Drury Inn & Suites Orlando

7301 W. Sand Lake Rd., at I–4, Orlando, Florida, 32819, United States
Fodor's Choice

Why We Like It

Convenient to lots of dining and shopping, and only minutes from Universal, if Harry Potter is your primary focus, this lodging has a lot to offer location-wise. With all the freebies (shuttle service, 2 meals a day, parking, Wi-Fi), it's hard to beat the value. And it's not that far down the road to Disney.

Fodor's Expert Review

This reasonably priced, centrally located hotel is the winner in the freebie category: free Wi-Fi, free parking, free hot breakfast, free long-distance and local phone calls, and free hot food and cold beverages in the late afternoon. The sunny, marble-floored lobby; well-appointed rooms; and sincere, cheerful service give the impression of a much pricier hotel. Only a mile from the back gate of Universal (you can see the eruptions at Volcano Bay from some room windows), this hotel is also a quick drive from SeaWorld and Aquatica, very near the restaurant and shopping districts of I-Drive and Sand Lake Road, and about a 20-minute drive down Palm Parkway to Disney.

Recommended Fodor’s Video

Room

Unfussy rooms with either a king-sized bed or two queen beds, both with white, duvet-style bedding, welcome you with bright colors and blond wood everywhere. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, a work station with ergonomic chair, local calls, LCD TV, microwave, fridge, coffee maker and on-site laundry facilities.

You Should Know The busy intersection of Interstate 4 and Sand Lake Road is right outside your window, so traffic noise can be an issue.

Bathroom

A granite-topped vanity with a single sink and decent counter space joins a shower/tub combo.

Lobby

The lobby open area has some seating and a modern sensibility with funky lights and zebra striped chairs. In the afternoons, your family can enjoy free soda and popcorn.

Pool

The modest sized indoor/outdoor pool with a whirlpool outside is just enough watery fun for a splash to relax. Chairs are available inside and outside by the pool, but there are no lounge chairs.

Spa

No spa.

Gym

A small room with floor to ceiling windows for natural light, the fitness center features treadmills, stationary bikes, free weights and a water cooler.

Dining

The buffet area with seating serves up a free hot breakfast from 6am to 9:30am each morning. Options change each morning, but make-your-own Belgian waffles are a constant favorite. In the evenings, free hot food is offered on the buffet.

Drinking

The hotel offers a free happy hour with beer and wine in the late afternoons in the lobby.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

Free scheduled shuttle service is available to Universal Orlando Resort only, but the shuttle books up quickly, so sign up the day before. Remember that the shuttle makes multiple stops and it can take a while to get to the Universal park. A ride-sharing service or taxi can be the most efficient choice if heading to Universal, but there is free parking if you have a car and are heading to Disney as well. Many dining and shopping opportunities are within an easy walk of the hotel.

Restaurants

The Sand Lake Road neighborhood is known as Restaurant Row, and features dozens of eateries, from upscale steak houses to drive through chains, some within walking distance. Fresco Cucina Italiana, (2-minute walk) offers northern Italian comfort food with white-tablecloth service. Dewey's Indoor Golf & Sports Grill (5-minutes walk) across Turkey Lake Rd., offers standard sports-bar fare, along with games and screens galore. Chutney's Indian Restaurant (4-minute walk) serves north and south Indian fare. If you venture farther afield, along Sand Lake Road, you'll find Seito Sushi, (4-minute drive) where sushi, both classic and creative is the specialty, but where you can get Japanese kitchen food as well. Eddie V's (5-minute drive), a lakefront steak and seafood restaurant, and Seasons 52 (7-minute drive), an upscale eatery featuring seasonal American food, and a happy hour for small plates and drinks.

Bars

Within walking distance is Bar Louis (2-minute walk) with a full bar, that specializes in martinis and craft beers. Nearby is Seito Sushi, (4-minute drive) where sushi, both classic and creative is the specialty, but where you can get Japanese kitchen food as well. Farther afield you'll find a wide range of drinking establishments, including Eddie V's (5-minute drive), which has a sophisticated cocktail lounge with live jazz; and Seasons 52 (7-minute drive), which has a full bar, and offers a happy hour for small plates and drinks.

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 407-354–1101