EAST COAST AIKIDO BRIDGE LODGING:
We are currently working to find lodging solutions for individuals and groups sharing a location. We have found that the Daytona 5oo and the NBA playoffs are being held the same weekend, so lodging options are at a premium. We are currently looking at resort condo units as an alternative to hotels. These generally come with two bedrooms, kitchen and a couch that can accommodate 4-8 people depending on how friendly you want to be. The rates are still decent, but the properties are a bit further away. Car sharing will be imperative, but the price differences will easily pay for the car.
We will let you know here once we have visited the properties.
Airports
If you are coming to Orlando, you will find that Shindai Dojo benefits from an international destination infrastructure. The airports are as easy as they come. There are two area airports, but Orlando International Airport (OIA) is likely the easiest. When you get here do not expect the transportation services of a good European city, or even the benefits of larger US cities. Local bus transportation is spotty and unreliable for getting to our dojo. There are no trains. The Orlando area is an loosely knit example of urban sprawl. Sorry.
(MCO) is how you will find (OIA) when you book your flights. Rental cars are available at the airport and are likely your best bet. They are generally inexpensive if you are conservative. Shuttle services and cabs are prohibitively expensive. Check with lodging options for hotel shuttles, which may get you to the area and mitgate some cost.
Lodging
There are many Hotels and Motels within a five mile radius of our dojo and seminar locations. Being that Orlando is one of most concentrated tourist areas in the country, most accommodations are clean, comfortable, and are reasonably priced. But research closely. The major attractions are within one half hour of the dojo by car, so it gives you and idea of travel time if you choose to lodge a bit further away. There are seasonal price variations, so it is always worth checking around.
We do not directly endorse any of them, but if you find one that you are questioning a property, we can check it out for you. If you find one you like… let us know and we will list it for the benefit of others in the future. We recommend that you do some online research.
Here are some that seminar participants have stayed in and found close, reasonable and comfortable.
BRIDGE OPTIONS/ CURRENT:
SPECIAL !!! I have access to a three bedroom condo for a cost of $500.00 for the three days. Contact me for information at: SFasen@Shindai.com and I will get you the information. I am sure a half dozen or more people here would be not problem and greatly reduce individual costs.
GO TO (getaroom.com) Search for the following two properties:
Orlando Hotel and Suites. This facility has a one bedroom suite that will sleep three for around $140.00 a night.
Grand Beach Hotel and Suites. This facility has a three bedroom with amenities that will literally accomodate 8 people. Cost average that at $164.00 a night!
Both of the hotels above are near Universal and Disney, and about 25 minutes from the dojo by car.
——————————————————————————–
22.53 minutes from the dojo with food in the area and options along the way. As of 1/18/12 they have 13 doubles and 14 king rooms at $90.00 +tax. This might require a three night stay. Get them while they are hot!
Red Roof Inn, Orlando West / 11241 West Colonial Drive/ Ocoee FL 34761 /407-347-0140
——————————————————————————–
Comfort Inn & Suites
Orlando Winter Park
626 Lee Road
407.645.5600 / pet friendly
Right at I4 and Lee Road
——————————————————————————–
http://www.extendedstayhotels.com/Reservations/SelectRoom.html?sid=307c9018-ea74-425b-be0a-eaa70417ee3f
This hotel is about 25 minutes from the dojo. The room rates for a double are currently at $114.00 a night. The unit should sleep three. This is a good option. Don’t waste time.
There are a number of Extended Stay and the prices vary widely.
——————————————————————————–
Residence Inn Orlando Altamonte Springs/Maitland
270 Douglas Avenue, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714 USA
Phone: 1-407-788-7991 Fax: 1-407-869-5468
http://www.residenceinnaltamontesprings.com/
the following discounted rates for(Shindai) group Feb 23 – 26, 2012.
King Suite – $179.00
Double Suite – $189.00
Penthouse Suite – $209.00
This hotel is used often for housing the Sensei for major seminars. They have Penthouse units with two floors, bedrooms with separate bathrooms, a full kitchen and lounge area. They safely sleep 5 or 6. Great accommodations to share and cost average expenses. We generally have a block of rooms set up under (Shindai). It is located about 10-15 minutes from the dojo. Check our their accommodations.
——————————————————————————————–
Hampton Inns in the Universal Studios area, Maitland and downtown are always good and include breakfast.
Gambatte !