Any reviews on The B Resort or the Hilton Buena Vista Palace

[kaismahma]

Looking at booking either the The B Resort or the Hilton Buena Vista Palace for our non parks vacation. It is just myself and my 12 year old daughter. The Buena Vista Palace seems to be closer to Disney Springs. We will not be renting a car so we will be walking place to catch shuttles or using uber. Any recent experiences you care to share would be great. Thanks!

 

[writerguyfl]

I can't help with the reviews. It's been years since I've stayed at what is now the B Resort. My last stay at the Hilton Buena Vista Palace was fairly disastrous...but, that was in the middle of their renovation. The renovation is complete and the reviews I've read have improved considerably. Some other frequent visitors to this board will likely be able to provide their thoughts.

But, I can comment on distances. Although it may seem closer to Disney Springs, the Hilton Buena Vista Palace is a large resort that is set back from the road. Forgive the sloppy nature of the following image. I just superimposed two Google maps over each other to show relative distances.

A: Main Lobby of the Hilton Buena Vista Palace
B: Main Lobby of the B Resort
C: Pedestrian Bridge to Disney Springs

The distance from A to C is roughly 1,700 feet. The distance from B to C is roughly 2,500 feet. Personally, that's wouldn't be enough to make me choose one hotel over the other.

That said, the Buena Vista Palace has a secondary building called the Island Building. You can see it at the right angle where the map says "1,000.00 ft" next to the canal. If your room is there, the walk is shorter.

Hope that help a little.

 

[DG-12]

We've stayed at the B twice. We have loved the hotel each time. (We have used it as a we got in late and need a hotel before Disney check-in) But we would stay there again.

 

[DG-12]

It cut off my first reply- so I am just adding this.
Pool was lovey.
Rooms were nicely furnished.
Staff was accommodating.
If you can get this resort with a discount (like waiving the parking fee or resort fee) I think this is a fantastic place to stay.

 

[missnic]

We stayed at the Buena Vista Palace about a month ago, in an Epcot fireworks view room. We had previously stayed in the same area during their construction a few years ago, and it was okay, so gave it another shot. I'm not sure I would stay again, for the price/resort fee. Firstly, it's a convention hotel. Our first stay was annoying because of drunk conventioneers on their balcony - hotel staff could not get them to answer the door or the phone, despite repeated attempts (not the hotel's fault though). This trip was much quieter, so it totally depends on the neighbors, as anywhere.
Our biggest issue was parking. There is no designated area to park for check in, and the valet's had no idea what was going on. Actual parking is way down a hill, behind the convention hall, in an unsecured, unlit lot. It's quite a hike to your car.
Other than that, we had to wait for our room to be cleaned at 4:00, which wouldn't have been a big deal if the bar was open. The resort fee covered 1 drink per person, per day, which we were unable to use because the bar wasn't open yet. Not a big deal.
The room was fine, bathroom counter space is almost non existent. Bed was comfy, and the room was huge. We could see all of the fireworks shows as well.
The walk to DS isn't bad at all. Maybe 10 minutes, and it's fairly well lit the whole way.
I would stay here again if I could get the resort fee waived, and there wasn't anything on property.

 

[Carrot_top_curls]

My mom and I just planned a last minute trip to Florida to visit relatives and have some time to stay in Orlando for two nights and go to EPCOT for one day. I looked to stay on site as a treat but since it is the week following Easter, it is pretty much booked except the really expensive places. So with that said, we looked off site at Hilton properties since we are Hilton Honors Members. The only thing close by is Buena Vista Palace and thought it would be good since we are limited on time and thought it would be nice to have Disney Springs close by to walk to. However, I have serious concerns of the property due to its reviews. Plus, we are paying the resort fees and most likely wont get a chance to check out the pool at ll. I did also book at the Hampton Inn further away and am thinking about what to do. Buena Visita Palace is $200 more overall and only want to pay that if it is worth it. Any thoughts on staying here since there wasn't any on-site locations available would be appreciated. What does it mean to be a WDW Official Hotel?

 

[writerguyfl]

What does it mean to be a WDW Official Hotel?

It's mostly a marketing thing. There will be an on-site mini Disney Store where you can buy tickets. Plus, Official Hotels can also be booked by calling Disney direct. Neither of those things are going to have much impact on your stay.

Personally, I had an awful stay at the Hilton Buena Vista Palace. However, it was during the height of the property-wide renovation. The noise and inconvenience was bad and I switched hotels after one night. Unfortunately, I can't help with regard to the current state of renovations.

I'm also a Hilton Honors member. Of the three Hilton properties at Disney Springs, the DoubleTree Suites head and shoulders above the others. Every room is a suite and the staff is great. I've stayed there 40+ nights in the past few years. Most stays have been perfect. The few issues I've had were very minor and quickly fixed. (Stuff like a missing iron or a TV remote not working.) The biggest drawback is that it is farther from Disney Springs.

The Hilton Lake Buena Vista is closer but very, very average. In the 20+ nights I've stayed there, I've never had a perfect stay. Problems have included getting no housekeeping service and groundskeepers running leaf blowers outside guest rooms before 7am. I will only stay there if the price is under $100, including the resort fee.

Your best bet may be to continue to monitor availability. If the DoubleTree Suites opens up, I'd grab. Otherwise, it might be smarter to save some money and stay a little further off Disney property.