This 249-room budget hotel sits right in the heart of Yosemite Valley and within walking distance of the beautiful Yosemite Falls -- so guests going for location over charm might consider this option. It is significantly cheaper than the one other hotel right in the area, the more upscale Ahwahnee -- and the property reflects the lower rates. The room decor is probably going for "rustic," but it comes off as more outdated and just plain old, with cracked walls and loose screws. The two dining options on-site leave much to be desired -- one operates like a high school cafeteria and the other serves average food at fine dining prices. It's safe to say the location and low cost is about all that Yosemite Lodge at the Falls has going for it (plus a pool).
This 249-room budget hotel sits right in the heart of Yosemite Valley and within walking distance of the beautiful Yosemite Falls -- so guests going for location over charm might consider this option. It is significantly cheaper than the one other hotel right in the area, the more upscale Ahwahnee -- and the property reflects the lower rates. The room decor is probably going for "rustic," but it comes off as more outdated and just plain old, with cracked walls and loose screws. The two dining options on-site leave much to be desired -- one operates like a high school cafeteria and the other serves average food at fine dining prices. It's safe to say the location and low cost is about all that Yosemite Lodge at the Falls has going for it (plus a pool).
Nestled deep amongst the pine trees, cliffs, and canyons of Yosemite Valley is the 123-room Ahwahnee Hotel. The impressive stone and wood structure, built in 1927, is considered a National Historic Landmark. Rooms with views of the Half Dome and El Captain summits are filled with wood and rich tapestries of Native American design. Highlights here include the Great Lounge with 24-foot-high ceilings and a large stone fireplace along with the light-flooded dining room. This hotel is on the expensive side -- and parking is limited -- but the prime location and views are worth the price tag.
Nestled deep amongst the pine trees, cliffs, and canyons of Yosemite Valley is the 123-room Ahwahnee Hotel. The impressive stone and wood structure, built in 1927, is considered a National Historic Landmark. Rooms with views of the Half Dome and El Captain summits are filled with wood and rich tapestries of Native American design. Highlights here include the Great Lounge with 24-foot-high ceilings and a large stone fireplace along with the light-flooded dining room. This hotel is on the expensive side -- and parking is limited -- but the prime location and views are worth the price tag.
Yosemite's Big Tree Lodge is not only one of the oldest mountain resorts in California, but is also a National Historic Landmark. Located between the Mariposa Groves and tourist hot spot Yosemite Valley, the hotel occupies its own patch of secluded property of streams and forest. This Victorian-style property was built in 1876 and is filled with classic period pieces, portraits, patterned wallpaper, and genuine antiques. Rooms are cozy and charming, though 50 of the hotel's 104 rooms lack private baths. Staying true to its roots, the hotel has no phones or TVs, but it does offer Wi-Fi in a few common areas. There is just one dining option on-site -- where evenings include live piano music -- and Yosemite Valley is a 45-minute drive away.
Yosemite's Big Tree Lodge is not only one of the oldest mountain resorts in California, but is also a National Historic Landmark. Located between the Mariposa Groves and tourist hot spot Yosemite Valley, the hotel occupies its own patch of secluded property of streams and forest. This Victorian-style property was built in 1876 and is filled with classic period pieces, portraits, patterned wallpaper, and genuine antiques. Rooms are cozy and charming, though 50 of the hotel's 104 rooms lack private baths. Staying true to its roots, the hotel has no phones or TVs, but it does offer Wi-Fi in a few common areas. There is just one dining option on-site -- where evenings include live piano music -- and Yosemite Valley is a 45-minute drive away.
The 233-room Allure Resort is located right in the heart of Orlando, on the attractions-packed International Drive. It's part of an eight-hotel group that looks pleasant enough, but often doesn't deliver. Maintenance issues and a generally forgotten-about approach to everything from rooms to features are hard to overlook, even with the hotel's big pool and rock-bottom rates. Rooms look pleasant enough, with light tones and wood accents, but are often short on supplies such as towels and pillows and some come with broken appliances. Hidden fees for standard amenities such as Wi-Fi and shuttles, a lack of secure parking, and the buffet breakfast are also disappointing. For a hotel without hidden fees and an overall better experience, try Rosen Inn International instead, which has similar rates.
The 233-room Allure Resort is located right in the heart of Orlando, on the attractions-packed International Drive. It's part of an eight-hotel group that looks pleasant enough, but often doesn't deliver. Maintenance issues and a generally forgotten-about approach to everything from rooms to features are hard to overlook, even with the hotel's big pool and rock-bottom rates. Rooms look pleasant enough, with light tones and wood accents, but are often short on supplies such as towels and pillows and some come with broken appliances. Hidden fees for standard amenities such as Wi-Fi and shuttles, a lack of secure parking, and the buffet breakfast are also disappointing. For a hotel without hidden fees and an overall better experience, try Rosen Inn International instead, which has similar rates.
Red Roof Inn Orlando - International Drive/Convention Center is a no-frills budget motel located off International Drive and within easy walking distance of the convention center. It's ideal for business and leisure travelers with a budget in mind, who prefer a simple place to sleep over fancy features and amenities. It has an off-the-highway motel vibe, though rooms are relatively well kept and include the necessary basics like flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. An outdoor pool and hot tub are available, though most guests stay at the hotel to do little more than sleep at night. The free shuttles to Disney World and Universal Studios are convenient, but there is no free breakfast. For a similar hotel with a bigger outdoor pool, try the Days Inn just one hotel down.
Red Roof Inn Orlando - International Drive/Convention Center is a no-frills budget motel located off International Drive and within easy walking distance of the convention center. It's ideal for business and leisure travelers with a budget in mind, who prefer a simple place to sleep over fancy features and amenities. It has an off-the-highway motel vibe, though rooms are relatively well kept and include the necessary basics like flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. An outdoor pool and hot tub are available, though most guests stay at the hotel to do little more than sleep at night. The free shuttles to Disney World and Universal Studios are convenient, but there is no free breakfast. For a similar hotel with a bigger outdoor pool, try the Days Inn just one hotel down.
The 414 Hotel is a 22-room boutique in Midtown West, along a quiet, tree-lined stretch of Restaurant Row (a popular area for pre-theater diners). Times Square and its eight subway lines are a short walk away, as are Broadway's main shows, making this a convenient stay for tourists. But the hotel also feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of NYC -- a vibe created by the homey nature of the hotel. Two historical town houses make up the 414; rooms in both buildings are bright, airy, and modern, with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and mini-fridges. Many face the hotel's charming courtyard, where guests can enjoy the hotel's free continental breakfast and evening wine and cheese in warmer months. Guests who need an elevator (414 Hotel does not have one) might prefer the French Quarters Guest Apartments, a nearby boutique hotel with an elevator and a popular on-site restaurant serving Creole-style cuisine.
The 414 Hotel is a 22-room boutique in Midtown West, along a quiet, tree-lined stretch of Restaurant Row (a popular area for pre-theater diners). Times Square and its eight subway lines are a short walk away, as are Broadway's main shows, making this a convenient stay for tourists. But the hotel also feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of NYC -- a vibe created by the homey nature of the hotel. Two historical town houses make up the 414; rooms in both buildings are bright, airy, and modern, with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and mini-fridges. Many face the hotel's charming courtyard, where guests can enjoy the hotel's free continental breakfast and evening wine and cheese in warmer months. Guests who need an elevator (414 Hotel does not have one) might prefer the French Quarters Guest Apartments, a nearby boutique hotel with an elevator and a popular on-site restaurant serving Creole-style cuisine.
The 221-room Clarion Inn and Suites At International Drive is a convenient pick for budget-minded families and business travelers with a location convenient to theme parks like SeaWorld and the Orange County Convention Center. The hotel stands apart from any other budget mid-range hotel in the area -- including the nearby Days Inn Orlando Convention Center that is nearly priced the same -- because it has an E-Z car rental shop on-site. There is also a stylish outdoor pool and hot tub with shaded lounge areas. Some guests with heavy luggage found the hotel to be a bit inconvenient, as there is no elevator to the second floor.
The 221-room Clarion Inn and Suites At International Drive is a convenient pick for budget-minded families and business travelers with a location convenient to theme parks like SeaWorld and the Orange County Convention Center. The hotel stands apart from any other budget mid-range hotel in the area -- including the nearby Days Inn Orlando Convention Center that is nearly priced the same -- because it has an E-Z car rental shop on-site. There is also a stylish outdoor pool and hot tub with shaded lounge areas. Some guests with heavy luggage found the hotel to be a bit inconvenient, as there is no elevator to the second floor.