Orlando, Florida is likely the most popular family vacation destination in the world and you can blow through money there so fast there that you might feel like you’ve spent a week at a high-limit casino table by the time you fly out. There are more than a few resorts that can top a grand a night and Disney park passes can top $200 per day, so we’re always happy to find a good Orlando hotel value like the new Spot X Orlando by Red Collection.
This affordable Orlando hotel is on International Drive, a short hop from Disney Springs and the theme parks. It’s just across a parking lot from a Publix supermarket and several dining outlets are within walking distance. Shuttles make the rounds to get you to the amusement parks, so as long as you’re working out the timing of those correctly, you could come here in a taxi from the airport and get by without a car.
The entrance to SpotX Hotel felt a little off when I pulled up in a rental car to the free parking lot because a recent windstorm had blown the “X” off their lighted sign above the entrance and it was more like the SpotO instead. This was just one supply chain issue the property was dealing with as clogged ports and other shipping issues had delayed their opening several times while they waited for furniture deliveries. It all looked spiffy as we entered the sliding glass doors however and checked in quickly with the friendly staffers.
The layout doesn’t take long to figure out at this Red Collection by Red Roof hotels property. It’s your basic hotel rectangle with a few floors of rooms, the views nothing to get too excited about. The main lounge area on the ground floor is a fun and attractive space though. It has a pool table, two computer terminals to get any work done, and a cafe area with food options and drinks. In the morning there’s complimentary basic coffee or paid upgrades, while in other hours there’s a wide range of snacks, hot menu items like pizza and empanadas, and soft drinks to grab and go.
Oddly, there’s no alcohol on site, so no sipping a beer while you’re playing pool. You’ll have to cross the street to Outback to visit a bar or stock your fridge with items from the nearby grocery store.
There’s an attractive rectangular swimming pool at the back of the building that is a welcome sight in the frequent Orlando heat. The gym here is surprisingly well-equipped, with nice new equipment that can give you a full range of exercise. It’s open 24 hours too.
Most guests who book at SpotX Orlando are looking for a reasonably priced place to crash after they wear themselves out at the local attractions all day. On that count, this Red Collection hotel delivers as promised, giving you comfortable beds, a hot shower with good water pressure, and a pleasant colorful room to veg out in when the daytime vacationing work is done.
All the basics are covered well here, starting with complimentary WiFi that works well in the rooms, even if both parents and two kids are surfing their own devices. The layout is minimalist but functional, with a suitcase shelf over the heating/AC unit, laminate hardwood floors, an armchair with an ottoman, and a work desk with chair. A flat TV is mounted on the wall and is visible from multiple locations.
King beds or two doubles are in each room, with reading lights beside them that can be adjusted to get the angle right. The first-floor rooms may seem less desirable since they look out at the parking lot, but they have 14-foot ceilings, making them feel much more spacious. There are 10 accessible rooms, no stairs, and an elevator, so this is an easy property for anyone who has mobility issues or uses a wheelchair.
Basic toiletries are provided in the shower-only baths and water pressure is solid. The blackout curtains work well to ensure a good night’s sleep and this property is in a quiet location.
If you’ve been traveling for a while, you’ll appreciate the laundry facilities on site, plus there are ice machines in the hallway. Parking is free for guests.
Red Roof Inn properties have not traditionally been known for their stylish design, but this SpotX Orlando property is an encouraging development, demonstrating that a value-priced hotel that gets all the expectations right for a good price can also be attractive enough for your Instagram posts as well.
Rates at SpotX Orlando generally start at $130 per room with taxes and mandatory fees and can go up on weekends and in peak vacation periods. See more information and make a booking at the Red Roof official website or check rates online at Hotels.com. Or search other locations where Red Roof has properties and get 10% off with code 614872.
Review and photos by editor Tim Leffel who was hosted by Red Roof Inns for purposes of review. As always, all opinions are his own.
