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Staybridge Suites vs Residence Inn SeaWorld comes down to $10 to $12 versus $27 a night for parking, a 15-minute versus 22-minute walk to SeaWorld, and suites for up to 8 versus up to 7 guests. Both all-suite hotels include a kitchen in every suite, a free hot breakfast, SeaWorld’s free Official Hotel shuttle and no resort fee.
Quick answer: Staybridge Suites Orlando at SeaWorld is the better pick for most families: parking costs $15 to $17 less per night, the walk to SeaWorld’s entrance is about 0.3 mile shorter, two of its suite types sleep 6, and The Social adds a free evening reception Monday to Wednesday. Choose Residence Inn Orlando at SeaWorld if you travel with a pet, want an on-site bar and grill, a whirlpool and a sport court, or need its 900 sq ft two-bedroom suite.
Quick verdict
Best overall
Staybridge Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
Suites for up to 8, $10 to $12 parking and a 15-minute walk to SeaWorld.
Best for pet owners
Residence Inn Orlando at SeaWorld
Up to two pets of 75 lb for $150 per stay, plus an on-site bar and grill.
Best without a car
SpringHill Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
Free hot breakfast plus $0.00 Florida Bus Service runs to Universal, Magic Kingdom and EPCOT.
Quick comparison
| Hotel | To SeaWorld | Resort fee | Parking | Shuttle | Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staybridge Suites Orlando at SeaWorld | 0.7 mi walk | No | $10-$12/night | Free to SeaWorld parks | See today’s price |
| Residence Inn Orlando at SeaWorld | 1 mi walk | No | $27/day + fees | Free to SeaWorld parks | See today’s price |
| SpringHill Suites Orlando at SeaWorld | 1.2 mi walk | No | $20-$23/day | SeaWorld parks, Universal, MK, EPCOT | See today’s price |
Fees, parking and shuttles as checked against official sources for this guide; confirm before booking.
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Staybridge Suites vs Residence Inn SeaWorld side by side
The hotels are about 0.4 mile apart southwest of SeaWorld, and both are among its 12 Official Hotels. Figures as published on October 30, 2026:
| What matters | Staybridge Suites | Residence Inn |
|---|---|---|
| Walk to SeaWorld entrance | About 0.7 mi, 15 min | About 1 mi, 22 min |
| Largest suite | Two bedrooms, sleeps 8 | Two bedrooms, sleeps 7 |
| Two-bedroom size | 738 sq ft (IHG) | 900 sq ft (Marriott) |
| Evening reception | Mon to Wed | None listed |
| On-site dining | None; snack shop | Castaway Bar & Grill |
| Pool | Heated outdoor pool | Heated pool, whirlpool |
| Resort fee | None | None |
| Self-parking | $10 to $12 per night | $27 per day |
| SeaWorld shuttle | Free | Free |
| Pets | Sources conflict | Up to 2 pets |
| Minimum check-in age | 18 (IHG) | 21 |
Staybridge Suites Orlando at SeaWorld: lower add-on costs, shorter walk
Staybridge Suites Orlando at SeaWorld is an IHG all-suite hotel at 6985 Sea Harbor Drive, next to the Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando at SeaWorld. OpenStreetMap foot routing puts SeaWorld’s main entrance about 0.7 mile away. IHG’s room details list studios and one-bedroom suites for 4 or 6 guests and a two-bedroom suite for 8, each with a sofa bed and a kitchen.
Its Booking.com address ends in “orlando-theme-parks” but is the same property. It is not the former Staybridge Suites Lake Buena Vista: IHG listed that hotel at 8751 Suiteside Drive (December 2020 capture), now Sonesta ES Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista.
Photos from the hotel’s own gallery; tap one to enlarge it.
Book it if:
- You need one suite for 6: the Two-Queen Studio Suite and the One-Bedroom Two-Queen Suite each sleep 6, and the Two-Bedroom Suite sleeps 8, per IHG.
- You want the lower add-on cost of the two: no resort fee and self-parking at $10 to $12 a night.
- You plan to walk to SeaWorld: about 0.7 mile, roughly 15 minutes, to the main entrance.
Skip it if:
- You travel with a pet: Booking.com’s house rules say pets are not allowed, although IHG welcomes them. The Residence Inn Orlando at SeaWorld accepts pets on both sites; check its rates in the next section.
- You want a free bus to Universal and Disney without a car: Staybridge publishes no free Disney or Universal schedule, while SpringHill Suites Orlando at SeaWorld lists Florida Bus Service runs; check its rates in its section below.
Check today’s rates and availability at Staybridge Suites Orlando at SeaWorld on Booking.com
Residence Inn Orlando at SeaWorld: more facilities, pet friendly
Residence Inn Orlando at SeaWorld is a Marriott all-suite hotel at 11000 Westwood Boulevard, about 1 mile on foot from SeaWorld’s entrance. Marriott lists studios and one-bedroom suites for 4 or 5 guests and the Family Suite Triple, a 900 sq ft two-bedroom suite with two bathrooms for up to 7.
It has more on site than Staybridge: the poolside Castaway Bar & Grill, a whirlpool, a game room, a SportCourt and The Market, a shop open 24/7. Marriott’s experiences page says every guest receives complimentary 3-ride Quick Queue access at SeaWorld, “valid thru 12/31” (checked October 30, 2026), with no year or terms. Booking.com’s description also lists it; confirm it for your dates.
Book it if:
- You bring a pet: Marriott listed a $150 fee per stay for up to two pets of 75 lb or less (June 2026 capture), and Booking.com says pets are allowed with possible charges.
- You want a bar and grill on site: Castaway Bar & Grill is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
- Your group of 7 wants more space: the Family Suite Triple has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and 900 sq ft.
Skip it if:
- Parking cost matters: $27 a day here against $10 to $12 at Staybridge Suites Orlando at SeaWorld, 0.4 mile away; check its rates in the section above.
- You need one suite for 8, or the lead guest is 18 to 20: suites here sleep 7 at most and check-in age is 21, while Staybridge Suites sleeps 8 and IHG lists a minimum age of 18.
See room photos and current prices for Residence Inn Orlando at SeaWorld
Location: walking times to SeaWorld, Aquatica and Discovery Cove
Staybridge is closer to SeaWorld’s gate by about 0.3 mile, roughly 7 minutes on foot. By car they are equal: the drives below differ by less than half a mile.
| Destination | Staybridge Suites | Residence Inn |
|---|---|---|
| SeaWorld main entrance (walk) | 0.7 mi, 15 min | 1 mi, 22 min |
| Discovery Cove lot (walk) | 0.9 mi, 19 min | 1.2 mi, 26 min |
| Aquatica (walk) | 1.5 to 1.6 mi, 33 to 35 min | 1.8 to 1.9 mi, 38 to 41 min |
| Epic Universe toll plaza (drive) | About 4 mi | About 4 mi |
| Universal garages (drive) | 6 to 6.5 mi | 6 to 6.5 mi |
| EPCOT main lot (drive) | About 9 mi | About 9 mi |
| Magic Kingdom TTC lot (drive) | About 10.5 mi | About 10.5 mi |
| Orlando airport, MCO (drive) | 12.5 to 13.5 mi | 13 to 13.5 mi |
Walks are OpenStreetMap foot routes and drives OSRM routes on public roads, rounded. Marriott’s experiences page puts SeaWorld 0.1 mile from the Residence Inn; Booking.com says 0.7 mile for Staybridge and 1.1 miles for the Residence Inn.
Suites, square footage and occupancy
Staybridge’s studios are larger (552 sq ft against 441 to 504) and sleep more people (up to 6 against 5). The Residence Inn’s one-bedroom Family Suite Double (616 sq ft) and its two-bedroom suite (900 sq ft) are larger than Staybridge’s equivalents (592 and 738 sq ft per IHG). Every suite at both hotels has a sofa bed.
| Staybridge suite (IHG) | Beds | Sleeps | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| King Studio Suite | 1 king + sofa bed | 4 | 552 sq ft |
| Two-Queen Studio Suite | 2 queens + sofa bed | 6 | 552 sq ft |
| One-Bedroom King Suite | 1 king + sofa bed | 4 | 561 sq ft |
| One-Bedroom Two-Queen Suite | 2 queens + sofa bed | 6 | 592 sq ft |
| Two-Bedroom Suite | 1 king, 2 queens + sofa bed | 8 | 738 sq ft |
| Residence Inn suite (Marriott) | Beds | Sleeps | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Suite (studio) | 1 queen + sofa bed | 4 | 441 sq ft |
| Junior Suite Double (studio) | 2 queens + sofa bed | 5 | 504 sq ft |
| Deluxe Suite (1 bedroom) | 1 queen + sofa bed | 4 | 504 sq ft |
| Family Suite Double (1 bedroom) | 2 queens + sofa bed | 5 | 616 sq ft |
| Family Suite Triple (2 bedrooms) | 3 queens + sofa bed | 7 | 900 sq ft |
Staybridge’s figures are from IHG’s room details of October 30, 2026; Booking.com lists 79 m² (850 sq ft) and 2 bathrooms for its two-bedroom suite. The Residence Inn also sells pool-view and Wellness versions of the Junior Suite Double, both for 5.
On Booking.com, Staybridge charges guests 18 and older as adults and the Residence Inn 12 and older, so enter every child’s age. Both offer free cribs on request and no extra beds. For more six-person layouts, see Orlando hotels for a family of 6.
Kitchens: what each suite includes
Both hotels have a stovetop, a dishwasher, a microwave and a refrigerator in every standard suite, and neither lists an oven. At Staybridge, IHG lists a microwave and a refrigerator, and Booking.com’s room details add a stovetop, a dishwasher, a toaster, a coffee machine and kitchenware.
Marriott’s rooms FAQ (October 30, 2026) lists a refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, dishwasher, silverware, pots, pans, dishes and glasses at the Residence Inn, plus a coffee and tea maker. Booking.com calls it a kitchenette.
The kitchens are close to equal, so parking and pets decide most long stays. More kitchen suites are compared in Orlando hotels with kitchens and extended stay hotels in Orlando.
Breakfast, The Social and on-site dining
Staybridge’s free hot breakfast ends 30 minutes later on weekdays and an hour later on weekends: 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Monday to Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on weekends (IHG), against 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Residence Inn (Marriott).
The Social is Staybridge’s free evening reception, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. IHG’s amenities page says it includes light snacks, beer, wine and other drinks. Marriott’s dining page for the Residence Inn lists no evening reception.
Dinner is where the Residence Inn leads: Castaway Bar & Grill serves American food and cocktails from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and TapTasteGo in-room dining runs from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. IHG’s FAQ confirms Staybridge has no restaurant; The Pantry, which SeaWorld’s listing calls a 24/7 convenience store, sells snacks.
Pools and outdoor space
Each hotel has one heated outdoor pool and no waterslide or splash pad listed. Booking.com lists Staybridge’s pool as open all year, and SeaWorld’s listing adds a patio with grills, a gazebo and a fireplace.
The Residence Inn adds a whirlpool, and Marriott listed pool hours of 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on October 30, 2026. SeaWorld’s listing mentions a game room and a SportCourt, and the hotel’s own gallery shows a fire pit seating area.
For waterslides, the free Official Hotel shuttle runs from both hotels to Aquatica, SeaWorld’s water park.
True nightly cost: fees, parking and perks
Neither hotel charges a resort fee, so self-parking is the only nightly add-on beyond the 12.5% tax on the room rate. Booking.com’s breakdown for a January 12-14, 2027 stay (checked October 30, 2026) showed “6 % TAX” and “6.50 % City tax” at Staybridge and “12.50 % TAX” at the Residence Inn, and no resort fee at either.
- Staybridge Suites: your rate + $0 resort fee + $10 to $12 parking = rate + $10 to $12 per night. IHG’s hotel description and Booking.com say $10; IHG’s parking page and FAQ say $12.
- Residence Inn: your rate + $0 resort fee + $27 parking = rate + $27 per night; Marriott’s June 2026 page added a service fee and taxes on parking.
- SpringHill Suites (third option): your rate + $0 resort fee + $20 to $23 parking = rate + $20 to $23 per night.
| Nights with a car | Staybridge parking | Residence Inn parking | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | $30 to $36 | $81 | $45 to $51 |
| 5 | $50 to $60 | $135 | $75 to $85 |
| 7 | $70 to $84 | $189 | $105 to $119 |
The perks with a published value are identical. Each shuttle day replaces SeaWorld parking, sold online from $37 plus tax on October 30, 2026 (its FAQ says from $35), so two shuttle days avoid 2 x $37 = $74 plus tax at either hotel.
Neither stay includes Universal Express Unlimited, Universal’s Early Park Admission or Disney’s Early Theme Park Entry. The Residence Inn’s Quick Queue offer and Staybridge’s The Social have no published dollar value.
Worked example: 5 nights with one car, two SeaWorld days by shuttle and three Disney days by car. Staybridge: $50 to $60 hotel parking + 3 x $35 Disney standard parking = $155 to $165. Residence Inn: $135 + $105 = $240, plus Marriott’s parking service fee and taxes. The gap is $75 to $85 before room rates, which vary by season, availability and how far ahead you book. Disney’s $35 rate was checked on October 30, 2026; see Orlando theme park parking.
IHG One Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy points and member rates apply only to bookings made directly with IHG or Marriott, not to Booking.com reservations.
SeaWorld shuttle, Disney, Universal and the airport
Both hotels are on the same free SeaWorld bus, Florida Bus Service’s Route E, and the Staybridge pickup comes 5 minutes earlier. SeaWorld’s FAQ requires a voucher from the guest service desk at least 30 minutes before departure, for the same or next day, based on availability. The newest timetable found is the May 2025 sheet; the operator’s schedule page listed no newer SeaWorld route on October 30, 2026.
| Trip (May 2025 sheet) | Staybridge Suites | Residence Inn |
|---|---|---|
| To SeaWorld and Aquatica | 9:20, 10:25, 11:25 a.m. | 9:25, 10:30, 11:30 a.m. |
| Early run, select dates | 8:45 a.m. | 8:50 a.m. |
| To Discovery Cove | 7:50 a.m. | 7:55 a.m. |
| Back from SeaWorld | 4:40, 5:40, 6:30 p.m., later by date | Same buses |
Staybridge guests board in front of the Hampton Inn next door. The last bus from SeaWorld left between 6:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., depending on the date. Seats are first come, first served, groups of 13 or more may not ride, and only ADA assistance animals may board. Confirm current times at the desk.
Neither hotel publishes a shuttle schedule to Disney or Universal. IHG’s FAQ mentions a complimentary local area shuttle, but its parking page says no local shuttle is available, and Booking.com describes transport to Walt Disney World and Universal “for a small fee per person round trip” with no fares or times. Marriott’s June 2026 overview mentions only the SeaWorld and Aquatica shuttle. Neither hotel runs an airport shuttle. Plan on a car or rideshare.
Pets, house rules and longer stays
- Pets at Staybridge: IHG welcomes pets for a non-refundable $75 (1 to 6 nights) or $150 (7 nights or more); Booking.com’s house rules say pets are not allowed. Get written confirmation.
- Pets at the Residence Inn: $150 non-refundable per stay, up to two pets of 75 lb or less (Marriott, June 2026 capture); Booking.com allows pets.
- Check-in age: Staybridge 18 per IHG, while Booking.com says there is no age requirement. Residence Inn 21 on both Marriott and Booking.com.
- Deposit: Booking.com lists a US$200 refundable damage deposit by credit card at the Residence Inn.
- Housekeeping: Staybridge offers light service Monday to Friday, none on weekends and a full cleaning every 7 days (Booking.com fine print). The Residence Inn cleans every other day (Marriott, June 2026 capture).
On a 7-night stay with a pet, both pet fees are $150, while parking still differs by $105 to $119.
A third option: SpringHill Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
SpringHill Suites Orlando at SeaWorld is the pick for a car-free trip. Florida Bus Service’s sheet for the hotel (effective March 5, 2026) lists runs to Universal Orlando, Magic Kingdom’s Transportation and Ticket Center and EPCOT, reserved online 2 hours ahead. The operator’s booking system showed $0.00 fares for a November 4, 2026 sample date.
It is also a SeaWorld Official Hotel at 10801 International Drive, with the free SeaWorld shuttle, free hot breakfast and no resort fee in Booking.com’s breakdown. Its suites sleep up to 5 and have a microwave and a refrigerator, not a kitchen. Parking was US$23 a day on Booking.com on October 30, 2026 (Marriott listed $20 in July 2026), and SeaWorld’s entrance is about 1.2 miles on foot.
Check availability for your dates at SpringHill Suites Orlando at SeaWorld
Choose Staybridge Suites if… / Choose Residence Inn if…
Choose Staybridge Suites Orlando at SeaWorld if:
- You want the lowest add-on cost: $10 to $12 parking and no resort fee.
- You need a studio or one-bedroom suite for 6, or a two-bedroom suite for 8.
- You will walk to SeaWorld or Discovery Cove: 15 and 19 minutes on foot.
- You value a free evening reception three nights a week.
Choose Residence Inn Orlando at SeaWorld if:
- You travel with up to two pets of 75 lb or less.
- You want a bar and grill, a whirlpool, a game room and a sport court on site.
- Your group of 7 wants the 900 sq ft two-bedroom suite with two bathrooms.
- The complimentary 3-ride Quick Queue offer applies to your dates and booking.
All 12 are compared in SeaWorld Orlando Official Hotels, with walk times in best hotels near SeaWorld Orlando.
Frequently asked questions
Which is closer to SeaWorld, Staybridge Suites or Residence Inn?
Staybridge Suites Orlando at SeaWorld is closer. OpenStreetMap foot routing measured about 0.7 mile, roughly 15 minutes, from Staybridge to SeaWorld’s main entrance, against about 1 mile, roughly 22 minutes, from the Residence Inn. Discovery Cove’s lot is 0.9 mile from Staybridge and 1.2 miles from the Residence Inn. Both hotels also have SeaWorld’s free Official Hotel shuttle.
Do Staybridge Suites and Residence Inn SeaWorld charge a resort fee?
No. On October 30, 2026, Booking.com’s price breakdown for a January 2027 stay showed only taxes at both hotels: a 6% tax and a 6.5% city tax at Staybridge, and a 12.5% tax at the Residence Inn. Parking is the main extra: $10 to $12 a night at Staybridge and $27 a day at the Residence Inn, where Marriott adds a service fee and taxes.
Do both hotels have a free shuttle to SeaWorld?
Yes. Both are SeaWorld Official Hotels on the same Florida Bus Service route to SeaWorld, Aquatica and Discovery Cove. The latest sheet found (May 2025) showed SeaWorld departures at 9:20, 10:25 and 11:25 a.m. from Staybridge’s stop and 5 minutes later from the Residence Inn. Reserve a voucher at the guest service desk at least 30 minutes ahead.
Are Staybridge Suites and Residence Inn SeaWorld pet friendly?
The Residence Inn is: Marriott listed a $150 fee per stay for up to two pets of 75 lb or less, and Booking.com allows pets. Staybridge is unclear: IHG welcomes pets for $75 (1 to 6 nights) or $150 (7 nights or more), but Booking.com’s house rules say pets are not allowed. Pets cannot ride the SeaWorld shuttle unless they are ADA assistance animals.
Bottom line
In the Staybridge Suites vs Residence Inn SeaWorld choice, Staybridge wins for most families on cost and access: $10 to $12 parking against $27, a 15-minute walk to SeaWorld, suites for 6 and 8, and a free evening reception. The Residence Inn suits pet owners and families who want a bar and grill and the largest two-bedroom suite. Check availability for your dates at Staybridge Suites Orlando at SeaWorld, or compare current prices for Residence Inn Orlando at SeaWorld.
How we checked this guide: Fees, parking, policies and hours come from IHG, Marriott, SeaWorld, Disney and Booking.com pages read on October 30, 2026 (Marriott’s overview from a June 2026 capture), with Booking.com price breakdowns for January 12-14, 2027. Shuttle times come from Florida Bus Service’s May 2025 sheet and its booking system (November 4, 2026 sample), and distances from OpenStreetMap routing; see how we research our guides.
Sources checked in October 2026: Staybridge Suites Orlando at SeaWorld (IHG), IHG parking and transportation, Residence Inn Orlando at SeaWorld rooms (Marriott), SeaWorld vacation package FAQ, Florida Bus Service Routes D and E (May 2025).