- Introduction: A Secret Mission To Dubai
- Review: Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport (MCO)
- A Final Emirates First Class Farewell!
- Review: The Dubai EDITION Hotel
- Paying To Upgrade On FlyDubai: My Experience
- Review: Emirates Business Class Lounge Dubai (DXB)
- Review: Marhaba Lounge Dubai Terminal 3 (DXB)
- Review: FlyDubai Business Class Boeing 737 MAX (DXB-BEG)
- My Drunk & Unusual FlyDubai Seatmate…
- Hyatt Regency Belgrade: My Four-Hour Stay
- Review: Air Serbia Premium Lounge Belgrade (BEG)
- My Frustrating Air Serbia Transfer Desk Experience
- Review: Air Serbia Business Class A330 (BEG-JFK)
- Review: Frontier Airlines A320neo Stretch Seats (ISP-TPA)
To kick off my trip to Dubai, I spent one night at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport. The hotel is awesome for the simple fact that it’s located inside the terminal, so there’s no need to wait on a shuttle bus to get to & from the hotel. Admittedly the hotel is able to charge a premium for that, but I find it to be worthwhile. While otherwise not as exciting as the Grand Hyatt SFO, this is an excellent airport hotel.
In this post:
Booking the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport
The Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport is a Category 4 World of Hyatt property, meaning that a standard room free night redemption costs 12,000-18,000 points per night. For the night I was staying there was the “standard” pricing, and I redeemed a Category 1-4 free night award.
Personally I value World of Hyatt points at 1.5 cents each, just as a point of reference, so that means I paid the equivalent of ~$225 per night. The cash rate for my night was $350+, so redeeming points was the better value.
Even if you’re not a Hyatt loyalist, earning World of Hyatt points can be pretty easy. In addition to being able to earn World of Hyatt points with the World of Hyatt Credit Card (review) and World of Hyatt Business Credit Card (review), you can also transfer over points from Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport location
I mentioned this above, but you really can’t beat the location of the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport, as it’s located inside the terminal. The hotel takes up the floors immediately above the central landside concourse, and you can even see the security lines from the hotel.
If you’re arriving off a flight, just follow the signage toward the hotel.
Then go to the area of the terminal where you see the elevators to the hotel, and then you can either take one of the elevators up, or you can take the escalator. The lobby is on the fourth floor.
I can’t emphasize enough how much I appreciate an airport hotel that doesn’t require relying on an airport shuttle. Airport hotel shuttles are notoriously unreliable, and I feel like half the time it ends up taking me an hour to get to the hotel. It’s worth paying a premium to avoid that, in my opinion.
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport lobby & check-in
I arrived at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport at around 2AM (thanks, JetBlue, for the delay), and was immediately helped at check-in. The front desk associate told me I had been upgraded to a room on a high floor with a runway view, and that I’d receive complimentary breakfast as a Globalist member. I also requested 4PM late check-out (since I had an Emirates flight at 9PM), which was granted.
The lobby has plenty of seating, and from 5PM until 12AM daily that turns into a lobby bar (though I didn’t visit it, since that didn’t overlap with the hours of my stay).
The lobby also has a couple of PCs and a printer.
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport king bed room
I was assigned room 1003, a king bed room on the 10th floor (the highest floor) with runway views. Upon exiting the elevator on the 10th floor, it was one of the first rooms on the right.
For an airport Hyatt Regency, I thought the room design was great, and I imagine it had been renovated in the past few years. The room had a comfortable king size bed (though I wish Hyatt hotels had bigger pillows), a couch with a coffee table, a desk with a chair, and a wall-mounted TV.
The room had an empty mini-fridge, a coffee machine with Keurig pods, and two bottles of water.
The room didn’t have a real closet, but rather had an exposed rack near the entrance, where you could hang things.
The bathroom had a sink, a shower & tub combo, and a toilet.
Toiletries were from Pharmacopia, as is standard at Hyatt Regency properties.
The room had an (unfurnished) balcony overlooking part of the airside terminal and runway in the distance.
I thought this was a great room, all things considered. Wi-Fi was of course free as a World of Hyatt member, and was fast.
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport McCoy’s Bar & Grill (breakfast)
McCoy’s Bar & Grill is the Hyatt Regency’s all-day dining restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As an avgeek I appreciated the name — Orlando’s airport code is “MCO” because it stands for McCoy Air Force Base, which was the original name of the airport, before it closed as a military airport in 1975.
I also liked all the model airplanes in a display case outside the restaurant.
The decor of the restaurant as such was rather unremarkable. Unfortunately it didn’t feature much in the way of apron or runway views.
I had breakfast at the restaurant, and it’s served daily from 7 AM until 11 AM (I find 7 AM to be a late start for breakfast at an airport hotel, but I’m also weird, so…). As a Globalist member, I could order off the menu.
I started with some (really hot) coffee and water.
Then I ordered the avocado toast with a side of scrambled eggs and fruit. It was excellent and a huge portion.
By the way, even if you don’t want a full breakfast, the hotel offers complimentary coffee & tea in the lobby each morning.
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport other dining options
The Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport also has Hemisphere Restaurant, which is open from 5 PM until 10 PM Tuesdays through Saturdays (find the menu here). It’s on the ninth floor, and as a result, has great airport views. It was closed while I visited, but I remember the last time I stayed at this hotel (years ago), breakfast was served up there.
The hotel also has a variety of drinks and snacks for purchase at the front desk, and they were oddly reasonably priced — a Diet Pepsi cost $1.50, as did a KIND bar. I feel like most other places would try to charge at least twice as much.
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport gym
The Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport’s gym is on the sixth floor, and can be accessed 24/7 with your key card. The gym had a pretty good variety of both cardio and weight equipment, and I enjoyed using it in the afternoon prior to checking out.
Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport pool
The Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport also has an outdoor pool along with plenty of seating on the sixth floor, which you don’t often see at an airport hotel. There was some construction going on around the pool, but it didn’t seem to get in the way of being able to use it.
Bottom line
The Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport is an incredibly convenient airport hotel. It’s located inside the terminal, and has nicely renovated rooms, a gym & pool, and a solid restaurant. If you have a reason you want to stay near Orlando Airport, you can’t beat the convenience of this place.
If you’ve stayed at the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport, what was your experience like?
Who cares about Breakfast? Please no more Hyatt or Oneworld. We get it and your reviews helping your tax deductions.
The posts in this series (and other review posts) only sometimes show up on the OMAAT homepage for me (Google Chrome via desktop computer). Other times, they do not show up on the homepage. This has been the case since the removal of the 'omaat.com/blog' structure.
Do others experience this as well? Thanks.
Regarding breakfast and early flights, they have an overnight menu from which you can pre-order breakfast the night before and specify what time you want it delivered to your room. I just did this 2 days ago and it showed up right on time. If you’re a globalist, this is included at no charge.
"Personally I value World of Hyatt points at 1.5 cents each, just as a point of reference, so that means I paid the equivalent of ~$225 per night. The cash rate for my night was $350+, so redeeming points was the better value."
- This is because of the dollar and cents value you are putting on the points. However, this may not be true if you have better redemption options that you frequent....
"Personally I value World of Hyatt points at 1.5 cents each, just as a point of reference, so that means I paid the equivalent of ~$225 per night. The cash rate for my night was $350+, so redeeming points was the better value."
- This is because of the dollar and cents value you are putting on the points. However, this may not be true if you have better redemption options that you frequent. I am not familiar enough with Hyatt to specifically comment, but although requiring more points, the points to dollar ratio is usually better at more expensive luxury hotels depending on the dollar price of the room. It also depends on factors such as nights for loyalty status, etc.
The benefit of this hotel is that it is actually in the airport. Your comment about not needing to take the shuttle is true as the shuttles tend to take longer than they should and are usually unreliable, BUT there are many airport hotels that are not IN the terminal but rather at the airport, connected to the airport, but outside the security check point. This would save you time if the access to the hotel was on the inside of the security check.
nothing like seeing and HEARING all of the commotion, right from your hotel room. Otherwise.. why are there more hotels directly on airport property, even if the Airport Authority owns and runs them....
Downside of the in-terminal hotel is that it is significantly trickier to get outside food delivered. Though not impossible if you have an intrepid UberEats or DoorDash driver, know your way around the terminal, and can designate a clear meeting point for drop-off that the driver can understand.
The awesome star system strikes again: 4.5/5 for a Hyatt Regency in Orlando, seems legit.
We live 10 min away from the airport at Lake Nona. Many mornings (prior to COVID) we used to visit Hemisphere for breakfast. In fact, we had dinner there once, too. Excellent service and quality.
I live about 30 mins from MCO and have stayed here a few times for very early flights and have had nothing but good experiences. Even if I'm not staying here, I'll use that lobby/lounge as a spot to hang out if my flight is delayed, or I have time to burn. There's really no good lounges at MCO (the Delta lounge is usually slammed). Keep in mind you will have to leave the airside...
I live about 30 mins from MCO and have stayed here a few times for very early flights and have had nothing but good experiences. Even if I'm not staying here, I'll use that lobby/lounge as a spot to hang out if my flight is delayed, or I have time to burn. There's really no good lounges at MCO (the Delta lounge is usually slammed). Keep in mind you will have to leave the airside if you do this, but if you have Clear + TSA Pre, it only takes a couple minutes to re-clear security plus a quick tram ride.
Every time we go to WDW, our last day is checkout of our WDW hotel, drive to a park, spend all day in the park, drive to airport and check-in to this hotel. The price is comparable to WDW hotels, plus you get to subtract a car rental day. There is no stress heading to the airport for a morning flight. It’s a huge hotel. Every room has a nice view.
They should sell day access to the pool and gym. I'd easily spend two hours poolside instead of two hours at the horrible Orlando Sky Club.
I've tried all the lounges at MCO (it's my home airport) and they are all exceptionally sub-par. If I get to the airport early or have a long delay, you'll find me in the Hyatt lobby/lounge. Yeah it's not "free" but it's money well spent IMO. I would gladly pay for pool/gym/shower access. Great idea.
They actually do have a "day rate" which is from 10am - 6pm. Usually 50% of the nightly rate.. depending on availability.. just did it last week.. really awesome!! Full access to the pool and gym...
They just moved the breakfast to Mccoys in the past few months. It was much nicer with great views in Hemisphere
As for the prices there are several meetings held here which allows them to charge more
I am not sure what I am finding more shocking. That this hotel (nice but still just a standard room at an airport hotel) charges $350 a night, or that nobody else here finds it disturbing at all.
Travel has become a near impossibility for the average man/woman and there is apparently plenty of demand for rooms and flights at whichever price an airline chooses to charge
These rates are indicative of relying on guests that do not pay with their own money but rather expense account travelers. In the long run business travel will resume but at lower numbers and lower rates than before.
Its an upper scale Hyatt property located in the actual terminal. Its not a Holiday Inn Express located a 15 min shuttle away. Its pricing for both convenience and hotel quality. The "average" family wouldn't stay here.
Would be interested in seeing a list of the best airport hotels in the US. I have stayed here a couple of times and agree it is convenient, well located with good service. I also enjoy Westin Denver, Grand Hyatt SFO also seems to get rave reviews. Would love a broader list.
It’s not US, but the Fairmount @ YVR is great (IMO).
I have stayed there when we have had early am flights but years ago..It was a great overnight stay but the TSA lines in the am were usually brutal!!THe food prices seem reasonable for a resort-area -airport hotel...Tampa at the airport is $$$$ as are other nearby MCO hotels.
Excellent globalist treatment.
For a $10 charge (plus tip), the bellman will take your bags all the way to checkin.
It was well worth it when we had a 6am departure and lots of bags. They were prompt, and cheerful.
I love this hotel, mainly for its sheer perfect location. I have been staying here for years after flying in from the UK. It really is like a second home.
Many years ago I was flying from MCO back home to SAN. Weather and flight cancellations started going crazy and people were lining up to rebook flights. I bolted toward the Hyatt and got to the front desk as a stream of travelers were not far behind me. I got the very last room which was a conference room with a huge table and a fold out couch. I then contacted the airline by phone and rebooked for the next day.
Stay here frequently and honestly, Hemisphere is one of the better restaurants in Orlando - actually worth dining there not just for the views / convenience. If you do go, order the scallops.
Have stayed her a few times. Surprisingly good F&B for a US hotel, much less one in an airport. The bar has nice views and a great staff.
I agree I have stayed here 4x this year (it's my local airport). I actually only do it when I get rescheduled to a really early flight that I hate waking up for it's a cat 1-4 certificate and typically I'm able to snag it at 12k points (used to be 10k). I haven't actually done mcoys for breakfast hemisphere's nice I had an early flight for spring break due to schedule changes was a...
I agree I have stayed here 4x this year (it's my local airport). I actually only do it when I get rescheduled to a really early flight that I hate waking up for it's a cat 1-4 certificate and typically I'm able to snag it at 12k points (used to be 10k). I haven't actually done mcoys for breakfast hemisphere's nice I had an early flight for spring break due to schedule changes was a great dinner. I am looking forward to actually checking it out because I have a leisure flight for once to have the sit down vs the room service breakfast since it opens up after the time I typically book this hotel for early flights.
Nice review- thanks Ben. I agree with you on Breakfast hours. During the week day, i think breakfast should start at 6 or 6:30. I’m often ready to leave the hotel by 7, and miss breakfast because of that which is annoying.
I agree with your review - can't beat the convenience especially after a late night arrival given shuttles are so unreliable. I would rather walk to the hotel than wait for the shuttle, but given some are inaccessible by walkways it's not always possible.
I also appreciate the rooftop pool!
At the risk of dating myself, yours truly was born at McCoy AFB!