Step Out to Free Parking, Palms and a Year-Round Pool
Pull up outside Orlando Palms, park for free at the door, and you'll see the reason most guests pick it straight away: an outdoor pool fringed with palm trees, open all year under the Florida sun, with the airport and the Florida Mall both just minutes away. This is a clean, friendly budget hotel rather than a resort, and that is the whole point. You spend your money in the parks and keep your room rate low, then come back to a tidy bed, a flat-screen TV and a quick dip before dinner. The location is the headline: about 5 miles from Orlando International Airport, roughly 5 miles from SeaWorld, a 17-minute walk to Central Florida's largest mall, and an easy drive to Universal, the new Epic Universe and Walt Disney World.
One quick note to save confusion, because the building has worn a few names. Orlando Palms rebranded in 2022 from The London Orlando at the Florida Mall, and a separate listing under a Ramada by Wyndham name still sits at the same 8601 address, so map pins and travel sites sometimes file it under the old name. It is the same rebranded hotel, independently run under the Orlando Palms name. Guests consistently praise the free Wi-Fi, the location and the helpful staff, and couples in particular rate the two-person trips highly. Come for a low rate and a great position, not for luxury, and Orlando Palms does the job.
Clean, Simple Rooms and the Honest Trade-Offs
Inside, the rooms are straightforward and kept simple: carpet underfoot, air conditioning against the Florida heat, a flat-screen TV with cable, a wardrobe, free toiletries and a hairdryer, and a private bathroom with a bath and shower. Many guests describe their room as clean and the bed as genuinely comfortable, and the front desk is staffed 24 hours if you land late off a flight. The honest picture matters here, so book with your eyes open. This is an older property, and the recurring grumbles are inconsistent hot water and weak shower pressure, plus carpets that look tired in places, so it pays to manage expectations rather than expect a refurbished resort.
There is one practical thing to plan around. The refurbishment stripped the in-room cooking and chilling kit out of most rooms, so you cannot count on storing food or making a hot drink at your bedside. The King Suite is the exception and keeps a microwave, and a shared one sits in the lobby, but hot drinks are only put out in the early morning, so if you need to chill medication or want a late cup of tea, bring a plan. Breakfast is served and well rated, though it may carry a small extra charge of around five dollars depending on the rate you book rather than being included on every booking. None of this is a deal-breaker for a value stay near the parks; it is simply what to expect, with cleanliness and comfort solid rather than standout.
A Practical Base for the Theme Parks and the Airport
What makes Orlando Palms work is its position on the south-side US-441 corridor, dropping you within easy reach of the densest cluster of theme parks on earth. SeaWorld is about 5 miles away, Universal Orlando and its new Epic Universe park roughly 8 km, and Walt Disney World a 20 to 30 minute drive, so you can do the parks by day and retreat to a low-rate room by night. The Florida Mall, Central Florida's largest shopping centre with over 250 stores and the Crayola Experience, is a 17-minute walk, and International Drive with the Orlando Eye observation wheel is a short drive north. Restaurants line the strip within a short walk, from Dunkin' and McDonald's to a local seafood spot.
The same address doubles as a smart first-or-last-night airport base, with Orlando International about 5 miles away, roughly 10 to 15 minutes by car or rideshare via SR-528 and US-441. This is a drive-to location rather than a walkable resort district, so rent a car or budget for rideshares, and buy your park tickets in advance. Lynx city buses link to the Florida Mall SuperStop hub if you would rather not drive, and the year-round warm weather keeps the outdoor pool usable in every season. Treat it as a value base near the airport and the mall, plan around the no-in-room-fridge reality, and you get a friendly, well-placed stay for the money.
Why Book Orlando Palms?
Orlando Palms is strongest for budget-minded travellers using Orlando as a theme-park or airport base, who want a clean room, free parking, free Wi-Fi and a year-round pool at a low rate, and who value the location and the price over a fridge in the room, a restaurant or a shuttle.
Location for the money
About 5 miles from Orlando International Airport and SeaWorld, a 17-minute walk from the Florida Mall, and an easy drive to Universal, Epic Universe and Walt Disney World, with the location among the qualities guests praise most.
Free parking, free Wi-Fi, year-round pool
Genuine free extras that keep the trip cheap: free on-site self-parking, free property-wide Wi-Fi, plus an outdoor pool open all year and a 24-hour front desk for late flights.
Friendly staff, good value
Helpful, friendly staff and strong value for the price, both among the qualities guests highlight, with easy poolside access that families with young children single out.
Best-fit guests
Best for solo travellers, couples and families on a theme-park or airport-transit trip who want a clean, low-rate room with a pool and are happy to drive, eat nearby and go without an in-room fridge.
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Interesting Points About Orlando Palms
- A refurbishment stripped the in-room microwave, fridge and kettle from most rooms; only the King Suite keeps a microwave, and a shared microwave sits in the lobby, so pack food storage in mind
- The hotel rebranded to Orlando Palms in 2022 from The London Orlando at the Florida Mall, so several travel listings and map pins still file it under the old London name at the same 8601 address
- This is a cashless property that takes only cards, and a refundable US$100 damage deposit is held by card on arrival and released within about 7 days of check-out after inspection
- The minimum check-in age here is 21, higher than the usual 18, so a younger lead guest will be turned away at the desk
- Hot drinks are put out in the early morning only rather than around the clock, a detail repeat guests flag because the rooms have no kettle
Rooms & Accommodation at Orlando Palms
Standard Queen Room
Sleeps 2 · 28 m² · Queen bed · A/C · Private bathroom · Free Wi-Fi
A ground-floor room of about 300 sq ft with one queen bed, a desk, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable, a wardrobe and a private bathroom with bath and shower. Like most rooms here it has no in-room fridge, microwave or kettle after the refurbishment. Best for a solo traveller or couple who want a comfortable, low-rate base near the airport and the parks. Choose this if you are out at the attractions most of the day and mainly need a clean, quiet room to sleep in.
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Standard King Room
Sleeps 2 · 28 m² · King bed · A/C · Private bathroom · Free Wi-Fi
A ground-floor room of about 300 sq ft with one king bed, a desk, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable, a wardrobe and a private bathroom with bath and shower, and like most rooms no in-room fridge or microwave. Best for couples who want the extra width of a king bed without stepping up to the suite. Choose this if you would rather spend a little more on the bed and put the savings towards the parks.
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King Suite
Sleeps 2–3 · 42 m² · King bed + sofa bed · In-room microwave · A/C · Free Wi-Fi
The largest room at the hotel, about 450 sq ft on the ground floor with a king bed, a sofa or sofa bed and seating area, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable and a private bathroom, and it is the one room type that keeps an in-room microwave. Best for a couple wanting more space to spread out, or a small family using the sofa bed for a child. Choose this if you value room to relax and the convenience of a microwave on a longer park trip.
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Single Room - Disability Access
Sleeps 1 · 28 m² · Ground floor · Wheelchair accessible · A/C · Free Wi-Fi
A ground-floor, entire-unit wheelchair-accessible room of about 300 sq ft, with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable, a wardrobe and a private bathroom fitted with grab bars and a handheld shower. It is the lowest-priced single option and, like most rooms, has no in-room fridge or microwave. Best for a solo traveller who needs step-free, ground-floor access at the lowest rate. Choose this if accessibility and price matter most and you are happy with a compact single room near the airport.
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Queen Room - Disability Access
Sleeps 2 · 28 m² · Ground floor · Wheelchair accessible · Queen bed · Free Wi-Fi
The cheapest room at the hotel, a ground-floor, entire-unit wheelchair-accessible room of about 300 sq ft with one queen bed, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable, a wardrobe and an accessible private bathroom. Like most rooms it has no in-room fridge or microwave. Best for a couple or solo traveller who needs step-free access and wants the lowest nightly rate. Choose this if accessibility and budget come first and a queen bed suits you better than a single.
Check PricesIs Orlando Palms Right for You?
Best Suited For
- Theme-park trippers: an easy drive to Universal, Epic Universe, Walt Disney World and about 5 miles from SeaWorld, with a low room rate that leaves more for the parks
- Airport-transit guests: about 5 miles and 10 to 15 minutes from Orlando International, with a 24-hour front desk for late arrivals and early departures
- Florida Mall shoppers: a 17-minute walk to Central Florida's largest mall, with over 250 stores and a big dining pavilion
- Families on a budget: a year-round outdoor pool with easy access that parents of young children single out, plus free parking and free Wi-Fi
- Couples after value: a warmly reviewed pick for two, with friendly staff and a clean, comfortable room at a low price
- Drivers and rideshare users: free self-parking with no reservation needed, a practical base for a drive-to Orlando trip
Worth Considering Alternatives If
- You want a fridge, microwave or kettle in the room: most rooms have none after the refurbishment; only the King Suite keeps a microwave, with a shared one in the lobby
- You need reliable hot water: showers draw recurring complaints about inconsistent hot water and weak pressure, so this is the main trade-off
- You want a restaurant or room service on site: there is none, and breakfast may carry a small extra charge depending on the rate
- You need an airport shuttle: there isn't one, so plan to drive or rideshare the 5 miles from MCO
- You want a modern, recently refurbished room: this is an older property with dated carpets in places
- You want a spa or resort facilities: there is no spa here, just an outdoor pool and a fitness room
Amenities & Facilities
In-Room
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV with cable channels
- Private bathroom with bath and shower
- Free toiletries and hairdryer
- Wardrobe and carpeted floors
- In-room microwave in King Suites only
- Not available: Fridge, microwave or kettle in standard rooms
Connectivity
- Free property-wide Wi-Fi, the feature guests rate highest
Pool & Wellness
- Outdoor swimming pool, open year-round
- Fitness room
- Not available: Spa
Food & Drink
- Breakfast available (may carry a small extra charge depending on the rate)
- Shared microwave in the lobby
- Hot drinks available in the early morning
- Not available: On-site restaurant or bar
Building & Services
- 24-hour front desk
- Lift to upper floors
- Secured, tagged luggage storage
- Business area
- Shared lounge
- Not available: Airport shuttle
Parking & Transport
- Free on-site self-parking, no reservation needed
- Orlando International Airport (MCO), about 5 miles, roughly 10 to 15 minutes by car
- Lynx city buses nearby, with the Florida Mall SuperStop as the local hub
Policies & House Rules
- Cashless: cards only (Amex, Visa, Mastercard, Discover)
- Refundable US$100 damage deposit by card on arrival
- Minimum check-in age 21; photo ID required
- Check-in from 16:00; check-out by 11:00
- Not available: Pets
- Not available: Smoking indoors
On the US-441 Corridor by the Florida Mall and the Airport
Orlando Palms sits at 8601 South Orange Blossom Trail, on the US-441 strip in south Orlando, the theme-park capital of America and one of the most-visited cities in the country. The hotel is about 7 miles south of downtown, in the Florida Mall and airport corridor, which is exactly why guests rate the position so highly: Orlando International Airport is roughly 5 miles away, the Florida Mall is a 17-minute walk, and restaurants line the strip within a short walk, from Dunkin' at 150 yards to McDonald's and a local seafood spot. Free self-parking at the door makes the most of a drive-to position.
This is the natural value base for the parks. SeaWorld Orlando is about 5 miles away, Universal Orlando and its new Epic Universe park roughly 8 km, and Walt Disney World a 20 to 30 minute drive southwest. A short drive north on International Drive brings the Orlando Eye observation wheel and the I-Drive entertainment strip, while Gatorland sits a few miles south on the same Orange Blossom Trail. Downtown's Lake Eola Park, famous for its swan pedal boats, is about 8 miles north, and Cypress Grove Park on Lake Jessamine is around 5 miles away.
Most guests drive or rideshare, and that suits the hotel, with free on-site parking and no need to reserve a space. From the airport the quickest route is SR-528 (the Beachline) west to US-441 north, about 10 to 15 minutes in normal traffic. If you would rather not drive, Lynx city buses link to the Florida Mall SuperStop hub, and the Sand Lake Road SunRail station is about 3.4 miles away, though SunRail does not run at weekends. For more options across the country, browse our other stays in the United States.
- The Florida Mall: 17 min walk. Central Florida's largest shopping centre, with over 250 stores, a big dining pavilion and the Crayola Experience.
- Orlando International Airport (MCO): About 5 miles · 10 to 15 min by car or rideshare via SR-528 and US-441.
- SeaWorld Orlando: About 5 miles. Marine park and home to the Mako and Manta roller coasters.
- The Orlando Eye, International Drive: About 5 miles · short drive north. A 400-foot observation wheel anchoring the I-Drive entertainment strip.
- Gatorland: A few miles south on Orange Blossom Trail. A 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, the self-styled Alligator Capital of the World.
- Universal Orlando & Epic Universe: About 8 km · short drive. Home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the new Epic Universe park.
- Walt Disney World: 20 to 30 min drive southwest, depending on traffic and which park.
- Lake Eola Park, downtown: About 8 miles north. A downtown park famous for swan-shaped pedal boats and skyline views.
Getting to Key Locations
Photo: Robert Linsdell, CC BY 2.0
SeaWorld Orlando
About 5 miles up the road, SeaWorld is the easiest big-ticket park to reach from the hotel. The Mako and Manta coasters do the heavy lifting between the marine shows and animal habitats, and its compact layout makes it a manageable single-day visit for families who want thrills without the scale of the mega-resorts.
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Photo: Jeff Turner from Santa Clarita, CA, United States, CC BY 2.0
The Orlando Eye
A short drive north on International Drive puts you under the 400-foot Orlando Eye, the tallest observation wheel on the US East Coast. Its 30 air-conditioned capsules turn a roughly 20-minute ride into a good way to size up the city before you tackle the parks, and it anchors the I-Drive strip alongside Ripley's Believe It or Not.
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Photo: Robert Linsdell, CC BY 2.0
Gatorland
Just down the same Orange Blossom Trail, Gatorland has been the self-styled Alligator Capital of the World since 1949 and is still family-owned. Its Screamin' Gator zip line sends you 1,200 feet over the breeding marsh, and the 110-acre park and wildlife preserve makes a cheaper, lower-key half-day than the headline theme parks.
View on MapHow to Get to Orlando Palms from Orlando Airport
- Leave Orlando International Airport: From Orlando International Airport (MCO), pick up your rental car or arrange a rideshare. Most guests reach the hotel this way, as there is no airport shuttle, and the drive is only about 5 miles.
- Take SR-528 west: Join the SR-528 Beachline Expressway westbound out of the airport. This is the most direct road toward the South Orange Blossom Trail corridor.
- Join US-441 north: Exit onto US-441, South Orange Blossom Trail, heading north toward the Florida Mall. The whole trip runs about 10 to 15 minutes in normal traffic.
- Arrive at Orlando Palms: Orlando Palms is at 8601 South Orange Blossom Trail, near the Florida Mall, with free self-parking on site and a 24-hour front desk for late arrivals.
Orlando & the Theme Parks Guide
Orlando is the theme-park capital of America and one of the most-visited cities in the country, and from this south-side base you are within reach of the densest cluster of parks on earth. SeaWorld is about 5 miles away, Universal Orlando and its new Epic Universe park roughly 8 km, and Walt Disney World a 20 to 30 minute drive, so you can do the big days out and retreat to a low-rate room by night. International Drive, a short hop north, packs in the Orlando Eye observation wheel, Ripley's Believe It or Not and a long run of restaurants, while Gatorland and its zip line sit a few miles south on the same Orange Blossom Trail.
Plan the trip around the seasons. Orlando's most comfortable weather runs roughly October to April, with warm, drier days and the lowest hurricane risk; Florida summers are hot and humid with near-daily afternoon storms, and the Atlantic hurricane season runs June through November, though the city's inland position limits direct hits. Park crowds and room rates peak around US school holidays, spring break, summer and the late-December season, while late January, February and September tend to be quieter and cheaper. This is a drive-to city, so rent a car or budget for rideshares, buy park tickets in advance, and keep the year-round pool back at the hotel for the end of a long day.
Best things to do in Orlando, Florida
A round-up of Orlando's top attractions, from Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure to SeaWorld, Gatorland, ICON Park and the Kennedy Space Center, useful for planning days out from a base near the Florida Mall.
Is Orlando Palms worth it?
Yes, if you want a clean, friendly, low-rate base near the airport and the Florida Mall, with free parking, free Wi-Fi and a year-round outdoor pool, and you would rather spend your money in the parks: guests rate the location, the staff and the value highly across a large body of feedback. Skip it if you need reliable hot water, an in-room fridge or microwave, a restaurant, an airport shuttle or a recently refurbished room, as those are the trade-offs here.
What Guests Say About Orlando Palms
Scores and review counts are aggregated from verified guest bookings on major travel platforms.
Good
Guests consistently praise the location near the airport, the Florida Mall and the theme parks, the friendly and helpful staff, the free parking and Wi-Fi, and the year-round pool that families with young children find easy to use, with many rooms described as clean and the beds comfortable. The free Wi-Fi, the location, the staff and the value are the standouts, in that order. The honest trade-offs are an older property with dated carpets, recurring hot-water and shower-pressure problems, and the lack of an in-room fridge or microwave in most rooms.
Great value and a great location for the price.
Good location with everything nearby. The only let-down was the old carpet.
Very nice room, clean and pleasant, and the bed was exceptionally comfortable. There was no hot water in the shower on the first night, so I had to take cold showers.
Nice hotel with helpful staff and a good location, and it was very clean.
Good location, very friendly staff and easy access to the pool, especially with small kids. The room was a bit dusty though.
I liked the location. Breakfast was an extra five dollars, hot drinks were only in the early morning, and there was no microwave or kettle in the room.
Good value for the price. The carpets seemed a little dirty.
We enjoyed the nice pool, the air conditioning and the free Wi-Fi.
Good to Know Before You Book
Check-in from 4pm, minimum age 21
Check-in is from 4pm and check-out is by 11am, and the front desk is staffed 24 hours for late flights. The minimum check-in age is 21, higher than the usual 18, so the lead guest needs to be 21 or over, and you will need a photo ID plus a credit card on arrival.
Cashless property with a US$100 card deposit
This is a cashless property that takes cards only, Amex, Visa, Mastercard and Discover, and no cash. A refundable damage deposit of US$100 is held by card on arrival and released within about 7 days of check-out after inspection, so leave a little headroom on your card.
Most rooms have no fridge or microwave
A refurbishment removed the microwave, fridge and kettle from most rooms. Only the King Suite keeps an in-room microwave, and there is a shared microwave in the lobby, with hot drinks put out in the early morning only. Plan ahead if you need to store food or chill medication, or book the King Suite.
Breakfast may be a small extra charge
Breakfast is available, with Continental, American and buffet options, and it is well rated by guests. Depending on the rate you book it may carry a small extra charge, around five dollars per person, rather than being included on every booking, so check the conditions of your chosen rate. Cancellation and prepayment terms also vary by rate.
Photos of Orlando Palms
Frequently Asked Questions
Orlando Palms sits on the US-441 strip in south Orlando, with a postcode of 32809 and the street number 8601 on South Orange Blossom Trail. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is about 5 miles away, roughly 10 to 15 minutes by car or rideshare via SR-528 and US-441, and the Florida Mall is a 17-minute walk. This is the rebranded hotel formerly listed as The London Orlando at the Florida Mall, at the same address.
SeaWorld Orlando is about 5 miles from Orlando Palms, Universal Orlando and its new Epic Universe park are roughly 8 km away, and Walt Disney World is a 20 to 30 minute drive southwest depending on traffic and which park. This is a drive-to location, so most guests rent a car or use a rideshare to reach the parks.
Exact nightly rates depend on the room type and your dates, and the current price is shown before you confirm. There are five room types: the wheelchair-accessible Queen and Single rooms at the lower end, the Standard Queen and Standard King in the middle, and the larger King Suite at the top, which is the only room with an in-room microwave.
Breakfast is available at Orlando Palms, with Continental, American and buffet options, and it is well rated by guests. Depending on the rate you book it may carry a small extra charge, around five dollars per person, rather than being included on every booking, so check the conditions of your chosen rate.
Yes. Orlando Palms has free on-site self-parking with no reservation needed, and free property-wide Wi-Fi that guests rate the best part of the stay. Both are genuine pluses on a budget stay, which is part of why the hotel scores well for value for money.
Yes, Orlando Palms has an outdoor swimming pool that is open year-round, helped by Orlando's warm climate. Guests, especially families with young children, single out the easy poolside access. There is also a fitness room, though there is no spa.
Check-in at Orlando Palms is from 4pm and check-out is by 11am, with a 24-hour front desk for late arrivals. The minimum check-in age is 21, and you will need a photo ID plus a credit card. The property is cashless, taking cards only, and a refundable US$100 damage deposit is taken by card on arrival.
Most rooms at Orlando Palms no longer have a fridge, microwave or kettle following a refurbishment. The King Suite is the exception and keeps an in-room microwave, and there is a shared microwave in the lobby. Hot drinks are put out in the early morning only, so plan ahead if you need to store food or make a late drink.
Other Great Stays in the United States
More Stays in the United States
Browse our other US hotels and guides when you are planning a wider trip beyond Orlando and the Central Florida theme parks.
Ready to Book Orlando Palms?
A clean, friendly budget base on South Orange Blossom Trail, about 5 miles from Orlando International Airport and a 17-minute walk from the Florida Mall, with free self-parking, free Wi-Fi and a year-round outdoor pool, with guests consistently praising the location and the friendly staff.
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