Orlando Airport & Mall Magic! Days Inn's Unbeatable Deal Awaits!
Orlando Airport & Mall Magic! Days Inn's Unbeatable Deal Awaits! - A Review That's Actually Honest (and Messy)
Okay, let's be real. You're probably here 'cause you're either flying into Orlando or you're looking for a quick, cheap getaway near the airport and maybe some retail therapy. Well, I'm here to tell you about my rollercoaster of a stay at the Days Inn – the one they boldly claim is “Unbeatable” – and let me tell you, it was…an experience. Buckle up, buttercups, because we’re diving in.
Before We Get Started: SEO & Metadata Schmutter
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The Arrival - A Symphony of Airport Exhaust and Optimism (and Mild Panic)
First off, getting there was…well, it was airport. That means a blend of jet lag, tired kids (if you have 'em), and the faint smell of desperation that clings to every traveler's luggage. The free airport shuttle was a godsend, honestly. After a ten-hour flight, the thought of haggling with a taxi driver was enough to make me weep. Let's give them points for that – seriously, a major win.
Accessibility? Mostly – But Don't Expect Miracles (Or Maybe Do?)
Now, I’m not personally using a wheelchair, but I did take note of the accessibility features – because, hello, we're supposed to be inclusive, right? The website says they've got it covered. The elevators were a must, of course, and the ramps seemed adequate. The rooms themselves… seemed to have the right basics, like wider doorways and accessible bathrooms. But honestly, I didn't thoroughly investigate every nook and cranny. I wasn't there with a measuring tape and a notepad. I just noticed they seemed to have made an effort. Still, a thumbs up for trying.
The Room – Where Expectations Met… Reality (Sometimes Painfully)
Alright, let's talk about the actual room. The "Unbeatable Deal" promises a lot. The reality? Well, it was…a Days Inn room. You get what you pay for, folks.
- Comfort & Basic Amenities: The bed? Meh. Not a cloud, but not a torture rack either, somewhere in between. Free Wi-Fi? YES! And it worked, mostly. HUGE win – I could actually work (or, let's be honest, endlessly scroll through social media). Air conditioning? Check. After a steaming Florida day, that was a Godsend. The TV worked, and they did have "on-demand movies" – but honestly, after a 10-12 hour flight, and then a late dinner, maybe a quick shower, and then you want to go to bed ASAP.
- Cleanliness (Or the Lack Thereof): Okay, here's where things get a little…dicey. I'm not going to lie. I found a stray hair in the bathroom. And maybe a questionable stain on the carpet. I'm not a germaphobe, but those little things that make you question the hygiene standards. Luckily, I had some anti-bacterial wipes in my bag. I gave the remote a good scrub. Maybe I should have opted out of “room sanitization,” which honestly, I didn’t even realize was a thing. Maybe a deep clean would have been better, and I didn't see any obvious signs of "Professional-grade sanitizing services," or "Daily Disinfection in Common Areas." Still, nothing that ruined the trip.
- Bathroom Breakdown: They had a bathtub, and a shower. The water pressure was… well, adequate. The toiletries were your standard, hotel-generic stuff. No fancy soaps here. Okay, I can live with that.
- The View (Or Lack Thereof): Let's be honest, the "view" from my window was the parking lot. But hey, you're not going to Orlando to stare out the window, are you?
Dining, Drinking & Snacking - A Mixed Bag, to Say the Least
- Breakfast (The "Free" Kind): Ah, the hotel breakfast. A true barometer of your overall experience. The Days Inn offered the "Continental" variety – think bagels, muffins, cereal, and coffee that tastes faintly of sadness. I snagged a waffle, which I loaded down with syrup to drown out the bitterness. It's not exactly a gourmet experience, but hey, it's free.
- The "Coffee Shop" in the Lobby: A little bit of a let down sadly.
- Restaurants: Sadly, I don't recall any of the restaurants being open.
- Room Service (24-hour): Well, that's what the website says. I didn't dare try, to be honest. If the free breakfast was any indication, I was skeptical of the food.
Things To Do (Away from the Hotel):
Okay, here’s where the Days Inn has a major advantage. It's location.
- Mall Shopping: The mall is close. Like, really close. Which means you can spend your days shopping till you drop. I'm not a huge shopper, but my wife and daughter loved it. (Me? I hung out by the pool).
- Pool (Outdoor): And speaking of the pool, it's decent! It's an outdoor pool, so you know you can soak up the Florida sun. The water was cool and refreshing. The pool wasn't overly crowded, which was a relief. It was a good spot to unwind after a day of running around.
- I didn't see a Sauna, Spa, Steamroom, Gym/fitness, Sauna, or Spa/sauna. I was thinking maybe I should have brought my own body scrubs!
Cleanliness & Safety: The "COVID Era" Considerations (and My Anxiety)
This is where things get really interesting. The website boasted about all sorts of COVID-19 protocols, like "Professional-grade sanitizing services," "Daily disinfection in common areas", and "Staff trained in safety protocol." To be honest, I definitely saw hand sanitizer stations, and staff wearing masks. It felt like they were trying, but I still felt a little edgy. I'm not sure I saw evidence of "Anti-viral cleaning products," or "Sterilizing equipment," but again, I wasn't there with a microscope. All I could do was hope for the best, and wash my hands…a lot.
The Service and Conveniences: Hits and Misses
- Daily Housekeeping: Yes, they did come in every day.
- Concierge: Nonexistent, as far as I could tell. You're pretty much on your own.
- Front Desk: The staff at the front desk were generally polite and helpful.
- Other Things: I didn't need things like "Babysitting service," "Food delivery," or a "Souvenir shop." It's not that kind of place.
Accessibility, Continued (A More Detailed Ramble):
Okay, let's go back to accessibility for a moment. I mentioned the ramps and elevators. I saw "Facilities for disabled guests" mentioned. But, if you have specific needs, double-check everything before you book. Call them up and ask directly about the specific features you need. I did notice things like the elevator seemed a little slow. I was told about the "Check-in/out [express]" service which seemed to be available.
The Verdict - Unbeatable? Maybe Not. But Worth It? Possibly!
So, is the Days Inn's "Unbeatable Deal" actually unbeatable? Well, no. It's not the Ritz-Carlton. But for the price, the free airport shuttle, the convenient location, and the (mostly) clean room, it’s a decent option, especially if you’re on a budget or just need a place to crash before or after a flight. It's not fancy, but it's functional. And hey, you can always grab an extra waffle at breakfast.
Overall Score: 3.5 out of 5 Stars. (Would probably go back, depending on the price…)
Final Thoughts:
This hotel is a good option if you are wanting to be near the Orlando Airport, want to shop, or want to see some attractions. Have fun and enjoy your stay!
Unbelievable Breckenridge Getaway: Marriott's Mountain Valley Lodge Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, slightly chaotic, and definitely messy reality of a trip to the Days Inn by Wyndham Orlando Airport Florida Mall in Orlando, Florida. Be warned: I'm not promising perfectly polished travel writing. I'm promising the raw, honest, and sometimes bewildered truth. Here we go!
Day 1: Arrival and the Perpetual Quest for Cheap Snacks
- Arrival at MCO, 1:00 PM: Okay, first off, Orlando airport is…a vibe. It’s all sunshine and screaming kids and the desperate air of families trying to cram a week's worth of vacation into one oversized suitcase. I'm already tired, but I can't help but feel a little thrill of excitement. This is it.
- Shuttle to Days Inn, 2:00 PM: Let me tell you, the free shuttle is a blessing but also a gamble. You're basically throwing your fate to the gods of airport transport. Today, the gods smiled (or maybe they were just feeling generous). The shuttle arrived quickly, and the driver was a chatty, cheerful guy who shared his (admittedly biased) opinions on the best theme parks.
- Check-in at Days Inn, 3:00 PM: The lobby…well, it's a Days Inn, let's be real. Functionality is the name of the game. But hey, the staff was friendly, and the AC was blasting, which, after the Florida humidity, feels like a personal miracle.
- Unpacking + Room Inspection, 3:30 PM: Alright, time to assess the battlefield. The bedspread's a little…questionable, but the room is (mostly) clean. Gotta check for rogue critters (spider alert!). So far, so good. I'm already strategizing. My suitcase is my safe haven.
- The Snack Predicament, 4:00 PM: This is where the real adventure begins. I'm a creature of habit, which means I require snacks. Cheap snacks. The vending machine in the lobby offers the usual suspects - Snickers (always a solid choice), but I’m looking for something more. The clerk recommended "the gas station down the street" for cheap snacks. I walked up and was disappointed.
- Dinner, 7:00 PM: Dinner at a nearby chain restaurant (the name escapes me through the fog of travel fatigue). It wasn't fancy, but it was edible, and crucially, it filled the hole in my stomach that the lack of decent snacks had created. I ordered a burger, which always is a delicious safe choice. I'm already thinking about breakfast though…
- Evening Relaxation, 9:00 PM: Face plastered to my phone. Looking at pictures of my cat. Thinking about tomorrow. Already wondering if this hotel is haunted.
- Bedtime, 10:00 PM: Okay, time to sleep. My mind is racing. Trying to plan out the trip and feel a sense of control as the start of a very planned vacation. I'm exhausted, but I'm also excited. Let's hope I can avoid that creepy clown that keeps popping up in my nightmares.
Day 2: The Theme Park Tango (And Massive Emotional Rollercoaster)
- Breakfast, 7:00 AM: Free continental breakfast at the Days Inn. Let's just say it's…functional. Cereal and questionable coffee are the staples. I grabbed a bagel too, even though it didn't look that great.
- Transportation, 8:00 AM: Getting ready for the park involves the shuttle again. There is one scheduled one, but I'd need to make a reservation. It's a gamble. I chose Uber. The driver was a total character. He told me his life story (which involved a lot of drama and three ex-wives) the entire ride.
- Theme Park Entry, 9:00 AM: So, there it is. Let the games begin…
- Ride Experiences & Emotional Rollercoaster, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM: Okay, here's where things REALLY got messy. This whole theme park experience was a total rollercoaster of emotions. First, the joy of finally experiencing a big thrill ride. Holy crap! Then there was the "I'm-going-to-pass-out-from-the-heat" phase. Followed by the "is-this-worth-the-price-of-admission" stage (mostly when I was waiting in line for 2 hours). And finally, the pure, unadulterated, childlike wonder when watching a parade. The best part was seeing the kid's (and adults!) faces as they watched the parade. I got soaked in the water parade, but I didn't care. I loved the fireworks. I also lost my phone.
- Dinner, 6:00 PM: Ate inside the park. Everything was overpriced. But hey, I earned it.
- Return to Days Inn, 9:00 PM: Exhausted, overstimulated, and clutching a stuffed animal I won for the price of a small country.
- Phone Recovery & Night cap 10:00 PM: After 30 minutes of panic, I got my phone back. Someone at the park found it and turned it in. I ran back to the hotel, and went to the vending machine. I bought a coke, and went to bed.
Day 3: The Aftermath and the Search for Inner Peace (and Maybe a Decent Deal)
- Recovery Breakfast, 8:00 AM: Back to the continental breakfast. More bagels, more coffee.
- Poolside Time, 9:00 AM: I can't even. The hotel pool is tiny. But hey, I don't have a lot of options, so I'm going to dive in.
- Souvenir Shopping, 11:00 AM: Souvenirs are too pricey, I'll find more affordable ones later.
- Check-out, 12:00 PM:
- Departure, 1:00 PM: Goodbye, Days Inn! You were, well, you. And a place to sleep. Until next time, Orlando!
There you have it, folks. A whirlwind of snacks, rollercoasters, and existential musings. No, it wasn’t perfect. Yes, there were moments of pure, unadulterated chaos. But that’s the beauty of it, right? It's the messiness, the imperfections, the unexpected detours that make a trip truly human. And frankly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find some decent snacks. Wish me luck!
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Orlando Airport & Mall Magic! Days Inn's Unbeatable Deal Awaits! - Uh... Maybe? Let's Dive In, Y'all!
Okay, so… this Days Inn deal. Is it *really* unbeatable? I’ve seen deals before.
Look, "unbeatable" is a bold claim, right? That's what the marketing guys are paid to say. Honestly? It probably depends on your definition of "beatable." If you're expecting the Taj Mahal and a gourmet breakfast buffet, absolutely not. But, and this is a *big* but, if you're looking for a clean, centrally located place near MCO *and* the Mall at Millenia (because, priorities!), then yeah, maybe. I once stumbled upon a Days Inn deal after a flight delay that involved a screaming toddler and a questionable airport hotdog. Seriously, I just needed a bed. And hey, it had a pool! Score! So, check the price, check the reviews (read the *bad* ones, too!), and decide if "unbeatable" means "gets the job done without breaking the bank and possibly includes a complimentary continental breakfast with suspiciously fluorescent orange juice." Then, welcome to Orlando, darling! You're gonna need an extra dose of patience.
How close to the airport is "close"? And more importantly, what's the shuttle situation like?
Ah, the airport shuttle. The unsung hero, and sometimes, the source of minor existential dread. "Close" in Orlando terms can mean anything from a 5-minute drive to "well, you *could* walk, but you probably shouldn't because it's like, a billion degrees and you'll be devoured by mosquitoes." (Okay, maybe not devoured, but you get the vibe.) The Days Inn deals *usually* advertise a shuttle. Read the fine print. Does it run 24/7? Does it only pick you up at certain terminals? Because let me tell you a little secret... last time, I had to WAIT. And I mean, *wait* wait. I paced. I checked my phone. I thought about the utter waste of my life. (Dramatic, I know, but the Florida heat enhances everything.) Eventually, it showed up. So… close-ish. Just make sure you confirm the shuttle schedule *before* you arrive, or you might find yourself sharing a ride-share with a family of five and their luggage piled up like a miniature mountain range. And trust me, your vacation vibe takes a *serious* hit.
The Mall at Millenia! OMG! Is it *really* worth braving the traffic for? And is it within a reasonable driving distance?
Millenia... the shimmering beacon of retail temptation. Okay, listen: Orlando traffic is a beast. A slow, sweltering, honking beast. Is Millenia worth it? Depends on you, and your tolerance for crowds and your credit card limit. If you're into high-end designers, yes. Absolutely yes. If you're like me, and mostly window-shop while trying to avoid the aggressive perfume spritzers, maybe just peek online. It's considered a "reasonable" drive from the airport and Days Inn, but… the definition of "reasonable" changes with the time of day. Avoid rush hour. Trust me. You’ll thank me later. Now, if you *do* go, I have a pro-tip: park near the Cheesecake Factory. You can grab a slice of heaven as a reward (or as a consolation prize if your shopping trip goes south, because sometimes it does). Don't judge.
Alright, let's talk about the actual Days Inn. What are the rooms *really* like? I've seen pictures...
The rooms. Ah, the rooms. Okay, remember those pictures? Take them with a grain of salt. Think "functional." Think "clean-ish." Think "probably won't win any design awards, but hey, it's a place to crash after a day of theme park madness." I've stayed in a Days Inn room that was perfectly adequate (and I've stayed in one that made me question the very nature of reality). Don't go in with sky-high expectations. Do pack your own pillow, just in case. Do check for bedbugs (a quick scan is always a good idea, even if it seems paranoid – better safe than sorry!). Think about getting a room on the higher floors, I've noticed it tends to get a little more noise (or less noise if you're lucky) than the ground floor. And finally, be prepared for the possibility of a very loud air conditioner. Sometimes, it's the soundtrack to your Orlando adventure. Embrace it. Or drown it out with white noise on your phone. Whatever gets you through the night.
What if I need to change my reservation? Is that a total nightmare? (Like, you know, with *travel* and everything...)
Travel changes are the bane of my existence! Changing a reservation depends on the specific terms of the Days Inn deal you booked. Read the fine print. *Really* read it. Some deals are non-refundable, which is the worst. Others might let you cancel with a fee. I’ve wasted hours on the phone with customer service trying to change a hotel reservation. Get. That. Done. Before. You. Go! Worst case scenario, you could lose a bit of your money. Best case scenario, you find out that you can change things. And don't even get me started on the time difference if you're calling from another country... Ugh! But again, do your homework. Before you book, make sure you're comfortable with the cancellation policy. And pray to the travel gods that you don't have to use it.
Okay, so about breakfast. What's the deal with the "complimentary continental breakfast"?
The "complimentary continental breakfast"... a phrase that evokes both hope and a healthy dose of skepticism. Usually, you're looking at bagels, muffins, maybe some sad-looking fruit, instant coffee, and that neon orange juice that I mentioned earlier. Don't get your hopes up for a full-blown feast. Think of it as fuel, not fine dining. My *personal* strategy: grab a bagel (butter it liberally), grab a single apple, and then run. Run like the wind. Orlando has so many amazing breakfast places – and trust me, you'll need the energy for the park. Just... don't expect gourmet.
Any hidden fees I should be aware of? I hate hidden fees.
Hidden fees are the financial equivalent of stepping on a rogue Lego brick. They *hurt*. Always check for them. Resort fees are common. Parking fees are also common. They might get you for local calls as well. Read the fine print *again*. (I repeat myself, I know, but it’s important!) Look for things like "service fees," "facility fees," or anything that sounds suspicious. Ask the front desk *before* you check in. And if they try to hit you with a surprise charge? Politely but firmly question it. You're not afraid. You're a seasoned traveler (even ifThe Stay Journey
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