Florida Mall Hotel

The Florida Mall Hotel is a great place to stay if you want to visit the main theme parks, with the hotel offering a shuttle service to and from Universal Studios, Sea World, Islands of Adventure, Busch Gardens and of course Disney, however please make sure you sign up for these trips the night before from the reception desk, otherwise you are not guaranteed to get on the shuttle, also remember to tip the driver each time!
If you know which parks you want to visit the best piece of advise i can offer you is to purchase them before hand, as there as so many different types for different time periods, with many of them you many even be able to pick up an offer or two on a free meal for example.
The hotel itself was basic, the room i stayed is had 2 double beds, TV, radio, phone, hairdryer, access to the internet, as well as the coffee/tea maker which was restocked daily. Within the hotel was a restaurant which has a all you can eat buffet each morning, have this and it'll last you most of the day! There was also a gym, 'business' communications like fax etc, but there is also access to a pool computer at reception without charge. The swimming pool area is nice with a relaxing Jacuzzi along with many tables towels and sun loungers. There is a bar within the hotel but it isn't exactly buzzing.
Why the name 'Florida Mall Hotel'? Attached to the hotel is a vast mall, with many shops at reasonable prices, take an empty suitcase and buy all your clothes there! You must remember though when you get to the till the tax is added on there, so the price you see is not exactly the price you pay. The mall also features its own food court with different food for everyone including health food, Italian and Chinese along with the traditional American food.
The staff are very friendly , if you need advise on where to go with nightclubs etc, speak to them who can be a better guide to everyday life than a local, taxis can also be arranged with them but remember everyone expects tips, so make sure you have plenty of $1 bills.
For the nightlife you need to get out of the hotel and head for either Universal Studios hosts its own nightlife or head towards the nightclub Tabo and you'll find club after club. Ladies, if you pick the right night over 21s get in free. Anyone over 18 is allowed in but only those over 21 are allowed to drink.
If you fancy more then the theme parks I’d recommend hiring a car to explore the rest of Florida, the roads are straight and have cruise control and air conditioning something that definitively comes in handy. The petrol is very cheap around $2.99 a gallon (which is around £1.60!!).
Orlando is a great place to go and with The Florida Mall Hotel on International Drive there couldn't be a better place for shopping, clubbing or theme parks.