Embassy Suites Orlando International Drive South Convention Center

8978 International Dr., Orlando, Florida 32819, USA
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Why We Like It

The location is central, the rooms are spacious, and the hotel has a very modern, upscale vibe. Add the fact that breakfast and afternoon drinkies are free, as is the Wi-Fi, plus no daily resort fee, and you have a perfect destination for families and business travelers.

Fodor's Expert Review

An airy, eight-story atrium with palm trees and fountains lends an air of luxury to this moderately priced all-suites lodging, which offers free shuttles to all theme parks as well as free breakfast, free late-afternoon drinks, and free Wi-Fi. The only additional fee is for parking. Suites and public areas were remodeled in 2016 and feature upscale beds and bedding, two 32-inch flat-screen TVs, and a work desk with ergonomic chair; some suites are allergy-friendly. A free business center, full-service restaurant, fitness center, and two pools add to the upscale vibe.

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Room

All accommodations in this hotel are suites, which feature either two double beds or a king sized bed in a separate bedroom, and a living room with sofa-bed. Amenities include a flat screen TV in each room, a wet bar with a mini refrigerator and microwave, a full size sofa bed, work station and ergonomic chair, and coffee maker.

You Should Know Noise can be a problem in this hotel, whether from the busy bars nearby, or from guests in other rooms or from the housekeeping staff talking in the hallways. The walls are thin, as are the windows, but management says they are working on this problem.

Bathroom

The bathroom contains a marble-like vanity with one sink, a shower/tub combination and Neutrogena bath amenities. In some suites, the bedroom contains another vanity and sink.

Lobby

An eight-story atrium with a huge skylight soars above the lobby, and glass-fronted elevators climb past the open balconies that front on the open space. The lobby features shining marble tiled floors, yellow and white decor, and plenty of convivial seating areas. A lobby bar, and the breakfast area, open directly off the lobby.

Pool

The outdoor pool has ample lounge chairs and a few umbrellas, while the heated indoor pool offers swimming in all weather. Towels are supplied.

Gym

A small fitness center features a few treadmills and stationary bikes, along with some weight training equipment.

Dining

The hotel offers a free cooked-to-order breakfast, and a free evening reception featuring drinks and snacks. A full service restaurant, Bar Meets Grill, serves a Florida-based menu for lunch and dinner.

Drinking

Bar Meets Grill offers full bar service, and the evening reception features alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and appetizers.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

The I-Ride Trolly takes guests the length of International Drive for a small fee, and the hotel provides free scheduled shuttles to all area theme parks. A car would be ideal, if you want the freedom of exploring at your own pace, without having to wait on shuttles to arrive or depart. And, ride-share services or taxis are readily available.

Restaurants

International Drive is filled with restaurants, from fine dining to a quick burger and everything in between. Closest to the Embassy Suites are a gaggle of chain restaurants including Olive Garden, Denny's and Bahama Breeze (5-minute walk). Just across the street is The Boston Lobster Feast, exactly what its name implies, an all you can eat seafood feast, including lobster. Look for the giant, red lobster consuming a small car. Shake Shack (5-minute drive north) is a popular American burger spot. A bit farther away, but readily available on the I-Ride Trolley, are the restaurants at Pointe Orlando (5-minute drive south) including The OceanAir Seafood Room, where seafood is king; Capital Grille, a classic chop and steakhouse; the atmospheric Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar. I-Drive offers dozens of chain eateries serving everything from burgers to pizza to tacos to American home-style comfort food.

Bars

International Drive has an astonishing number of bars and lounges packed into its more than 10 miles of tourist delights, several within walking distance and others within a few minutes on the I-Ride Trolley. Dave & Buster's (5-minute walk) serves up sports and videos along with beer and wine; Howl at the Moon (6-minute walk) is home to dueling pianos and a fun vibe. For an evening of Latin dancing, tropical cocktails, and live revue shows, check out Mango’s (10-minute drive).

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 407-352–1400;800-433–7275