My husband & I are planning a trip to Universal & Seaworld in the Spring. I would like to stay at a hotel close to Universal and take the hotel shuttle to Sea World. We are not going to rent a car. Any suggestions on what hotel to stay at? It doesn't have to be a luxery hotel, but I would like a very clean one and be able to walk to Universal.

stay on site at any of the 3 hotels. YOu get front of the line passes, transp. to park(s), or an easy walk. If you decide to stay at an onsite hotel, join the Loews First- it's free and you get some nice perks.

I absolutely agree that you should stay on-site at Universal Orlando. The three hotels are Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel and Royal Pacific Resort. These three hotels are walkable (or take the water taxi) to both Universal Studios and Island of Adventure.

As stated, the best thing is front-of-the-line access with your room key. It is the best perk ever.

If you aren't going to rent a car, you would probably have to take a taxi to Sea World, however.

Yes...definitely stay at one of the three on site hotels. The Royal Pacific usually has the best rates. If you are a member of AAA, ask for the AAA rate when you call to book your room.
You an just walk to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure from the on site hotels or take the water taxi or bus. The also provide a free shuttle to Sea World a few times a day.

I agree with the other posters. Stay at one of the hotels at Universal. The area outside of the parks is not good for walking. Interstate 4 (I-4)separates Universal from International Drive. Kirkman Road is very busy (and noted as the worst road in Orlando for red-light running, making it hazardous to pedestrians). Also, the parks are set far back on the property, so walking from Kirkman Road would be quite a hike. The areas north and west of Universal are residental, so no hotels.

A few years ago we booked a package through the Universal website and stayed at Hard Rock. The package included park hopper passes that included both Universal parks, Seaworld, Wet & Wild, City Walk, and movie theater tickets at City Walk (which we used on a day that it rained). The trolley and bus system took us nearly everywhere we wanted to visit. I only remember taking a taxi once and it was late in the evening after the trolley stopped running. The convenience was terrific and there were several off-site dining options that we were able to walk to from the hotel, in addition to the wonderful on-site options that were only a water-taxi ride away.