How is Palms Suites Lakeside (formally Mainstay Suites)?

[djm99]

I was just searching for Hotel deals and came across hotelplusportal.com. They have the Palms Suites Lakeside for $39 in a Executive Suites
$49 for a Family Suite which has two Queen-size beds, Queen-size sleeper sofa, private bath and color television with cable. And the Family Loft Suites offer two levels of accommodations. In the upstairs open loft, guests find a King-size bed, private bath and color television with cable. Downstairs guests have one Queen-size Murphy bed, one Queen-size sleeper sofa, private bath and color television with cable. - for only $59!! You don't have to prepay (which is great)!!!

Any thoughts on this place. I went to Tripadvisor.com and the reviews are up and down. Expedia has up and down reviews too. The pictures of course look okay. Any thoughts and personal pictures would be great!!!

[mbb]

it's right across the street from the Belz outlet store...down from the Target, Walmart..just down from the "big corner" on the 192..?

If memory serves, last winter (while sitting at the lights to get back on the 192 from shopping!), they were in the process of renovating..?

I'm sorry this isn't much help - but mom and I both commented at the time that it looked like a nice place to stay, and wondered how much it was..it's kind of squished between the road and the lake..

For that price, I'd have to give it a try!!:teeth:

:sunny:

[DaddyDon]

:cool1: Thanks for the hotelplusportal.com website!I was able to snag a hotel for my daddydaughter trip in Feb and it saved me over 200 dollars from my other ressie! :cool1: :cool1: I hope they are legit! I will follow up on it latter today before i cancel my hotelkingdom ressie.
Don

[DaddyDon]

Just called The Palms Suites Lakeside and i asked if they were doing remodel and they said they were! :sunny: I have pulled the trigger for a 5 day stay in march for a family trip.I asked when i came down in Feb if i could tour a room and they said yes by all means!You are more than welcome to tour us if you wish! That is a good sign! :sunny: At least it is to me when someone is not afraid to show what they may have or notat 59 dollars a nite for a bi level suite what can i expect?I hope to give you a positive report in a month.If not i will cancel.Nothing ventured nothing gained!
Don

[djm99]

Just called The Palms Suites Lakeside and i asked if they were doing remodel and they said they were! :sunny: I have pulled the trigger for a 5 day stay in march for a family trip.I asked when i came down in Feb if i could tour a room and they said yes by all means!You are more than welcome to tour us if you wish! That is a good sign! :sunny: At least it is to me when someone is not afraid to show what they may have or notat 59 dollars a nite for a bi level suite what can i expect?I hope to give you a positive report in a month.If not i will cancel.Nothing ventured nothing gained!
Don

I am looking forward to more info.... Take pictures if you can.

[LovePug]

I was looking at this same place. I know this company did a nice job on the remodeling of Homewood. I can't wait to get some feedback!

[bigsis1970]

hey DaddyDon -- did you tour it yet?? dying to know what you thought.. Michelle

[DaddyDon]

:goodvibes No i have not been as of yet :sunny: I will go by there next Sunday the 19th. I will post my thoughts most likely the monday when i return home.I hope they still agree to let me tour there hotel and take a few pictures ;)

[VacationDad]

I'll be staying there soon, so I'll be able to provide a report. For $53 a night and a kitchen included, I think I'll enjoy it.

[DaddyDon]

I was able to get the Parkway International off of hotwire for $87 a nite plus i had 200 hundred in my hotwire dollar account,So it only cost $297 for 5 nites for a 2 bedroom condo.I still plan to visit The palms and suites. :sunny:

[bigsis1970]

DaddyDon and VacationDad -- Looking forward to hearing what you both think .. Thanks Michelle

[Neoshoegal]

We'll be staying there next month. I hope it will be nice and clean. Fingers crossed!

[tracycd2]

Count us in too!!!

We'll be there from April 30th to May 14th.
We got it for 39.00 a nite.

I have since found it for 35.00 a nite with AAA
discount on the Lexington co. site.

Lets hope we all enjoy it.

[bigsis1970]

Oh great looks like we should be getting a fair amount of reviews shortly then.. Can't wait to see what everyone thinks! Michelle

[kikakeko]

just subbing I want to see what it looks like too! Thanks guys.

[t-and-a]

We have reservations there for June, so we are looking forward to the photos too!

[loveysbydesign]

We'll be there May 19-22nd! We booked the suite with the loft so that we'd have 2 bathrooms! It seems that whenever dh is in the br one of the kiddos has to go-LOL! Plus it'll be nice to have 2 showers so we don't have to wait as long to get a shower when we get back from the parks and are all sweaty!

[BrinxFam]

Waiting to see what others think, too! Our church group, only 10 of us, have reservations for a couple of nights in June before heading to the Poly for a few days. Sure hope this is a nice place since I'm the one who chose it!

[FayeW]

Thanks for the link! I booked the first 2 days of our stay this morning. I had previously booked Buena Vista Suites for $88. but this is an even better deal. I will wait until some of you folks return with reviews before I cancel my other reservation. I am working on a 7 night stay at Bonnet Creek for the remainder of out trip. I am cancelling the cruise (our first) and I will splurge a little on the hotel instead. Usually I stay at a condo via skyauction, but I really want to try Bonnet Creek, it looks amazing and gets great reviews.

[Mom of Sleepy, Bashful and BabyDoc]

Thanks for the link! I booked the first 2 days of our stay this morning. I had previously booked Buena Vista Suites for $88. but this is an even better deal. I will wait until some of you folks return with reviews before I cancel my other reservation. I am working on a 7 night stay at Bonnet Creek for the remainder of out trip. I am cancelling the cruise (our first) and I will splurge a little on the hotel instead. Usually I stay at a condo via skyauction, but I really want to try Bonnet Creek, it looks amazing and gets great reviews.

This sounds a little like us. We have BVS booked at the same rate but also booked the Palm Suites. I really want the PS to work out to save some money so I hope the reports are good. We are staying at the Contemporary for the first time in October, so this trip needs to be cheap!

I'm holding onto my BVS reservation also until I hear.

I would love to stay at Bonnet Creek sometime. Sounds great.

I wasn't able to get the "loft" unit at Palm Suites, ......sold out. But I really think we will be ok. I mean, the family suite is still a lot bigger than a hotel room. And I don't think we will be spending a lot of time in the room anyway with the longer park hours.

Here's hoping it's ok! :wizard:

[t-and-a]

We booked the family suite (2 queens and a sleeper sofa) for the first 3 nights- the bi-level suite was sold out, and we got the bi-level suite for the last 6 nights. We figured it would be ok to switch rooms. I too like the idea of having 2 bathrooms! I think it will save us some precious time in the mornings!

[kikakeko]

just a little bump- I too decided to book these I couldn't pass up the deal. I hope that it is ok since this is our first trip and I don't want to mess that up.

[VacationDad]

I'm a little concerned about how much construction there might be in that area and if that is the reason for the huge discount right now. On another thread someone mentioned a great deal of road construction to 192 in the area of the Super Target. IIRC, that is right where this hotel is. And from past experience, when it is dry down there, dust gets everywhere from cars and trucks driving through the construction zones. Hopefully that isn't the case, and I'll still provide a report when I return.

[kikakeko]

Just wanted to post that I saw a more recent review on I believe Expedia and it was a good one.... Has anyone stayed there yet?

[OhioGrumpyGirl]

I will be going next week!!!!!!! Checking in on saturday and out on the 14th. Got 10 nights in the family suite for 440.70 total (that is with the taxes) :cool1: . I'll let ya know how it is when I get home!!!!

[kikakeko]

Great I hope you have a safe and excellent trip!:thumbsup2

[VacationDad]

I'm actually there right now. (Free wireless internet). I was going to post a short review when I got back. I could sum it up. For the price, it is well worth it. I think it is better to have a suite in the back that overlooks the lake. There are still a lot of annoyances but for as little as I paid, I really can't complain.

[t-and-a]

I'm actually there right now. (Free wireless internet). I was going to post a short review when I got back. I could sum it up. For the price, it is well worth it. I think it is better to have a suite in the back that overlooks the lake. There are still a lot of annoyances but for as little as I paid, I really can't complain.
Thanks for posting VacationDad! I'm glad to hear a positive review! We are not picky about a place to stay, we just want something clean that's priced right, and have to have room for 5 people. The choices have been pretty slim without paying a fortune! I was really excited to find this and was hoping it wasn't too good to be true! It sounds perfect for us. The wireless internet is in the room, isn't it?

Thanks again for posting!

[kikakeko]

Yes THANKS so MUCH!!!!!! :cool1: Hope to hear more when you have the time after you come home!!

[VacationDad]

I can give a quick review from what I've experienced so far:

The Good:

Free wireless internet access in your room.
Nice view of "natural" Florida out the sliding glass doors
from suites in the back. Also from pier.
Chance to watch birds, lizards, and other little animals out back.
Decent free breakfast pastries, bagels, toast, muffins, juice, coffee.
Small kitchen for preparing cheap family meals.
Warm pool, and hot hot tub.
Super Target across the road for supplies.
Pretty quiet, at least where I am.

The Bad:

Lack of cleaning of pool and pool area. Pool and pool area is full of little leaves that have recently blown off the trees.
Terratorial, (but harmless), wood-boring bees hover menacingly around the door to your room as you exit and enter during the day.

The Ugly:

Screen door on sliding glass doors leading to small deck overlooking lake probably hasn't worked since President Reagan was in office.
A lot of boards on the walkways and decks are in desperate need of replacement. (Probably why all the wood-boring bees are around)


I wouldn't pay more than $60 a night maximum to stay here. They do charge a $5 a day "resort fee" which wasn't part of my original quoted price so with taxes and everything I paid $58 a night for a family suite. If you are looking for a perfect and memorable hotel experience for your Disney vacation then you had better look elsewhere, but if you are willing to overlook the imperfections in order to save a lot of money and still enjoy the convenience of a kitchen, then you will probably be satisfied here.

[djm99]

I can give a quick review from what I've experienced so far:

The Good:

Free wireless internet access in your room.
Nice view of "natural" Florida out the sliding glass doors
from suites in the back. Also from pier.
Chance to watch birds, lizards, and other little animals out back.
Decent free breakfast pastries, bagels, toast, muffins, juice, coffee.
Small kitchen for preparing cheap family meals.
Warm pool, and hot hot tub.
Super Target across the road for supplies.
Pretty quiet, at least where I am.

The Bad:

Lack of cleaning of pool and pool area. Pool and pool area is full of little leaves that have recently blown off the trees.
Terratorial, (but harmless), wood-boring bees hover menacingly around the door to your room as you exit and enter during the day.

The Ugly:

Screen door on sliding glass doors leading to small deck overlooking lake probably hasn't worked since President Reagan was in office.
A lot of boards on the walkways and decks are in desperate need of replacement. (Probably why all the wood-boring bees are around)


I wouldn't pay more than $60 a night maximum to stay here. They do charge a $5 a day "resort fee" which wasn't part of my original quoted price so with taxes and everything I paid $58 a night for a family suite. If you are looking for a perfect and memorable hotel experience for your Disney vacation then you had better look elsewhere, but if you are willing to overlook the imperfections in order to save a lot of money and still enjoy the convenience of a kitchen, then you will probably be satisfied here.

How far/near are you to Disney and Universal? How about food choices - are they plentiful? Thanks-

[kikakeko]

I think that we can handle those bads and uglies. Pretty much we are just looking for a place to crash at night. My DH is kinda a commado type when on vacation so even though I have planned for some down time I am sure that all that will change when we get there. Thanks again...

[VacationDad]

How far/near are you to Disney and Universal? How about food choices - are they plentiful? Thanks-


It's about 15 minutes with traffic from the Magic Kingdom parking lot. I would say another 10-15 minutes in walking, monorail, tram time. So about 30 minutes from Main Street USA to your suite.

We didn't go to Universal.

[bigsis1970]

VacationDad YOU ROCK !!! Thanks so much for posting what you thought of this place.. I can't wait to get there --- April Vacation isn't coming soon enough

Looking forward to hear what you have to say OhioGrumpyGirl !!

Michelle

[VacationDad]

I should add, now that I am home, that the housekeeping was not optimal. It seems to take all day for them to get to every room. Some evenings we would get home from being out all day and the room still hadn't been cleaned. Then around 6 PM while we were getting ready to eat dinner, there would be a knock at the door asking if we wanted our room cleaned. You might not notice it if you are out past 6 every day, but we ate a prepared dinner a lot of nights to take advantage of the kitchen, so it was pretty annoying. Just something else to think about.

[bigsis1970]

Excellent Feedback -- I am one for asking for no housekeeping so this might not impact us. Thanks again!! Michelle

[kid@heart25]

We stayed there on out last trip and we going back in two weeks and we will be staying there again. We do not spend a lot of time in the room and so it was perfect for us. We are just there long enough to sleep and shower. We never used the stove or anything. We used the fridge to keep some sodas in the room and for left overs from dinner. For the price it is worth it but you are one to really spend time in the room and relax in the room a lot, then you should book a room somewhere else. I am not one for having house keeping come in either and so I can not comment on the house keeping. I do know that the rooms were very clean though when we arrived and there were no probelms or complaints of any one else traveling with us. We were all pretty happy.

[bigsis1970]

Thanks kid@heart.. Look forward to hearing about your stay when you get back in a few weeks!!!

[mbb]

Glad to hear it was ok:)

If you have pictures, don't forget to post them as well:):) We'd all love to see them!

:sunny:

[VacationDad]

Glad to hear it was ok:)

If you have pictures, don't forget to post them as well:):) We'd all love to see them!

:sunny:


This was the view out back at sunset:

http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/4216/10029425rl.jpg

[kikakeko]

that is beautiful... thanks for sharing.

[VacationDad]

This is actually a picture of Palms Suites Lakeside from the top of one of the holes at Congo River Golf which is right across 192 from the hotel.

http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/8716/10029409rh.jpg

[DaddyDon]

I did go by there and check the place out as i will not be staying there at the end of the month as i had planned to do so earlier in the year.The room i was given a key to was okay,Not Bad,Not the grand cypress! just pretty good bang for the buck!As vacation dad has stated there is some work to be done to improve your first impressions.Again not bad i have stayed in some bad 3 star DUMPS and this is not bad......I will check into this property again for my next trip...hot wire gave me a deal i could not pass up on...plus i had 200 dollars in hotwire money burning a hole in my pocket.If you are by any means thinking this is a grand resort please dont! But it is a good place to stay , and the room i was able to ckeck out was by no means a dump.so sorry i was not able to report when i said i would my laptop crapped out on me.Vacation Dad thanks for the great reports and pictures!!!!
Don

[loveysbydesign]

We're booked to stay here in May but after reading the most recent reviews on tripadvisor I'm getting nervous!!!!! i don't want to get there and find out the family loft suite I reserved is unavailable! :guilty:

[kid@heart25]

I am due to check in there on March 20th. We have a large party and so there will be multiple rooms that we will be staying in. I will make sure to let you guys know how it goes. I don't people to spend money at a palce that is not worth it and is more of a hassel than is worth. So i will post an update once I get back.

[Mom of Sleepy, Bashful and BabyDoc]

Thanks to all of you that have reported on this place. All the info is very helpful.

We usually spend some down time at our resort when we go to WDW so WHERE we stay is pretty important.

This trip, we are spending all of our time in the parks. And we've never been there when they have long hours (we're going end of May/June). So we will literally be having dinner there and sleeping and that is it!

It can't be worse than a Motel 6. :teeth: I'll just keep saying to myself, "39 dollars, 39 dollars..." . :rotfl:

[bigsis1970]

Kid@heart ---The more reviews we get the better informed decisions we all can make..

[loveysbydesign]

The more reviews we get the better informed decisions we all can make..
I AGREE!!!!!! We need a place w/2 bathrooms and that's why I choose them..plus they seem like a unique place to stay. However I think I may book somewhere else too and then just cancel 1 place a few weeks before we go!!! Once I hear some more reviews I'll be better able to make a decision! :teeth:

[annsteere]

I am having trouble finding this hotel. Please give me a link or phone number where I can contact them. A loft suite sounds like a great place for our family.

THANKS

[mbb]

........It can't be worse than a Motel 6. :teeth: I'll just keep saying to myself, "39 dollars, 39 dollars..." . :rotfl:

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

It looked fine to us, while sitting in traffic, 200 feet away from the entrance;);)

$39 and I'll take the Motel 6 with 2 bathrooms and a loft, and a kitchen, and be happy:)!!

Like everyone said, the more we share, the more we know:)
LOVE the Dis!! :disrocks: :disrocks: :disrocks:

:sunny:

[bigsis1970]

annsteer go to www.hotelplusportal.com type in orlando and your dates then when the hotel choice pop up go to seach again and type in Palms in the hotel name search box and its normally the second one -- Palms Suites Lakeside -- (the 1st one popping up is Gaylord Palms) HTH Michelle

[bigsis1970]

Looks like Neoshoegal is there now -- unless she had a change in plans -- Hope she post when she gets back !!!!

[t-and-a]

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

It looked fine to us, while sitting in traffic, 200 feet away from the entrance;);)

$39 and I'll take the Motel 6 with 2 bathrooms and a loft, and a kitchen, and be happy:)!!

Like everyone said, the more we share, the more we know:)
LOVE the Dis!! :disrocks: :disrocks: :disrocks:

:sunny:
I got the bi-level family suite for $59.00/night for our last 6 nights and the family studio suite for $39/night for the first 3 nights since the bi-level family suite wasn't available for the first part of our vacation. Were any of you getting the bi-level family suite for $39/night?

I just checked my dates, and hotelplusportal's rate now is $69 for the family studio suite and $79 for the bi-level family suite.

[bigsis1970]

Nope I got the family for $39 (friends #1 got the family too for $39 and friends #2 got the bi-level for $59)
I know I kept looking to Alison and see its mostly sold out for my dates !!!

[kikakeko]

I also got the $39.00 a night deal on the family suite. Except for Easter night and it was 119.00. so it all equaled out to around 350.00 for the whole week.

I think I am crazy I have already packed like 2 suitcases and I have a month to go.

[loveysbydesign]

We're booked there in May. Have any of you seen the recent reviews on tripadvisor saying that the room people reserved wasn't available? I sure hope that doesn't happen to us!!!!!!!

[annsteere]

I just got off the phone with the folks at hotel portals plus.

Staffer says hotel has changed names (again) to Lake Suites and that the family loft will now cost me $116 for Sat. night in April and $79 for weeknights.

Am I missing something that can get me back to the fabulous rates first posted here---$59 for the loft suite, $49 for the family suite?

[loveysbydesign]

Staffer says hotel has changed names (again) to Lake Suites and that the family loft will now cost me $116 for Sat. night in April and $79 for weeknights.
I don't know, but I sure hope they don't try and charge the people who have reservations more $ when we get there! oH, you can try venere.com they were listed on there before as well!

[bigsis1970]

My guess is we have confirmations with the rates posted and held so they must honor it. Kinda of like the lucky people who got the $1 rates from one of the DTD hotels a year or so ago.. Michelle

[loveysbydesign]

I just tried looking it up on hotelplusportal and I can't even find it anymore?!?!?!?!?!? :confused3

[Mkaz]

I just tried looking it up on hotelplusportal and I can't even find it anymore?!?!?!?!?!? :confused3


They now have it listed as Lake Suites Hotel. I wonder what gives. :confused3

[OhioGrumpyGirl]

We stayed at there from March 4 to March 14. The wooden walkways that go back to the rooms need some replacing, but other than that, we had no problems. We got the family suite for 39 a night through hotelplusportal. The hotel does add a 5.95 per night resort fee once you get there, but even at 45 a night total, it was definately worth it. We stayed in building 4, room 407. It was in the back, so we didn't have the noise from the lot. We looked out over the lake, but from where we were, it looked more like a swamp!!! I was waiting to see a gator!!!!! The rooms were huge. 2 queen beds, a queen sofa, chair, coffee table, end table, 3-drawer dresser, tv, full kitchen (which was bigger than the kitchen in my first apartment!!!), very nice sized "dressing room" (where the sink & mirror are), and nice sized closets. We had no problem with the maid service either. We had left one morning at 8 to go shopping and when we came back at 1 to swim, our room was done. The maids even put our dirty dishes in the dishwasher and washed them for us!!! The free breakfast was nice -- bagels, toast, muffins, waffles, pancakes, oatmeal, pastries, cereal, milk, juice, and coffee. The only thing missing was fruit. We saved a ton of money by eating breakfast there every morning and by cooking meals (frozen pizzas and stuff like that) in the room. We only ate out at the parks and 2 other nights. The pool was very nice. Nice playground for the kids on the sand. BBQ grills and picnic tables on the sand too. There is a small pier that goes out onto the lake for fishing or whatever too. We will definately be staying there again. It was sooooo nice to be able to walk through the room without tripping over anyone!!!!!!!! I can't post pics yet, but the ones they show on the site when you book are exactly what the place is like! There is a SuperTarget right across the street which was nice for grabbing groceries. If anyone has any questions, PM me and I will answer them if I can!!!!!!!!!

[Mkaz]

OhioGrumpyGirl,

Thanks for the review. Did you have any problems with the rate from hotelplusportal?

[Neoshoegal]

We're back from our stay there, we stayed for 9 nights from 4 until 13 March.

Check in was smooth and when we got to our room (402) it was large and clean. A bit dark though.
Overall, the place could do with a make-over as some things were a bit dated. Having a kitchen is nice even though we never used the cooker. Big fridge with freezer which we stocked up with drinks and fruit. Breakfast was ok, we always had in our room which we thought was nicer.
Airco does make a bit of noise, but the fridge was worse! Bathroom was clean, shower was a bit old but in perfect working condition.
Our room was on the side of the street but there was no noise from it (the fridge probably drowned it out ;) )
Housekeeping cleaned the room every day, changed the sheets halfway through our stay. We always got plenty clean towels and they even did the dishes for us when we didn't. However on 1 occassion when we got back in the evening, our door was left open. You did really have to pull the door to close it properly. We told reception and they couldn't have been more apologetic. Nothing was missing and they made sure it didn't happen again. The only other thing that went wrong was that my Kellogs Frosties went missing (we bought one of those variety packs). I would have prefered the Raisin Bran had gone missing...
As far as we could see, they were always trying to keep the place clean and tidy. All the staff was always very friendly. We didn't use the pool or even got the lake as we spend all our days at Disney and by the time we got back we were too tired to anything else but sleep!
There's a super target across the road. However, there's a publix just west from it and we thought the food was nicer there. There's also a wal-mart around the corner on the 535.
It took us on average about 15 minutes to get to the parks (longest was 25 minutes).
The name did change to Lake Suites Hotel while we were, didn't affect us in any way.
Overall, we were happy with the hotel and would recommend it. Clean and big room at a bargain price and (apart from the fridge) it was nice and quiet.

2 photos of the hotel can be found on
http://www.everaftervideos.com/hotel1.jpg
http://www.everaftervideos.com/hotel2.jpg

[bigsis1970]

Great reports -- Thanks so much for getting back to those of us awaiting our trips !!!! sounds like everything went well for both of you! Michelle

[loveysbydesign]

Thanks for the descriptive reviews!!!! I'm starting to feel a little bit better about having reserved our stay there now! I was beginning to feel like maybe we should stay somewhere else due to the fact that others had given poor reviews on tripadv. We don't go until May so I'll be sure to keep a close eye on this thread and hopefully others who have stayed there will give us their reviews too. Thanks again!

[DaddyDon]

Thanks glad you all had a great time !!!!!!

[Mom of Sleepy, Bashful and BabyDoc]

:guilty: I unfortunately had to cancel our plans for May so we won't be staying at Palms Suites. I hated giving up that rate!

We are now planning on two weeks in Aug. so I had to cancel my Contemporary reservations in October also. :sad: :sad: :sad:

All this because we are hoping to send two of our children to private school. Oh well, at least it's for a good cause. :)

I'm glad it sounds like a decent place and all of you that have been there had a good time. :thumbsup2

[kikakeko]

I am glad you all had such great trips!! Thanks for the reports!

[OhioGrumpyGirl]

OhioGrumpyGirl,

Thanks for the review. Did you have any problems with the rate from hotelplusportal?


No problems with the rate. The hotel did add the 5.95 resort fee to the 39 rate though. (The walk in rate while we were there ranged from 79-119.)
They did say that the new management is trying to get their own website, so they probably won't be on hotelplusportal anymore.

[tracycd2]

Hey Guys,

I too had to cancel my reservations.
I had two weeks booked for 616.00 taxes in.
It just feels terrible to pass up a deal like that.

BUT.. I broke my foot and can't be on it for any length of time.
Lets just hope a deal like that comes around again. :rolleyes:

[bigsis1970]

Oh goodness --hope your foot heals quickly!! Michelle

[bigsis1970]

Ok bumping up from Kid@heart25 when they come back -- Looking forward to another report !!! Michelle

[dwmlaf]

After reading the reviews and pitching a couple of more dollars (was originally staying at the Thriftlodge)

I went ahead and booked on the hotelplusportal, my rate came out at $49.95 a day (staying first week of May). So, when adding the $5, I guess my rate will end up being $55 a night. Still not a bad deal (cheaper than staying at Pop).

[kid@heart25]

Well we just got back from our trip. The hotel was not bad. The rooms were very very clean. The bed was a little uncomfortable and the room had a slight musky smell. So we added more pillows and blankets to the bed and we went to the target across the road and bought an airfreshner. We did not use the stove or any of the cookware. we did use the the fridge for soda's and leftovers and the microwave and those were fine. A little outdated but I did not care...it is not like I am going to be using them everyday for a lifetime...all I care about is it clean and does it work and the answer to both of those is yes. The last night we found some wet carpet on the floor near the air conditioning unit. We told the front desk when we checked out and he was sending someone in to check it as we were leaving. We are not in our room very much at all. We leave every morning at about 7:00am and get back around 11:00 - 12:00 at night....but every night when we got in, housekeeping had come and gone and left the room very clean and with plenty of fresh towels. I usually do not use housekeeping but I have read that so many people have a hard with the housekeeping at this hotel so I thought that I would try it. But like I said we are gone for so long that I don't know if they cleaned it in the morning or if they cleaned late at night. We did not eat thier breakfast either. We did try the Ponderosa breakfest buffet down the road...it is the $3.99 breakfast. It was not good at all. I would advise skipping that one. If you want a breakfast buffet, go to the Golden Corral. There is also an IHOP and lots of other resturantes right near the hotel.
Overall the hotel was good. I would not pay a lot to stay there...but for the price you can't beat it.

[FayeW]

Well we just got back from our trip. The hotel was not bad. The rooms were very very clean. The bed was a little uncomfortable and the room had a slight musky smell. So we added more pillows and blankets to the bed and we went to the target across the road and bought an airfreshner. We did not use the stove or any of the cookware. we did use the the fridge for soda's and leftovers and the microwave and those were fine. A little outdated but I did not care...it is not like I am going to be using them everyday for a lifetime...all I care about is it clean and does it work and the answer to both of those is yes. The last night we found some wet carpet on the floor near the air conditioning unit. We told the front desk when we checked out and he was sending someone in to check it as we were leaving. We are not in our room very much at all. We leave every morning at about 7:00am and get back around 11:00 - 12:00 at night....but every night when we got in, housekeeping had come and gone and left the room very clean and with plenty of fresh towels. I usually do not use housekeeping but I have read that so many people have a hard with the housekeeping at this hotel so I thought that I would try it. But like I said we are gone for so long that I don't know if they cleaned it in the morning or if they cleaned late at night. We did not eat thier breakfast either. We did try the Ponderosa breakfest buffet down the road...it is the $3.99 breakfast. It was not good at all. I would advise skipping that one. If you want a breakfast buffet, go to the Golden Corral. There is also an IHOP and lots of other resturantes right near the hotel.
Overall the hotel was good. I would not pay a lot to stay there...but for the price you can't beat it.

I'm curious as to why you chose to pay for breakfast elsewhere rather than take advantage of the free breakfast offered? Did you have issues with the quality or cleanliness of the breakfast area?

[kid@heart25]

There was nothing wrong with the free breakfast, we just do not like to eat at the hotel. We really enjoy going to a resturante and having a waitress and not having to hang out in the lobby and fight all of the other people in the hotel over the toaster or bagel or juice. We never eat at the hotel. It is just not our thing.

[bigsis1970]

Hi kid@heart25 -- glad to hear you had a positive stay ! did it seem to take long to get back and forth to the parks?? was the Breakfast open before you left at 7am (for some reason I thought it was open 7am to 10am) and what type of unit did you have ? Did you swim (I did see up early out late but thought you might have snuck into the pool once or twice?) Thanks so muche .. Michelle

[kid@heart25]

It took about 10 minutes to get to disney from the hotel. We were in a bi-level suite. I am not sure if the breakfast was up and going when I left because we did not go into the lobby in the mornings before leaving for the day. I did sneak a dip in the pool. It was an ok pool...nothing wonderful. It was kind of cold the night that we got in and so we were not out there long. Some of of friends decided to go with us at the last minute and could not get a room at the Palms and so they books at the Radison celebration and spend $535 for 4 nights and they had numerous complaints. There hotel was beautiful and very large but had problems with housekeeping and thier air conditioner was not working and then it kicked in but would only work on full blast...so thier option was either be hot or cold. They also said that the front desk staff were rude and offered limited help when they needed it.

[bigsis1970]

Hi and Thanks.. I just came from a staff meeting and thought of a few more ??'s if you don't mind--- Did the rooms come with a Coffee maker (12 or 4 cup) did they provide dish liquid / dishwasher liquid, Ice cube trays, a toaster, a can opener ?

[kid@heart25]

Our room had a 12 cup coffee maker. There was a toaster and ice trays and napkink. There was no dish washing liquid and I do not remember seeing a can opener. there were ice cube trays but they looked a little dirty and so we just bought a bag of ice and kept it in the freezer. There was an iron and air dryer

[bigsis1970]

Excellent thanks for taking time to answer me!! Just want to prepare for what we will need to get/bring.. Michelle I can't believe in 3 weeks I will be there checking in!!! Whoot Hoot !!!

[bigsis1970]

Ok Gang with just one week till my trip I am getting so excited its hard to contain but i have to cause no one knows we are going but me !!!

[loveysbydesign]

We're staying there in May...I hope all the reviews remain positive!!!!!!! :cool1:

[mmluvr]

This past weekend I was searching for info about this hotel and it kept coming up as Lake Suites Hotel. Has this hotel changed names again?

[bigsis1970]

Yes I believe it has changed names again.

[loveysbydesign]

Not only has the place changed names but the prices have majorly gone up-WOW! I paid $59.00 for the bi-level suite and the one site I was just looking at has the same type of room for $152.00 a night!

[mmluvr]

I was shocked when I saw that price increase on Hotelkingdom.com. I am kicking myself because I dragged my feet to book the bi-level last month at about $69 night. Now i think we are going to stay at the Palms Hotel and villas or whatever that hotel is called.

Since that price increase can we expect updated and refurbished rooms? Previous posts have indicated that the rooms clean but really need an update. I can't see spending that much money on a run-down room. Heck, there are nicer places to stay for that much money!!!!!

[bigsis1970]

Well everyone - Just checking in one last time before I leave on my trip tomorrow - I managed to keep the secret and the kids do not know! I do not own a laptop so you will have to wait for my trip report the week of 4/24 .. See ya !! Michelle

[loveysbydesign]

Have a great time!!!!!! Can't wait to read your review! :thumbsup2

[loveysbydesign]

UH-OH.... the last 2 reviews on tripadvisor are horrible!!!!! :sad2:

[bigsis1970]

Hi everyone - Just wanted to give you my 2 cents on this place.. I found it fine - I didn't have high expatations I feel we got a great deal for what the room was.. I had a studio. My DD & I each got a queen bed and my DS (age 9, 70 lbs) slept on the fold out couch which he found comfy . I laid on it but wouldn't have wanted to sleep on it as its a thin mattress - so weighing more then him i sunk down towards the springs more! the kitchen area had a full stove, microwave, full fridge, dishwasher, toaster and 12 cup coffee maker. the dishes were - 4 dinner plates, 4 salad plates, 4 small bowls, 4 glasses, sliverware for 4, 1 large pot, 1 med pot, 1 broiler pan, a flipper, a large knife, a steak knife, a pitcher for water - we used it for cool aid, there was a supply of dishwasher soap. and a garbage disposal in the sink. we only had the maid come just on Thursday - half way through our stay. I only asked she take the trash and leave clean towels but she also made the beds and put our dirty dished in the dishwaser and started it. the bathroom is split so the sink and vanity are in a larger space maybe 7x7 foot area and the bathroom contains the toilet and shower. both worked fine for us. There is 1 dresser with 3 drawers in the room on the top of that is the TV. there were plenty of cupboards in the kitchen (some in the island/bar and in the stove/sink area) and the vanity area there was also a cupboard. We used the pool almost everyday its shaped in a "L" my kids had fun cannonballing when we had it to ourselves on Saturday night other times they just swam around playing. the playground looked nice and sturdy - i saw only one child playing on it all week. the Hot Tub seemed hot, the kids enjoyed it one evening for 10 or so minutes. I never saw the bar open but heard it was only open on Friday nights for a few hours?? I never used the Laundry room but saw it by the pool area - looked like it had maybe 4/5 washer and dryers. The enterance is right before Mile marker 12 at the Target light of 192 . I found the drive to the parks quick and painless 10-15 mins most times. I think that is is.. please let me know if you have any questions and I would be happy to help.. on our last night there our keys didn't work -- see below as to why (i think they de activated due to the miscalculations when we arrived) Michelle Oh the weather was 90ish and sunny most of the week..

edit to add -- We also were checked in by the front desk Mgr on the afternoon of 4/17 and she mischarged us -- she didn't count the days right so we ended up with a night for FREE we stayed 6 nights and were only charged for 5 (not that 39.00 was alot to begin with and I would have paid if they asked me too but they didn't) :cheer2: the resort fee was added right into my total room bill when we checked in.

The free breakfast for us consisted of -- White and Wheat breads and bagels for toasting, frozen waffles and french toast to cook in the toaster or micro, there were oatmeal packets, orange slices, apples and bananas, and one day we had danish and one day we had cinnamon rolls. also there was Orange, Apple and Cranberry Juices, hot water for tea or cocoa and coffee. there was dry cereal of Fruit loops and raisin bran. it was filling and FREE. it was served from 7am to 10am each day.

[t-and-a]

Thank you so much bigsis1970 for your review! It sounds like everything we are wanting in a place to stay! We are looking forward to our stay in 5 weeks!

[loveysbydesign]

Thanks for the review! I'm still up in the air about whether or not we're going to keep our ressie here. I found a 2 bdr. at Grand Palms for only $30. more.

[VacationDad]

Not only has the place changed names but the prices have majorly gone up-WOW! I paid $59.00 for the bi-level suite and the one site I was just looking at has the same type of room for $152.00 a night!

Wow, really? The place is ok for $50 a night, but there is no way I would pay that much for it.

[t-and-a]

We stayed in the bi-level suite, which we got through hotelplusportal for $59 per night. When I checked in, the clerk looked puzzled and said, "You got the bi-level suite?" I said, "Yes, we got a really good rate!" She said, "well I'd say you stole the room!" I asked her what the current rate was and she said it was $129 per night.

She asked me if we wanted a "lake view", and I said, "Sure!"

The "lake view" was no biggie! The lake wasn't very visible, mostly trees and underbrush, but the room was really nice for $59 per night, we had so much room to strech out, not to mention 2 bathrooms for 5 people!!! It was sooooooo nice!!! It was clean and everything our family needed to be comfortable. If we could get this rate or maybe even a little more per night, we would stay there again for the Disney part of our vacation! I couldn't do it for the Universal part, though since I've become hooked on onsite at Universal because of FOTL! I know everyone says Disney onsite is so great because of EMH, but I don't think we can get up that early, or stay that late anyway, so we can't justify staying onsite at Disney.

Another plus is the free wireless internet; that's something you don't get everywhere and especially for free! We used it every day we were there.

If you can get a good rate on this hotel, it's a great place to stay!

[Suzyq9241]

Dh and I are going to stay one night there on August 17 so I hope this place is cool ....

[bigsis1970]

Alison - Glad to hear you had a great trip and the room was perfect for your family! I too said if i could get it again for that cheap I wouldn't hesitate either!!! Michelle

[Flair]

Bumping this for any recent reviews or stays.
Everything dropped off after July???
PLanning a quick March trip was wondering if this is worth the new price?
Thanks, Jenn

[tink2dw]

Lake Suites Hotel is still coming up[Dec/18/06] on hotelplusportal.com although the prices are lower than last reported on this thread, they are not as good as first posted. Plus you need to add in the Daily $6.00 resort fee.

But over all there is still a deal to be had.