Hotel Opinions

[Lisa x]

Hi everyone!

I'm asking on behalf of a friend who is a first timer at WDW this year and won't be hiring a car, it's just a couple with no children. They are booked at DoubleTree near Seaworld but have had an email to say there is building work and they can change to one of the following if they wish:


Clarion Inn LBV
Fairfield Inn Marriott Village
Courtyard by Marriott
International Palms Resort
Springhill Suites Marriott Village


Has anyone stayed in any of these recently and if so, what did you think? Are there many places to eat and drink within walking distance?


Thank you

 

[wayneg]

Stayed at the Clarion LBV on Saturdat night, we won't be going back, it would be a bit of a walk to eateries, 10-15 mins.
Now at the Fairfield Inn til Mon, this has been one of our our fave places to stay over the years but they have just introduced a $5/nt parking fee which will make me think twice about returning. That won't bother anyone without a car, food there is only Bahama Breeze and Golden Corral, quite a walk to anywhere else and very busy roads. Same goes for the other 2 in the Marriott village, Coutyard is always the most expensive of the 3 in the Village but it has no breakfast, Springhill the mid priced, Fairfield the cheapest.
Don't know anything about the International Palms.
Also stayed at the Doubletree Seaworld, not much around there either without a car IIRC.
I wouldn't know what to choose but I have no experience without a car, I just couldn't come here without one.

 

[Lisa x]

I know Wayne, me too, couldn't imagine not having a car!

Thank you for replying, was hoping you would as I know you know all the hotels around LBV area.

So if he wants quite a lot within walking distance in terms of eating and drinking, maybe the International Palms is the best option. I stayed there many many years ago when it was the Holiday Inn Mercado!

What's public transport like around the Marriott Village? I know you drive but would you have any idea of what he might be looking at paying in a taxi to get to Crossroads and DTD?

 

[robinb]

What parks does she plan on visiting?

 

[Lisa x]

They have bought the combo ticket for Disney and Universal!

 

[robinb]

They have bought the combo ticket for Disney and Universal!

So that's a 14-day ticket inclusive of all Disney and Universal parks? Since they won't have a car and they want a variety of places to eat within walking distance, I would stick with the I-Drive area. The International Palms has been getting some rocky reviews lately. I would stay away from them. Are they limited to only certain hotels with their package? If not, what about the Embassy Suites up on Jamaican Court/International Drive? There are tons of places to eat up there and the Embassy Suites offers a full breakfast and a "manager's reception" from 5:30-7:30 that includes snacks and free drinks. They do have a free shuttle to the parks, but you would have to email them for a schedule.

Taxi fares can be estimated here: http://www.taxifarefinder.com/main.php?city=Orlando

 

[Lisa x]

Thank you robinb

These are the only ones that they can choose from apparently. I agree with no car they are better in the I drive area for walking distance to places.

Iv read reviews on them all and agree international palms sounds ropey.

Iv said in my opinion, unless the building work is going to spoil anything, I would stay put. They've booked into the main tower of the Doubletree which looks lovely and so does the pool area and things, rooms look fab and they can just jump on the I ride trolley if they want to!

Thank you both again for your help! When people ask my advice, I always feel responsible if they don't like it!

 

[robinb]

Thank you robinb

These are the only ones that they can choose from apparently. I agree with no car they are better in the I drive area for walking distance to places.

Iv read reviews on them all and agree international palms sounds ropey.

Iv said in my opinion, unless the building work is going to spoil anything, I would stay put. They've booked into the main tower of the Doubletree which looks lovely and so does the pool area and things, rooms look fab and they can just jump on the I ride trolley if they want to!

Thank you both again for your help! When people ask my advice, I always feel responsible if they don't like it!

I think you're right and they should just stay put. They should ask to be away from the construction when they check-in and they should be fine.