Caribe Royale

[tbuot]

I would like to hear about this hotel. How far of a drive to WDW? Clean, quiet, a good place for families with small children?

 

[ZuZugal]

Our family has stayed at the Caribe numerous times. DS (6) and DD (4) enjoyed the pool and the kids interactive water play area. The doors to the rooms are interior which gives you a "safe" feeling. All rooms have a separate room with couch, table, microwave, TV, fridge. We would put the kids to bed and still be able to stay up to watch TV in the other room w/o waking them. Bathroom also has a sink/counter area outside of the actual bathroom which is great for getting ready in the morning. (drying hair, brushing teeth, etc.) It is just a few minutes from MK. We never chose to use the shuttle. They used to have a free continental breakfast w/a stay, which I understand they no longer include. That would be the only downfall. Our room was always very clean, and I think it is a "choice" place to stay with children.

 

[Lewisc]

I'd also look at HIFS. It's near Caribe Royale. Pool isn't as well themed (no slide) but it includes free breakfast and some type of children eat free promotion.

 

[ZuZugal]

I know lots of families enjoy the HIFS and highly recommend it, but we booked a room there when it first opened and after checking out the room and grounds, we left and went to the Caribe. The pool and dining area were a very far walk from our room, and the room itself was small with exterior access to the room. I guess having stayed at the Caribe previously we were comparing the two and to us there was no comparison. If you can get a good rate at the Caribe Royal, I would highly recommend doing so.

Anyone else with an opinion on this property?

 

[Lewisc]

I stayed in Caribe. The used to have a free hot breakfast buffet in the main building and free continental buffet in the towers.

I enjoyed the hotel and would stay there again but in fairness to families: HIFS still offers free breakfast, generally has lower rates than Caribe and offers kids eat free for lunch and dinner.

Caribe is a more upscale property than HIFS and has more convention customers.

 

[momof2inPA]

I have stayed at both and would pick the Caribe over HIFS, even though there is no free breakfast at Caribe. The lobby is much nicer and the whole hotel is much cleaner. Plus, my son loved the pool slide.

 

[SGF]

Glad to see a few good reviews of the Caribe Royale since on the thread I started inquiring about this resort most were negative.

We'll be staying there for a convention but in case we decide to switch (we have to be nearby) what other hotels are in that area besides HIFS (is this the Holiday Inn)?

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by SGF
Glad to see a few good reviews of the Caribe Royale since on the thread I started inquiring about this resort most were negative.

We'll be staying there for a convention but in case we decide to switch (we have to be nearby) what other hotels are in that area besides HIFS (is this the Holiday Inn)?

I answered you in another thread: BVS is next door (same owners). HIFS is near as is the MOWC. Vistana is close Those hotels are maybe a mile (close but really not walking distance). DTD is only a 10 minute drive.

I wouldn't sweat the Caribe. The two older towers have refrigerators and microwaves. The newer tower have a traditional min-bar (and a microwave). They normally try to put the families in the older towers and the convention/business people in the newer tower.

 

[pixie71]

I took my Goddaughter to Disney a few years ago and we stayed at the Caribe in the 2 bedroom villas and loved it. At that time they had the free breakfast buffett which alternated between pancakes one morning and french toast the next.

My Goddaughter was 10 at the time and she loved the pool (I couldn't get her out ) with the main slide and there was a smaller pool only available to villa residents that was quieter and we would swim there after leaving the parks (it was nice & empty)
The villas are a pretty good size, full kitchen, 2 baths (one with a hot tub) big screen tv, etc. The grounds were very well kept and we enjoyed walking from the main building to our villas because the Caribe has very lush landscaping.

Shuttle service was not that great ran a few times (maybe 3 times) per day and you had to sign up beforehand. Also, at that time Caribe shared a bus with Buena Vista Suites (located next door.)

I would stay there again...however I have heard that the price has gone up considerably (we paid $199/night for the villas at that time)

Hope this helps...

 

[LSU*BLONDIE]

DH has a convention at the Caribe Royal Feb 8-11. I just booked us rooms at The Hampton Inn LBV which is about 3.2 miles away. The people checking in on Feb 7 have a rate of 71.10 (AAA)(weekend rate).Those not checking in until the 8th get a rate of 62.10(AAA).Free breakfast. Not sure if this hotel is close enough for you. Will you have transportation or do you have to stay right next to the Caribe?

 

[momof2inPA]

Vistana resort is right around the corner. Marriott World Center is right up the road. Vistana Villages is down the road as is Marriott Grande Vista. I wouldn't say any are within walking distance.