Just got back from a 5 day-4 night stay, and this Hampton Inn was great! Don't be surprised when you arrive, it's just a hotel, nothing fancy. Also, wouldn't hurt to print directions if you are cabbing - because there is another Hampton Inn off Kirkman and I think taxi drivers take you there on purpose so they can charge more. But the beds are definitely new, great pillows, sheets and comforters. The bathroom was remodeled and clean.
Easy walk to Universal (though the walk back is a quite a bit harder after you've been walking all day!) but there is a free shuttle w/2 pick up times there and back (not run by the hotel, so they do stop at other hotels). There were 5 of us and we took a cab several times to/from the park for anywhere between $6-$10 (just depends on traffic and light timing) we thought that extremely reasonable. Just be sure to get a real cab, not one of the black town cars that say they charge regular rates but have no meters so they pretty much tell you whatever max they think you are willing to pay (this happened to us 2x on New Year's Eve, so I chalk that up to our own ignorance and need).
There is also a free shuttle to Disney, with 3 pick up times and returns as of this writing (again, not run by the hotel, so they have no control). But, because we just couldn't get it together, we took a cab. About $35 (if you don't count the $14 Disney charges you just to get the taxi into the park - don't let the driver tell you they will reimburse you. They DON'T. Have them drop you off at a Disney hotel and take their shuttle. Disney seems to nickle and dime you every step of the way. I'll stop, this is about the wonderful hotel).
The free breakfast is awesome! Scrambled eggs, waffles, cereal, bagels, oatmeal, fruit, yogurt, and more. Yes, it gets really crowded, but the staff is doing the best they can in the space they have been given. Get your stuff and head back up to your room. No big deal. Earlier, the better. Coffee and tea all day. Plus, our room had a microwave and small fridge (a real fridge, not a mini-bar fridge), not sure if they all do.
Free wifi in room. Free computer with printer in lobby so you can check in for your flight. How great is that?
We were so happy with this hotel. Staff was always so nice. Thanks everyone, you really made our stay extra special!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
15 January 2012
Hello Cindi B,
Thank you so much for your great review of our hotel! There are many Hampton Inn Hotels in the area, so it is great to have the directions, or tell the driver that it is at the intersection of International Drive and Kirkman. I'm glad you were able to enjoy the parks even without the use of the shuttle, and I'm extra glad the breakfast was so good! All of the rooms do have the refrigerator and microwave, and I'm very happy that the staff made you feel special! Thank you again for staying with us, and please keep us in mind the next time you come to Orlando!
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC