BWI or BWV

[aussieinvasion]

Hi,

Just wondering if there was any disadvantages in staying in a Studio in the BWV as opposed to booking at standard room at BWI. The limited kitchen would be of great advantage to us at the BWV but I would be interested in hearing any points of view if the location is worse/better.

Thanks,
Mel

 

[fla4fun]

I don't feel there is a big difference in location, as they are one big connected building. Both resorts share the same amenities, such as check in, pools, dining, shops, etc.

If there are two people, or if the children are young, I think a studio is the best choice. There is one queen bed and a sofa bed. During the day, with the sofa folded, the room seems larger and you have somewhere to sit other than on a bed. The bathrooms in both are laid out very similar, so there's not much difference there. The kitchenette does come in handy, especially for a quick in room breakfast. I like having a toaster and microwave, plus the refrigerator in the studios is a little larger, so you can fit more beverages and snacks in it.

If there are four adults or older children, they may appreciate the comfort of a regular bed to a sofa bed, so the Inn would be a better choice. However, I've used the sofa bed and it's not bad, so if the kitchenette tips the scales in favor of the studio, you could sleep four comfortably enough.

 

[ElizabethB]

Rooms at the Inn are much more luxurious than at the Villas -- nicer drapes, better bedding, higher quality furnishings, etc.

 

[Deb & Bill]

The sleeper sofa in the studio is only double sized. The room at the BWI would have two queen beds.

 

[PlainJane]

I personally prefer a standard room at the BWI over a studio on the BWV side (I've stayed in both). The rooms are just nicer on the BWI side, nicer furnishings, you don't have to worry about housekeeping forgetting you're not on points, you would have two queen beds, when staying on the BWV side our studio looked worn, and I personally prefer the standard garden views. I also prefer the atmosphere, there are beautiful sitting areas on the guest room floors, and there is themed music playing by the elevators that I think adds a lot to the hotel. The two sides have a very different theme to me. BWV has a beach cottage theme and the BWI comes off more as a beautiful hotel from times past.

I love the BWI and would choose to stay there over the BWV in a second, but if having a kitchenette is an essential to your family then you should pick the BWV.

 

[robemcdo]

I guess it depends on how you book. If you book thru disney for bwi, you will paid deluxe prices. If you rent points at BWV thru DVC member, and your stay is S-T, you can save a bundle...seems a studio can go from 150-200 a night...a big savings I believe on the BWI.

We have thoroughly enjoyed BWV...never stayed at BWI so I can't comment on that aspect.

 

[fla4fun]

when staying on the BWV side our studio looked worn

I have to say that the villa I stayed in this month was in excellent shape. The sofa looked brand new, and the mattress did too. There was no chipped paint or dingy tile. Everything was spotless and looked new. I haven't heard about room renovations there, but it could be that they quietly do them one at a time as needed.

 

[LVSWL]

We were in a one bedroom last June that was spotless. The sofabeds are new in the BWVs. Have a great trip!

 

[aussieinvasion]

Thankyou everyone for your honest feedback, it will help me in making a decision.

 

[LSchrow]

we've stayed at both, & honestly can't say that one is "better" than the other. we find the decor at both beautiful, & no noticable "wear" in either. the main differences are that BWI has 2 queens & no kitchette, BWV studio has 1 queen & a sofabed, plus the "kitchette" (seperate sink, glasses/mugs, cutlery, paper plates/bowls, large dorm-size fridge, microwave, toaster, coffeepot, etc). so you need to decide which matters more to you: the 2nd queen bed or kitchenette. we also do enjoy the "community" feel of the villas (since most are DVC owners & tend to greet one another, chat, etc ) versus the more "hotel" feel of the BWI.
unless you count a 1bdrm (& up) at BWV, then you have a clear winner