Stayed here with family (5 of us) for two weeks in August 2007. Had previously stayed at The Crowne Plaza Universal and Residance Inn Seaworld. Decided to stay at the Homewood due to the good feedback and high ranking on Trip Advisor.
On the whole, we had no complaints with the Hotel. Room was comfortable and fairly spacious and the breakfast was ok, if not somewhat repetitve. Pool is average size and no problem getting sunbeds etc as there were not many users of the pool when we were there. Staff were polite and friendly. My only comment would be that this is an above average Hotel and I am struggling to see how it ranks as highly as it does compared with some other hotels. For example, of the three hotels I have stayed in I would rank this in a close third place (prefer Residance Inn). We paid £820 through Hotelopia which I think is good value.
Hope this helps.

We get in a plane. The plane lands in Orlando with us still in it. Goal #1 achieved. We planned to take the Lynx bus #42 to the Homewood Suites hotel for $1.50/each but the plane was late and we wanted to get in that pool so… taxi it is and $47 later we are at the Homewood Suites [HS] Nearest Universal. Check-in is pleasant and we have a view of the pool plus a vast dustbowl or mud pit depending on the weather. We learn later that HS is building another wing to the hotel with 2-bedroom suites on top of the dustbowl. We get to the pool, which is okay but a little small and somewhat crowded. Not to worry, the Hilton Garden Inn across the parking lot has a LOVELY pool with tropical landscaping and a tikki bar and the HS encourages you to use their facilities. So we do. Ahhhhh. Monday-Thursday at Homewood’s a light dinner and cocktail hour is served included in the room rate. What gets plunked down into the warming pans tonight? Why, it’s Sloppy Joes, rice, rice pudding (I am not kidding, rice for side dish and dessert) and salad sans tomatoes. The two wines are Red and Pink (no white, but the server says strangely that it’s WHITE Zinfindel). The beer is Bud lite.

In case you don’t know, each Homewood Suites (under the Hilton Hotels collection) is independently owned, operated, and must meet minimum standards. Our favorite, in downtown Chicago, sports high end furnishings, comfy beds and high quality food & drink offerings and a somewhat indifferent staff. This HS has a very friendly front desk staff, but an almost surly serving staff. The breakfasts are better, but we are not choosy breakfast eaters. Give me an English muffin and some O.J. and all’s well. One morning though, a pan of French Toast sticks was sooo soggy and yucky looking the natives revolted and the “sticks” were taken hurriedly back for some more prep work.

I am loathe to give a less than four-circle review, but I have to dip down to three for this one. The rooms are average for Homewood Suites. We like the kitchen and two rooms. With a mom, dad and two teens, it's a good way to go. The pull out sofabed was among the more uncomfortable I've slept in, though. All in all, it was an okay place to stay, but I am grading them compared to other Homewood Suites we have stayed in as Hilton Honors members. Others who experience this kind of hotel for the first time may have a better impression.

Stayed for 10 nights May 08. Perfect location for holiday in Orlando - the staff were so friendly and helpful and the hotel had thought of everything! Fresh towels were provided for the pool - managers special drinks and snacks Mon-Thursday were fantastic and just what was needed after a hard day's park hopping. Room was spacious and had every amenity necessary . Shuttle buses were very convenient also. Cannot fault this hotel in anyway and cannot wait to return.

Homewood suites is so convenient for Universal, International Drive and shops.

The rooms are spacious, with 2 TV's, which was great when the kids wanted to watch something different.

You have a lot of towels in the room which are replaced everyday, and also there are pool towels.

Everything was clean and you had fridge/freezer, ironing board, and cooker, hairdryer and microwave.

All staff were great and helpful.

The pool was small but quiet and never overcrowded, you can use the pool in the Hilton opposite as well.

The Breakfasts were ok, but a bit too much of the same thing every day, we would have this on theme park days, but go to Denny's or Ponderosa's other days for a bit more variety. Only went to dinner once, it was ok not much on offer.

They have a games room and a computer room, and a basketball court.

I would definately stay here again, I have stayed in a lot of hotels on international drive, but this was the best.