"Wow!" is all we can say. Harris Rosen, budget hotelier in the City the Mouse Built, decided to do it again. Last year, when the world was still reeling from the shock of September 11 and businesses in the travel industry were going belly up, Rosen decided to drastically reduce his cost-per-room--not to stay in business--but to keep his staff employed and to give his guests a reason to go to Orlando. And, no surprise, it was a resounding success. So, why not do it again?
Running through January 31, 2003, you can get a room in any of four participating hotels for only $29.95 per night. No kidding. These are 300-to-a-1000-plus-room hotels conveniently located just minutes away from the attractions family go to Orlando to see in the first place (Disneyworld, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Cypress Gardens--if you've got kids, you know the list), only now it's going to be so much cheaper, since these rooms usually run a minimum $69.95 per night.
The participating hotels are:
- Quality Inn Plaza (International Drive, Orlando)
- Quality Inn International (International Drive, Orlando)
- Rodeway Inn International (International Drive, Orlando)
- Comfort Inn (Lake Buena Vista)
Also thrown into the package is a Kids Eat Free Program and discount coupon booklet that'll help cut costs even more. Simply amazing. You can book online at www.orlandohotels4less.com. Click on "Rates starting as low as $29.95" to see the full list. You can also reserve by calling 800/221-2222, but be sure to ask for the "Orlan-Dough" Family Value Package to get the rate. Prices listed don't include hotel service charges, taxes or a possible $20 weekend surcharge, so be sure to ask first.