Comment on Marriott Res Inn or Hilton Garden?

[bleeps]

Howdy! For an upcoming trip, we are planning to start outside of WDW so that we may do Discovery Cove and Sea World and THEN move over to WDW. But we've never stayed "outside" before!

Has anyone been to the Marriott Residence Inn Orlando or the Hilton Garden Inn? Both are supposed to be within walking distance of Sea World and are listed on the SW site as "partners." Appreciate any feedback!

 

[davinakb]

Stayed at the Residence Inn SW about a year and a half ago. It is very close, though it is the Renaissance that is across the street. It probably is only a quarter-half mile away. Walking from your room to the front gate at a normal pace, I'd guess 20-30 minutes. FWIW.

 

[Vivianne]

We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn which is within walking distance to Seaworld. The Renaissance is closest to the park. The Hilton is a pretty nice hotel, clean. They have a $10 breakfast buffet which we enjoyed. The staff is friendly. We checked in about noon and left the car. Parking at Sea World is $10, I can't give you any feedback about Discovery Cove.

 

[kgilchri]

We've stayed at the Residence Inn SeaWorld twice and really enjoyed it. The location is great - Turkey Lake Road connects you easily to the LBV area and Universal Orlando. It's also very close to SeaWorld as well. The breaksfast buffet was basic, but worked for us. The pool area is really nice as well. I would highly recommend staying there.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I was going to book a room only at the Residence Inn for a couple of days next July just a couple of minutes ago thru the hotels website.

I was planning on booking with my AAA card.
When I got to the section to pay and was reading the fine print it said that I would be unable to cancel or change the reservation since I was getting this special rate.

Whoa - I found that very interesting. Needless to say, I didn't book the room and I'm going to look at other hotels in the area and see what they have to offer.
No way will I book a room for July 2008 that I won't be able to cancel if something comes up.
Just something for you to consider while you decide which place you want to stay at.

 

[sonny]

Last spring we stayed at the Hilton Grand Vacation Resort which is an easy walking distance to Seaworld. If this is where you are talking about, try it. It was great. Our 2-bdr condo could have slept 8 - so the 4 of us had plenty of room. I think 4 more could have slept in the bathtub. And there were 2 screened balconies - my husband parked himself out there and would not budge. Very nice pools, playgrounds, tennis courts - a great experience.

 

[Southernswthrt1]

I would recommend the Residence Inn. We stayed here the day we arrived while visiting SeaWorld. It is right at the end of Harbor Drive...not across the street, but not 1/2 mile away either. If you will have a car...no problem. Otherwise, they do provide shuttle service.

The breakfast, which is included in the price, is pretty good - eggs, sausage, cereal, fruit, pastries, waffles, oatmeal, etc. There's lots to choose from.

The rooms are decent and clean. Most rooms are suites with a bedroom separated from the living/kitchen area. The kitchen area has a pretty large fridge, two-burner stove top, microwave, and dishwasher. There's a loveseat and a chair with the TV and a kitchen table with 4 chairs. Not a luxury palace, like Bonnet Creek, but more than adequate for a couple nights. I will post pics when we get home...and did I mention the complimentary internet service!!!

I wouldn't be put off by their cancellation policy. It is the same as most other hotels in order to get their lowest rate. I've also booked through hotels.com.