Rosen Inn International

“Astonishingly good value for money, and so clean!”

I've been looking forward to writing this review, because this hotel absolutely exceeded all expectations. So, I was booking a week away in Florida specifically to be there over Halloween; it was a predominantly unplanned break to use up some annual leave, so it basically had no real budged - as s… more

I've been looking forward to writing this review, because this hotel absolutely exceeded all expectations. So, I was booking a week away in Florida specifically to be there over Halloween; it was a predominantly unplanned break to use up some annual leave, so it basically had no real budged - as such, I was looking for cheap hotels that seemed sufficient for my solo needs. This hotel kept popping up, alongside a couple of others, so I checked a few reviews and YouTube videos. Everything seemed fine... After flying in from the UK, I was a little late to the hotel, easily after midnight. After parking up, the check-in experience was one of the friendliest I have ever encountered. The lady behind the counter was genuine, helpful and knowledgeable. They provided a map (needed) and a sheet on how to connect to the WiFi and use other amenities. When I then headed towards my room, it was absolutely spotless. Not new, and clearly not newly refurbished - the décor is kinda 90s in that way that most International Drive hotels are; but there wasn't a mark, a blemish, any dust, not even in the corners. The room had two perfectly comfortable kingsize beds, a large comfortable armchair, a desk area with desk chair, 6 large drawers, a large wardrobe, bedside cabinet with self-coding electronic safe, a flat-screen TV and an iron/ironing board. The lighting was plenty, as provided by two lamps and a ceiling light. The bathroom and washing areas were separated into 2 rooms, so had I been with a partner - then there was the needed segregation of rooms. The bathrooms were spotless, one containing a large mirror, sink, mini-fridge, coffee facilities and a hairdryer. The other containing a lavatory, bath and shower over the bath. Again, all the above were spotless. I have often found that in such hotels, the hot water can be lacking pressure and/or heat - not the case here; one of the best showers I have had in the States in years. So, sleeping was easy - the hotel was not noisy at night. The beds and pillows were comfortable. Great sleep. The air-con is what it is - it works fine, but when it's so closely attached to the room, you're obviously going to hear it, and that's fine. The hotel is between International Drive and Interstate 4, and yet I never once heard noise from either. There was a seating area right outside my room, but I was never disturbed by noise, smoke or such. There are others dotted around, but they are sufficiently far from the rooms. The grounds are well kept, like surprisingly so! There's often maintenance ongoing during what I would term as "park hours", but I am not implying any unjustified level of noise but rather that the property is being well maintained. I had breakfast at the hotel twice, and it was a self-service buffet. The absolute worst thing I could say would be "unremarkable". You can get the same breakfast buffet all along International Drive - that's true. However, the service was efficient and friendly - I felt comfortable there, and the cost was lower than expected. There's an on-site convenience store that has foods, drinks, snacks, souvenirs and health/hygiene supplies. I believe they also do pizza and so on. The lady working there was equally as friendly as all other staff, and the area was kept as well as the rest of the property. The hotel has two pools with sunbeds. They are not the usual small pools that many International Drive hotels have, significantly larger and again very well kept. I didn't use them, but in early November people still were doing so. Parking - wow, there's a lot of parking spaces here. I usually had no cars around mine, it's just got that much parking. Access (after check-in) is by means of gated guards who see the tag in your window. Perfectly friendly again. The hotel also has a gym, reading room, bar and arcade games room that I didn't use - but looked on-par with the rest of the hotel. I also note that I was there over Halloween and a few residents had decorated their windows, which was really cute. The location works well for Disney, Universal and most other south Orlando area activities. It's basically right in the middle of the tourist area of International Drive. You can walk to a number of restaurants, bars and shops and there's Lime scooters literally available right outside. There's a McDonalds and Circle-K within a 3 minute walk in one direction, and a Denny's and Dunkin' Donuts the other way. It's like, maybe 20-25 min from Orlando airport (MCO), and an easy drive even if not using sat-nav. So what negatives can I say? It's fair to be balanced, but I'm struggling to find negatives. So - yeah, it's large, there's a few different buildings and it occupies a fair bit of land. It feels like either it expanded over time, or maybe even merged with a neighbouring hotel. The room numbering makes sense, and a map is provided - and it was never a problem. Also, upon arrival - it may seem confusing but you access from either International Drive, or around the corner on West Sand Lake Road. If arriving from International Drive (as I suspect many travellers will), the main reception is all the way to the other end of the car park. It may seem confusing when written, but it's not an issue. So, to sum this hotel: * Clean * Friendly * Convenient * Well maintained * Astonishing value for money * Family friendly

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