Howard Johnson Maingate East Hotel
Howard Johnson Maingate East is a 367-room hotel located off Highway 192 in Kissimmee, Florida, a suburb of Orlando, and just across the road from Disney’s planned town of Celebration. The hotel is moderately priced and has earned a two star rating, but it offers much for two stars, including clean and well-appointed rooms and self-catering suites.
Rooms range in size from a standard double, featuring two double beds to self-catering suites with kitchenette. Standard double rooms can comfortably accommodate four people, as can deluxe and self-catering rooms. Self-catering suites feature two separate rooms, a living area and a bedroom, and can comfortably accommodate six. Roll-away beds are available upon request. All self-catered rooms are equipped with a counter top sink and utensils, and some also have a two burner stove. All rooms feature in-room safes, coffee makers, color cable TV, pay-per-view movies, Super Nintendo (for a fee), phones equipped with data port and voice mail, irons and ironing boards, secure key card access, and individual A.C. units.
The hotel offers a wide range of amenities for guests. You can cool off at the outdoor heated pool and kiddie pool, or you can relax tired muscles in the Jacuzzi. A gift shop offers snack items, drinks, clothing, and Disney, Universal Studios, and Sea World themed merchandise. On-site laundry facilities are available, as is lighted free parking. Complimentary shuttle service runs, as scheduled, to and from Walt Disney World Resort and Lake Buena Vista Factory Store, and tickets for area attractions are sold on-site. Children 12 and under can eat for free at the IHOP located next door to the hotel, and children 10 and under eat free at the Shoney’s located within easy walking distance. At IHOP you’ll find excellent pancakes, omelets, and an assortment of breakfast goodies, in addition to all-day dining options, and Shoney’s offers American country at a reasonable price.
Howard Johnson Maingate East is in the heart of Orlando’s theme park district. It is only two miles away from Walt Disney World Resort, and is conveniently located near Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Adventure Park, Discovery Cove, and a variety of other local attractions. Shuttle service to Walt Disney World Resort picks up and drops off at the same place daily, but from here it is possible to get to any of the Disney parks. SeaWorld and Universal Orlando are both easily accessible via taxi, should you not wish to drive. For the business traveler, Gaylord Palms Conference Center is nearby, and families will enjoy the state fair atmosphere of Old Town. International Drive, with its myriad of dining and shopping options, is just a short drive away.
Guests who have stayed at Howard Johnson Maingate East have raved about its clean rooms, courteous staff, and convenience to all that Orlando and Kissimmee have to offer. Within walking distance of the hotel, you’ll find dining options ranging from seafood to Japanese to Italian, and because the area is well lit and busy, it’s safe to walk to and from dinner in the dark. Discount malls, themed dinner theatre shows, and golfing are offered nearby, and a miniature golf course is next door to the hotel. If you want to wander further afield, Cocoa Beach, Kennedy Space Center, and Tampa’s Busch Gardens are within easy distance for daytrips.
Kissimmee Hotels – Two Star Hotels – Howard Johnson Maingate East Hotel