Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando

From the hotel's own pages: Deluxe Double rooms with two double beds, free Wi-Fi, three pools with two heated seasonally, a video arcade, a playground, a fitness center and four places to eat, one with a kids-eat-free program. It is dog-friendly with no breed or size limits, and AAA rates it Three Diamond.

What it does not buy: any theme park perk beyond the Universal Partner Hotel program, and nothing you would call a resort. It is a place to sleep between park days, priced like one.

We could not confirm from the booking screen whether the displayed rates include Florida and county tax, so budget for tax on top until you see the final total.

• Universal: complimentary scheduled shuttle. Reserve 24 hours ahead at the Universal Vacation Planning Center in the lobby; space is limited, and contracted groups are not eligible. The hotel lists Universal as 3 miles, about 10 minutes.
• SeaWorld and Aquatica: 2 miles, about 10 minutes, per the hotel; the I-Ride Trolley also serves SeaWorld for $2 a ride.
• Walt Disney World: the hotel lists 8 miles and 15 minutes to Walt Disney World, not to a specific park gate. Scheduled transport to other parks is sold separately through Fabulous Buses & Tours.

Universal Partner Hotel guests also get discounts on some merchandise and food at Universal. The lobby desk sells Universal and SeaWorld tickets.

The Orange County Convention Center is under a mile away, per the hotel, and Pointe Orlando's restaurants, bars and WonderWorks are across the street. Orlando International Airport is 12 miles, about 20 minutes. At night you can walk to dinner across the road instead of driving.

• Resort fee: none. The hotel headlines "Everything You Need, Without Resort Fees."
• Parking: $10 per car per night, tax included, maximum five nights or $50; gated and secured around the clock. Bus and RV parking may cost more.
• Check-in: 4 p.m.; check-out 11 a.m.
• ID: a physical government-issued photo ID is required; the hotel does not accept digital IDs.

Compare the Hyatt Regency Orlando down the road: $48 resort fee plus $45 parking, $93 a night before you pay for a room.

An illustration, using the December 8 rates as if they held all week, before tax: five nights here at $159.99 is $799.95, plus the $50 parking cap, so about $850. Five nights at Cabana Bay at $202 is $1,010, plus $26 a night to park, about $1,140. The Rosen Inn saves roughly $290 over the week; Cabana Bay buys early admission and a walk to the gates. Real rates vary by night, so run it for your own dates.

Book it for a budget trip centered on Universal, SeaWorld or the convention center, or for travelers with a dog. Skip it if you want Universal's early admission or walking paths: Cabana Bay was $194 to $202 on the same dates and puts you on property. For Disney, a car is essential from here.