A Report on Our Latest Hotel Experience

[inkkognito]

Just thought I'd throw out some info. on our latest night-before-the-cruise hotel experience, since it was a new one this time. We were at the LaQuinta West ($28 via Priceline). When I had called them a while back, they said their shuttle leaves hourly, on the hour. However, when we arrived in Orlando, we found out that's only on the morning airport runs from the hotel. Like the other hotels we've stayed at, they simply send the shuttle when you call. They were there within 20-25 minutes (MUCH better than the 90 minute wait for the Fairfield, but longer than the 10-15 min. wait for the Renaissance and Amerisuites). I thought it was a suites hotel, but no dice...it had all exterior rooms, and the only restaurant within walking distance was a bar and grill that was about 95 percent bar, plus a McDonalds and a 7-11. The room smelled very musty, but for one night we could live with it. We ordered food from an Italian place that had left a flyer in the door...it came promptly and was pretty good. Surprisingly it was very quiet, considering that the rooms open directly outside. There was no free breakfast, just coffee (not that we needed any food prior to the cruise). It was in such a boffo location that Tony was afraid Happy Limo might not find us, but they were there right on time. Not my all time favorite, but not as bad as the Fairfield. We are at the LaQuinta North, which is suites, for our Aug/Sept three-peat, so I'll report on that one when we return. It looks a lot fancier, at least according to their website.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Barb, were you at the La Quinta West on Daetwyler? That does appear to be kinda' out in the middle of nowhere compared to the other hotels northwest of the airport. And according to their web site, they offer...

Complimentary First Light Breakfast(Including Cereal, Juice, Milk, Coffee, Pastries, and Bagels)

 

[ldb1030]

Barb,

Did you happen to see the pool? How long did it take to travel between the airport and the hotel?

 

[reggie92762]

Do you have any preference between Happy Limo & yourride? Will be booking soon, prices are pretty similar but wondering your opinion.

Thanks.

 

[mcnuss]

We have never had a good experience at La Quintas, to be honest, so I am not surprised. I know that the Sheraton Suites is pretty nice and quite close, but since I am not a Priceline/Hotwire users, I don't know if it would come up. It gets 3 stars from Expedia.

 

[peg2001]

Thanks for the warning, Barb! I am planning on using Priceline to get a hotel near MCO before our cruise. Can you tell me what quality level the inn was according to Priceline (2 stars, 2.5 stars)?

 

[atigeg]

Hello all:
To address the above comments:
Dave, I think we might have been too late for breakfast. I can't remember our pickup time, but I think it was 10 a.m. I did see coffee and a juice machine. Maybe they close up shop w/the food early.
ldb1030, yep, we saw the pool. It was outdoors and right near our room. No real big, but it wasn't crowded either at night or in the morning. If we had gotten there earlier, I would definitely have tried it out. It looked very refreshing!
reggie92762, I don't have any personal experience with yourride, but Happy Limo has always been great for us. In the morning they're usually a little early. Very reliable, and friendly drivers (makes the trip go by faster).
peg2001, not sure but I think it was two stars. It was okay, but only for one night (of course, it's hard to judge when you've been in the Renaissance for the same price!).
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com