On a recent trip home to Toronto from Florida, my husband and I were stuck. Our airplane had maintenance issues, we were told, after repeated delays. Due to missing our connecting flight, we had to stay overnight and catch the next flight out in the morning. The airline, which footed the bill for our hotel, gave us a couple of choices and we picked Courtyard Orlando Airport. And we were glad we did.
Of course, there are other options nearby. Much more expensive. But more importantly, the airline wasn’t offering them as a choice.
From a lemon situation, we ended up sipping lemonade.
We called the hotel from the airport, and a shuttle came to pick us up. Points! It was before noon, and a room was ready for us when we arrived. More points!
Since it was a hot, sunny day, we decided to lounge by the pool. Bingo!
Getting ready for an afternoon of sunbathing and sporadic dips, we found a stack of towels poolside, ready for our use. And we had it to ourselves. Lovely.
The hotel is minutes away from the airport. It’s a low-rise building with just three floors and 149 guest rooms and suites. Judging from some of the uniformed folks I saw in the lobby, it’s a go-to hotel for flight crews.
The Rooms at Courtyard Orlando Airport
Our room was on the first floor. It was spacious and had a comfy King bed, desk, ergonomic chair, and sofa. Other variations available include two Queen beds or a one-bedroom suite with a King bed and pull-out sofa. The suite allows a maximum occupancy of five people. It’s probably good for families since you can request a rollaway bed. I also noted that accessible rooms were available upon request.
All rooms have free wi-fi, coffee and tea makers, and a mini fridge.
Our view was nothing special. In fact, it was the parking lot. But you could upgrade to a courtyard view and some rooms had balconies overlooking the pool.
Food Options On Site and Nearby
When our stomachs started to grumble, we headed to The Bistro for a bite of dinner. Daily specials were listed on a chalkboard. Plus, there were cocktails, wine and beer.
We both wanted to eat light, so we ordered the quesadilla. Crunchy and cheesy, with a side of salsa and guacamole, it fit the bill.
The restaurant, just off the lobby, is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner. It opens at 6:30 a.m. for breakfast and offers a la carte items, including eggs and yogurt parfaits. Plus, they offer Starbucks coffee. But no sleeping in. It closes at 9 a.m.
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There was also a little Market area with some grab-and-go items open 24/7.
If The Bistro doesn’t suit your palate, we also noticed that TGI Friday’s, Bonefish Grill, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Denny’s, Longhorn Steakhouse, and Marlow’s Tavern were within walking distance from the hotel.
Finding Your Fit Bit at the Courtyard Orlando Airport
If you are determined to stay in shape during your stay, the Courtyard Orlando Airport has a 24-hour fitness center. It’s small but efficient with elliptical machines, exercise bikes, treadmills, free weights, and strength-building machines.
Getting to Attractions and Destinations
For some folks, the hotel’s location is not about proximity to the airport. It’s more about convenience to get to a Camping World Stadium concert or game. The stadium is 13 miles away and home to the Citrus Bowl and the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
Courtyard Orlando Airport is also six miles from Lake Nona Medical City, a health and life sciences park known for its many medical schools.
If you want to visit Universal Studios theme park, it’s a 16-mile drive. Walt Disney World is 25 miles away.
Rates at Courtyard Orlando Airport
A room with 2 Queen beds starts at $124 per night. One King bed with sofa bed and Courtyard view starts at $129 per night. A one-bedroom suite starts at $154 per night. There is parking for a fee. Packages include 7-day parking and one overnight stay, starting at $161 per night. Plus, there are discounts for Florida and Georgia residents and Marriott members.
Check the latest rates at Hotels.com, Expedia.com, or Booking.com.
Hotel feature by Toronto-based travel writer Maureen Littlejohn. Photos © Maureen Littlejohn. As always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.
