I-Drive Hotel in Orlando

I’ve been hearing rave reviews about the new CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort on International Drive in Orlando for months from fellow bloggers.

“You have to take the kids!” everyone said.

What I knew was that CoCo Key was a moderately priced hotel near Universal Studios and other I-Drive attractions.  Friends raved about the property’s waterpark and how much fun it was for their kids.  As a mother of two, including a 10 year old boy and 5 year old girl, I was eager to check it out; I was especially interested to see what kind of quality could be expected for less than $150 per night in Orlando.

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Ars Electronica

If you’re a technology lover like me, you’re sure to enjoy The Museum of the Future (Ars Electronica) in Linz, Austria.   (Pssst, have you entered to win a trip to Austria yet?) To stay nearby, check out the following picks:

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The indoor pool at the Marriot Courtyard in Niagara Falls

When our oldest son’s hockey coach did his research on the best place for the entire team to stay during a Niagara Falls tournament last year, he analyzed 10 hotels in the area and as a group, we decided on the Marriott Courtyard.

For the group discounted rate we managed to secure, the Marriott Courtyard was at the edge of the main streets leading into Niagara Falls excitement and the kids were in awe of their surroundings. Once done at the rinks for the day, all the families ventured into the museums and attractions at night, and all were within a few minutes walking distance.

The standard room with two queen-sized beds provides ample room for families.

As hockey parents lugging equipment, suitcases, younger siblings and all that comes with them, we were overly impressed with the fact that there was more than enough ample parking in such a busy area of town.  The rooms were enormous of a family of four, and ours came with two queen sized beds.  There was more than enough space to spread out hockey equipment between games and the list of things for families to do is long if you’re so inclined and don’t mind spending a few bucks in this tourist mecca.

The staff at the Marriott was ready for anything.  They were courteous and patient with so many kids running around (we weren’t the only tourney parents there and there were a ton of kids in the hotel).  While they didn’t staff the pool with a lifeguard, the staff that did pop in stopped any kids from horsing around in the pool, employing a hands off policy so you know, nobody drowned.  Knowing how the hockey team likes to play wrestle, I was grateful they couldn’t do it in the pool.

The Keg Steakhouse & Bar inside the hotel offered up a breakfast spread that made the boys go wild.  Everything little boys could ever want was there for the taking and the coffee was delicious.

Lastly, the entire staff all seemed to be extremely familiar with the area and were instrumental in getting us to our arenas on time.

We’re looking at Niagara Falls again this year for our hockey tournament and I sure hope we stay at the Marriott again.  It was a 5 star in terms of convenience, customer service and low stress for hockey moms and dads, which is especially good for a 3 star hotel.

Photos credit: Marriott Courtyard

Related: Clean, Affordable Hotel near Niagara Falls