So I’ve been in Orlando for 3 weeks in a row. I’m coming up on week 4. I don’t think anyone really wants to see me review a very boring Hilton Garden Inn again, so instead I’ll compare the 3 hotels that I stayed at over the past few weeks. The hotels in questions are the following: Homewood Suites Universal Studios, Home2 Suites by Hilton Orlando Universal, and Hilton Garden Inn Orlando International Drive North
To start with, all of these hotels are in the Hilton family. They are all about $100/night. They are all on the same street about a 2 minute drive or 10 minute walk from Universal Florida. None of these hotels are bad, I’d be happy to stay at any of them again, but depending on the situation, I might prefer one over the other.
The main reason these 3 Hilton Brand hotels exist is that they are so close to Universal Studios Florida. If you’re not going to stay onsite, you’ll want to stay as close as possible to the parks. The Home2, Hilton Garden, and Homewood suites are all perfect for this.
Anyway lets get into it.
In This Trip
Location
All three of these hotels are in a great location for visiting Universal Florida. They are on the same street, American way in Orlando, and one block from Universal Blvd and less than a half mile from the main gate. This is also right off International Drive. I Drive in this part of Orlando is the main drag were there are lots of restaurants and other hotels.
So really, this is a wash. There’s no geographic advantage of any of these hotels. If you’re going to Universal, the only better location is the onsite hotels. This location right on I drive is good, I hate I drive, but if you’re in Orlando for a vacation, it’s where you’re going to end up.
Rooms
Hilton Garden Inn
The Hilton Garden Inn is a standard single room hotel room. Bed, desk, and chair all very standard. If you are a couple or individual this would be a good choice. Outside there is a Tiki Bar beside the pool that serves snacks and drinks.
Home2 Suites
The best part about the Home2 is the large rooms. There’s a sofa, bed, and desk area. Really a nice place, it doesn’t hurt that it’s a relatively new Hotel. This room would be great for a few people, a small family, or a couple. Lots of space.
Homewood Suites
This is where the Homewood really shines. It’s a full 2 room suite. A bedroom and living space that are separated by a door. If I was a traveling family this would be a huge advantage. The downside is that the hotel is starting to show it’s age. The room’s fittings are showing it.
Winner
No real winner here. These are different rooms for different types of travelers. I’m more than happy to stay in any of these rooms, but if I have to play favorites, I’d probably pick the Home2, it’s the newest.
Kitchen Area
Hilton Garden Inn
Yea, it’s not great. It’s more than good enough if you just want to store and re-heat leftovers, but not going to be much good for feeding lunch to a group. There’s coffee and tea available but I always wish these would include paper towels.
Home2 Suites
The Home2 Suites kitchens are great. Small but functional. If you want a cooktop and pans, they will bring one up for you. The full sized fridge and glassware are handy if you’re storing some leftovers or dishing out some takeout.
Homewood Suites
The Homewood Suites also has a full kitchen, it also has a table. If I was traveling with a family or small group I’d love this space. The downside is that it’s a little beat up.
Winner
I’d say the Home2 has the slight edge here, it’s nicer and newer. However the Homewood suites has more space and all the same features, it’s just older. Either way, it’s better than the Garden.
Bathroom
Hilton Garden Inn
Nothing fancy here. Older bathroom but has been well maintained and is clean. Perfect for 2 people here for a few days.
Home2 Suites
The Home2 is nice and new. The only downside is the pocket door, it’s a love or hate thing with most people. With small kids or older people, it’s a downside. Also, if you’re not comfortable with the people you are traveling with, things could be a little awkward as these doors never quite close all the way.
Homewood Suites
The Homewood has a sink in the bedroom and then a toilet and shower room separate. This has advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is that someone can wash there hands or do makeup while someone else showers in privacy. The downside is that in the middle of the night, if someone needs to go to the bathroom, washing hands means turning on the lights in the bedroom. Like other areas of the hotel, it’s starting to show it’s age.
Winner
Home2 suites is the nicest. It’s not even close here. Unless for some reason you cannot stand a pocket door, the H2 is for sure the winner.
Which Stairwell is the Most Green
Hilton Garden Inn
Not green at all.
Home2 Suites
Yep, that’s very green.
Homewood Suites
It’s green, but it’s a very light green.
Winner
Obviously the Home2 is the most green, and it’s not even close. The Homewood is second with the Hilton Garden not even trying to compete in this area.
Special Features
Hilton Garden Inn
It’s a bog standard hotel. Nothing fancy about a Hilton Garden Inn. I did see a blimp from the pool area, so I’ll give it points for that.
Home2 Suites
This Home2 has nothing fancy going for it, it just does all the little things right. It’s new, clean, and comfy. While I was there I had some Pollo Tropical, so here’s a picture of that.
Homewood Suites
Homewood suites has a great pool area with outdoor kitchens and cabanas. If you are looking to have a “hotel day” on the schedule, I’d highly recommend considering it.
Winner
Definitely have to give it the Homewood. It’s not an amazing resort, but for a Homewood, it’s more than nice enough.
Final Thoughs
All three of these hotels are great for going to Universal Studios. However if you’re a single or couple, the Hilton Garden might be your favorite choice, they have a bar and grill by the pool for relaxing after a day exploring. The downside is the lack of kitchen and the slightly older fittings.
The Home2 Suites is the nicest and newest. It also gives lots of space and a nice kitchen area. They have adjoining rooms too if you want to have a large living space for larger groups or families. The downside is that the pool area is meh, but if you’re not a pool person, who cares. It’s a nice hotel in a convenient location.
The Homewood Suites has the biggest rooms, fullest feature kitchen, and best pool area. The rooms are 2 room suites that would allow for a small family to have some space and privacy. The kitchen would also allow you to cook some meals and avoid eating out as much. The downside is the rooms are starting to show some age and are in need of some attention.
End of the day, I’d gladly stay at any of these hotels. I already have. It won’t be the last I’m sure. Maybe next time it will be for fun, not for work.
I like the breakdown/analysis, and I don’t know if it’s just me, but the images don’t seem to load.
Thanks for the heads up! Should be fixed now.