Holiday Inn Family Suites

[chrisann]

All I can say is WOW!! We just got back from a quick trip to Florida without the kids and thought we'd stop by to see how the new hotel looked. The one side wasn't done yet, but the the other side is absolutely amazing. I'd seen the pictures but when you see it in person, it is just amazing at the amount of detail they put into everything. They even showed us the rooms(the bellhop remembered us from when we stayed before). They were very cool as well, and they also have high speed internet.. We're booked there in December and even we can't wait(I'm sure the kids will like it too!!) The prices are a bit high, but there will be soo much to do at the hotel itself, you won't need to spend as much time at the parks if you don't want to, so it might save you money in the long run., I took pictures but it was night time when we went so they didn't turn out. If anyone is thinking about going and it's within their means, go for it. Don't forget return guest get 25%discount. Just thought I'd share!!

[DisneyMomx7]

Thanks for posting. We're going to try it at the end of June before we head over to Disney. We thought we'd do one day at the hotel and one day at Sea World. THanks for letting us know how it's coming along.

[Mari annie]

Since I love Disney, I belong to several boards/forums
and friends of ours are going to FL in March
(I used to be in the travel Industry) now I still put together trips and dable for people I know, etc. PT.
Anyway, the website forum
Mousesavers today said there were Mousesaver rates avail for this property.
They also have pictures on the mousesavers.com site.

If I cannot post it, the moderator will just delete this off.
Not trying to offend anyone, just spreading some information.


enjoy!

[MrsMud]

I didn't know there was a 25% discount for returning guests! How did you find that? We stayed there twice, before they started the Nickhotel changes. We really loved it, but we got excellent rates with Senior plan and Entertainment book. I didn't think we would be going again with those low rates gone, but I guess I need to look into it again. Thanks for the info!

[Idahomom]

Our family of 6 just stayed here for 6 nights and we loved it! We were in one of the new rooms-Spongebob-and the kids loved it. The new pool was great and the staff is so nice and great with the kids. I thought it was a great location in relation to the parks. We never hit any traffic coming or going.
Also, housekeeping did an amazing job. We'd definately stay here again!
Suzanne

[GoofyinNY]

Thanks for posting this. We're really looking forward to this trip. My son can't wait to stay in the Nick Hotel!

[MommyTo5]

I am curious about the 25% returning guest discount! We stayed there in 1/2003 and loved it - I imagine it will be incredible with the new NICK theme!!!

~ Angie
MommyTo5

[chrisann]

I could be wrong, but I think to get the returning guest discount, it has to be the following year from when you last stayed.

[momm2four]

I just called the new HIFS/Nick Suites. The 25% discount is evidently for people who have stayed there since July '04 until now. I think it's to make up for the construction that has been going on.

The lady quoted me a price of $184 for two of my nights and $199 for the two weekend nights. (this is for October 13-17) I made a comment about having only paid $99 before, plus getting a free breakfast, so the new pricing was a little steep for me.
She then asked me about being a AAA member and gave me those prices. These were still more expensive than rack rate for POR. Rate was $166/$180.

I still wasn't biting so she gave me what she called "Great Rates" which is where you have to pay $25 is you cancel. Those rates were $138 for weeknights and $150 for weekends. Not terrible, but I'm not sure about locking myself in to that.

HTH!
Lori P.

[lejaf]

The returning guest discout is NOT limited to those people who stayed there since July 2004. We stayed there March 2004 before any re-construction began and was given the 25% discount for our trip this March.

[hercamore]

Are the rates any better if you go to the priority club website?



herc.

[margo12]

We stayed here in Dec. 2004. Construction wasn't that bad, really. But we were shocked when we were told how much they were raising the prices and that the free breakfast would not be available.

I'm sure it would be fun to stay there, but we just need a nice, cheap place to stay for a couple days until we go check in at our DVC resort. We loved HIFS because it had a room that we could fit our whole family in, the rates were good, and the breakfast was excellent. The pool and the decorating were just nice bonuses. We usually only use the pool for an hour or so total.

So, does anyone know a place that is more affordable, offers a decent breakfast for free, and has a semi-fun pool for the evenings?

(We stayed at one place where the suite was much larger, but the "breakfast" consisted of juice and a danish given out at the bar pool when you handed in tickets for the breakfast. Another place had a small but decent breakfast, but was way off the beaten path. Then we found HIFS and saw no need to try anyplace else.)

[jultomzach]

I just came back from trip last week of Jan 05. We have gone every year to HIFS in Jan since 2001. They gave us a coupon for a free pizza to compensate for the construction. We were lucky enough to get a SpongeBob room on the Oasis side with the completed pool area and slide. Got the 25% discount by identifying myself as a return guest from 2004. The Oasis side was perfect for my 6 year old son, loved the slides but especially LOVED the poolside Nickelodeon entertainment, which included being "slimed". They were still offering the free breakfast as the new food court area is not open and the old area is "as it existed before". I was reluctant about the price increase as we used to stay on BOGO or Entertainment rate but felt it was worth the difference, even before the construction is complete. We hope to return next Jan and get a similar discount as a returning and loyal customer. We spent 5 nights there, I may be able to answer some questions about current status. Found the staff to be as warm and gracious as always. The pool area that is to completed in late Spring 2005 is going to be incredible, even better for older kids than the Oasis side. There were lots of statements about this hotel to be a "testrun" with other Nickelodeon hotels to follow. Only one warning....WOW! What colors, be prepared for shocking lime green and bright, bright orange!

[gfolchick]

I have reservations for one night in April before our timeshare week starts. Is the pool open that looks like a mini water park? We plan on staying at the pool most of Saturday and then moving to our timeshare that afternoon. Will we have a problem if we have checked out already? Do they issue wristbands or some other form of id for hotel guests? If we won't be allowed to use the pool on the day of our check out I'm not sure it will be worth it to stay at all.

Your thoughts please....

[jultomzach]

The Oasis side which is complete has the slides open. There are two slides into the pool and other water areas. There is a small slide for younger children. There is a playground area for toddlers/preschoolers. And an interactive water area exclusively for around 48" and under (which the guards enforced by asking taller children to leave). It was ideal for my 6 year old and I saw lots of very happy toddlers. My 11 year old nephew liked the slides and poolside entertainment (3 x a day) which included getting "slimed". I spoke to the director of entertainment regarding the other side. It will have a 6 story water area as well as the current pool and an additional interactive water area...when complete, the poolside entertainment will move to that area. As far as wristbands, not yet but my sister and I talked about how they may need to do that to keep "outsiders" from using the pools. Something along the lines of Stormalong Bay pool. Do you belong to Priority club. It is free off of the Holiday Inn website and,if available, allows a 4 pm check-out. HIFS is very accomodating and may allow you to use the pool on day of check-out. You just could not use your room to change. Good Luck.