If you’re arriving into Orlando International Airport (MCO) late at night or have an early morning or very late flight from Orlando, staying at an airport area hotel with your family might be easier than staying in Port Canaveral or the Walt Disney World/Universal Studios area.
These 10 family-friendly hotels are great for one night pre and post-cruise stays.
All of the hotels listed below offer complimentary shuttle service to and from MCO which makes it easier when traveling with young children.
RELATED READING: Port Canaveral – Family Cruise Port Guide
We would recommend staying only 1 or 2 nights. If you’re keen on visiting major Orlando attractions before or after your cruise you’re better off booking a longer stay and reserving a room outside of the MCO area as these hotels are quite far from the theme parks.
There are two onsite restaurants and a lobby bar however many families prefer to head to the airport’s food court to stretch their meal dollars. There’s a fitness center and a rooftop pool where kids can swim and watch planes takeoff from the runway. Free WiFi available in rooms and common areas.
Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport also offers day use rooms from 10AM to 6PM daily for $99 USD + tax for pre and post-cruise guests. Reservations for day rooms cannot be made online, you’ll have to call to check for room availability. It’s a good way to relax and recharge with a nap or shower before your next flight. You can read our full review over here.
Distance from airport: 0 miles
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This all-suites hotel features 2 bedroom suites that can accommodate a family of 4 to 6.
Microwave, mini fridge and coffee maker available in every suite. WiFi available for a nominal fee. Complimentary made-to-order breakfast and happy hour (beer, wine, premium spirits and light snacks) offered daily.
On site restaurant and room service offered until 11PM every day. Other restaurants and dining options are within walking distance of the hotel. Airport shuttle service runs 24 hours a day and complimentary shuttle service available to businesses near by as well.
Distance from airport: 1 mile
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All rooms comfortably sleep a family of 4 and include a microwave, mini fridge and coffee maker. Club Level guests have access to the Club Level Lounge which features breakfast and evening hor d’oeuvres during the week. In room WiFi available for a small fee.
Families will be surprised by the pool area as it’s not your typical airport hotel pool. There are padded lounge chairs, cabanas and lots of greenery surrounding the pool giving it a tropical resort feel. The hotel has an onsite restaurant and bar and other dining establishments are just a short drive away.
Complimentary airport shuttle service runs 24 hours a day and the hotel is located near all major expressways in Orlando.
Distance from airport: 2 miles
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This moderate category hotel allows guests to choose from rooms or suites – all which include a coffee maker, mini fridge and free WiFi. Suites also come furnished with a sofa bed, microwave oven, and bar sink.
Complimentary breakfast is included for the duration of your stay and many restaurants are within walking distance of the hotel. Free parking is available for families with their own vehicle
Distance from airport: 2 miles
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Families can choose from studios, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom suites – all outfitted with a small kitchen including full-size refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher.
Complimentary hot breakfast is included with your stay as well as an evening social offered Monday through Thursday which includes wine, beer and finger foods. The hotel is also walking distance to many restaurants and dining establishments. Other amenities include a fitness center, outdoor pool and sports court, fire pit and complimentary in-room/suite WiFi.
Free airport shuttle service is available 24 hours a day and guests can also use the shuttles to get to nearby stores and restaurants – great if you need to do some last minute shopping before your cruise.
Distance from airport: 2 miles
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Good value hotel with king and double rooms that sleep 4. Complimentary daily hot breakfast is included and the hotel is walking distance to several chain restaurants and dining establishments. Amenities include free WiFi, parking, outdoor swimming pool and fitness center.
Distance from airport: 2.6 miles
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Many airport hotels can be booked solid during school breaks – Spring Break, Winter Holidays and from June to September. Here are several other hotels worth checking out with triple, quad or larger occupancy. All offer free shuttle service to and from Orlando International Airport.
There are several ways you can get to Port Canaveral from MCO.
You can book a transfer directly from the cruise line (most likely the more expensive option if your family is larger than 3 people), take a group shuttle service to the port, drive to port and pay for parking, or you can hire a private transfer service. We explain transfer options on our Port Canaveral Cruise Port Guide page.
Make sure your check out our list of 14 Essentials for Every Family Cruise so you know exactly what to bring along on your vacation.
Have other kid-friendly Orlando Airport area hotels to recommend? We’d love to hear about them!
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