I’ll give you a few notes from my two weeks of experience at the Lexington Hotel.

The hotel is located approximately 25 minutes away from the Orlando International Airport. The Lexington once was a Holiday Inn, but renovated in 1996, it’s now called the Lexington Hotel. Throughout the hotel, to include your room, you’ll notice a sephia painting or two that resembles an image of the hotel during the earlier era. It’s clearly evident the hotel management strives to portray a twist that the hotel is historic, still in the same location on the same soil that the initial Lexington once stood on.

The hotel is situated in downtown Orlando next to the Salvation Army, right in the heart of a major drug and crime district. A total of three security guards serve at the hotel – good, hard working guys, especially Larry. They take turns on different shifts scaring off homeless people, beggars and drug dealers from the premises.

Be prepared as you’ll constantly, day in ‘n’ out, hear everything from loud sirens coming from emergency vehicles and strident noises of cars traveling on the major interstate to trains passing nearby the hotel.

I stayed in the Park Avenue Suite for two weeks – non-refundable. After the third night, I wanted to check into a different hotel located within the central area of all main tourist attractions due to several reasons. I mentioned that I’d like an early check-out, but a refund for the remaining days was absolutely out of the question. The non-refundable policy basically implies to just about everyone, unless a reasonable justification is thoroughly validated, according to the manager.

I am not quite sure about all other rooms, but the Park Avenue Suite, offered me two balconies that I didn’t have access to. The girl at the front desk indicated that it does not meet the state of Florida’s safety requirements/law. Also, my suite did not have a window. You’d think each room would have at least one window so you can open it for some clean, fresh morning air, but to no avail. You got to love it

The pillow and mattress were perfect for me! The pillows were so plush and the mattress was so comfortable – you’ll love it!

The hotel cleanliness, overall, is not well-maintained. It is obvious that Housekeeping is under-staffed. Also, keep in mind that laundry service is not available. The front desk indicated that a small coin-operated laundry facility is available nearby the hotel, but it definitely wasn’t located in an area where you’ll want to wait for your laundry. I made a U-turn back to the hotel and searched on-line for one in a nicer area, which was about 25 minutes away - no big deal.

Remember, the Lexington is a non-smoking hotel. You’ll find a mid-size outdoor porch on the ground floor. Concierge available-no bell-boy. Room service available, but again, very expensive. TV Internet available in room, but expensive and very, very slow, I mean extremely slow. A few of the latest movies are readily available to choose from, but cost $14 per a movie. I ended up going to the state-of-the-art cinema located at Universal City Walk, but had to pay $11 for parking - it was worth it all.

You’ll notice a small bar/restaurant, but very, very expensive for a decent meal.

Overall, the hotel staff were kind and helpful, especially Kisha -extremely helpful, kind and professional.

If you’re planning a leisure getaway and plan to bring along the family, the Lexington Hotel may not be the place for you. You may want to consider staying at one of the hotels located on or near International Drive.

If you’re planning a business trip, and need a nice place to unwind and relax, the Lexington Hotel may be the place for you.

By the way, if you plan to stay more than x amount of days, I think parking is free – at least it was for me.

Good luck and have a great time in Orange County, Orlando!

By the way, don't be fooled by the photos. The images almost makes you want to check in now, but again, don't be fooled. I thought I was at a different hotel when I arrived. It doesn't look as nice as what the photos/images display.