The M is an old-fashioned roadside motel with guest rooms entered from the outside and views of a busy road and a bustling parking lot. This motel is popular with tourists and is not the spot for a peaceful retreat, but the location is convenient for families and LGBT travelers looking for a budget-friendly place to stay between theme park visits. There is a small outdoor pool surrounded by plastic lawn furniture and little shade -- guests lounge poolside with busy International Drive behind their heads and a view of the strip mall across the street. The lobby is cluttered, with racks of tour brochures, an ATM, and a scale, as well as a kiosk selling advance theme park admission tickets. There's no restaurant, but vending machines are are available for quick snacks. Landscaping is spotty, and the vibe is all about convenience amid a wide swath of parking lot and highway. 

The M is located on Orlando’s Strip, with easy access to all major highways. The motel is surrounded by fast-food and chain restaurants like Chili’s and Pizza Hut, as well as markets for stocking up on groceries. Magical Midway Thrill Park is across the street, and Titanic: The Experience is within a 10-minute walk. Universal Orlando is about a five-minute drive, and Disney World is a 10- to 15-minute ride from the motel, which runs a free (but limited) daily shuttle to both attractions. The Orange County Convention Center seven minutes away by car. The motel’s location, right on a busy street, means that traffic noise from Interstate 4 and International Drive are constant while outside and by the pool. Orlando International Airport is about a 20-minute drive, without traffic.

Rooms at The M are dated and somewhat worn, with parking lot and highway views, but traffic noise doesn't reach the guest rooms. Decor consists of wall-to-wall jewel-tone carpeting, low ceilings, and plain walls adorned with generic, soft colored still lives and abstract prints. There is a bit of modern dark wood furniture in most rooms, though it shows plenty of dings and scratches, and there are lots of visible electrical cords hanging from thing like wall-mounted lamps and TVs. Beds are made with unattractive satin and patterned bedspreads. Suites are larger than Doubles and Kings, with a table-and-chair set, as well as dated armchairs and sofas, and a microwave (the one we saw was dirty and missing parts). All rooms come with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, small safes, free Wi-Fi, and toiletries. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos and adequate counter space, but the grout and tile could use a refreshing. Some of the room configurations are odd, with safes, coffeemakers, and clothing rods (in lieu of closets) located in the bathroom area. Connecting rooms are available upon request. 

The M has limited features, even by budget hotel standards. There is an outdoor pool and sundeck that are a perfectly passable way to cool off or relax, though not exactly tranquil. The motel runs a free shuttle to Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando during limited hours and a coin-operated coin laundry is available for guests. Free parking includes space for RVs, buses, and trucks. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.