Discover the Pros and Cons of Staying at Hyatt Place Orlando Airport

Known for its world-famous theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, Orlando is a dream destination for many. Beyond the attractions, the city offers a diverse culinary scene and incredible nightlife.

Although I have been to Orlando several times, it has been a few years since I last visited. I was extremely excited to see friends and visit great restaurants in the city with my father.

Since I was landing at Orlando International Airport (MCO) quite late at night, I needed a place to stay nearby. While there were several options, I ultimately chose the Hyatt Place Orlando Airport for its complimentary shuttle service and proximity to the rental car agency where I would be picking up my vehicle.

Read on for my full review of the Hyatt Place Orlando Airport and why you should consider this property if you travel to Orlando.

Booking Hyatt Place Orlando Airport

Since the rental car agency where we were planning on picking up our rental car would be closed after we landed, we decided to spend the night near Orlando International Airport. Fortunately, plenty of hotels around can be booked using points, including Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG properties.

Since I was working to requalify for World of Hyatt Globalist status for next year, I went immediately to the Hyatt website to see what was available. I was happy to see a few options, including Category 2 hotels.

Since my dad would be staying with me, I needed to find a hotel with a room that had 2 beds. After reviewing the 2 Category 2 hotels, I chose the Hyatt Place Orlando Airport because it met our needs.

However, before booking the hotel, I needed to see the cash rates for the property so I could decide whether to pay with cash or redeem World of Hyatt points.

Pay Cash or Use Points?

As mentioned, the Hyatt Place Orlando Airport is a Category 2 Hyatt property, meaning that award nights start at 6,500 points per night (off-peak) and can be as high as 9,500 points per night (peak). 

Since it was the off-peak season for our trip, the room could be booked for 6,500 per night.

According to our valuations, World of Hyatt points are worth 1.5 cents per point, making 6,500 points worth $97.50. Since the cash rate, even before taxes, was significantly higher, using World of Hyatt points was the way to go, so that’s what I decided to do.

Hot Tip:

Check out our full guide on the best ways to earn tons of World of Hyatt points.

I booked a Two Double Beds (with Sofa Bed) room since it met our requirements. Since I am a World of Hyatt Globalist member, I hoped to get upgraded to a nicer room. For now, I was content with having a standard room with 2 beds.

The total for my stay was 6,500 World of Hyatt points.

Although I paid for this night using World of Hyatt points, I would have used The World of Hyatt Credit Card for payment had I paid with cash. This is because it earns up to 9x points total for Hyatt stays: 4x Bonus Points on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels and up to 5x Base Points from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The World of Hyatt card offers a fast track to Hyatt elite status, an annual free night, and up to 9x points per $1 on Hyatt stays.

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The World of Hyatt Credit Card

The World of Hyatt card offers a fast track to Hyatt elite status, an annual free night, and up to 9x points per $1 on Hyatt stays.

Welcome Offer

Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months. Plus, up to 30,000 more points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, up to $15,000 spent.

Up to 60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$900

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.74% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The World of Hyatt Credit Card makes your Hyatt stays more rewarding and helps you get coveted World of Hyatt elite status faster. This card is a must-have for any traveler who regularly stays at Hyatt hotels, or even for anyone who’s able to take advantage of the card’s annual free night certificate.

When you factor in all the benefits the World of Hyatt card offers, it’s easy to see why it is one of the best co-branded hotel credit cards on the market.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
• 2x points per $1 at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit, rideshares, and fitness clubs/gym memberships
• 1x point per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $95 annual fee

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Card Highlights

• Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
• Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
• Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
• Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
• Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
• Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
• Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
• Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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World of Hyatt

Hyatt Place Orlando Airport Location

As its name suggests, the Hyatt Place Orlando Airport is near Orlando International Airport (MCO). Although not connected to the airport, the property offers a free shuttle service between the hotel and the airport, which is a 5-minute drive away.

The property is 1 block from Airport Lakes Park and approximately a 20-minute drive from downtown Orlando. 

Getting There

I contacted the hotel upon arriving at Orlando International Airport and collecting our checked luggage. The guest services representative I spoke with dispatched the complimentary airport shuttle to the airport.

Shuttles pick up in a designated area of the airport’s ground transportation area. For the Hyatt Place Orlando Airport, the shuttle stops at B3 or B4, which is 1 level below baggage claim.

Although we were informed that the shuttle would arrive in about 10 minutes, we ended up waiting nearly 20 minutes in the humid Orlando weather. It felt even longer, considering it was nearing midnight, and we were quite tired.

We were relieved when the shuttle finally arrived, with the air conditioning running full blast. After a 10-minute ride, we reached the hotel.

Checking In

Since it was nearly midnight, we were eager to get to our room quickly. We headed straight to the check-in counter, which was immediately to the left upon entering the hotel.

A front desk representative warmly welcomed us to the hotel and asked for identification to look up my reservation. After confirming my identity, she thanked me for being a World of Hyatt Globalist and for choosing to stay at the property.

The front desk agent confirmed my 1-night reservation and the details of our room. She then handed me the room key cards and showed us where the guest floor elevators were.

She also shared information about the breakfast hours and the pool. Finally, she asked if we needed a late checkout. Since I was unsure of my exact departure time in the morning, I requested a 4 p.m. checkout and said I would let the hotel know if I didn’t need the room that late.

Since I needed to pick up my rental car in the morning, I asked if the hotel could drop me off, as it was less than a 5-minute drive but would save me nearly a 25-minute walk. The front desk staff informed me that the hotel offers free shuttle transportation within a 2-mile radius, which included the rental car agency.

After thanking the front desk staff member, I was ready to get to our room.

Elite Benefits

As a World of Hyatt Globalist member, I was entitled to several benefits. These included:

• Free parking
• 2 bottles of water
• 4 p.m. late checkout
• Complimentary breakfast

Bottom Line:

The check-in process was incredibly efficient, taking less than 2 minutes, which I greatly appreciated since it was nearly midnight. The front desk agent also thanked me for being a World of Hyatt Globalist member and offered complimentary water bottles.

Lobby

After the quick and efficient check-in, I took a minute to walk around the cozy hotel lobby.

Directly across from the check-in desk was a spacious seating area featuring various seating, including booths and armchairs.

To the left of the check-in desk was seating for the restaurant and breakfast bar.

I then made my way to the guest room elevators down the hall from the check-in desk.

Two Double Beds (With Sofa Bed) Room

After getting off the elevators on the fifth floor, we walked down a brightly lit hallway toward room 506.

Upon entering the room, I immediately noticed the distinct separation between the living room and bedroom areas, which created a homey feeling.

As I walked in, the room’s Cozy Corner was directly to the right against the wall and the room divider.

The Cozy Corner included a comfortable, 2-person sofa with a pullout bed, a wooden, padded ottoman, and a small tray table.

The sofa could transform into an extra bed with ease. I removed the seat cushions and pulled the handle.

While I didn’t find it particularly comfortable, the sofa bed could be great for larger families, accommodating 2 additional people easily.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t an ideal place to put the sofa cushions and backrest. I ended up leaning the cushions against the back of the sofa and resting the sofa backrests on the ottoman.

To the right of the entrance and the Cozy Corner was the room’s workstation, complete with a comfortable (although not ergonomic) chair and a small wooden desk.

Directly opposite the cozy corner was a small dresser with storage on top, where I placed my suitcase.

Across from the dresser was a separate area featuring a multipurpose unit.

On the surface was a small coffee machine alongside packets of instant coffee and tea, including English breakfast, green tea, and glassware. The room did not have a microwave.

The room’s safe was on a shelf inside the unit. Below it was an ice bucket and additional glassware.

The minifridge was tucked away in the left side of the unit behind a cabinet door. Although I didn’t use it, it was quite spacious and could hold several beverages.

Next, I moved to the main sleeping area of the room. To the left was a flat-screen television with storage underneath. I found the TV’s placement poor, as the bed closest to the window had an awkward angle for viewing it.

The living room was separated from the sleeping area by a wall partition. While it was a simple concept, I appreciated how the divider effectively defined the different sections of the room.

The main living area had 2 twin beds, each adorned with several thick pillows. The beds were incredibly comfortable (although I was extremely tired, which may have contributed to this perception).

The beds were divided by a wall-mounted nightstand that provided storage space along with the room’s telephone and alarm clock. There were multiple AC power outlets and wall-mounted lamps.

The air conditioning unit was to the left of the beds, below the window. Unfortunately, the condensation on the glass from the air conditioner obscured any view outside.

However, I got a clearer view in the morning, though there wasn’t much to see. From the room, I could glimpse a section of the hotel’s parking lot and several nearby airport hotels.

Bathroom

Lastly, the bathroom was in a small section across from the beds, with the vanity directly facing them. There was a large mirror against the wall and ample countertop space around the sink. The hotel provided no toiletries or amenities besides a single cleansing bar.

Beneath the sink were the room’s iron and a blow-dryer.

To the vanity’s left was a small corner with storage space, hangers, and an ironing board.

Directly to the right of the vanity was the bathroom, which included a toilet and shower. It was quite basic and relatively small compared to the rest of the room.

The shower featured a single overhead showerhead. While the water pressure was excellent, it took almost a minute to warm up enough for a shower.

The hotel also provided KenetMD shower toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel. I appreciated the wall-mounted bottles.

Bottom Line:

Overall, the room was basic and aligned with what I expected from an airport hotel. However, it was surprisingly larger than I anticipated, which was a pleasant surprise. It could comfortably accommodate a family of 6.

I liked how everything in the room had its designated area. I appreciated the Cozy Corner, which would be great for families traveling together, especially with the pullout sofa. While I enjoyed the room’s layout, I couldn’t say the same for the bathroom — it was incredibly small.

Amenities

The Hyatt Place Orlando Airport boasted several amenities, including a fitness room and swimming pool. Here’s a look at what you can expect.

Outdoor Swimming Pool

The hotel had an outdoor swimming pool, which was accessible from the hallway to the left of the lobby’s dining area and front desk. The pool was open daily between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.

The pool was exceptionally well-maintained and surrounded by beautiful palm trees. There were also a good number of pool chairs and tables around the pool.

Fitness Center

The property had a 24-hour-a-day fitness center, also in the hallway leading to the pool. The fitness center was basic.

Upon entering the fitness center, a separate section on the left had a rowing machine, 2 different stationary bikes (including a Peloton), medicine balls of various sizes, and kettlebells.

The gym also had a bench and a rack containing several dumbbells of varying weights.

On the right were several cardio machines, including 3 treadmills and an elliptical.

Event Rooms

The property also boasted 3 event rooms of varying sizes. According to the hotel’s website, it has 1,586 square feet of flexible meeting space. The largest event room could hold up to 100 people.

A smaller, more intimate meeting room could accommodate approximately 30 people.

Business Center

The property also featured a small room with 2 computers and a printer for guest use.

Complimentary Shuttle

The hotel offered a complimentary shuttle service between the hotel and the airport. It could drop off guests anywhere within a 2-mile radius.

However, since the same shuttle serviced the airport, guests traveling there received priority. So, if you wanted to go to the nearby shopping center, there was a good chance you would be dropped off after those heading to the airport.

Parking

The hotel provided parking starting at $15 per day. Guests could make payments by scanning the QR code available throughout the parking area and around the hotel lobby.

The parking fee is waived for Hyatt Globalist members on free night award stays. To have the fee waived, guests could obtain a validation code from the front desk.

Food and Beverage

The Hyatt Place Orlando Airport featured a few on-site dining options.

The Placery

The hotel’s primary restaurant and bar, the Placery, offered traditional American food. It was open between 6 a.m. and 12 a.m. throughout the week and had a late-night menu available 24 hours a day.

The menu featured burgers, sandwiches, chicken wings, and French fries. However, salads and macaroni and cheese were unavailable during our visit.

The Placery also featured a small bar with seating for 6 people and several televisions.

Breakfast Bar

The hotel also had a breakfast bar open from 6 to 9:30 a.m. on weekdays and from 6 to 10 a.m. on the weekends.

The breakfast was somewhat limited. The hot food section had eggs and breakfast sausages.

It also had breakfast potatoes and French toast.

A dedicated bread section had various breads and plain bagels. Spreads included individual packets of cream cheese, strawberry jam, and orange marmalade.

The buffet had plain yogurt and a fruit salad consisting of orange and grapefruit segments, grapes, and pineapple.

Cereal options included Froot Loops, Rice Chex, and Frosted Flakes.

Lastly, a dedicated coffee section also had hot water and tea bags.

After seeing the limited options, I filled a plate. Since I’m not a fan of potatoes and don’t eat pork, I got eggs, toast, and a bagel with cream cheese.

Bottom Line:

Breakfast was a major letdown because of the limited food selection. The breakfast area was also packed with hotel guests, making the experience even worse.

The Market

The hotel also boasted the Market, a staple of Hyatt Place hotels, which featured packaged grab-and-go items. Although it had a good selection of items, everything was extremely overpriced (a bottle of Pepsi for $5.50 is insane).

The cooler’s beverages included water, soft drinks, kombucha, energy drinks, and different types of wine.

A snack section also featured various types of cookies, including peanut butter and chocolate chip. Additionally, you could find other snacks like popcorn and various chocolates and candies.

Lastly, a small medication section included Tylenol and Pepto-Bismol. You could also purchase toiletries, including travel-size shampoo and conditioner, razors, deodorant, dental kits, sunscreen, and Chapstick.

Service

I found the service at the property to be fantastic overall. The front desk staff was incredibly helpful and consistently smiled throughout my stay.

I want to commend the front desk supervisor for his exceptional service. When I checked in, the front desk representative informed me that the complimentary shuttle could take me to the rental car agency. However, she didn’t mention that guests heading to the airport had priority, even though the rental car agency was much closer to the hotel.

Since I assumed I would take the complimentary shuttle, I didn’t make any other arrangements to get to the rental car agency. I requested to speak to the front desk supervisor and explained the situation to him. Rather than having me wait, he arranged and paid for an Uber for me to get to the rental car agency, which I truly appreciated.

Final Thoughts

Although I don’t typically expect much from airport hotels, the Hyatt Place Orlando Airport was a pleasant surprise. The room we chose was quite spacious, although the bathroom was small.

The hotel service was fantastic, with the staff always smiling and ready to answer questions or fulfill requests. Unfortunately, breakfast fell short with a limited selection of food offerings.

Still, I would stay at the Hyatt Place Orlando Airport again if it is necessary. Best of all, the property can be easily booked using World of Hyatt points, and there’s plenty of award availability.