10 Secrets About the Renovation of Orlando’s Favorite Universal Budget Hotel
For years, travelers to Orlando kept the Holiday Inn & Suites on Caravan Court on speed dial for different reasons. Today, that hotel, known for being budget-friendly, has grown into something much bigger. Now known as the “Courtyard by Marriott across Universal Orlando,” the business has completed a multimillion-dollar renovation with several upgrades worth a second look. Here is what you need to know.
A Brand-New Identity
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The hotel at 5916 Caravan Court has a long history as the go-to spot for Universal-bound travelers who did not want to pay on-site resort prices. Florida-based “Performance Hospitality Management” took on the conversion and brought it to its current state. A grand opening was scheduled for April 9, 2026. The rebrand brings Marriott’s global infrastructure, loyalty program, and a design overhaul that touches nearly every corner of the building.
390 Rooms, All Renovated
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The property now offers 390 fully updated guest rooms spread across 10 floors. The property’s renovation was completed in January 2026 and covers every room. Guests will find 55-inch LCD televisions, a pillow menu, blackout drapes, in-room safes, and mini-fridges across room types. The redesign leans into a more modern aesthetic.
134 Suites Built for Families
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One of the biggest practical upgrades is the number of suites. The hotel now has 134 one- and two-bedroom suites, with configurations that sleep up to 10 guests. The capacity could be a serious draw for large families or multigenerational groups. Having a separate living area and a mini-fridge in the room means the group has space to breathe between park days.
The Bistro and The Crate
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The renovation introduced two new food and beverage options that did not exist under the Holiday Inn flag. The Bistro & Bar serves Starbucks beverages, breakfast, and evening cocktails, along with light dinner options. Secondly, the “Crate Grab-N-Go” is a self-service market open 24/7, stocked with snacks, drinks, and travel essentials. For a family heading to the parks at rope-drop time, having an on-site Starbucks with round-the-clock grab-and-go options could be a time-saver.
Marriott Bonvoy Points Now Apply
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One of the most tangible benefits of the rebrand is access to Marriott Bonvoy. The hotel loyalty program had nearly 271 million members worldwide at the end of 2025. Guests staying at this property can now earn and redeem points, which could offset the cost of the stay with accumulated rewards. Event planners who book meetings or conferences at the property can earn bonus points on qualified events.
Universal Partner Hotel Status
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The property retained its status as an official Universal Partner Hotel after the rebrand. The status includes complimentary scheduled shuttle service to Universal Orlando Resort, provided by Universal Resorts. Additionally, there is an on-site Universal Partner Hotel Vacation Planning Center in the lobby, where guests can get help booking tickets and navigating the parks without standing in a ticket window line.
The Price Gap
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Staying at an official Universal on-site resort, such as Cabana Bay Beach Resort or Aventura Hotel, sometimes costs between $180 and $240 per night in 2026. The Courtyard by Marriott, which is close to Universal Orlando, sometimes prices rooms between $98 and $183 per night. The one perk guests do miss out on is early park admission, which gives on-site resort guests access to the parks up to an hour before the general public.
Over 11,000 Square Feet of Meeting Space
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This renovation at the property serves more than leisure travelers. The Marriott website lists over 11,000 square feet of event space at the property, supported by seven event rooms, a conference center, and on-site catering services. Central Florida welcomed 75.3 million visitors in 2024, generating $94.5 billion in tourism economic impact. This business could capture a slice of that revenue, especially since it could appeal to corporate groups who want access to the park.
The Arcade Room
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Once the parks close and the kids still have energy left, the Courtyard still has features that could interest some, including an on-site arcade and game room. It is a small detail that could attract visitors on a multi-day trip. At a property this close to resorts, having a built-in fallback plan is more useful than it sounds.
Video Game Consoles Come Standard in Every Room
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Visitors who check in should notice how the guest room at the Courtyard comes equipped with a video game console. It is an interesting inclusion for a hotel at this price point and one that could separate it from a typical Courtyard property. Paired with 55-inch LCD TVs, pillow menus, and in-room safes, the rooms are doing more to entertain guests than the nightly rate suggests.