Formerly known as McCoy Air Force Base, which is why it has the code MCO in its name, Orlando International Airport (MCO) was a U.S. Army Air Forces facility from 1942 to 1973. After the General Services Administration turned it over to the city of Orlando in 1974, they established the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority to manage the airport and the Federal Aviation Administration took over the air traffic control responsibility. After receiving its present name and status as an international airport in 1976, it became a large hub airport two years later.
The airport continues to expand to accommodate the increasing traffic and renovations to existing structures continue as needed. Its layout consists of a central terminal, with two terminals, and four airside concourses that you can reach using automated guideway transit systems. Airside 4 and, to some extent, Airside 1 are for international arrivals, who have to clear U.S. immigration and U.S. customs before they can head to the main terminal. From 5 million passengers in 1978, the Orlando International Airport (MCO) now handles more than 47 million passengers.
As the world's theme park capital, Orlando is a top destination for domestic and international tourists throughout the year. It is also popular with the convention industry and is almost on par with Chicago and Las Vegas in the number of conventions it hosts annually. Tourist season peaks during the hot, humid summer and during the winter holidays, so hotel rooms will be high and finding a decent place to stay at the last minute will be difficult. It will be best to book your hotel room in advance if you are visiting in this period.
Otherwise, consider visiting between January and April, when the crowds thin out and you might get better hotel deals.
What Are Some Budget Hotels Near Orlando International Airport (MCO)?
There are many budget hotels near Orlando International Airport (MCO). Located about 2 miles away, the Clarion Hotel Orlando International Airport is a four-floored property with 200 air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor pool, a Jacuzzi, a fitness center, and a restaurant. Along with the free Wi-Fi, you get to make free local calls, watch cable TV for free, and engage in free self parking. The complimentary shuttle can take you to and from the airport from 5:10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
The Econo Lodge Orlando Airport on McCoy Road is at a distance of 2 miles from the airport. A two-floored hotel, with 124 rooms, it offers guests the in-room conveniences of refrigerators, televisions, radios, phones, ice makers, hair dryers, safes, and tea and coffee makers. There is also an outdoor pool, a Jacuzzi, and a wading pool for children. You can enjoy free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, and self parking. The daily shuttle to and from the airport from 5:10 a.m. to 12:24 a.m. is free as well.
Detailed Map of MCO Airport
What Are the Best Hotels Near Orlando International Airport (MCO)?
If you want luxurious accommodations near Orlando International Airport (MCO), you can take your pick from some of the best hotels in the city. For a comfortable base to explore Orlando from, without having to worry about airport transfers, consider the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport. Located in the airport's main terminal, the hotel has five floors and 445 air-conditioned rooms. It also has a meeting space that spreads across 42,000 square feet, four ballrooms, an amphitheater, two restaurants, a bar, a gym, and a games room. Additionally, guests have access to the shops and restaurants located around the airport.
The Orlando Airport Marriott Lakeside is a mile from Orlando International Airport. It is an ideal base to visit close-by attractions such as the Florida Mall, Sea World, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, Outlet malls, the Kennedy Space Center, and Cape Canaveral. The nine-floored hotel has 483 luxurious, spacious, and air-conditioned rooms, a 46,562-square-foot meeting space, and a banquet space for 780 people. There are indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a sauna, a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, a restaurant, and a licensed bar.
What Are the Best Discounts Near Orlando International Airport (MCO)?
Taking advantages of hotel discounts can help you enjoy a more affordable stay in Orlando. Aside from offering AAA member and senior citizen discounts, the Sheraton Suites Orlando Airport offers their guests a free 24-hour shuttle to and from the airport a mile away and to locations within 2 miles of the hotel. They also offer free Wi-Fi, newspaper, and coffee, and serve breakfast from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The 150 air-conditioned rooms have refrigerators, flat-screen TVs, hair dryers, and pillowtop beds with premium bedding. There is an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. You can lunch or dine on American cuisine at the Sky Grille restaurant, at the coffee shop, or simply order room service. If you want to top your meal with a drink, they have a nice bar.
The Ramada Suites Orlando Airport is another excellent hotel with AAA member and senior citizen discounts. Located a mile from Orlando International Airport (MCO), they offer their guests a free shuttle to and from the airport from 5 a.m. to midnight. Guests also get free Wi-Fi, cable TV, local calls, breakfast, and newspapers. The four-floored hotel has 128 air-conditioned rooms with refrigerators, microwaves, ice makers, hair dryers, and tea and coffee makers. There is an 1,862-square-foot meeting space, a banquet space for 90 people, and an outdoor pool.
What Are the Best Value Options Near Orlando International Airport (MCO)?
For the best value options, you should check out the mid-range hotels near Orlando International Airport (MCO). The Homewood Suites Orlando Airport is popular with guests for short as well as extended stays. Along with being close to the airport, it is within 16 miles of Universal Studios, Sea World, and Walt Disney World. The clean, comfortable, and spacious 128 suites have fully-equipped kitchens, and the hotel offers a complimentary hot breakfast and free Wi-Fi to all guests.
Monday through Thursday, they serve meals and drinks at the Welcome Home Reception. Fitness enthusiasts will enjoy the outdoor pool, outdoor sport court, and fitness center. There is even an outdoor fire pit for barbecue grilling in the evenings.
The Staybridge Suites Orlando Airport South overlooks Lake Lori and is close to some of the best golf courses and parks in Orlando. You can take the free shuttle service from the airport to reach it. The three-floored hotel offers guests 135 apartment-style and air-conditioned suites that come with fully equipped kitchens.
You can enjoy a free hot breakfast, sip free Wolfgang Puck coffee, read a free copy of the morning newspaper, and use the free Wi-Fi to go online. Afterward, go for a swim in the outdoor pool, visit the fitness center, or relax in the Jacuzzi. The hotel is pet-friendly, but inform them in advance if you are bringing your pet.
With Disney World and Universal Studios just down the road, there is no question why Orlando International Airport serves as a bustling main hub in Florida. There is a plethora of reasons to bring you to Orlando, not limited to the world-renowned theme park attractions. The city is popular for business means like the biomedicine and digital media industries, as well as family vacations and leisure getaways. Orlando Airport is located 6 miles from Orlando, and is a focus city for airlines like Frontier and Southwest. The Hyatt Regency Orlando hotel is located right inside the airport, and 25 other hotels surround within just 5 miles.Why travelers visit Orlando: Disney World, Epcot, Universal Studios, Harry Potter World, Sea World, Chocolate Kingdom, and sports teams like the Marlins, Jaguars, Heat, and Magic!
About Orlando International Airport
As the main hub for a bustling Florida city, Orlando International Airport welcomes more visitors than any other in the state. In fact, some 35 million people pass through its doors and it oversees more than 300,000 flights each year, making it the 10th busiest airport in America. The facility is situated just more than 10 miles outside of the downtown area, and those who use rental cars can get to the heart of the city in about 20 minutes. The city is also home to a reliable public transit system, and visitors can catch a bus just outside of the airport and arrive downtown within an hour.After they step off the plane, many visitors head to one of the conveniently located Orlando International Airport hotels such as the Staybridge Suites Orlando Airport South, which is less than two miles from the hub and offers free shuttle service back and forth. But before you make your way to the hotel, take some time to look around the airport and discover the many amenities. The 1,000-acre facility contains two main terminals, where you can find a plethora of fine dining restaurants and casual eating spots, such as Johnny Rover's Grill and Market, Brioche Doree and Freshens Treats. You can also peruse the many shops, including XpresSpa and Nuance Duty Free. Other amenities available here include Internet kiosks, currency exchanges and shoeshine services.
Orlando
Located in Orange County, Orlando is one of the most visited cities in the country. That's because it's home to the Walt Disney World, which is arguably the most popular theme park resort in the world. It's no surprise that millions of people come here for family vacations, honeymoon retreats and other leisure trips, though many travelers also come here for business (it's a hub for the biomedicine and and digital media industries). Either way, guests find themselves in an exquisite setting speckled with stylish modern buildings and nestled up against the sparkling Gulf Coast. It has a tropical climate with hot temperatures (the average is about 100 degrees Fahrenheit), and many locals and visitors spend their evenings cooling off at the beach.Along with it's beautiful natural setting and architecture, Orlando has a rich history. It was established in 1838 in the midst of the Seminole Wars. It was originally created as the site of Fort Gatlin, which was erected to protect the city from attacks by Native American tribes, and a town began to develop around it. Over about a century and a half, the community has grown from little more than a meager population and a post office to the dazzling tourist attraction it is today.
Things to Do in Orlando
While a trip to Walt Disney World makes for a magical and life-changing experience, there are plenty of other attractions and activities to keep you entertained in his delightful city. It's home to the Orlando Museum of Art, Ripley's Believe It or Not, WonderWorks and other cultural institutions. Shopping opportunities are available at the several shopping centers and retail outlets, such as the Mall at Millenia, Florida Mall and Orlando Fashion Square.Another top attraction of Orlando is the Cirque du Soleil La Nouba, an acrobatic show that dazzles visitors at Walt Disney World. However, if you want a theme park experience in Orlando without all the long lines and bustle of this resort, there are plenty of other options. SeaWorld and Universal Studios are also located in the area, as are smaller ones such as Gatorland, Arabian Nights, Medieval Times and Holy Land Experience.
FAQs about hotels near Orlando International Airport (MCO)
How much does a cheap hotel near Orlando International Airport (MCO) cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel near Orlando International Airport (MCO) can be as cheap as $83.78 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel near Orlando International Airport (MCO) cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel near Orlando International Airport (MCO) has been $97.58 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a high-end hotel near Orlando International Airport (MCO) cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel near Orlando International Airport (MCO) has been $172.86 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)