4 Hotel Choices- Which one???

[smithtobi]

We are going to Orlando & will have free hotel accommodations via a timeshare presentation offer. We have a choice between 5 hotels and we trying to decide which one to select.

Howard Johnson- We've eliminated this one already
Sheraton World- 10100 International Drive
Radisson Barcelo- 8444 International Drive
Wydham Orlando-8001 International Drive
Marriott Airport- 7499 Augusta National Drive

We will spend the first 4 days at Disney World and the last 2 days @ Universal. This will be our first trip to Orlando.
Which hotel would you recommend? It will just be myself & hubby & and we are driving to Orlando. We would prefer a hotel that's closer to the freeway, so when we are ready to go to Walt Disney, we are not stuck in a lot of traffic. It seems like people are always saying how busy International Dr is, so we are trying to consider that. I also know that the Marriott may be a nicer hotel, but would it be a good choice if we decide do to Disney in the morning, leave to rest and come back later. I'm thinking about the commute I know the Sheraton has a $10.00 a night resort fee. I'm not sure about the other hotels. I'm checking on that now. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks .

 

[dgaston]

You could check tripadvisor.com and also look at the reviews on biddingfortravel.com I think these will help you out. I've stayed at both the Marriott Airport and the Wyndham Orlando. The Marriott is lovely, but not for theme park trips. We use that as either a first or last night hotel when we're flying. I stayed at the Wyndham Orlando (via Priceline) and that was fine in 2003. We were in building 13, which is NOT on International Drive. My children enjoyed the pools and in March it was easy to drive to WDW and just around the corner from Universal. I was impressed with the pools at Wyndham (though we were just in them in the dark).

Hopefully others can fill you in on the Barcelo and Sheraton World.

 

[d4est]

Do you mind if I ask which timeshare offer this is thru?

 

[smithtobi]

its thru Fairfield resorts

 

[crzykid]

I stayed at the Radisson Barcelo in 2003. Nice hotel with big pool and hot tub. The only thing I would be concerned about is that there are 2 buildings one with exterior corridors and one with interior corridors. IMO if they cannot guarantee a interior corridor room would not stay here. When we checked in and got our keys and went to the room (exterior room) the room smelled of mold and the floor was really wet. Called the front desk and for $10/night more got a nice interior room. Another couple of good things about this hotel is the transportation to Universal and the rooms come with fridge and microwave. Oh and yeah its on International BLVD. I would stay at this hotel again but in an interior room.

 

[d4est]

Thanks. I am looking at their offers as well, particularly the 6day/5 night for $466 with the 4 day hopper tix. It seems like a good deal. Have you already booked with them and they are letting you pick your hotel? Just curious how they work it, as I was concerned with what kind of hotel we would be "stuck" in. If they give you choices, I would feel better. Let us know how it goes!

 

[smithtobi]

Yes, I've already booked with them. It was for the same deal, however they indicated that we were eligible for a discount based on the state we were in, so total price paid was $348.00. We get the same hotel pkg and the 4 day park hopper passes. They do offer a choice of hotels based on your arrival date. We are going 4/11. They gave us an option of 5 hotels to choose from. I selected the Sheraton. I called back the next day to see if I could change the hotel and they advised yes, as long as there was availability. So, that why I'm trying to get some suggestions on the hotels. I don't really want to pay the $10 per night resort fee at Sheraton. I called the Radisson and they have a resort fee as well, which is $10 a night. However, if your reservations are thru Fairfield resorts, the Radisson only charges a resort fee of $5.95 a night. .. I'm cheap.... We are also thinking about staying an addtl day, so we will book at another hotel for that extra day.

 

[spiceycat]

Wyndham Orlando is on International Drive at one end - this is a big hotel - a whole block long.

I didn't like the Wyndham Orlando because of the traffic on ID - however it is close to I4.

Sheraton World is a bit further on I Drive. I don't know - this is a high rise - I just don't like high rises.

here is the map from I trolley

Wyndham Orlando is Yellow with red number - 23
Sheraton World is yellow with red number - 34

 

[d4est]

Thanks, Smithtobi. I am really considering this to save $$. It is a very good deal, and if the hotel choices are fairly nice, then it can't be beat. One more question, if you don't mind? What state are you in that gave you an additional discount? And was it a posted discount or something offered after you booked? Thanks!

 

[ColoradoBelle1]

I'm also doing a Fairfileds presentation and it told me that the accommos were Wyndham, Sheraton World or another 3 star.
Wyndham has a $6.00 per day resort charge.
Since I'll be spending those 2 days (prior to checkin at BWV) going to IOA, I'm hoping I get the Wyndham with free trans to US and avoiding the $9 parking fee.
I did my 'package' through Sky Auction for @$40 with all charges. I have 3 nights but only need 2, a $25 couplon for Fridays, and a 1 day pllus 1 water park or PI WDW for 120 minute presentation.

 

[smithtobi]

d4est, I am in Georgia. The discount was offered after they took my informaton. I think its a great deal, if you can sit for those 2 hours and if you are are on a dudget. ColoradoBelle1, if you don't mind me asking, when are you scheduled to go? It would be nice to hear about someone's experience. I think I may switch to the Wyndham, since it's closer to I4. I would like the ability to just get on the I4 as quick as possible & drive to WDW. I thought the Sheraton was closer?

 

[d4est]

Thanks again. I agree it is a great deal. We have done the timeshare thing before, just for 2 tix to Seaworld. This is WAY better, so we can easily do it. We plan to bring our son too, as he will bore easily and might help to get us out of there with little hassle! Good luck. Be sure to let us know how the hotel picking goes.