4 nights @ Hawthorn Suites

[kcarp]

Just back from Hawthorn Suites, we stayed there the first 3 nights of our vacation and really enjoyed our stay. We arrived our first night and the<b> Free</b> 2 hour evening cocktail reception & hors d’oeuvres was just starting. We checked in and went straight into the lounge. This Free reception is for everyone. Then we moved into our room, this was a nice suite with a full size fridge, microwave, stove and dishwasher. The hotel also has a basketball court area, not a full court, game room, fitness room, whirlpool spa, BBQ grills and guest laundry. They do have a basic swimming pool and no kiddy pool, but it was ok with us. The next day we went down for<b> Free</b> hot breakfast. I loved this every morning, we really saved some money. I’m not saying it was the best breakfast, but it was a good deal. This hotel is 1 block off International Drive on Canada Avenue next door to the Pirate Dinner Show. You can also catch the I-Trolley on International Drive, 5 min walk. The <b>Free</b> Bus Transportation to all Disney parks, U. Studios, IOA, Sea World and Wet & Wild. I will say this is not the best service I ever used, but it was not the worst either.
The bus service ran on a set schedule, but seem to be on time most of the time. One thing I did like about the service, if the bus was full when it arrived at your hotel, the driver would call another bus that would arrive in minutes, also the bus service ran till 2am for City Walk. U. Studios is less than a mile away if you want to drive. If you take a left out of Hawthorn's parking lot onto Canada Avenue go to the stop sign and take a left on to Sand Lake Rd. Drive about 2 miles look to your right there is a Super Walmart & Dollar Tree, plus other stores. In conclusion I have read comments on people saying the free drinks & breakfast wasn't all that. Well, it's free, that's all I got to say about that. I will say this is a nice clean place to stay, I got a rate of $ 69.00 a night and was well satisfied. I would stay here again.

Good Day

 

[IMADSNYLOVR]

OH I AM SO HAPPY!!! We are staying there in July! I have been leary. I guess I am pessimistic. So I am really debating on the shuttle service. We really don't want to rent a car but we don't want to ruin our vacaiton over it. Do you have little ones? Our kids are 10, 5, 5, and 2. Is there a place to load strollers on the shuttles? Are the shuttles air conditioned. What were you unhappy with? I am sorry to ask so many questions! I am just so excited to hear from someone who has stayed there recently. How long did the shuttles take to/from Disney and Universal? Okay, I'll stop there and try to control the questions now.

TIA

Sarah

 

[IMADSNYLOVR]

Okay one more question. Did you do the Pirate Dinner Show?

TIA-again

Sarah

 

[kcarp]

Hi IMADSNYLOVR,

No, I had no children with me, but you can bring strollers on the bus, the driver even helps you with them from what I seen. The bus is air conditioned. I didn't use the shuttle to go to Disney, because we were doing US/IOA first then moving over to Hotel Royal Plaza for the rest of the trip. This bus system caters to 5 or 6 hotels. In the morning you will always have a seat, because the Hawthorne is the first pickup. I will say this, everyone at the hotel said it was slow around this time, so that might have made going to the parks better. I can't speak for the rest of the year. I was unhappy with the laundry service. I guess I’m just use to home, when washing clothes, but that wasn't really a big deal. The bus took about 20 to 30 min to get to US, but I have heard longer to DW. No, we didn't do any dinner shows. If you have any other questions feel free to PM or email me.

Good day

 

[Canadian Kelly]

Hi, Kcarp! I also am very glad to hear from someone who has stayed at Hawthorn Suites on Canada Ave. I am booked for the end of August and am anxious for any info! I thought the nearest Walmart was on South John Parkway....is this the one you are talking about or is it right on Sand Lake Rd? Were the laundry facilities just too busy or what was the problem? Other people have complained that the halls smell bad (like sewer), is this true?I have also heard that the cleaning service was not very good. How did you find it? Thanks so much for your info!

 

[IMADSNYLOVR]

Oh I am interested in Canadian kelly's questions to!

 

[kcarp]

Hi Canadian Kelly,

I‘m not sure what street that Wal-Mart was on, but it was about five minutes from the Hotel, and is right off Sand Lake Rd. The problem with the laundry facilities was they only had 3 washers and 3 dryers. The dryers seem to be old and didn’t dry fast, so give yourself some time when you wash. Also, the laundry facilities are open 24 hours a day.
I can’t speak for no one else, but I don’t remember smelling nothing in the halls, and I found this place to be nice & clean. When you say cleaning service, if you mean the maid? I found her to do a good job; also we cooked a couple times. The next day when we returned from the parks, she had washed all our dishes, I thought that was cool.

Good day

 

[Canadian Kelly]

Super! I'm feeling better already! I booked this hotel for $70 per night for a group of 5. I think I will get my money's worth but I was concerned about the Travelocity visistor comments on their site. Thanks again!

 

[mcnuss]

Is this the one they call Hawthorn Suites Lake Buena Vista?

 

[kcarp]

7601 Canada Avenue (International Drive Area)