Best Downtown Disney Hotel and Why?

[ptrbryant]

Okay, I think we're going to compromise the on-site/off-site debate by staying at one of the non-Disney hotels on Hotel Plaza Blvd.
Which one would you say is the best and why? (Plenty of detail is fine!!!)
It will be a first trip to WDW for my DH, our 5 year old DS and myself, planned tentatively for Oct. 2001.
Thanks very much for any help!
Karla B.

 

[Lewisc]

I would consider S/D (with a discount) a good compromise. The DD hotels aren't (if any)much cheaper than a moderate Disney. IMHO you're giving up the Disney themeing but still not getting the value of an offsite (lower rates and free breakfasts)
Out of the hotels in DD I suggest Doubletree, it offers 1 bedroom suites so you and your DH can watch TV or relax while your child is sleeping and reasonable pricing.
Check the prices on this website and also check www.quickbook.com

 

[Chris2597]

I have heard very good things about the Swan and Dolphin, but they are about as expensive as a Disney hotel, without a discount....They are listed in the Entertainment Club book, offering a 50%off discount, they also offer a military, teacher and I believe nurses discount. Check these board for more details. It also sound like the Wyndam Palace is nice. We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott in DD and were very happy. Some posters are saying they are getting wonderful priceline bids for the Courtyard. Also check for the other hotels listed in the entertainment club book that are in DD. The bus transportation from the DD hotels is great...very efficient.

 

[ptrbryant]

Okay, I booked a room today at the Courtyard Marriott at Downtown Disney...didn't get a great Priceline rate, but am happy with $109/nt. for a king-size with pull-out sofa room.
For our family, we tend to need some quiet down-time at the end of a busy day and actually all the Disney theming seemed like it may be a bit overwhelming after full days at the parks--I'm sure we're a minority on that one, but there it is.
Thanks for the input!
Karla B.

 

[Chris2597]

Karla
I think you will be very happy with the Courtyard. 5 of our nights were purchased with Reward points, but the other 2 were purchased with AAA....I think we paid 89 per night. Did you ask about the entertainment club rate? There are 4 or 5 hotels in DD area that accept EC. Be sure to go to the Marriott site and join the Marriott Rewards club. There is a special check in desk in the lobby and if you are a member they have everything ready for you and you bypass the regular check in line that can become very busy....also check out is a breeze. You can get EE and e night tickets in the gift shop. The transportation shuttle bus were great. Always on time and the Courtyard was the first stop so there was always a seat. Have fun.

 

[ptrbryant]

Now I feel really good about the hotel! I've got until Nov., so I can keep checking for better rates, but I could live with the one I've got for the space I'm getting. Yes, I've got an Entertainment Card, but they don't participate in it (this particular Courtyard). The other DD hotels that do have gotten mixed reviews on this board. And, yes, I've been a Marriott Reward member for a while and this will help boost my points!
Glad to hear about the good transportation. We're really going to see if we can do the trip without renting a car.
Thanks again!
Karla

 

[Travelfun]

Hey I managed to get a super rate at Courtyard Marriott for $76/night with extra sofa in the room. I use this great travel site www.etravelsale.com .

I can't wait to hit Orlando out....

 

[ncbyrne]

On our last trip we split our two weeks between DL and Grosvenor. We enjoyed both. The advantage to the Grosvenor was the walking distance location from DD. Every evening we walked across the street (literally) and got an ice cream cone at Ghiradellis.

Off-site '82, '92
CBR '98
DL '00