Orlando Convention Center Hotels - HELP!

[JAM]

Just rent the place you want that's close and pay no attention to the reviews. They are just some disgruntled AH writing a negative review for no real reason, how bad do you think could be? Call, make a reservation, be sure to get the persons name you are speaking to, something you should do every time you talk to anyone. You will not find any really bad hotels in that area. It is just a couple rooms a bed and a shower, you aren't spending your vacation at the hotel you will be at the convention center and the tournament. You are over thinking this a little....

Thanks for the good advice, Macguy! In the past, I have had just AWFUL experiences on the tournament trail with hotels I am not familiar with.

On more than one occasion, I booked the hotel that a regional TOUR recommended, thinking I would be supporting the tour by booking my room there. On one such instance, the quality of the hotel room was absolutely TERRIBLE. When we opened up our hotel door, there were small black bugs flying throughout the room, the carpet was wet from a recent heavy rain, and the smell of mold and mildew was quite overwhelming. It is true that at this particular event, we did spend most of our time at the venue site, but truth be told, I did not have a very good sleep, and I was not comfortable taking a shower in the bathroom either. It was, without a doubt, the PITS. The next time I went to this town, I booked a hotel at a Marriott facility and was very satisfied.

Personally, whenever I venture off on the tournament trail, I take great efforts to locate a lodging facility which is going to be pleasant and comfortable. More important to me is that my counterpart, who is the pool player, is afforded the BEST amenities available within our budget.

I believe good sleep is very important for me and mine on the tournament trail. There is nothing worse than having to compete in a high-profile event with a bad back because of a lumpy mattress. Neither of us are spring chickens anymore, sad to say, and I do try very hard before I venture off to unknown territory to get a DECENT room. Just speaking from experience as a frequent tournament trailblazer!

JAM

 

[JAM]

It is just you go to dinner with someone and you have a perfectly fine meal and they have something bad to say about everything. You can't go by a review. Some people are just like that.

I agree that sometimes a review doesn't do the job. Many years ago, I was searching for a business fax machine. I read Consumer Reports and went with the one ranked highest, which was a Sharp. The fax machine was a joke in that you had to keep buying new toner for each 50 fax pages, and the toner was quite expensive at that time. Fax machines have improved since then, but I have NEVER relied on Consumer Reports since that time.

Shorty is right in that I did have my laptop stolen right out of my hotel room on the tournament trail, and it occurred at a Marriott. Though the room was clean and nice, the experience of this theft was horrible. I did ultimately get refunded for its value, but it still took a lot of my time and effort to get those monies.

Some of these hotels in Orlando are SOLD OUT now, over a month ahead of time. I hope to find out the nitty gritty from AzBilliards' members who are local to this area like Shorty. This kind of info is helpful!

If somebody were coming to my hometown of Washington, D.C., I could sure tell you where NOT to stay by its location. There are many lodging facilities in the Nation's Capital, but it is sure difficult to pick one from an Internet site when you are not familiar with the area.

JAM

 

[macguy]

Thanks for the good advice, Macguy! In the past, I have had just AWFUL experiences on the tournament trail with hotels I am not familiar with.

On more than one occasion, I booked the hotel that a regional TOUR recommended, thinking I would be supporting the tour by booking my room there. On one such instance, the quality of the hotel room was absolutely TERRIBLE. When we opened up our hotel door, there were small black bugs flying throughout the room, the carpet was wet from a recent heavy rain, and the smell of mold and mildew was quite overwhelming. It is true that at this particular event, we did spend most of our time at the venue site, but truth be told, I did not have a very good sleep, and I was not comfortable taking a shower in the bathroom either. It was, without a doubt, the PITS. The next time I went to this town, I booked a hotel at a Marriott facility and was very satisfied.

Personally, whenever I venture off on the tournament trail, I take great efforts to locate a lodging facility which is going to be pleasant and comfortable. More important to me is that my counterpart, who is the pool player, is afforded the BEST amenities available within our budget.

I believe good sleep is very important for me and mine on the tournament trail. There is nothing worse than having to compete in a high-profile event with a bad back because of a lumpy mattress. Neither of us are spring chickens anymore, sad to say, and I do try very hard before I venture off to unknown territory to get a DECENT room. Just speaking from experience as a frequent tournament trailblazer!

JAM

I agree it can be not the best. For me the main thing is the proximity to the venue. I use to have a motor home and It was nice to just walk out and take a nap, have something to eat or just relax. I remember Buddy Hall coming out once to see my dog, I had a nice Pit bull and the next thing you know he is sound asleep on the couch. It is rough being trapped at a tournament without a car or the hotel too far to go back and forth. I do know what you mean about the hotel though, but if it is a name hotel I think you can feel pretty sure it won't be as bad as the few and I bet it is just a few, horrible experiences you have had.

 

[Rude Dog]

I heard from a player at the U.S. Open this year, that when he mentioned that he was there for the tournament, the cost of the hotel was $30 MORE. So, he called back later and didn't mention the tournament and booked the room. FWIW. Peace, John.

 

[JAM]

I agree it can be not the best. For me the main thing is the proximity to the venue. I use to have a motor home and It was nice to just walk out and take a nap, have something to eat or just relax. I remember Buddy Hall coming out once to see my dog, I had a nice Pit bull and the next thing you know he is sound asleep on the couch. It is rough being trapped at a tournament without a car or the hotel too far to go back and forth. I do know what you mean about the hotel though, but if it is a name hotel I think you can feel pretty sure it won't be as bad as the few and I bet it is just a few, horrible experiences you have had.

In my early days of traveling the tournament trail, I did experience a few bad experiences, the one I referenced above happened in Richmond, Virginia. The next time I went to Richmond, I booked a Marriott facility and was very pleased.

The hotels adjacent to the Orlando Convention Center, though they are SOLD OUT, are quite nice, but cost over $200 per night.

The reason why I am so intent on finding a suitable hotel in Florida is because the last time I traveled to Florida on a pool-related excursion, I encountered several hotels which had flying cockroaches. They were BIG flying cockroaches, too, not the kind of cockroaches I have seen up north. There is no way I will be able to sleep in a hotel room with flying cockroaches. I just can't do it.

JAM

 

[stevelomako]

Just a suggestion but how about looking into a HOUSE or CONDO to rent for the week. I know you will find quite a few and you can split it with a couple of others and get something huge.

It might look shocking to rent something for 1,500-3,000 a week but split up its cheaper than a hotel and you get to be in a real nice home.

 

[The Hamster]

The reason why I am so intent on finding a suitable hotel in Florida is because the last time I traveled to Florida on a pool-related excursion, I encountered several hotels which had flying cockroaches. They were BIG flying cockroaches, too, not the kind of cockroaches I have seen up north. There is no way I will be able to sleep in a hotel room with flying cockroaches. I just can't do it.

Palmetto bugs - they are exactly that - flying cockroaches. I had my room changed at a Florida hotel because I shared the room with 3-4 of them. I almost managed to kill one but the suckers are blindingly fast as well as big... good luck finding a hotel in Florida without any, JAM!

 

[macguy]

In my early days of traveling the tournament trail, I did experience a few bad experiences, the one I referenced above happened in Richmond, Virginia. The next time I went to Richmond, I booked a Marriott facility and was very pleased.

The hotels adjacent to the Orlando Convention Center, though they are SOLD OUT, are quite nice, but cost over $200 per night.

The reason why I am so intent on finding a suitable hotel in Florida is because the last time I traveled to Florida on a pool-related excursion, I encountered several hotels which had flying cockroaches. They were BIG flying cockroaches, too, not the kind of cockroaches I have seen up north. There is no way I will be able to sleep in a hotel room with flying cockroaches. I just can't do it.

JAM

They are every where I have them in my house, I just catch them with my hand, their pretty slow and throw them outside. You can't keep them out they can flatten themselves and go right through any opening. My parents owned a hotel on Fort Lauderdale beach when I was a kid, we lived there as well. You always had a guest that would come running out screaming, they had never seen a bug that big in their lives. You had to calm them down and explain it to them it wasn't a bat or something.. Too bad I don't live closer to the tournament, y'all could just stay with me I have a big house and a Gold Crown to practice on. Oh well, good luck.

 

[Shorty]

Just talked to my buddy...I was wrong.

This is actually the touristy section of Orlando, so things should be safer. Not as many hookers or drug dealers.

He said he recommended staying around the 11-14 area on that map I linked you to earlier. He said everything in that area is pretty nice and well kept.

There is indeed a trolley that goes up and down international blvd, and most places you can pay an extra couple of bucks and get use of their shuttle service to and fro the convention center.

Hope this helps!
Shorty

 

[JAM]

Just talked to my buddy...I was wrong.

This is actually the touristy section of Orlando, so things should be safer. Not as many hookers or drug dealers.

He said he recommended staying around the 11-14 area on that map I linked you to earlier. He said everything in that area is pretty nice and well kept.

There is indeed a trolley that goes up and down international blvd, and most places you can pay an extra couple of bucks and get use of their shuttle service to and fro the convention center.

Hope this helps!
Shorty

Thanks, Shorty. This kind of info is, indeed, very helpful! I appreciate you asking around.

Hope you come to the IPT King of the Hill Shootout, Shorty. I sure would like to meet you. This event will be one exquisite pool extravaganza that will go down in the history books. I hope you are there to enjoy the festivities with me and mine!

JAM

 

[eg8r]

I beg to differ Macguy, sorry...but if that's the area I am thinking of, lots of drug dealers and hookers on that end of town. I am also thinking that since JAM had her laptop stolen before, she is now leary of where she stays and it's quite understandable. Orlando has lots of GOOD hotels and bad ones. I think she should be careful and seems like she is. Her caution is understandable by me.

My friend has not got back in touch with me who goes over alot, but as soon as he does I will pass along what I find.

Shorty

I think you are thinking of Orange Blossom Trail, that is where the drugs and hookers are. The area where the convention center is located is tourist hell. There are tons of hotels up and down the street and most all are in walking distance. Once you get off of International Drive, then things start to spread out.

Spetty is coming to town?

eg8r

 

[Shorty]

I think you are thinking of Orange Blossom Trail, that is where the drugs and hookers are. The area where the convention center is located is tourist hell. There are tons of hotels up and down the street and most all are in walking distance. Once you get off of International Drive, then things start to spread out.

Spetty is coming to town?

eg8r

You are so correct eg8r LOL...I was thinking OBT indeed. I get turned around in Orlando so easily.

Yes, I hope to get over there and see you and the Earthquake, JAM. A lot will depend on whether I can get a kitchen pass from the wife and a driver for my van. Have wheels, will travel!

Shorty

 

[gabesmom]

How could you NOT stay at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Camp .... lol
It just sounds like fun ... ROFL

Hey, don't make fun of Yogi Bear's Jellystone Camp! That was my first choice that I called! But it was disconnected! But I found an RV park 15 miles away from convention center, $25.00 a night for our RV. Affordable enough. (Now we have to contemplate gas, the biggest investment)
If any of you never find a room, and really want to get by on the cheap, you can tent camp for $20.00 for 2 people per night! And guess what! That's with electric! Just have to shower in their campground showers is all!

 

[SPetty]

SPetty is coming to town?

Well, maybe not now that I've been reminded about those palmetto bugs...

If I can get tickets, I'm pretty sure I'll be there.

 

[rackmsuckr]

You're right, JAM, I have stayed in everything from a Motel 6 with driveby's in L.A. with 6 girls to a room, to $300/night luxury suites for just myself.

I don't mind sharing, so if there are any people out there who would like to split expenses, Mike and I would consider it. The only criteria would be that you are HONEST (would not steal) and would smoke outside the room, as I am a nonsmoker. I am booking no matter what on Friday, but would like to gather more info about the area hotels and timeshares first, and will book a double room or timeshare, if there is anyone who wants to split. I think Stan Tourangeau will stay with us but has not confirmed. If there is enough interest, we could get a house/timeshare to sleep 6-8 people-one big pajama party. lol

Again, your integrity and honesty are the biggest factors in making this work. Being honest means not only that you do not steal or pry in other people's belongings, but that you respect privacy, do not hit on anyone, and pay all monies up front. References would be nice, but I know you can get anybody to say anything you want. Mutual pool buddies that we know would make good references though. We would be taking a big leap of faith, but I think also it is a chance to make a lot of friends too and share in this grand adventure. On the WPBA tour, we always paired up with other folks to save money and I have made lifelong friends because of it. Because both Mike and I are going to these, with flights and hotel, etc., we are looking at $1500-$2000 for this trip every time we go. Any takers?

Oh yeah, I hate bugs! We don't have cockroaches in WA.

 

[JAM]

You're right, JAM, I have stayed in everything from a Motel 6 with driveby's in L.A. with 6 girls to a room, to $300/night luxury suites for just myself...

Linda, the IPT obtained a player's rate at the Sheraton Studio City Hotel for $89 per night. All rooms come with two queen beds. It is 5 minutes from the Orlando Conference Center, and the toll-free number is 1-800-327-1366.

Most of the "luxury" hotels are SOLD OUT. I went down the list and checked them all. The Residence Inn by Marriott has suites available with full kitchenettes for $99 per night. All suites come with a sofa bed which provides an extra sleeping accommodation.

The Hampton Inn as of this morning has rooms available for $74 per night with two beds and only non-smoking, which would be perfect for you, Linda, with no smoking.

FYI, the hotel room rates are subject to a 11.5-percent tax in Orlando, Florida.

Here is the link Shorty provided which gives a good bird's-eye view of a 10-mile radius to the Orlando Convention Center: http://www.occc.net/pdf/map_web.pdf

Looking forward to meeting you and your hubby, Linda. Good times are up ahead!

JAM

 

[JAM]

Hey, guys and gals, check out these hotels on this link: http://travel.ian.com/index.jsp;jsid=eYdiBmyY2VN9?pageName=hotSearch&cid=96003&fc=list

Very economically priced and quite a variety within minutes of the Orlando Convention Center!

JAM

 

[macguy]

You're right, JAM, I have stayed in everything from a Motel 6 with driveby's in L.A. with 6 girls to a room, to $300/night luxury suites for just myself.

I don't mind sharing, so if there are any people out there who would like to split expenses, Mike and I would consider it. The only criteria would be that you are HONEST (would not steal) and would smoke outside the room, as I am a nonsmoker. I am booking no matter what on Friday, but would like to gather more info about the area hotels and timeshares first, and will book a double room or timeshare, if there is anyone who wants to split. I think Stan Tourangeau will stay with us but has not confirmed. If there is enough interest, we could get a house/timeshare to sleep 6-8 people-one big pajama party. lol

Again, your integrity and honesty are the biggest factors in making this work. Being honest means not only that you do not steal or pry in other people's belongings, but that you respect privacy, do not hit on anyone, and pay all monies up front. References would be nice, but I know you can get anybody to say anything you want. Mutual pool buddies that we know would make good references though. We would be taking a big leap of faith, but I think also it is a chance to make a lot of friends too and share in this grand adventure. On the WPBA tour, we always paired up with other folks to save money and I have made lifelong friends because of it. Because both Mike and I are going to these, with flights and hotel, etc., we are looking at $1500-$2000 for this trip every time we go. Any takers?

Oh yeah, I hate bugs! We don't have cockroaches in WA.

I am sorry for not knowing but will you and your husband be playing in the invitational tournament? I am curious and for some behind the scenes info are they paying any compensation to the players who are not? They do require them to attend I believe, does that also include those who would have to come from overseas? That is a lot of expense it seems, in their communications with you how do they explain such a demand? I am sorry I just can't help but be curious?

 

[rackmsuckr]

I am sorry for not knowing but will you and your husband be playing in the invitational tournament? I am curious and for some behind the scenes info are they paying any compensation to the players who are not? They do require them to attend I believe, does that also include those who would have to come from overseas? That is a lot of expense it seems, in their communications with you how do they explain such a demand? I am sorry I just can't help but be curious?

First off, thanks JAM, I will look into those rooms. MacGuy, we were told the meeting is mandatory in our congratulatory emails. My feeling is that they may require all of us to be at every one until the end, not like other tournaments where you leave as soon as you are out. They probably want full seats for the finals. To my knowledge, we will not be reimbursed, and I am not even sure the payouts for the first real tournament will cover those first out. I think that this first King of the Hill tournament is required because that is when we will have our 'coming out' to the world...media and the like and the opportunity to promote us all in one package. It is also going to be a good time to look at the speed of the tables, the speed of the players, things to work on when we go back home, the rules, and what they are looking to promote for this tour.

 

[frankncali]

Anytime! Hope to see you there.

Hey buddy
It sounds like you are going
Lucky dog

If you get a chance take a few pictures. I would love to see some shots of
the place and the event.
Hope RM does well and that you have a good time
later frankncali