Clean and modern, Hyatt Place at Universal is ideally located within a 15-minute drive of Walt Disney World and other attractions. It has a pool, a fitness center with cardio machines and free weights, a bar area, a business center, and almost 2,000 square feet of meeting space. It lacks the space, kitchens, and home-living facilities of other hotels in the area, and the panache of the Grande Villas and Hilton Grand down the road, but the Hyatt Place at Universal still offers high-quality hotel rooms at good value.

Bright rooms (renovated in 2009) are the highlight at this otherwise unremarkable 742-room Doubletree across from Universal Studios. The courtyard pool is small; the service is bare bones; and Uno Pizza Express is the best on-site dining available. It's fine if all you want is a fresh, clean, and fairly inexpensive place to sleep -- and it has some decent business amenities -- but leisure travelers can do better elsewhere.

The Best Western Plus Universal Inn is a chain hotel with 70 rooms in a convenient location within walking distance to Universal Studios. There are a small fitness center and an outdoor pool, and the free breakfast includes hot and cold items, though the breakfast area is small. The hotel offers a free shuttle to the nearby theme park, but it has a limited schedule. Guest rooms are clean, and come with flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges. Families looking for more amenities may want to check out SUNSOL International Drive, which has a big outdoor pool and splash park and a staff fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.

Located a short drive from restaurants and Universal Studios, Quality Inn & Suites Universal Studios is a convenient choice for families on a budget. The 106 guest rooms are simple and efficient, with flat-screen TVs, safes, and coffeemakers, though decor is somewhat dated and guests have spotted bugs. There’s a nicely landscaped outdoor pool area with lounge chairs and shaded seating at tables. The hotel has a small fitness center, and offers a free breakfast including waffles. The hotel is just off the interstate, so some rooms can be noisy. For a similar price range, guests may also want to check out Best Western Plus Universal, which is within walking distance to Universal Studios and restaurants. 

The large, moderately priced Holiday Inn & Suites Across From Universal Orlando is an adequate and value-priced base of operations for families with theme parks on the agenda. The 256 rooms and suites all feature coffeemakers and safes; Full Rooms add microwaves and mini-fridges and suites have kitchenettes. A pool and mini splash park for kids and an on-site TGI Fridays where kids under 12 can eat for free make this a good pick for families. Alternatively, guests may want to check out the similarly priced Cabana Bay Beach Resort on site at Universal, which offers retro style and tons of fun family activities, including a bowling alley.