Orlando TS near convention center?

[ffxjack]

I'm heading to a conference later this yr and my family will probably join me at least part of the time. Any one know which times shares are within a 15min drive of the convention center and are nicely furnished?

I'm deciding between a hotel vs timeshare given that the costs are not all that different.

[rikkis_playpen]

There are numerous properties.. Marriott, Hilton, BlueGreen, Worldmark, Starwood and many others.. If you are looking for a rental- Marriott Grande Vista is great for golf fans- Marriott Horizons is popular with kids- and Hilton is always a great choice. Bluegreen has quite a bit of construction currently with a large expansion in the works.

Good luck!

[GrayFal]

Originally Posted by ffxjack

I'm heading to a conference later this yr and my family will probably join me at least part of the time. Any one know which times shares are within a 15min drive of the convention center and are nicely furnished?

I'm deciding between a hotel vs timeshare given that the costs are not all that different.

A convenient location would be International Drive.....up near the "Bee Line" - the 'north' exit when u leave the airport - I think it is 428 but don't quote me.

These are right near Seaworld.
II - Marriott Grande Vista - right off I-Drive
"1 Block Over" Marriott Cypress Harbor (all 2BR units so can usually get with a 'strong' 1BR trader) and Horizons By Marriott (great for younger under age 10 kids)

RCI
HGVC at Seaworld
There is another Hilton right next to Premiere Outlets (one of my fav places in Orlando)

Depending on time of year - these II resorts are also available as II getaways - Fall Grand Vista weeks are $699 for a 2BR

We did the same thing in Las Vegas..... the hotel room was $139 and I was able to rent a 1BR HGVC Flamingo for a bit less per night!

[bigfrank]

Hilton grand near sea world is close but it is a bit congested, Also Orlando International on I drive might work out better since it is away from the traffic and you can get in and out fast but resort is not as nice as the HG,

[MaryH]

I booked too late for accomodation for a conferences this year and 2 years ago and ended up renting from owners 1bdrm and 2bdrm HGVC for less than hotel costs.

The HGVC Seaworld is near I drive on on the trolley that serves both the convention center and Premium outlet so you can potentially get too and from the conference by trolley and leave the car for your family. The HGVC by the premium outlet would have a bit more dining choices...

[rikkis_playpen]

They renamed that road the "Beach Line".. It is Toll Road 528!

[GrayFal]

Originally Posted by rikkis_playpen

They renamed that road the "Beach Line".. It is Toll Road 528!

I was 'sorta close' - don't cha think!!!

428=528
Bee = beach???

[ffxjack]

Thanks for the info everyone. I looked at travelocity for comparisons and I still can't believe a Getaway is more economical.

The II rep says the 2 bdrm Orlando getaways go fast but we're still deciding if this is a vacation we can actually afford. Is he just trying to rush me or do I need to book my Oct trip ASAP?

[littlestar]

The Sheraton Vistana Villages is close to Seaworld and very nice. The Getaways right now for some of the 2 bedrooms (gold price) is only $414 for the week. With the tax it's like $460 something. It comes out to around $66 a night with tax. I just booked another week there because we have more people coming with us on our October trip.

[willettj]

"The Fountains" by Bluegreen is right across the street from the Sheraton Vistana Villages on I-Drive and is very nice with a great pool area and water slides. Bluegreen's "Sunshine" resort is at the other end of I-Drive, still close to the convention center and the trolley stops right in front. It has very nice rooms and is close to the "action" on I-Drive but is not the "resort" that the Fountains is.