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When it comes to lodging, I typically look for the perfect trifecta: good prices, great location and glowing reviews. But that's not enough to narrow down the field in one of the most popular destinations in America: Orlando.
The greater Orlando area offers "more than 130,000 hotel rooms, 47,000 vacation rentals and 26,000 timeshare properties," according to Visit Orlando, the not-for-profit trade association that markets the Florida destination. Walt Disney World alone features more than 25 resort hotels, while Universal Orlando Resort has 11 - including three new hotels that opened this year.
Not only do guests staying on Disney or Universal property have the benefits of proximity, they also get perks like extra park hours, surprise character appearances, free resort transportation and the intangible feeling of being immersed in a vacation bubble.
So, why would anyone stay off-property? Here's what I experienced on a recent off-property stay and what you should consider for your trips.
I stayed at Villatel Orlando Resort last month, shortly after its new apartments opened in partnership with Marriott. The 80-acre property, partway between Universal's legacy theme parks and new Epic Universe theme park, also offers townhomes and freestanding villas. Guests can choose from two-to-nine-bedroom units that feel like a mix between Airbnbs, timeshares and a traditional resort.
Like a standalone vacation rental property or timeshare, each unit offers all the comforts of home. My three-bedroom apartment was actually bigger and nicer than any apartment I've lived in, with marble fixtures and sleek, gold-accented decor. I didn't do any cooking during my short stay, but I appreciated having a fully equipped kitchen, which can help save money instead of continuously eating out. I also liked having a washing machine and dryer, so I could pack lighter and not have laundry waiting for me at home.
Most units also feature an elaborately themed bedroom designed specifically for kids or kids at heart. Mine had an Old West theme with a bunk bed built to look like a jailhouse, as well as an arcade-style video game machine programmed with hundreds of games. Some villas also have home theaters.
Unlike vacation rentals, all the units operate as one resort, with shared recreational amenities and on-site staff available to address any issues that may arise during your stay. I didn't have time to take full advantage of all the perks, but I took a couple of leisurely laps around the lazy river in the resort's new water park and enjoyed a poolside yoga class in the morning. Guests also have access to a gym, basketball and pickleball courts, a covered playground, and a free shuttle to and from Universal and Disney World.
Other off-property villa-style resorts in the area include Evermore Orlando Resort and Margaritaville Resort Orlando.
A big perk of staying off property is getting more bang for the buck.
It's not always the case. For instance, Universal's two Endless Summer hotels offer two-bedroom suites for the price of standard rooms elsewhere. But travelers can generally find more spacious accommodations at relatively lower price points off-site.
For example, at last check, a family with two adults and two children could book a 5-bedroom Villatel Orlando Resort villa for $654 a night this Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer and the first weekend after Epic Universe opens. A minimum two-night stay is required.
That same weekend, a standard room at Universal's new Helios Grand Hotel costs $745 nightly and rooms at its Hard Rock Hotel and Loew's Portofino Bay cost even more. Non-discounted rooms at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Wilderness Lodge, and Yacht and Beach Club Resorts all cost upwards of $730 a night that weekend, though promotional rates are available.
Standard rooms at more middle-of-the-road properties both on- and off-property start much lower.
Any Orlando-area hotel is minutes away from theme parks.
Minutes, of course, are relative. Disney World is nearly twice the size of Manhattan, so it can take upwards of 10 minutes to get anywhere across the property by car or bus. And while parts of Disney World are only about 15 minutes away from Universal without traffic, there is almost always traffic.
Nonetheless, many hotels are well-positioned to be within a relatively short drive of both destinations, as well as SeaWorld Orlando and its sister parks.
Travelers staying off-site should check if their hotel or resort offers free or paid shuttles to the parks and consider pick-up times when planning their days. The shuttle timing didn't work out during my Villatel stay, but rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available and not too expensive. Both Disney World and Universal offer free resort-wide transportation between their parks and hotels.
Travelers who choose to drive should factor the cost of the theme park and any potential resort parking into their budget. Standard parking costs $30 per day at Disney World and $32 per day at Universal for guests staying off property.
For travelers willing to go the extra mile, it can be well worth staying off-property.
Here are a few things to consider:
Your answers will determine if staying on or off property is worth it for you.
The reporter on this story received access from Villatel. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.