Econolodge Maingate or C.I. Lake Buena vista

[keishashadow]

Want to stay off-site 1st night of June trip.

Looking @ Econolodge Maingate & Comfort Inn Lake Buena Vista.

The Econolodge got surprising good reviews in Unofficial Guide (and it's dirt cheap). Can get the CI for $9 more/night but, it rated lower than the Econolodge (?).

Any thoughts on this?

Also interested in how long it will really take to get to Epcot area from each hotel.

Thanks.

[Local_Girl]

Keishashadow,

Is it the Econolodge Maingate East? If so it's way out there...way down 192. IMHO, the Comfort Inn LBV is closer to DTD...and you could quickly hop on I-4 and (I think) the next exit is Epcot Drive. You may want to check out the reviews on Tripadvisor.com too...the most recent ones for the Econolodge are not good at all. Those for the CI LBV are better, though a bit spotty as well. Good luck! :)

Edited to add: There is another Econolodge (apparently quite a few in the area!) listed as Econolodge Maingate with a different address but there don't appear to be any Tripadvisor reviews for it. It could have possibly changed ownership recently...anyway, this motel is a little closer in on 192, but IMHO still pretty far down the road and not as convenient as CI LBV.

[keishashadow]

The econolodge is now going by the name of Hawaiian Maingate Inn (scary to think that econolodge may have booted them?), it's @ 7514 W Irlo Bronson, supposedly right outside of the main gate area.

As long as they're not roach motels (and have in-room safe), I'm not picky other than the actual driving time into WDW - Epcot.

IMO, all off-site properties tell you they're a mile or so away. Just don't indicate it's usually "...a mile as the crow flies...".LOL

[Local_Girl]

Looks like we cross posted! Okay, the reviews for this one on Tripadvisor are worse...but the location is much better. I *think* we were actually in that hotel to eat at the Black Angus restaurant one night (won't go back there BTW), but I can't say much about the hotel itself.

[keishashadow]

thanks

[MickeyP]

We stayed here on our first night. We got in at 1:00 and were out by 8:00. It was 29.00 and for the $, it was great. Pool, restaurant, Disney shuttle. If I had no $$, that's where we'd stay. Can you imagine, 10 days for 300.00? Our last trip at the Y&B Club was 375.00/night. Sheeeesh. Nice Job Disney!!!
Convincing me on site is the only way to enjoy a trip. If you go somewhere-anywhere, from sunup to sundown, you won't even notice the room. And think how much nicer it is than your car. :goodvibes

[dyna]

Stayed one night late Aug at the Hawaiian Maingate Inn it is close to the parks it was just DH and I and the room was very strangely laid out very small we was on top of each other everytime we was moving around in the room at the same time.

Bed was among the worst I've ever slept in and I've spent many nights in 2nd rate hotels.

We won't be back that's for sure.

[MickeyP]

For 29.00? What do you expect? Yes, plan on it being the worst. I would think the extra 100.00 you're saving might feel good. What was the rate you got on this?

Ok,ok, I confess, we did have to change rooms because the first one smelled like it was full of mold. I didn't see any, but I did smell it. I didn't ask if there was anything they could do? :rolleyes1

[scoolover]

I would recommend the CI. I have stayed there 3 times and enjoyed it. There are close resturants and shopping. It is easy on and off Rt 4. Overall a good value. Best of luck
Scott