towel and trash replacement can be requested at the front desk.