Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando International Drive/Convention Center

This hotel stands out for its prime location near major attractions and its consistently friendly and helpful staff, making it a memorable choice for many guests. Its signature feature is its direct proximity to Icon Park, offering immediate access to entertainment, dining, and shopping. This makes it an excellent fit for sightseers and families looking to explore the area on foot, as well as business travelers attending events at the nearby convention center. Guests frequently commend the hotel's overall cleanliness and the attentive service provided by the team. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to clarify parking arrangements upon booking, as this is a common point of feedback, and consider requesting a room away from the main road if sensitive to late-night outdoor noise.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, though some receive mixed feedback. The gym is available for guest use, with some finding it adequate for basic workouts, while others felt it could be more comprehensive. The pool is a welcome amenity, though some guests noted it could be small or that the water was cold, and occasional cleanliness concerns were raised. Wi-Fi connectivity is generally reliable throughout the property, ensuring guests can stay connected. The elevators are a frequent point of discussion, with one often being out of service, leading to longer wait times and crowded conditions. The laundry room is a convenient feature, but several guests reported it was out of order during their stay. Some rooms are equipped with a microwave and refrigerator, and while some "kitchenette" descriptions were found to be misleading (lacking a stove), these amenities are still appreciated. A bar and lounge area are also available, providing a relaxing space for guests.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is varied. Many guests found their rooms to be clean and well-maintained, with some praising the comfortable beds and quiet atmosphere conducive to rest. However, a significant number of reviews highlight concerns, particularly regarding a pervasive mildew smell or mustiness in some rooms and hallways, which some attributed to damp carpets or issues with the air conditioning units. Specific complaints included finding hair in the bathroom upon arrival, dirty tiles, sticky floors, and general wear and tear on dated furniture and fixtures. Some guests reported issues with non-functional phones or broken tub stoppers. While some rooms are described as spacious rooms with good amenities like blackout shades, others noted problems with the AC not cooling sufficiently or exposed electrical wires. Occasional mentions of roaches and concerns about linens not being changed daily also appeared in reviews.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast service is a consistent topic of discussion among guests. Most reviews indicate that the food quality is good and sufficient, with a typical American-style offering. Guests often mention the availability of eggs (scrambled and boiled), bacon (including turkey sausage options), and a popular waffles station. However, some guests expressed a desire for more breakfast variety, noting that the menu can be repetitive over longer stays. There were also comments about the limited selection of fresh fruit, items running out quickly during peak times, and the use of paper plates and cutlery. Despite these points, the breakfast area is generally described as clean, and the staff managing it receive high praise for their attentiveness and efficiency, ensuring a pleasant start to the day for most visitors.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major highlight for guests, placing it within easy walking distance of numerous attractions and dining options. It is situated directly next to Icon Park, providing immediate access to its entertainment, shops, and restaurants. This proximity makes it highly convenient for sightseers and those looking for evening activities without needing a car. The hotel is also well-located for accessing major theme parks, being approximately a 15-20 minute drive from Universal Studios and 20-25 minutes from Disney World. Some guests appreciated the availability of shuttle service to Universal. Public transportation options, such as the I-trolley, are also easily accessible. However, parking is a significant point of contention; it is not complimentary and costs between $14-20 per day. Many guests reported difficulty finding available spots, especially at night, sometimes resorting to parking in overflow or unpaved areas, which detracted from their experience.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, standing out as a key strength. Guests frequently describe the team as friendly staff, helpful staff, and providing attentive service. The front desk personnel are often commended for their professionalism, efficiency during quick check-in processes, and willingness to assist with various requests, from local recommendations to resolving room issues. The breakfast staff are particularly highlighted for their warm demeanor and proactive service, ensuring guests have a pleasant dining experience. While most interactions are positive, a few isolated incidents mentioned unhelpful staff or issues with room readiness upon arrival. Housekeeping is generally praised for maintaining cleanliness, though some guests noted inconsistencies with daily service or restocking amenities. Overall, the dedication of the staff significantly contributes to a positive guest experience, making many feel welcomed and well-cared for.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain policies and security concerns that have been raised. A daily deposit policy of around $20 per night is typically required upon check-in, which some guests found was not clearly communicated beforehand. A significant number of reviews express serious security concerns, including reports of car theft or break-ins from the parking lot, and unsettling accounts of alleged room entry while guests were present or away. These incidents are often coupled with complaints about a perceived lack of security cameras in hallways and parking areas, and a lack of satisfactory resolution or communication from management regarding these issues. The hotel also features a bar in the lobby, which is appreciated by many guests for evening relaxation.