AKL dilemma

[roomthreeseventeen]

We are staying at AKL for one night before a switch to BWI in October. We booked a standard view, but I would really, really love a savannah view, mostly because of the thread on here full of people who said the view is the only reason to book AKL.

However, even though I call every other day, they are SOLD OUT of every view but standard for the 40% code. They have plenty, plenty of rooms at rack rate.

Is it really worth the extra $200 difference, or should I just be happy with my room and let it go?

 

[jkh1978]

My opinion is that you are overpaying by staying at the AKL with standard view. So with the money already budgeted, I'd suggest finding the extra and having a fun time...

 

[Harlemgirl720]

I don't think its worth it for one night. There a plenty of places to view the savannah. When you walk into the main lobby and look toward the large window, walk down the stairs and there is a viewing area with rocking chairs. There are even other viewing areas with balconies and rocking chairs as you walk down the corridors towards the rooms.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

My opinion is that you are overpaying by staying at the AKL with standard view. So with the money already budgeted, I'd suggest finding the extra and having a fun time...

Well, we're paying 40% off, so it's the equivalent of a Value resort room.

 

[troynkasey]

I don't think its worth it for one night. There a plenty of places to view the savannah. When you walk into the main lobby and look toward the large window, walk down the stairs and there is a viewing area with rocking chairs. There are even other viewing areas with balconies and rocking chairs as you walk down the corridors towards the rooms.

I agree. We stayed Savanna View and it's awesome, but there are so many windows and view points that you can see the animals down any number of hallways. Now can you stand their in your pajamas or birthday suit like you could on your balcony at night? Probably not, but you can still get plenty of views... Plus it forces you to visit the different savannas and view all the animals. We didn't do that and commented towards the end of our stay how we should have checked out the other areas where other animals were located or had migrated...

 

[jlk806]

I agree its not really worth it for one night. I am one who always says if we are staying there, it is savanna view or nothing, but we will be there for 4 nights as part of our split stay and I got the 40% off(1 bdrm at Kidani). But for only one night? I wouldnt bother for rack rate.

If you could get the discount, Id say go for it, but if not its probably quite a bit more. Also, keep in mind that rooms come re-available all the time, as people like you and I change our minds about where to stay and the dates and views and what not so I would keep checking and it may come available.

 

[Pugmalion1]

Well, if you think it's reasonable for the opportunity to go to sleep and wake up with the animals right outside your back door, then, by all means, go ahead and drop that extra cash. I mean, I've done the same in a similar situation in Disneyland. We were there for one night, so I figured it would be worth it to get an upper-level room with a park view. It turned out to be a great decision, since we were able to watch the fireworks from our balcony (there wasn't a show the next day, so it turned out to be the only fireworks we saw).

If the extra money gives you pause, though, the others are right. There are plenty of places to see the savannah all around both hotels. The only thing you'll miss out on is the balcony.

 

[Kae]

For one night I could go with a standard view & enjoy all the other things AKL has, great resort just to hang out at. Now I would ask a about a better view when I checked in, for one night you might get an upgrade-Please note I said might.

Kae

 

[NatashaDisneyCM]

I have to say I disagree with anyone saying staying in a standard room is not worth it! The resort is beautiful!! Does not matter what the view is...the view rocks everywhere!! So why should that matter! I say book the standard view! I am staying there in a few days!! standard view, and this is from someone who stays CL or suites all the time!! I love the Jambo building, now I might not say that about Kidani...I am just not impressed with it.

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Thanks for all the advice. I think maybe we'll just hope for some pixie dust, or hang out in the public viewing areas, no big deal. We're eating at Jiko and Boma, so that's awesome.

 

[iteachlit]

I don't think it is worth it for one night. We spent seven nights there in a savanna view studio. We saw giraffes on three different days; that's it. That means that four nights we had an eland and a few ostriches. It's almost a gamble; is $200 worth a 50/50 shot? IMHO, no.

As others have said, you can walk to numerous observations spots throughout the resort. On the days we could not see animals from our room, we ALWAYS were able to see some from Arusha Rock.

 

[BNukem]

Well, if you think it's reasonable for the opportunity to go to sleep and wake up with the animals right outside your back door, then, by all means, go ahead and drop that extra cash. I mean, I've done the same in a similar situation in Disneyland. We were there for one night, so I figured it would be worth it to get an upper-level room with a park view. It turned out to be a great decision, since we were able to watch the fireworks from our balcony (there wasn't a show the next day, so it turned out to be the only fireworks we saw).

If the extra money gives you pause, though, the others are right. There are plenty of places to see the savannah all around both hotels. The only thing you'll miss out on is the balcony.

Even in the standard view rooms in Kidani you still have a balcony. Our room was standard view, my kids loved sitting out on the balcony and just people watching.

 

[Hare23]

It is a great resort and seeing the animal outside your room is pretty neat. However, you can walk to Arusha Rock and enjoy the animals any time. I would save the money since it is just one night. There were a few times during our stay when we didn't see any animals.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

I don't think it is worth $200 more for a savannah room for one night. The savannah rooms are great, but there are many places around the resort to see the animals. If you were planning to spend a lot of time at the resort, you would probably enjoy sitting on the balcony and watching the animals in the morning and evening. But even when we had a savannah view room, we spent a lot of time wandering the resort to see the other animals. We kept seeing the same three zebras off our balcony each day.

 

[die2yourways]

I think it's worth it only if you plan on hanging out in the room alot. Other than that, it's not. We booked it a couple years ago and really didn't spend much time out there except in the mornings.

 

[daisyduck123]

Definitely not worth paying the extra $200.00 for.

You will check-in @3pm, and be out by 11am the next day. I would just keep the room you have & spend the extra $$ on souvenirs. AKL has one of the BEST gift shops!!

 

[NLD]

Never been before, but going to AKL in September for six nights and happily booked a standard view for all six of those nights. I can't fathom why someone would say it's only worth staying there if you have a SV room, personally... We don't plan to spend a ton of time in the room, and are quite ecstatic that we could get AKL at such a great price (standard view at 40% in value season ) to get all that theming, the lobby, Boma right there, the pool....

I'm thrilled, personally.

 

[floridascgirl]

We spend so little time in our actual room that we just stay "Pool View" for $10-15 more than Standard and that way we are guaranteed not to have a parking lot view. I agree with all of the other posters who say Savannah isn't necessary for a 1 night stay...unless you plan on spending it sitting in your room. You will have plenty of opportunities to see animals just by wandering around the resort. Have a fantastic stay...you're sure to love it.