Local hotels

[jimbo2012]

Looks like my wife & I will be going there soon for 3-4 days any recommendations?

Also we'll have our dog with us.

Saw pics of the Microtel Inn and Suites in Lady Lake, hows that place?

[Santacruz]

We have stayed in a Microtel before and the walls were so thin you could hear every word next door. We did stay at the Holiday Inn Express in The Villages a few weeks ago and had no complaints. And we did see people there with their dogs. They serve a breakfast that I believe is included but we didn't eat there.
Price was about $89. a night I believe. Convenient location near The Town Square...(not Lake Sumner). Enjoy your visit, we did.

[wendyquat]

And we stayed at Marriott Town Place Suites at Spanish Springs with our dog for a few days last May when we got here a few days before our house was ready. I believe they offer a village discount!

[John_W]

We stayed at the Holiday Inn last July for 5 days. We arrived during 4th of July holiday and couldn't close right away. It was typical nice motel probably built in the 1990's close to Spanish Springs. They had free breakfast and newspaper in the lobby. We mentioned our salesman name when I made the reservation over the phone, it was 'Tony Trussler', and we got a $79 rate.

If you want something nicer and a little closer to LSL and the new construction areas, I would suggest the Hampton Inn on CR 466 just east of Buena Vista. Last time I checked they were $95 but if you're a AARP or AAA member you can get at least $10 or more off. Just check out their website.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

If it's meaningful to you, jimbo: The Marriott Towne Place Suites, Holiday Inn Express, and Comfort Suites are golf cart accessible - connected directly to SS. So if you've got a mind to want to tool around in a golf cart during your TV stay, these properties will fit the bill.

You'll need to track down your own rental cart, though. Rent the cart, leave it in the parking lot at night while you're at the hotel - it always worked for us! Might want to check with who you rent from to see if they provide any type of chain/cable lock, just for a bit of overnight safety - Jim Followell always used to for us.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express numerous times. The place got a bit of a facelift about 2 years ago which spruced it up nicely. As others have mentioned, you should be able to get a TV discount of some amount over the rack rate. AAA discounts are another bet. Nice breakfast - not just rolls and juice!

Bill :)

[skip0358]

We stayed at the Comfort Suites in Spanish Springs. It was pet friendly, had a decent Buffet in the AM was close to Spanish Springs and Chili's was right in front of the Hotel. Also had good rates.

[quiltsheddy@aol.com]

I don't think you can beat the Waterfront Hotel in Lake Sumter Landing. Great location and beautiful. Convenient to everything. They have a villager discount.

[KYWildcat]

We stayed at the Comfort Suites in Spanish Springs. It was pet friendly, had a decent Buffet in the AM was close to Spanish Springs and Chili's was right in front of the Hotel. Also had good rates.

I stayed at the Comfort Suites on 3 house hunting trips and can not say enough nice things about them. They are pet friendly, have a decent breakfast, and even allowed me to plug in my electric cart that I rented out front.

[starflyte1]

Keep in mind that the entertainment at SS is cancelled May 30
& 31, and for a good part of June. All of the stores, restaurants and Katie Belles will remain open.

[wendyquat]

I don't think you can beat the Waterfront Hotel in Lake Sumter Landing. Great location and beautiful. Convenient to everything. They have a villager discount.

Unfortunately, NOT pet friendly!

[jimbo2012]

Thanks for the input, I'll check these others out online.

[Mudder]

Microhotel is to far away from Villages, choose one of the ones near the squares.

[jimbo2012]

We're concentrating on property south of 466a so it's close to that area.

But I will review the other hotels.

[Schaumburger]

In 2010, my first visit to TV, my friends and I stayed at the Comfort Suites near Spanish Springs for 6 nights -- very nice. It's close to SS -- walking distance, and it's right next to Chili's. Saw several golf carts in the parking lot, so it's golf cart accessible. I believe we paid about $76 per night for our rooms, AAA rate, but that was almost 2 yrs. ago. Their web site is advertising $71 AARP/senior (age 60 or over) rate.

Last year on the night before my July rental started, I stayed at the Waterfront Inn at LSL for one night - very nice room, nice restaurant on site and golf cart accessible -- paid $109 AARP rate. Last year before my October rental started I stayed at the Hampton Inn on 466 for one night -- not golf cart accessible, but very nice - got $90 AARP rate.

Next month before my rental starts, I'm staying for one night at the Marriott TownePlace Suites at Spanish Springs. It's golf cart accessible, and it has generally very positive ratings on tripadvisor.com. It's a Marriott property, so it should be pretty good. I received a $91.00 AAA rate, and I made my reservation in mid-April.

[senior citizen]

...

[jimbo2012]

I guess it's time to sign up with AARP :mornincoffee:, it's like a $10 a nite savings.

A few of those are not pet friendly.

Holiday inn looks good

As does Comport Inn

I think both R golf car accessible.

[missypie]

I put my vote for Microtel Inn. Clean, price was real good and close to where you want to build. They are pet friendly. We asked for a quiet section of hotel and we got one. Just another opinion.

Good luck with your new future in TV.

Have to be honest....I am a bit envious......

Just have to wait......

[CaptJohn]

I guess it's time to sign up with AARP :mornincoffee:, it's like a $10 a nite savings.



Their rates are usually better than AAA's in my experience. Signed up when I turned 50. Been saving lots of $ ever since. :laugh:

[Bill-n-Brillo]

......

Holiday Inn looks good

As does Comfort Inn

I think both R golf car accessible.

They are - see post #5

Bill :)

[createquilts]

Is there a shuttle from the Orlando Airport to the Villages?

We are coming for a lifestyle visit end of July (yippee) and I am about to make the plane reservations. If we land in Orlando and stay in a hotel on site the night before our lifestyle visit is it possible not to rent a car?

I was thinking we could fly in and if we could get there only get a golf cart rental so we could really experience what it would be like.

[Trish Crocker]

I just stayed at a Microtel in Zephyrhills..it was a new place. The staff was very friendly and helpful, they had free wifi and continental breakfast..all at a really low price..Downside..the rooms are sooo basic..they didn't have lamps, just overhead lights. The light over the bed reminded me of a hospital! I ended up turning off the lights and just having the TV on since the overheads were so bright. The place was very clean but if you go I would definitely get a suite instead of a queen room like I did.

[Trish Crocker]

Is there a shuttle from the Orlando Airport to the Villages?

We are coming for a lifestyle visit end of July (yippee) and I am about to make the plane reservations. If we land in Orlando and stay in a hotel on site the night before our lifestyle visit is it possible not to rent a car?

I was thinking we could fly in and if we could get there only get a golf cart rental so we could really experience what it would be like.

I think there is an airport shuttle (right everyone???) but I rented a car through priceline..$20 a day with a free upgrade. I would check out the cost of the shuttle and compare that with the convenience of having your own car. You will be given a golf cart with your lifestyle visit so you don't have to rent one...just leave the car in the garage unless you want to go exploring! Have a great time, you are going to love it!!!!

[Number 6]

Is there a shuttle from the Orlando Airport to the Villages?

We are coming for a lifestyle visit end of July (yippee) and I am about to make the plane reservations. If we land in Orlando and stay in a hotel on site the night before our lifestyle visit is it possible not to rent a car?

I was thinking we could fly in and if we could get there only get a golf cart rental so we could really experience what it would be like.

Here is the Airport Shuttle web site -

The Villages Transportation ? Orlando International Airport Shuttle Service (http://www.thevillagestransportation.net/)

And here is a $5 coupon -

The Villages Deals (http://www.thevillagesdeals.com/search_results/?category=Accommodations+%26+Travel&merchant=&location=)

[createquilts]

again thank you so much. Now I know a lot about hotels as well if we fly in early! You are a great bunch.

[Schaumburger]

again thank you so much. Now I know a lot about hotels as well if we fly in early! You are a great bunch.

createquilts -- Hoping you have a great July LSV! Post what you think about TV once you have been here. Bring your checkbook as many others have said.

[lovsthosebigdogs]

Not to rain on anyone's parade, but before booking at ANY hotel/motel that 'claims' to be pet friendly if you have a large dog it's always a good idea to ask if they have a size restriction. I have found that 'pet friendly' doesn't always apply when your dog is 34" high at the shoulders or 120 lbs. Or sometimes it doesn't mean more than one dog even if you are willing to pay for it or leave a large damage deposit. It's never fun to find out the hard way when you arrive at a place that claims to be 'pet friendly' that suddenly you have no place to stay.

[Sable99]

We have stayed several times at the Comfort Suites. It is a really nice hotel for the price and golf cart accessible.

I don't know about the other hotels but what I like about Comfort Suites is that you have a little living area with a fridge and microwave. It is great when you are going to be there a few days.

I have a a check list when I look for a hotel. I try to find hotels that have a continental breakfast, wifi, refrigerator, elevators or 1st floor rooms, exercise facilities and sometimes, pet friendly. Handicappped accessible is also a big plus for Mom. I always check out hotels on Reviews of Hotels, Flights and Vacation Rentals - TripAdvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com) before I book. At least, it gives me an idea what we are getting!

[jimbo2012]

There are pet restrictions weight wise in some, I've seen some at a 40lb limit etc.

My guy is 6lbs no worry there.

Also the pet "fee" is $15 a day or $25 -$35 per stay + $ for a second pet.

So you do need to ask ahead.

[cappyjon431]

We're big fans of Marriott Town Place Suites at Spanish Springs. While we have never stayed there, we have had visiting family members stay there many times and all have had excellent experiences. Supposedly good breakfast (included), very close to the square, clean, and a very friendly staff. They usually get a 25% discount if I make the reservation (TV resident) and the best part is that I get all the Marriott Reward points.

[senior citizen]

...