I-Drive Hotel at Universal

Orlando 28.44820500, -81.47301100 , 8134 International Drive (Show on Map)
6.5
Rated


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1 room2 guests 1 room, 2 guests
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Summary of reviewsI-Drive Hotel at Universalive is highly regarded for its prime location, conveniently situated near numerous restaurants, shops and major attractions like Universal Studios and Disney's EPCOT. Its central position allows easy navigation around Orlando with shuttle services and public transportation readily accessible, making it an ideal base for tourists. Despite its busy surroundings, the hotel offers a peaceful environment, making it a preferred choice for travelers seeking convenience and comfort.

The breakfast provided receives mixed feedback. While many guests appreciate the inclusion and find it to be a good value, offering items like hot waffles, assorted pastries and beverages, there are criticisms regarding its lack of variety and early closing time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the shift to a grab-and-go breakfast led to dissatisfaction due to limited options. Nonetheless, the breakfast staff are praised for their friendliness and attentive service.

The rooms at I-Drive Hotel at Universalive are spacious and comfortable, appreciated by many for their coziness and the attentiveness of the room service staff. However, there are notable concerns about the dated conditions of the rooms with reports of musty smells, dampness and maintenance issues such as broken fixtures and non-functional appliances. Cleanliness is also a mixed bag with some rooms described as clean and well-maintained, while others reported problems like stained carpets and moldy bathrooms. The need for significant updates and improvements is a recurring theme.

The hotel staff receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, widely praised for their friendliness, politeness and professionalism. Specific staff members are frequently mentioned for their exceptional service and the accommodating nature of the team significantly enhances the guest experience. Minor negative mentions include occasional overcharging and rude behavior, but these are exceptions rather than the norm.

The complimentary wifi offered by the hotel is appreciated when functional, providing a strong and fast connection. However, there are inconsistencies with connectivity and speed with some guests experiencing frequent disconnections or low reception. Better instructions for access could improve guest satisfaction.

The pool area receives mixed reviews; while some guests find it clean and a pleasant place to relax, others note issues with its size and occasional lack of maintenance. The cleanliness of the pool is generally positive, but inconsistent upkeep can detract from the overall experience.

Parking is another area of mixed feedback. Ample parking spaces and free parking options are appreciated, though the lot can become crowded, especially during peak times and may require guests to find alternative parking. Additionally, the parking area can sometimes be dirty and challenging to navigate.

The beds at the hotel also receive divided opinions. Many guests describe them as comfortable and cozy, ensuring a good night’s sleep. However, complaints about small size, uncomfortable or worn-out mattresses and occasional cleanliness issues are common. Sofa beds, in particular, receive negative feedback for being uncomfortable and poorly maintained.

I-Drive Hotel at Universalive stands out for its excellent location, friendly staff and overall value for money, offering a solid three-star experience. While the hotel meets basic requirements and provides a satisfactory stay for many, the recurring need for updates and improvements in various areas suggests potential for enhancing the overall guest experience.
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Categories
Inn near Golf Courses

Inn with Swimming Pool

  Outdoor Pool  


Business Inn

Inn with Parking

Accessible Inn

3-Star Inn

Inn with Outdoor Pool

Room Types
King Room - Sofa Bed This non-smoking room features a refrigerator and cable TV.

Queen Room with Two Queen Beds - Sofa Bed This non-smoking room features a refrigerator and cable TV.

Standard Room with Two Double Beds - Disability Access This accessible room features a refrigerator and cable TV.

Standard Room with Two Double Beds This non-smoking room features a refrigerator and cable TV.

Queen Room with Two Queen Beds This non-smoking room features a refrigerator, activity table, and microwave. A private bathroom is also included.

Guest Reviews
6.5
Rated
Location
The I-Drive Hotel at Universalive boasts an enviable location that is widely praised by its guests. Situated in a very central part of town, this hotel provides easy access from any direction, making it an excellent base for exploring Orlando. Visitors appreciate its proximity to a diverse array of restaurants, shops and popular attractions like Universal Studios, Disney's EPCOT and Icon Park, all of which are just a short walk or drive away. Whether you're eager to visit theme parks or enjoy the vibrant nightlife, the convenience of staying here cannot be overstated. Many found that the location made it easy to navigate the city without a vehicle, thanks to available shuttle services and public transportation options nearby. The hotel is also noted for its peaceful surroundings despite being in such a central area. Overall, the superb location, combined with friendly staff and ample amenities, makes I-Drive Hotel at Universalive a highly recommended choice for travelers looking to be close to the heart of Orlando's attractions.

Breakfast
I-Drive Hotel at Universalive provides a breakfast experience that garners a range of guest opinions. Many appreciate the inclusion of breakfast in their stay, highlighting it as a good value. Guests frequently describe the breakfast as basic but sufficient with items like hot waffles, assorted danishes, milk & cereal, juices and coffee available. The breakfast staff receive high marks for their attentive and friendly service, which enhances the overall morning experience.

However, there are several recurring critiques. One common issue is the lack of variety with some guests noting that the breakfast is the same every day. Additionally, vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions may find the options limited. Some guests also mentioned that breakfast ends too early at 9:00 AM, which can be inconvenient.

Due to the high demand, it is important to head down early to secure a table; otherwise, you might find yourself eating standing up. The breakfast area itself, at times, can be crowded and could use more seating and larger space to accommodate all guests comfortably.

The quality of the breakfast has mixed reviews with some guests describing it as very good and others as terrible. Specific criticisms include the repetitive nature of the menu, the minimal variety and the general simplicity of the offerings.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, breakfast was packaged as grab-and-go, which disappointed some guests due to the very limited and non-nutritious options like apples and muffins. This temporary solution did not meet the expectations of guests used to a full buffet experience.

Overall, while the breakfast at I-Drive Hotel at Universalive is convenient and satisfactory for many, there is room for improvement in terms of variety, quality and space management.

Rooms
Rooms at the I-Drive Hotel at Universalive have received a mix of feedback from guests. Many have appreciated the spaciousness of the rooms, describing them as large and comfortable with some noting that their rooms were clean and cozy. These positive remarks extend to the friendly and attentive staff with some guests highlighting the room service and the availability of breakfast as added conveniences.

However, several reviews pointed out that the rooms are showing signs of age and are in dire need of updates and repairs. Common complaints include musty and moldy smells, dampness and poor maintenance overall. Issues like broken fixtures, non-functional appliances and cleanliness concerns were frequently noted with guests mentioning things like stained carpets, mold in bathrooms and malfunctioning air conditioning units.

Furniture and fittings across the hotel appear outdated with deteriorating conditions such as rusted lamps, leaky faucets and broken doors. Despite the supportive staff, the overall experience was often marred by the state of the facilities, leading to discomfort for some visitors. The need for a significant renovation was a recurring theme among the reviews.

Beds
The guest reviews for the beds at I-Drive Hotel at Universalive present a mixed picture. On the positive side, many describe the beds as comfortable, cozy and clean. Some appreciated the availability of two queen beds and found them to suit their needs, highlighting a generally satisfactory sleeping experience in terms of comfort and cleanliness.

However, issues with bed quality were frequently mentioned. Numerous guests complained about beds being too small, uncomfortable or having old and worn-out mattresses. Problems with mattress springs, deformed shapes and hard surfaces were common, leading some guests to experience painful and unpleasant sleep. There was also feedback about bed sheets occasionally being dirty or stained and bedspreads and towels appearing worn out and in need of replacement.

Sofa beds were particularly problematic, often described as disgusting, gross or uncomfortable for children. In several instances, guests mentioned missing mattresses on the sofabed that required attention from the staff.

Overall, while some guests found the beds at I-Drive Hotel at Universalive to be a highlight of their stay, the recurring concerns about outdated and uncomfortable mattresses, small bed sizes and cleanliness issues suggest that improvements are needed to ensure a consistently comfortable sleeping experience for all guests.

Cleanliness
Guests at I-Drive Hotel at Universalive have shared mixed feedback regarding the hotel's cleanliness. Some positive comments highlight that the room was clean with clean and comfortable beds and the hotel staff friendly and polite. The location and facilities were also appreciated for being well-maintained and clean overall.

However, there are significant concerns across many reviews pointing out the general lack of cleanliness. Many guests reported serious issues such as dirty and moldy bathrooms, stained carpets and unpleasant odors ranging from mold to urine. There were also mentions of rust, cockroaches and dirt caked in closets. Additionally, the cleaning staff's efficiency was questioned with some areas expected to be cleaned thoroughly still found to be dusty or moderately cleaned despite notifications. The overall impression of the hotel's condition didn't meet expectations for many, leading to an overall feeling that the hotel desperately needs repairs and enhanced cleaning protocols.

Staff
I-Drive Hotel at Universalive boasts an overwhelmingly positive reputation regarding its staff, frequently highlighted by guests in their reviews. Many guests commend the staff for being exceptionally friendly, polite and welcoming. The front desk personnel often receive praise for their attentiveness and prompt responses to requests. Guests have specifically mentioned employees like Andrea, Andrés and Marian for their outstanding service and helpful attitudes.

Additionally, several reviews mention that staff members were accommodating, kindly assisting with luggage, offering early check-ins and providing attentive customer care. Positive feedback also recognizes the professionalism and excellent behavior of the staff, who ensure a pleasant and comfortable stay for the guests.

Despite the generally favorable feedback, there are occasional mentions of overcharging and instances where some staff members appeared rude or unhelpful. However, these instances seem to be exceptions rather than the norm.

Overall, the staff at I-Drive Hotel at Universalive is consistently described as friendly, helpful and professional, contributing significantly to the positive guest experience at the hotel.

Wi-Fi
The I-Drive Hotel at Universalive provides guests with complimentary wifi, which, when functional, can offer a strong and fast connection. Some guests found the wifi to work well in their rooms, making it a decent and usable option for basic internet needs. However, the reliability of the service is inconsistent with several guests experiencing issues such as automatic disconnections, slow speeds and spotty connections. While the wifi is present and available, some reported that it didn't work at all or encountered problems with connectivity and low reception. Instruction on how to use the wifi seems to be less clear with a few guests mentioning a need for better explanations and more straightforward access. Nonetheless, when the wifi does work, it provides a satisfactory experience for staying connected.

Pool
The swimming pool at I-Drive Hotel at Universalive receives mixed reviews from guests. Many highlight that the pool is clean with terms like super clean and disinfected used frequently. Bath towels are accessible by the pool, enhancing convenience for swimmers.

However, various guests mention that the pool is quite small with some expressing disappointment over its size. At times, the pool has been noted as neglected or unusable with reports of it not being cleaned properly on certain occasions. A few guests also stated that there was no hot water and that the pool needed repainting and more consistent cleaning.

For those who found the pool in good condition, it provided a decent place to relax, although some suggested more variety around the pool area. Overall, while cleanliness is a noted plus, the pool area seems to suffer from occasional lapses in maintenance, affecting the overall experience for some guests.

Parking
Guests have mixed opinions about the parking situations at I-Drive Hotel at Universalive. On the positive side, many highlight the availability of ample parking spaces, complimenting the hotel on having free and convenient parking options. Some guests found the parking areas to be easily accessible and appreciated the ample wheelchair parking provided.

However, several reviews indicate potential challenges. The parking spaces can become limited, particularly during weekends when the nearby nightclub attracts crowds. At times, guests had to park at the restaurant next door or other external lots, finding the hotel’s parking areas full. The shared nature of the parking with the public can also add to the difficulty. Additionally, some guests pointed out that the parking lot could be dirty and tricky to navigate. Overall, while many guests enjoyed the convenience of parking, others found it problematic, especially under high occupancy conditions.

3 Star
The I-Drive Hotel at Universalive offers a three-star experience that stands out primarily for its exceptional location and value for money. While the facility might be somewhat dated, guests generally find it offers good value for the price paid. The cleanliness of the rooms is consistently noted with many highlighting the hotel's focus on keeping areas tidy, though a few mentioned the cleaning as average.

Service and friendliness of the staff are strong points, contributing to positive experiences. The hotel maintains a good balance with reasonable room prices and features like EV charging and cheap parking adding to its appeal. Frequent guests indicate satisfaction by returning for second and third stays.

Breakfast receives commendations, adding to the hotel's appeal for visitors looking for a straightforward, budget-friendly stay. Despite some views that it edges on being overpriced for what it offers, the overall sentiment aligns with the hotel's three-star rating – a basic yet decent choice for travelers seeking a convenient and comfortable stay in a prime location.

Business
I-Drive Hotel at Universalive offers facilities and services that cater well to business travelers. The hotel features a business center with good WiFi, essential for those needing reliable internet access for extended periods or prolonged stays. The location, cleanliness and attentive staff are consistently praised, adding to the convenience for business meetings and focused business groups. Additionally, the availability of free internet access further enhances the appeal for professionals needing to stay connected during their travel.


Yes, I-Drive Hotel at Universal has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.

No, a spa isn't available at I-Drive Hotel at Universal.

No, I-Drive Hotel at Universal doesn't allow dogs.

Yes, parking facilities are available at I-Drive Hotel at Universal.

No, I-Drive Hotel at Universal doesn't have a gym.

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