Best Western LBV -> Doubletree Club -> Wyndham -> Sheraton Safari

[arminnie]

I am resort hopping with the help of Hotwire and Priceline.

I'm not sure why I chose to do this but I think I just wanted to see what you actually got using those two services. I am retired so this isn't really my yearly vacation. I had to be in New Orleans for two weekends (2nd and 4th weekends in October) and chose to drive over to Orlando for the middle.

I'll be updating this as I stay at the different places over the next week. I'll forget too much and might not ever get around to it other wise.

I spent one night in Biloxi at Beau Rivage. It was lovely - a real deluxe hotel. I got an internet special direct from the hotel at $89 for an ocean view room. In August I paid $159 for a non-view room.

I spent a night in Ocala at the Fairfield Inn - $65. No reservation -I didn't know how far I would drive. It was across the street from the Disney Center.

Two nights at Best Western LBV. It has a great location near DTD - 2000 Hotel Plaze Blvd. Self parking was very easy and convenient. The lobby is nicely decorated and the front desk staff has been great. Besides checking in I had to stop to ask what my room number was (the keys today don't say) and another time to pickup a new key as I'd left mine in my room. I'm bad about that

The room has two queen beds, decorated nicely if not luxuriously. A safe is available in the closet. There is a separate vanity area (no sink) outside the bathroom. There is a small balcony with a table and two chairs. It looks like there is a place for a refrigerator under the tv but there isn't one there. The lighting is good and the room is very clean.

I was exhausted (more from the stay in NO and Biloxi than from the drive) and slept in this morning. What a surprise to have housekeeping staff who actually paid attention to the do not disturb sign. They slipped a note under the door saying that I could have full service until 2 pm or just towels, coffee after 2 pm.

I had a newpaper at my door in the morning. No charge for local phone calls.

I would definitely stay here again - especially at the price $36 on Hotwire. I bid for a 3* hotel.

Negative: sheets are very thin. The gaping hole under the tv (for a refrigerator?) is not very attractive.

Will add more after my stays at Doubletree, Wyndham and Sheraton Safari.

I would not do this (change hotels every two days) if I had children in tow nor would I try it without a car. I used to travel a lot on business and can get in and out of a hotel pretty quickly.

 

[arminnie]

I checked into the Wyndam Resort & Spa (DTD) this afternoon. I checked in about 2 pm and they had a room ready although official check in is 4 pm.

My room is lovely. I've decided the difference from a 3 to 4 star is the bedspread and wall treatment. The walls are painted a neutral color (not white) and there is crown molding. The bedding is definitely luxury class. The carpeting in the hallway is AWFUL. I have never seen such stained carpeting including when I had a non-housebroken puppy. It looks like they never attempted to clean any thing spilled on the carpet.

The room and room carpet is clean. The grout in the bathroom could use a good scrubbing. I have a small balcony with two chairs. When you sit in the chairs you have no view only the wall of the balcony.

I went to the spa today for a massage. On the first call I was put on hold for about 10 minutes. I hung up and got a recording when I called back. I waited about 15 minutes and got a real person and got an appointment for 40 minutes later. They were not busy. I had a hot stone massage that was wonderful.

I went to the bar on the 27th floor about 5:30 (it opens at 5). I was the only one there. I figured out why when I got my bill. A drink was over $11!!!!!! Glad I only had one.

Would I stay her again - no. I paid $73 a night - double what I paid for Best Western LBV. The bedspread in nicer but the parking is very far away. I liked the balcony better at LBV.

 

[arminnie]

I stayed 3 nights at the Doubletree. The room was very nice but had that sour mildew odor. I've lived in Houston and New Orleans so I recognized it right away. I never had it in my homes but it didn't bother me except when I walked in the door.

I'm not sure why this hotel is ranked 3 and a half stars. It doesn't seem any different than the three star hotels. Parking was ok - no extra charges for parking.

 

[arminnie]

Each hotel seems to be a few yards further away.

Sheraton Safari is very nice. I'm a member of Starwood so I may have been upgraded even though I got this through Hotwire.

The room is decorated very nicely and I have a balcony with a pool view. I am on the 5th floor. The bathroom area is nice with a large vanity area outside the toilet and shower room.

I paid $38 on Hotwire and am very happy. No extra resort charges.

The room that I have is nicer at this 3* than my 3 1/2* Doubletree room.

 

[LisaRay]

You have been busy! Thanks for all those reviews I have been considering the Best Western so I'm glad you liked that one.

 

[ncbyrne]

We will be resort hopping on our next trip. Already have Dolphin ressies and considering stays at Best Western or Wyndham for DD location. Thanks for the reviews! I'll choose BW and save the $!

 

[arminnie]

The Sheraton Safari is in the process of getting the "Heavenly Beds" that I've heard so many people rave about. I think the Swan and/or Dolphin have them. There's nothing wrong with the current bed but it's nice to know that they are trying to upgrade.

The staff has really been great here. They really make an effort - there seems to be a policy that you must be satisfied and they really act like they mean it.

I had dinner downstairs last night. I got hungry about 8 and decided that I needed some real food not just snacks. I had a sandwich and fruit. The fruit was an option instead of fries. Service and food were good - they put the tip on the bill but would let you change it if you wanted to. I actually liked that as all I had to do was sign it - no calculations! It was very reasonable for a hotel restaurant - less than $8 with tax and tip. The sandwich was huge and there fruit was of good quality.