Best Western Lakeside
7769 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy (US 192)
Kissimmee
Phone: 407396-2222
website: bestwesternlakeside
Date of Stay: Saturday, May 20, 2006
Cost: Expedia: $48 base price; $58 w/taxes & fees (Expedia fees only); paid $68 total with breakfast added on (2@$5/each). Paid $3.50 resort fee at check-in. Normal rate around $80.
Overall Impression
I would recommend this hotel. We were pleasantly surprised. It was fresh, comfortable, and clean. After reading so many horror stories about Kissimmee hotels, I was leery of any hotel in this area. We previously stayed a weekend at Econolodge Polynesian for $32/nt from LastMinuteTravel. While the Econolodge was adequate, I did not feel comfortable because the carpet was dirty and sticky plus a few other problems.
Location
About 1 mile west of intersection of 192 & World Drive (this is the main entrance to Disney property). Took us 7 minutes to meet friends at Disney All Star Music. To parks would be 7-10 minutes. Walgreens drug store next door. Red Lobster and Taco Bell across the street. Tons of dining options along 192.
Lobby/Check-In
Attractive lobby. Friendly, efficient check-in staff. Received travel packet with Orlando guide and free samples (Advil, Pepto-Bismol, body scrubs, lipstick). ATM machine ($2.95 out of network fee).
Resort Layout & Exterior
All buildings are 2 stories. No elevators. Buildings are arranged around 2 large common areas. Each common area has one main pool area with large pool and kiddie pool. The decking on ours was attractive new pavers. The landscaping around the pool was attractive, lush, and tropical. Our common area had an additional smaller pool we did not see. We also did not see the common area for the other grouping of buildings that is adjacent to the lobby and restaurants, but the hotel information indicates that there is a poolside bar (11AM-7PM) and free miniature golf.
There seemed to be small ponds with waterfalls scattered round the hotel landscaping. There was one outside our room and one in front of the lobby. The common area inside our building ring was attractive. On the outside of the rings are the parking areas which were not attractive. No landscaping. Lacking grass in some heavily traveled areas.
Rooms
Our room seemed newly renovated. Everything seemed new. It was fresh and attractive. The chairs, art work, and bedspreads featured tropical undersea theming. Furniture was new and in a modern style with blond wood with a black accent. Plenty of lighting.
Furniture included: Table and 2 upholstered chairs with arms, cabinet with mini fridge inside and TV on top, long low desk/dresser, 2 double beds ( I dont think they were queens), and nightstand.
Open bathroom area had a new granite countertop with under mounted sink, hair dryer, iron& ironing board, coffee maker, clothing rack with storage area above. Bathroom area with door was standard fare bathtub and toilet. Flooring was new 12 ceramic tiles. While soaking in the tub, I noticed some small amounts of mold on the underside of the grab bar and soap dish. Not enough bother me I have the same problem in my home in Florida.
I believe there was a large safe next to the AC by the window.
On-site Dining
Hotel includes a convenience store coupled with an Pizza Hut express. We ordered a medium 1-topping pizza for $12.99. We walked over to pick it up. It was ready in 15 minutes. Store also had Krispy Kream donuts. I read about a deli - that I didnt see, but I wasnt paying attention.
There is a restaurant with a breakfast buffet for $6.95. (They only serve breakfast.) One child eats free with each adult. We paid $5 each with the Expedia reservation and received vouchers at check-in. We were in a big hurry to meet friends so we only had 15 minutes for breakfast and yes we were in and out in 15 minutes with our breakfast vouchers. Buffet included fruits, grits, cream of wheat(?), eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, biscuits with optional gravy, bread and bagels with toaster, omelet bar, mini pasties, croissants. We had no time for omelets. The pastries (mini cinnamon rolls, powdered donuts, and mini muffins) were dry and not very good to begin with. Overall the food was OK. It was what I expected. It was nice to have fast, hot food and some protein for breakfast rather than our granola bars or the Little Debbie snacks we had at the Econolodge. Breakfast includes coffee and milk, but juices and other drinks are extra.
We saw a lounge but we never saw it open because we only passed it in the morning.
Note
It seemed like this hotel may have been recently remodeled/updated. With any remodel, its probably a good idea to call and see if it was remodeled, if all the rooms have been completed. That way you avoid any surprises.
I wasn't planning on doing a review, so I didn't go over the place with fine toothed comb....
I hope this review helps someone!
7769 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy (US 192)
Kissimmee
Phone: 407396-2222
website: bestwesternlakeside
Date of Stay: Saturday, May 20, 2006
Cost: Expedia: $48 base price; $58 w/taxes & fees (Expedia fees only); paid $68 total with breakfast added on (2@$5/each). Paid $3.50 resort fee at check-in. Normal rate around $80.
Overall Impression
I would recommend this hotel. We were pleasantly surprised. It was fresh, comfortable, and clean. After reading so many horror stories about Kissimmee hotels, I was leery of any hotel in this area. We previously stayed a weekend at Econolodge Polynesian for $32/nt from LastMinuteTravel. While the Econolodge was adequate, I did not feel comfortable because the carpet was dirty and sticky plus a few other problems.
Location
About 1 mile west of intersection of 192 & World Drive (this is the main entrance to Disney property). Took us 7 minutes to meet friends at Disney All Star Music. To parks would be 7-10 minutes. Walgreens drug store next door. Red Lobster and Taco Bell across the street. Tons of dining options along 192.
Lobby/Check-In
Attractive lobby. Friendly, efficient check-in staff. Received travel packet with Orlando guide and free samples (Advil, Pepto-Bismol, body scrubs, lipstick). ATM machine ($2.95 out of network fee).
Resort Layout & Exterior
All buildings are 2 stories. No elevators. Buildings are arranged around 2 large common areas. Each common area has one main pool area with large pool and kiddie pool. The decking on ours was attractive new pavers. The landscaping around the pool was attractive, lush, and tropical. Our common area had an additional smaller pool we did not see. We also did not see the common area for the other grouping of buildings that is adjacent to the lobby and restaurants, but the hotel information indicates that there is a poolside bar (11AM-7PM) and free miniature golf.
There seemed to be small ponds with waterfalls scattered round the hotel landscaping. There was one outside our room and one in front of the lobby. The common area inside our building ring was attractive. On the outside of the rings are the parking areas which were not attractive. No landscaping. Lacking grass in some heavily traveled areas.
Rooms
Our room seemed newly renovated. Everything seemed new. It was fresh and attractive. The chairs, art work, and bedspreads featured tropical undersea theming. Furniture was new and in a modern style with blond wood with a black accent. Plenty of lighting.
Furniture included: Table and 2 upholstered chairs with arms, cabinet with mini fridge inside and TV on top, long low desk/dresser, 2 double beds ( I dont think they were queens), and nightstand.
Open bathroom area had a new granite countertop with under mounted sink, hair dryer, iron& ironing board, coffee maker, clothing rack with storage area above. Bathroom area with door was standard fare bathtub and toilet. Flooring was new 12 ceramic tiles. While soaking in the tub, I noticed some small amounts of mold on the underside of the grab bar and soap dish. Not enough bother me I have the same problem in my home in Florida.
I believe there was a large safe next to the AC by the window.
On-site Dining
Hotel includes a convenience store coupled with an Pizza Hut express. We ordered a medium 1-topping pizza for $12.99. We walked over to pick it up. It was ready in 15 minutes. Store also had Krispy Kream donuts. I read about a deli - that I didnt see, but I wasnt paying attention.
There is a restaurant with a breakfast buffet for $6.95. (They only serve breakfast.) One child eats free with each adult. We paid $5 each with the Expedia reservation and received vouchers at check-in. We were in a big hurry to meet friends so we only had 15 minutes for breakfast and yes we were in and out in 15 minutes with our breakfast vouchers. Buffet included fruits, grits, cream of wheat(?), eggs, potatoes, bacon, sausage, biscuits with optional gravy, bread and bagels with toaster, omelet bar, mini pasties, croissants. We had no time for omelets. The pastries (mini cinnamon rolls, powdered donuts, and mini muffins) were dry and not very good to begin with. Overall the food was OK. It was what I expected. It was nice to have fast, hot food and some protein for breakfast rather than our granola bars or the Little Debbie snacks we had at the Econolodge. Breakfast includes coffee and milk, but juices and other drinks are extra.
We saw a lounge but we never saw it open because we only passed it in the morning.
Note
It seemed like this hotel may have been recently remodeled/updated. With any remodel, its probably a good idea to call and see if it was remodeled, if all the rooms have been completed. That way you avoid any surprises.
I wasn't planning on doing a review, so I didn't go over the place with fine toothed comb....
I hope this review helps someone!
Just got back from a 3 night stay at Best Western Lakeside.
