Hilton at WDW question - help!

[izzy]

I'm going to a conference in a few months that is supposed to be held at the Hilton near Downtown Disney. My problem is that the conference hotel rate is $139 a night, which is $7 a day above what my employer will allow for that area. Does anyone know which other hotels in that complex near Downtown Disney are within a few minutes walk of the Hilton and might be less than $132? (P.S. I don't want to stay in a dive, which I can't imagine any of those hotels being, but you never know!) I'm thinking of just going ahead and paying the $7 out of my pocket so that I can stay at the conference site hotel. I was just afraid that the Hilton would charge a resort fee, too, which I hear is becoming pretty commonplace in that area. If they charge a resort fee, my out of pocket expenses are going to start adding up.

Thanks for your help!!

[DC7800]

The rates at the Grosvenor (across the street) range from $99 to $165 and the Courtyard by Mariott (next door) goes from $99 to $219 - both standard rates. Both should be nice, though I've never stayed at either. I don't know about availability at the lower rates, though.
Still, I think if I were you I'd just go with the Hilton. It will be much more convenient, it's very nice, and $7 a night isn't very much money (about what you'll pay for a fast-food lunch (burger, fries, drink) around WDW). No resort fee is mentioned in the information I have. Either of the above alternatives requires at least a five minute walk (probably longer door-to-door), one across a busy street. Besides, the Hilton is a much nicer property!
:D

[robinb]

Izzy:

Can you pay the extra $7 per night? You'll be a lot happier at the convention hotel than anywhere else. Also, check Hilton's website itself. They sometimes have specials which are less than the convention rate of $139.

[DC7800]

Contradicting what I said above, I just read about some people complaining of run-down rooms and other problems at the Grosvenor, so you may want to avoid that option. While I am sure it is hardly a "dive", it will never be as nice as the Hilton, which is well-worth the extra money. I don't think you would be sorry for spending just a little extra. Anything else will be inconvenient anyway (some worse than others, such as any hotel off-property).

[ctrabada]

I have stayed at the Hilton (also for a conference), at the Grosvenor (I planned a conference there) and at the Courtyard.

The Hilton is by far the best of the 3, hands-down, no contest. It's a much bigger and better property, with more amenities and incredible service. The Grosvenor is OK, but I think that the difference in price is not worth it. You'd be much happier at the Hilton. The Courtyard is OK, but it's a bit old (it used to be a HJ). Mind you, I'm a big Marriott fan, but this Courtyard is not one of my favorite properties and the price is definitely not worth it (it's well-maintained and clean, but I just didn't feel the magic as much and I think it's overpriced just because it's on WDW property).

So, I think it's worth it to pay the extra $ (try to negotiate with your employer for the extra-can't hurt to try). Also, see if you can get a better rate through travel agent or the hotel directly.