As the home of two large convention centers, Orlando is often the choice for business meeting, exhibitions and conventions for many fields. After all, if you must travel for work, why not travel to a location that is home to fantastic golf, theme parks to please the whole family, and year round warm weather.

This guide will prepare you for your upcoming business travel to Orlando. From getting around to the major convention centers and even on recreation afterwards, you will be covered!

Major Orlando Convention Centers

In all likelihood, any business travel will be in some way related to the two large event areas found in Orlando. The Orange County Convention Center is the largest, and has over 2 million square feet of space for exhibitions. There is space for meeting rooms, large lectures, exhibitions and more. The slightly smaller but equally impressive Universal Orlando Meetings and Events Center has space for over 20,00 attendees, and is often chosen as a way for business travelers to have a chance to mix work with the recreation aspect of Universal Studios.

Getting Around Orlando

Business travelers often need to travel around Orlando to visit a few locations during their stay, so it is recommended that you rent a car or bring your own in this case. If you only plan on shuttling between your hotel and the convention center, a taxi will be sufficient, but on longer or more frequent journeys the costs can quickly add up.

Recreation Time In Orlando

Business travel to Orlando doesn't have to be all work! In your off time, there are plenty of great activities to keep you occupied. Dozens of golf courses make Orlando the Floridian capital of the sport, or the entire family might enjoy a trip to the many theme parks in the area.

Thanks to pleasant surroundings, fantastic dining and shopping and unbeatable attractions, business travel to Orlando can be a great mix of work and play.

Making Travel Arrangements To Orlando

Get great travel deals for both business and leisure at OrlandoTravelHotels.com.  Enjoy savings up to 65% off already discounted prices on hotels.  Make your flight reservations at the same time and save on average of $525.  If you're in Orlando for business, schedule a couple of extra days to take advantage of all the fun things to do in and around town.
 

If you have business travel to Orlando planned, you should consider staying near the Orange County Convention Center on International Drive. This convention center is the most popular business travel destination in Orlando and there are plenty of things to see and do in the immediate area.

The Convenience of International Drive

International Drive, or I-Drive as it is called by the locals, is a very popular road in Orlando that is full of hotels, restaurants, stores and other fun places to visit. It is a very busy area for business people and tourists, as many of the tourists visiting the theme parks choose to stay on I-Drive for the price and convenience. Also, there is a very busy nightlife on International Drive for those business travelers who like to enjoy a drink after work.

Hotels Along I-Drive

When choosing a hotel for business travel to Orlando, you cannot go wrong with I-Drive as a location. Most hotels on I-Drive are within walking distance to at least three or four restaurants and offer free shuttle transportation to different areas in Orlando. There are hotels in a wide variety of price ranges, from economy to deluxe.

Transportation Options

If you need transportation during your business travel to Orlando, you can rent a car at the airport or take a taxi or shuttle bus to your hotel. For a scenic ride up and down I-Drive, try the old fashioned trolley car.

International Drive is the best destination for business travelers in Orlando. It is convenient and easy to navigate for those who are not familiar with the city. When you are on your next business trip, be sure to book a hotel on International Drive so that you will be near the convention center.

To get the best hotel rates along International Drive, visit OrlandoTravelHotels.com and make all your travel reservations.  Save on average of $525 when making your hotel and flight reservations at the same time.  Get great rates on rental cars and more at OrlandoTravelHotels.com.
 

 

Will you be visiting Orlando, Florida, soon? If you're like most travelers, you're probably flying into the Orlando International Airport and will have to select some mode of transportation.

When you arrive, the first and most obvious mode of transportation in Orlando is the taxi. You can take a cheap taxi from the airport to your hotel. However, if you will be doing a lot of sightseeing around the city, it's important - and oftentimes more convenient - to have your own vehicle rather than rely on the schedule of a hotel shuttle bus.

Renting a car can be much cheaper than paying a taxi to drive you to and from destinations. It's also easier, because you can come and go as you please, without having to call for or wave down the drivers.

Rentals in Orlando

There are several ways to book rental cars. First, you can go online and choose the rental company of your choice, reserving a vehicle before you hit the city. This is easily done, especially with the speed of today's internet services. Second, you can rent a car at the airport. Third, your hotel may provide a car rental service or endorsement that allows you to rent a car at a lower rate.

Buses and Tours

Another option of transportation in Orlando is buses. Although taking the city bus may not seem like the most ideal mode of traveling at first glance, Orlando buses are quite efficient. For a low price, you can get to the top tourist hot spots in the area. Also, they arrive every five minutes, regardless of rain or shine. Tour shuttles and vans also give you a quick overview of the city, allowing you to stop off at interesting locations before continuing on with your travels.

When it comes to obtaining transportation in Orlando, your options are endless.  Choose the option that best suits your need while in town.

OrlandoTravelHotels.com offers great prices on car rentals.  Take care of all your travel needs simply by visiting OrlandoTravelHotels.com
 

Many travelers make the mistake of only planning the destination, the hotel, the airfare, and the entertainment. As if that was not enough, it’s also important to know how to get around the destination city because getting lost or getting the car booted can put a major damper on any trip. When it comes to Orlando travel, it’s important to take parking and driving into consideration.

A GPS Can Help, But….

GPS tools are great, but it is important to have a little independence from electronic devices. Orlando is a city that is still growing and developing, and many GPS devices do not accurately represent numerous construction areas and detours. Similarly, programs do not always reflect existing roads such as one way streets. These can be a nightmare for tourists, so it is important for a navigator to be familiar with the ins and outs of the necessary city streets.

Have Money for Tolls

Orlando is one of the many cities that employ toll roads. These toll roads, like any major roadway, can become a mess at certain hours. It is important to keep these busy hours in mind and keep some change on hand if toll roads are in the cards for your Orlando trip. Like the other cities, business still goes on regardless of family vacations, so work-related traffic cannot always be avoided.

Orlando Pay to Park Lots

Improper parking is a serious offense in Orlando. The tourist-driven areas have a number of pay-to-park lots that have an all day fee, but the fees can get pricey if you do not plan to spend more than an hour or two in that area. Even so, these small lots are often the fastest and easiest ways to grab a spot. There are parking garages, but it is important to note the hours and the charge to prevent overcharging or being trapped in.

Leave the Travel Plans to OTH

You worry about the roads and directions and let OrlandoTravelHotels.com (OTH) worry with finding you the best pricing on hotels, flights, etc.  Find the perfect hotel closest to your destination or let OTH suggest other hotels for you based on price or location.

Orlando travel can be exciting, but getting caught in traffic or ticketed for a parking violation can somewhat taint the memories. Keeping traffic and parking in mind when planning your vacation is as important as finding the best flight or hotel room.
 

The travel industry has been hit pretty hard by the economic downturn.  Hotels, airlines, and cruise lines have seen significant drops in their revenue.  During this time, those who rely on travel dollars have dramatically tried to increase their satisfaction ratings.

One of the hardest hit during this time has been the hotel segment.  There has been a dramatic drop in occupancy ratings and hotel chains have been creative in their offerings to gain customer loyalty.

Top 5 Hotel Amenities

According to J.D. Power and Associates 2010 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study, the top five amenities are free internet access, complimentary breakfast, bedding and pillow choices, pillow top mattress, and free parking.
The study divided hotels into six segments and here’s who came out on top:

•    Luxury – The Ritz-Carlton
•    Upscale – Omni Hotels & Resorts
•    Mid-Scale Full Service – Hilton Garden Inn
•    Mid-Scale Limited Service – Drury Inn & Suites
•    Economy/Budget – Microtel Inns & Suites
•    Extended Stay – Homewood Suites

Making Reservations Online

The percentage of people making their hotel reservations online has steadily increased each year.  OrlandoTravelHotels.com makes it easy to book your hotel room, flight, or rental car.  You can also find great deals on cruises.

Most of the winners listed above have a hotel located in Orlando.  It’s no small wonder since Orlando is one of the most visited cities in the world.  Rate your own level of satisfaction against the results of the survey when you stay at any of these hotels in Orlando.  We’d love to hear your results.
 

 

 

 

 

Travel + Leisure has published their 2010 results for America’s Top 35 Cities and, not surprisingly, beautiful Orlando has ranked as one of the favorite cities.  Cities were ranked in areas like culture, shopping, nightlife, restaurants, etc.

Orlando is #1 for Family Vacations and All-In-One Resorts

Orlando came out tops among all cities for family vacations and all-in-one resorts.  Seems like lots of folks love to come to the theme parks and participate in all the things to do in and around Orlando.  Not only will you find fabulous all-in-one resorts but there are so many great hotels to choose from in the vicinity.  In fact, Orlando ranked #8 in the affordable hotels category.

See for Yourself Why Orlando is Ranked as a Favorite City

If you have frequented Orlando, you know the reason you continue to return time after time.  It is a great place for so many adventures and you can rarely beat the weather.

If you haven’t come to this great city, make travel plans now to come see why it is ranked as one of the top 35 cities in the United States.  You will get great deals on all your travel needs at OrlandoTravelHotels.com.  Book your flight and make your hotel reservations at the same time and save big money.  Come to Orlando soon and experience all she has to offer you and your family.

 Photo courtesy of www.livingorlando.com
 

Departing the Orlando International Airport (OIA) definitely requires a good deal of patience. I’ve noticed with each departure trip lately, the wait in security is getting longer and longer.  I’ve tried flying out at different times of day and even flying different airlines.  The result is the same, a long stand in security.

To be fair, OIA is the 22nd largest airport in the world and the 3rd largest for domestic travel in the United States.  There were over 33 million travelers to pass through OIA in 2009.  Just further proof everyone wants to come to Orlando.

Get to Orlando Airport in Plenty of Time

My last two wait times in OIA security were 46 and 57 minutes respectively.  I’m not sure why they have it set up like they do, but the process really does resemble the herding of cattle.  The important thing is to get to the airport in plenty of time in case you have to spend an inordinate amount of time getting through security.

Even if you have to spend a little extra time getting processed through security, Orlando is a great place to visit and the airport is one of the prettiest I’ve ever seen.  Make all your travel reservations for your next trip to Orlando through OrlandoTravelHotels.com.  You’ll find hotels on sale and when making your flight and hotel reservations at the same time, you can save an average of $525.

Don’t let a little airport wait deter you from heading to Orlando.  Just pack a little patience and get to the airport in plenty of time when ready to head back home.
 

Now is the time to book your Florida fall vacation travel.  Before you know it, this heat wave will break and those cold winds will begin blowing.  You’ll be looking for some nice warm weather and there is no better place than Florida.  Find fabulous travel deals on sale for destinations like Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa.

Nobody Beats OrlandoTravelHotels.com

Make your travel reservations at OrlandoTravelHotels.com to find 24 hour sales and clearance sales of up to 65% off on already discounted rates.  Visit your favorite places like theme parks in Orlando, South Beach in Miami, Ybor City in Tampa, and Hollywood Beach in Fort Lauderdale. 

When you make your flight and hotel reservations at the same time through OrlandoTravelHotels.com, you can save an average of $525. You’ll find everything you need to know at OrlandoTravelHotels.com.  All you need to do now is settle on what Florida paradise you want to visit this fall and make those reservations.
 

USA Today  reports that 40% out of 80 hotel chains surveyed still charge guests a fee for internet access.  As a business traveler, this really gets under my skin.  It actually gets under my skin when I travel for pleasure.  There are many Orlando area hotels  offering free internet access during your stay and these are the types of hotels I try to frequent on my trips.  I always review a hotel amenities list to see if they offer free high speed internet.

I don’t have a satellite card so I rely heavily on internet access in my hotel to work on presentations and correspond with clients.  I find it odd that many luxury hotels continue to charge for internet services and mid-range hotels don’t.  Orlando offers a nice mix of hotels  with free high speed internet access. I like the Courtyard Downtown as the internet is free and the hotel is convenient to many of my meetings.

If you have favorite Orlando hotels with free high speed internet service, please share them with me.  I’d love to start compiling a list of Orlando hotels which provide free internet access for us business travelers.

Plan your trip at OrlandoTravelHotels.com  where you will find everything you need to enjoy a memorable visit to Orlando – book flights , reserve hotel rooms  and more in one convenient place.

Business travelers are among some of the heartiest coffee drinkers.  Most of us need that extra caffeine to make it through the presentations and meetings of the day.  As a business traveler, I like to find unique coffee shops during my travel in Orlando.

Boston Coffeehouse Received Florida Award

Florida Monthly Magazine recently awarded Boston Coffeehouse  the "Best Coffeehouse in the State".  There are several locations around the Orlando area and you should stop in on your next trip to see why Boston Coffeehouse has been featured in Southern Living.  I don't know about you, but I often need a little bit more than a muffin to jumpstart me in the mornings. 

Great Lunches and Specialty Drinks

Boston Coffeehouse offers a varied menu with a little more meat to it than some traditional coffee shops.   Their lunches are substantial and their specialty drinks will be just the thing to get you over that afternoon slump.  Get the boost you need to start your day off right or to be able to finish out your day with a visit to Boston Coffeehouse in the Orlando and the Central Florida area.

If you’re traveling to the Orlando Area for business, discover OrlandoTravelHotels.com  where you can plan your entire trip and find the best rates around. You can book flights , reserve hotel rooms , rent a car   and find the best restaurants  in town – all in one convenient place.
 

 

 

Orlando is host to Coverings 2010 , The Ultimate Tile and Stone Experience.  Coverings is one of the largest tile and stone exhibitions in the Western Hemisphere.  This year’s exhibition will be at the Orange County Convention Center April 27-30, 2010.

Coverings Showcases the Latest in Tile and Stone Designs 

It is the perfect opportunity for those in the industry from architects and designers to fabricators and contractors to see a global representation of products from more than 600 exhibitors. 

Save on travel expenses to Coverings by finding deals for hotels, rental cars, flights, and more at OrlandoTravelHotels.com .  Book rooms close to the Orange County Convention Center.  You will also find plenty of restaurants  in the area.  Stay close to ensure you have plenty of time available for networking with those in your industry.  Register today for Coverings  and see the latest and greatest in materials and trends.
 

 

 

Orlando is a hot spot for travel, not just pleasure either. Orlando is a top destination for business travel. There are many conventions held here during the year and many companies are headquartered in Orlando. If you are a frequent business traveler in the Orlando area, there are many Orlando hotels catering to the services you need and want.

Laptop, check.  Presentation, check.  Pocket change for tolls, uh-oh.  When you spend a lot of time traveling for business, you don’t often think about having cash on you when you charge most everything to the company credit card.  If you are meeting with customers in and around Orlando, it’s a pretty good idea to bring some cash with you for toll charges.

Be Prepared for Toll Roads When Traveling in Central Florida

Florida has almost 700 miles of toll roads so it’s a pretty good bet you are going to run across a couple of toll booths.  There are five different toll roads in the Orlando area including the Florida Turnpike, Beachline Expressway, and Seminole Expressway. 

Look into a prepaid electronic toll pass if you travel the area frequently.  When you are making that travel checklist, don’t forget to add some pocket change for tolls.

Booking your hotel rooms through OrlandoTravelHotels.com offers the 110% rate guarantee in addition to great rates to begin with. You can book your hotels, book flights, rent a car and plan your activities for a great vacation in Orlando all in one easy place.