When visiting Orlando area for work reasons for my day job, the Doubletree near Universal Orlando served as my go to hotel choice. The official name of this hotel is Doubletree by Hilton Hotel at the Entrance to Universal Orlando. Yes, that hotel name runs way too long. My spouse simply calls it the cookie place. The 4-star level hotel experience here treats people as well-respected guests. In the tough competition of upscale accommodations near Universal Orlando, there are several reasons to love this Doubletree. I will list just five.

1. LOCATION

This hotel resides within an easy 15-minute walk to the entrance to the theme parks. Guests walking from the Kirkman road area get another perk. The walkway takes them to the valet entrance security area. This security area rarely develops a queue. The process progresses easily. Guests walking avoid potential slowdowns with the main security hub area.

Also, this hotel dwells in an area near restaurants and a Walgreens store. If desired, guests can save some money on food by getting some basic groceries at Walgreens. Moreover, they can dine at some fast-food places or table service places like Miller’s Ale House.

2. SHUTTLE SERVICE

Doubletree guests can use free Universal Orlando partner hotels shuttle service. These shuttles pick up guests near their hotel lobby and drop them off near escalator to CityWalk security hub. From the Doubletree, guests take a very short bus ride to CityWalk drop off area. The trip back will be longer but still offered as part of your stay. For record, this place lacks sneaky resort fees to cover these types of amenities. Doubletree also offers some other shuttle transportation but not of same quality as to Universal Orlando Resort

3. PRICE POINT

Though third-party booking sites will inflate prices to show a large discount, this hotel offers reasonable prices for guests vacationing at Universal Orlando. In fairness, reasonable applies to 4-star level accommodations. You can find cheaper on Universal property often at the value level accommodations. However, the quality ranks lower than this place. For example, I have stayed here many times during special events and busier times of year for about $100/night. Now, you should not expect that price to be easy to acquire. Still, prices will be competitive unless they have a full hotel for conferences, of course.

4. ROOMS

So, I am clear, these rooms fail to be best hotel rooms ever. Yet, they provide adequate space for activities. The storage space meets the needs of almost all guests. The beds offer comfort. Many rooms feature nice views. You could upgrade or simply get lucky with a view of Universal Orlando at a distance. Each room provides a seating area of some type. Also, desk area included for those needing to type on vacation. As you would expect, the rooms feature a coffeemaker and a refrigerator. Most of these rooms were renovated in 2017.

5. FOOD AND BEVERAGE

The Doubletree check-in area lures guest there via the free cookie. These cookies magically appear out of a hidden warmer. The quality of these cookies rates high especially since the staff will give you one ever time you visit the front desk operations area. To balance your cookie, the on-site Starbucks returned from a break due to the virus. If you are a Starbucks fan, I suggest the beverage in combination with the free cookie. I understand some people use that as breakfast before visiting the parks. This hotel also offers a wide variety of dining options such as pizza, gelato, burgers, bar food, and table service dining. The price point may seem high, but you do not have to leave your hotel for these dining options. In addition, some of these dining offering resides in outdoor courtyard area to aid in guest relaxation.

As mentioned, I have stayed here several times. I anticipate staying here in future for short stays. There are numerous reasons to love this place as a Universal Orlando visitor. I hope this helps in your decisions about accommodations.