Country Inn & Suites By Radisson, Orlando Airport

This hotel is housed in a six-story purpose-built structure that's identical to Country Inns across the country with a pale-yellow walls and a green roof. Inside, the lobby features wood floors and trim that create a lodge-like ambience. At one end of the lobby, an alcove with a fireplace and wooden shelving piled with books for guests to borrow contributes to the homey atmosphere, and the hotel offers free tea, cookies, and coffee throughout the day. A display board by the wooden front desk lists the names of honors members and the "guest of the day," though some might find this a violation of privacy. Most guests here are transit passengers who want easy access to the nearby airport -- though the hotel also gets its fair share of longer-term business guests. 

As the name suggests, Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Orlando Airport is located a six-minute drive or free shuttle ride from the airport. The area is dominated by airport hotels, with a few chain restaurants and gas stations in the immediate vicinity. Getting to the theme parks is a bit of a trek, and those staying here should factor in at least 25 minutes to Universal and upwards of 35 minutes to the various Disney parks. Downtown Orlando is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. The Orange County Convention Center can take up to a half-hour to reach by car.

This hotel offers Standard Rooms and One-Bedroom Suites, along with a few Whirlpool Suites with jetted hot tubs. Decor is simple and cozy, with light-wood desks and cabinets, simple solid-color upholstered sofas and/or chairs, and white bed linens with muted solid-toned bed runners. A few framed art prints on the wall spruce things up a bit, and the whole ambience is a little more home-like than what's found in most mid-range hotels. Standard amenities include mini-fridges, microwaves, irons/ironing boards, coffee- and tea-making facilities, small flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos and large countertops. Basic toiletries and small hairdryers are provided. Playpens and three rollaway cots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Most rooms overlook either the hotel's entrance or parking lot. 

Features at this hotel aren't bad for a budget property. There's a good-size outdoor swimming pool that's heated throughout the year, along with an adjacent whirlpool hot tub. There's also a small fitness center with free weights and cardio machines open 24/7. Coin-operated laundry facilities are nice for families and long-term guests. There's a a small snack shop with a few basic frozen meals that guests can heat up in their rooms, a good option for late-night arrivals. The  sunny breakfast area features a free hot-and-cold breakfast buffet, with longer hours on the weekends for those who want to sleep in. Grab-and-go options are also available for guests with early flights or limited time. Business features include a couple of conference rooms and an internet station with two computers and a free-to-use printer, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. There's plenty of free outdoor parking, and the hotel runs a free shuttle to the nearby airport every half-hour from early in the morning until late at night.