DOUBLETREE DISNEY SPRINGS REVIEW
Pre-pandemic, also known as “before” I was a well-heeled business traveler, making 4 to 6 trips per month. My company stays with Hilton brand properties - that means a litany of points and fairly strong brand loyalty. That’s how this hotel choice came to be- that and space. This hotel provides for separate spaces (living and sleeping) and we do well with that. I also needed two rooms since DD and friend were traveling with us so booking with points came in handy.
I read a pretty terrible review on this site a couple weeks ago, but did not get around to making a change. So, here we are! I booked one room with points and one I paid for. Of course, this hotel also charges a $23 per night per room “resort” fee. This is NOT a resort. For that you get wi-if and two bottles of water- perks I receive for “free” as a Diamond member. Except here, that’s not so. I also get to pay $22 per night to park. So, the add-ons really add up!
As a business traveler, I have also never experienced this kind of “hold” on your credit card. Up front, they charge your entire stay and $75 per night per room “incidental” charge (along with all their extra charges). I feel like I’m back in college staying at a Daytona Beach “motel” and they want to be sure we don’t skip off without paying, or that our card won’t be “good” upon checkout. Here, my 10+ years at Hilton’s highest loyalty level (without skipping out on even ONE bill or Having my card deny charges even ONE time) doesn’t buy me grace!Nope, we are all treated like vagrants. It sets a, what, distant tone for your stay?
Hilton just started their new nightly food and beverage credit in lieu of free breakfast for diamond members. I just learned that is a daily “use it or lose it” credit. Sigh.
Now about the “resort” (I just can’t). I will start with the positives:
- The smell. For a much older hotel, their “signature scent” rocks! Really a nice touch.
- Second is space. The rooms are spacious,
Why we booked here. Space is always appreciated.
And the challenges... where to start.
- This place is DATED. Upon entry to the lobby and throughout, this place needs a full reno. I’d place this decor in the early 2000’s? Someone correct me if I’m wrong.
- Cleanliness/service- we were greeted by a front desk staff member who explained they do not service their rooms. It’s sooooo much better now, he explains. Guests are provided garbage bags. We just place our garbage and dirty towels outside the door and housekeeping will pick them up. If we need more towels, just call. Self-service! I asked “I read service was available upon request”?? He is puzzled- you WANT your room SERVICED??? He didn’t seem to know what to do with my ridiculous request. “We’re here 5 nights” I explained. “Resort” they call it... Right.
To make matters worse, we get to our room only to find the last guest’s used coffee Supplies on the bar. Now I get it, they really do not clean the rooms!
- the beds- crazy hard. I read that complaint on this site, but thought”how bad can it be?” Let me assure you- that bad.
- the bedding- while they appear clean, they are some of the roughest I’ve ever slept on. Got to last a couple decades... you wake fully exfoliated! If you sleep on this terribly hard mattress...
- No balconies so no outdoors space.
- Thin walls. I also read this and it is true. I found myself mentally putting cough suppressant for my neighbor on my shopping list. Poor soul.
We won’t eat here so no dining review. I can tell you packaged snack are terribly expensive from their shop that closes at 11- this is a resort,
Remember...
here are a few pics. While old, the furniture appears to be in good repair.
