Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando-International Drive/Convention Center

The hotel offers a comfortable and practical stay, particularly appealing to families and business travelers due to its spacious suites equipped with kitchenettes, providing a home-like feel. Its central location on International Drive is a significant draw, placing guests within easy reach of numerous attractions and dining options, making it ideal for sightseers as well. While many guests appreciate the friendly staff and complimentary breakfast, some note that the property is showing its age and could benefit from renovations, particularly concerning the elevators and general room maintenance. For an enhanced experience, guests are advised to manage expectations regarding the hotel's dated aspects and to utilize the convenient in-room kitchen facilities for added comfort and budget savings, especially for longer stays. Additionally, being aware of potential elevator issues can help in planning movements within the hotel.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of amenities designed for guest convenience. The outdoor pool is heated and includes a hot tub, though some guests find the pool area to be small, often in the shade, and occasionally crowded, with mixed feedback on its cleanliness. A fitness center is available, though some suggest it could use an update. For longer stays, laundry rooms are conveniently located on upper floors, offering washers and dryers for a fee. Guests appreciate the 24-hour coffee station in the lobby, providing coffee, tea, and flavored water, though replenishment can sometimes be slow. Each suite features a kitchenette with a full-sized refrigerator including an ice maker, a microwave, and a stovetop, which is highly valued for preparing meals. However, the elevators are a frequent point of concern, often described as slow, noisy, and prone to being out of order, causing significant inconvenience for guests.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is varied. Many guests find the rooms to be spacious and appreciate the separate living areas, though the overall decor is frequently described as dated and in need of renovation, with visible stains on carpets and furniture. While some rooms are noted for being clean and spotless upon arrival, a significant number of reviews highlight inconsistent housekeeping, with rooms not being thoroughly cleaned, trash not removed, or supplies like shampoo and towels not replenished regularly. Pests such as ants and cockroaches are also mentioned by some guests, particularly in kitchen and bathroom areas. The main beds are generally found to be comfortable, but sofa beds are a common source of complaint, often described as worn out and uncomfortable. Noise levels can be an issue, especially from other guests or the problematic elevators, though some rooms are reported to be quiet.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's complimentary breakfast is a significant draw for many guests, offering a wide variety of options. The spread typically includes hot food items such as eggs, omelets, bacon, sausages, and potatoes, alongside waffles (with various toppings), cereals, pastries, fruit, yogurt, and bagels. While the selection is generally praised for its abundance and quality, some guests note that the menu remains largely the same daily, leading to repetition for longer stays. The breakfast area can become very crowded, especially during peak hours, making it challenging to find seating. Guests also frequently mention the use of paper plates and plastic cutlery, which some find less appealing. Beyond breakfast, the hotel offers a manager's social hour on Wednesdays, providing light snacks and drinks, which is a welcome perk for many.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent location on International Drive, making it highly convenient for exploring the area. Guests can easily walk to numerous restaurants, Icon Park, and Pointe Orlando, providing ample dining and entertainment options. Its proximity to the Orange County Convention Center also makes it a suitable choice for business travelers. For theme park enthusiasts, Universal Studios is a short drive away, while Disney parks are a bit further, typically requiring a 25-30 minute drive. The hotel no longer provides a shuttle service to the parks, so guests rely on ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, or the local iRide trolley system. Parking is available on-site, with mixed reports on whether it is complimentary or incurs a daily fee, sometimes depending on the length of stay.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff receives mixed but generally positive feedback. Many guests commend the friendly staff at the front desk and in the breakfast area for their helpfulness and courteous demeanor, contributing to a pleasant stay. The check-in process is often described as smooth and efficient. However, some guests report less positive interactions, citing instances of unhelpful or indifferent front desk staff, particularly regarding loyalty program benefits or specific requests. Housekeeping service is a frequent point of discussion, with many guests noting that it is not daily but typically every other day or by request, and some express dissatisfaction with the thoroughness of the cleaning. Despite these inconsistencies, the breakfast staff consistently receives high praise for their cheerful and attentive service.

Additional Information
Several important details enhance or impact a stay at this hotel. The housekeeping frequency is a notable policy, with rooms typically cleaned every other day or upon a 24-hour advance request, which can be a point of frustration for some guests expecting daily service. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, though some guests find it challenging to locate suitable outdoor areas for pets. Guests should also be aware of a package handling fee, which is applied to delivered packages, particularly if not collected on the same day. While the hotel is designated as non-smoking, some reviews mention a noticeable marijuana smell in corridors, suggesting potential issues with enforcement or ventilation. The property is widely considered to be dated and in need of significant renovation to update its facilities and overall appearance.