Buena Vista Suites

[manhattan]

We just returned from a weekend stay there. I had no complaints, however DD6 walks in and goes "Mom, we always stay at beautiful hotels, what are we doing here?" I about died right there . We arrived at about 9:30 am and was pleasantly surprised to see that our room was ready. Check-in was quick and easy. We were on the sixth floor facing the road. Room was exactly as the pictures all over the internet. I only wish that there was something to separate the main bedroom from the sink/bathroom area. Rooms were a little small, but not too bad. Queen beds were comfortable and the sofa sleeper was ok, not uncomfortable, but not as comfy as the bed. Pillows were very soft, but the extra blanket in the closet was ripped, but we used it. Had to call for additional towels and soaps as we were a party of six and they only supplied four towels, which were delivered prompty. Towels were not very soft and scratched your body as you dried yourself. Liked the mini fridge and microwave - kids loved the tvs.

Saturday night hotel must have been at or near full capacity as we had to park in the back of the building. I hardly slept with all the cars racing down the street. I kept expecting to hear a crash. DH was upset that you could hear the people walking upstairs, but it didn't bother me too much.

Breakfast was ok, again DD6 wasn't too crazy about the breakfast eggs, so she ate a bagel and pancakes. Sausages were a little greasy, but we still enjoyed our breakfast!

Staff were very nice, room was clean, location was great, didn't try the pool, but I am sure it was fine. Having 7-Eleven across the road was great, my DH walked across everyday to pick up coffee for us (he just enjoys walking early in the morning). They slip pizza flyers under your door, I think we counted eight different ones the first night.

So all in all it was ok, I probably won't stay offsite again, well ok, maybe at the Gaylord Palm, but this worked fine for us this past weekend. Except, of course I come home to check my credit cards to see the damage and find out that the hotel has charged me more than the bill stated and they put it through twice. Have called the hotel and Dreams Unlimited (thought about booking through the other site which was $10 cheaper, but thought I would support the DIS) and am waiting to see what happens. Hopefully everything will be resolved quickly.

[dougsmom98]

Thanks for the review. It is nice to have a recent review of this hotel. I hope you get the charges straightened out.

[debsters41]

Sorry to be a bother, but can you update on the charges being straightened out? I also booked through Dreams Unlimited, but coming from overseas, I am especially worried. I don't know if 'just a few phone calls' will do it.

[manhattan]

Sorry - yes everything worked out fine. Apparently they run your card once with a hold of the same amount, plus $10 per person for incidental (also a hold). I spoke with the accounting department and was told it should drop by Wednesday, depending on your credit card. I had emailed DU and the hotel replied to DU and myself with a detailed explanation. I guess most people won't even notice the hold....I just happened to check.

[debsters41]

Thanks for the update!!!
I am glad it all worked out for you!

[Retrievil]

We just got back after doing 7 nights at Pop Century and then 4 nights at BVS.

I thought the rooms were very nice and the staff was very good. No problems at all with noise and we were on the first floor at the front.

I wouldn't normally stay offsite either, but I figured since were going to be doing Universal/Islands of Adventure/Kennedy for the last 4 days, and wouldn't be able to use the DDP, why pay more for a Disney hotel that is smaller with no fridge, microwave, or big screen tvs.

For sure stay at Disney hotels while you do the parks, but I see no reason why you should stay there when you are doing other things.

All in all a very good deal for $441 for 4 nights imo.

[JackTwo]

We are trying to decide whether the money saved to stay off-site is worth it. Does anybody here who has already stayed at the BVS and rented a car have a good estimate of how long it took from leaving your room at the BVS to getting in the gates at each of the 4 main WDW parks? I have a reservation at the Dolphin, but like the idea of having a microwave, fridge and breakfast included and having a separate room for the kids (5 and 3) to sleep. The key issue is how much longer would it take to get from the room to each of the parks at BVS (compared to the Dolphin). Any help would be appreciated!

[savannahcat]

Originally Posted by JackTwo

We are trying to decide whether the money saved to stay off-site is worth it. Does anybody here who has already stayed at the BVS and rented a car have a good estimate of how long it took from leaving your room at the BVS to getting in the gates at each of the 4 main WDW parks? I have a reservation at the Dolphin, but like the idea of having a microwave, fridge and breakfast included and having a separate room for the kids (5 and 3) to sleep. The key issue is how much longer would it take to get from the room to each of the parks at BVS (compared to the Dolphin). Any help would be appreciated!

When is your trip? I can't answer your questions right now, but we are staying July 9-12 at the Swan and then the 13-17 at BVS. When we return, I'll definitely be able to compare the two. DH's company is footing the bill for BVS (he's in town for work) and we were going to stay there for the whole trip, but then I found the Swan for $119/night and couldn't pass up the opportunity to try it out.