StayAreas

Where to stay in Orlando

Most visitors come to Orlando for the theme parks, so the best area depends on which parks you'll visit most. Stay at Walt Disney World for Disney's transport and early park entry; at Universal for walking or boat access to Universal's parks and Epic Universe; on International Drive for restaurants, value and a central base between the two; in Lake Buena Vista for good-value hotels next to Disney Springs; in Kissimmee for vacation homes and budget motels; or in Winter Park for a charming town away from the parks. Distances are big and public transport is limited, so plan on resort shuttles, rideshare or a rental car.

6 neighbourhoods compared · Typical mid-range hotel ~$215/night · Prices updated Oct 2026

Our recommendations

Compare Orlando neighbourhoods

Pick what matters to you and we'll rank the areas.

What matters most to you?
Typical price per night

  • Walt Disney World

    ~$300/night · 75 min to centre

    Best for First visit, Families, Upscale

    Food
    4/5
    Nightlife
    2/5
    Transport
    3/5
    Quiet
    3/5
    View Walt Disney World →

  • Universal Orlando

    ~$260/night · 35 min to centre

    Best for First visit, Families, Nightlife

    Food
    4/5
    Nightlife
    4/5
    Transport
    3/5
    Quiet
    3/5
    View Universal Orlando →

  • International Drive

    ~$170/night · 45 min to centre

    Best for Budget, Business, Families

    Food
    4/5
    Nightlife
    3/5
    Transport
    3/5
    Quiet
    2/5
    View International Drive →

  • Lake Buena Vista

    ~$190/night · 60 min to centre

    Best for Families, Budget

    Food
    4/5
    Nightlife
    3/5
    Transport
    2/5
    Quiet
    3/5
    View Lake Buena Vista →

  • Kissimmee

    ~$150/night · 60 min to centre

    Best for Budget, Families

    Food
    3/5
    Nightlife
    2/5
    Transport
    1/5
    Quiet
    3/5
    View Kissimmee →

  • Winter Park

    ~$230/night · 25 min to centre

    Best for Upscale

    Food
    4/5
    Nightlife
    3/5
    Transport
    3/5
    Quiet
    4/5
    View Winter Park →

Typical mid-range double room per night, not live prices · Updated Oct 2026 · How we rate areas

Orlando neighbourhoods on the map

Typical hotel prices in Orlando

A typical mid-range double costs about $215 a night across the areas we cover. Budget hotels start around $120; luxury hotels average $430.

Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando cost the most. Kissimmee, International Drive are the cheapest, around $150 a night less than Walt Disney World.

These are typical rates outside peak events, not live prices. Updated Oct 2026.

AreaBudgetMid-rangeLuxury
Kissimmee~$70~$150~$300
International Drive~$90~$170~$350
Lake Buena Vista~$110~$190~$350
Winter Park~$140~$230~$380
Universal Orlando~$150~$260~$500
Walt Disney World~$160~$300~$700

Orlando FAQs

What is the best area to stay in Orlando for first-time visitors?

Walt Disney World, followed by Universal Orlando. Disney's own resort hotels across the Walt Disney World property, linked to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom by buses, boats, monorail and Skyliner.

How much does a hotel in Orlando cost per night?

Across the areas we cover, a typical mid-range double costs about $215 a night, from around $120 for budget hotels to $430 for luxury. Kissimmee (~$150) is the cheapest area and Walt Disney World (~$300) the most expensive. These are typical rates, not live prices.

Where should I stay in Orlando on a budget?

Kissimmee, followed by International Drive, Lake Buena Vista.

Which Orlando neighbourhood is best for nightlife?

Universal Orlando.

Where is the best area to stay in Orlando with kids?

International Drive, followed by Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando.

Which area is quickest to reach from Orlando International Airport (MCO)?

Universal Orlando: about 20 minutes (taxi, rideshare or shuttle from MCO). International Drive is next at about 20 minutes.