Decisions, Decisions...

[bouncy54]

Ok...now I have 2 hotel reservations. One for HoJos which I got for an outstanding Entertainment Book rate, and one for Best Western Park Place Inn & Suites with a not so great rate.

I like HoJos for the quiet pool and the lovely grounds, but I don't like the walk back to the hotel after a full day at the parks.

I've never stayed at BWPPI, but I love that the hotel is right at the crosswalk and that it has a free breakfast and a microwave...HoJos has neither.

The difference in cost is not really a problem, but I was wondering what everyone thought of the BWPPI. We're getting a suite for 3 adults and 1 teen. We all live in the same house here at home and go camping in the same motorhome (talk about a close fit ) so I don't think we'll get on each other's nerves. Besides...we're mostly just going to be sleeping in the room anyway.

A Motel 6 would be just fine for us...we're not fancy people, but we do want a clean room and good customer service.

Any opinions?

I've read the pool is small, but I really don't expect to do much swimming anyway...maybe just soak my tired doggies in the hot tub.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

I'm like you, I liked the sound of Hojo's and if I could have got that great rate I probably would have done it. But that walk seems long to me. Maybe not at first but after my feet are hurting, or at 11 pm I don't want a 10-15 walk!

Were staying next door to the BWPPI at the Tropicana. Mainly because it has a bigger pool and HUGE hot tub! That was important for us. It also has a small free breakfast (but free is free to me so it doesn't matter).

I've heard a lot of good things about the BWPPI too though. Yes I've heard the pool is quite small. But if that isn't a big factor I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[abby]

We have stayed at hojo and DLH and the walk was the same. Really wasn't a problem, (McDonald's on the way for an ice cream if you need motivation) We loved hojo's, the pool, the grounds the great gift shop and the service. Me and dd who was 6 and felt very safe walking.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I think you cannot go wrong! If you plan to spend time at the pool, I would go with the Howard Johnson's. To me the walk at times seemed long but as Abby said, its the same as the walk to the DLH, its just up a busy street vs. DTD, maybe that's why it seemed longer. We also had my fil with us who is disabled and that walk was way too much for him, so we took the ART a few times which was a huge pain. The grounds and the pool were so nice at the Hojo, offsite its the only motel that has anything special in that department.

The convenient location of the BWPPI is what is drawing me there next week. And the free breakfast is nice too, I know its free and nothing great but free food is never a bad thing in my book! If you go with the Hojo, request a non freeway side room. If I ever read a complaint about this place, its almost always from somebody that got a freeway side room. We had a room above the hottub at the Hojo and it was perfect locations wise.

To me they are even in the pros and cons, just pick the one that has the pros that matter most to you!

 

[julw]

We've stayed at both. I think you should try the BWPPI. You will LOVE the short walk! If you like a bigger pool, then maybe stay HOJO's. BWPPI's pool is so small it is funny really, and I don't even remember them having a hot tub, but maybe they do? Anyway, I think you will be very happy with BWPPI.

 

[DangerMouse]

For me it comes down to price. I know the HoJo ent. rate is saving you almost 50%, right? You could take that money and do an extra character meal, or do Build A Bear in DTD or spend extra on souvenirs, or even take a tour as a family. I love feeling like I have extra to spend in the park because I have saved on my hotel. Really, between the two hotels, the only difference for me is a few extra steps at the end of the night and a microwave (which we always bring our own).

 

[Husker Mickey]

We stayed at the BWPPI in April. Yes the pool is VERY small. Our room overlooked the quasi-pool. There is a hot tub, but is also very small. We had 22 people in our party and noone went to the pool. We were too busy doing everything we could at DL, CA, and DTD. The location is ideal and you can't get any closer. Have not stayed at the HOJO. Understand that it has a great pool and grounds. It is much more of a walk. We have stayed at the Fairfield Inn by Marriot which is on the way to HOJO's. If you are dog-tired after a long day at DL, closer is better (IMO).

 

[Hound 109]

We stayed once at the Fairfield (which is kinda next to the HoJo). Just a thought for those with kids (or maybe everyone):

- You walk right by (or through) a McDonalds when walking to Hojo (or Fairfield). This was handy for us not only for McBreakfasts, but also for chicken strip happy meals & ice cream cones etc. (my DS eats about 5 meals a day & kids meals & mickey bars at the park can break you). Since we ALWAYS take a mid day break, we would walk by it 4 times a day....& it was nice to know that a cheap meal or snack (acceptible to kids) was right there.

- Kids like pools. If the better one is at Hojo's, it might be worth it. (I'm guessing that the Fairfield pool is better than BW, but that Hojo's is much better than either. Is this right?

- the fact that it's another 100 - 200 yards further than the BW wasn't a big deal to us. Maybe we're weird, but after Orlando mega walks & living in Texas weather, the walks just aren't that bad in SoCal. Yes, it's nice to soak the dogs in the afternoon & evening for a few minutes, but nothing like the sprawled on the bed, panting like a hound, almost too tired to walk to the pool, that my family always experienced when we collapsed into our rooms at the Port Orleans Riverside (@ WDW).

hound

 

[LoveMyLAP-BAND]

I stayed at BWPPI last year and I LOVED how close it is to DL. The room was clean and big. The breakfast was okay. The pool is small. I would stay there again, but I am not a pool or a breakfast person.

Never been to HoJos.

Have a great time!

 

[bouncy54]

We stayed once at the Fairfield (which is kinda next to the HoJo). Just a thought for those with kids (or maybe everyone):

- You walk right by (or through) a McDonalds when walking to Hojo (or Fairfield). This was handy for us not only for McBreakfasts, but also for chicken strip happy meals & ice cream cones etc. (my DS eats about 5 meals a day & kids meals & mickey bars at the park can break you). Since we ALWAYS take a mid day break, we would walk by it 4 times a day....& it was nice to know that a cheap meal or snack (acceptible to kids) was right there.

- Kids like pools. If the better one is at Hojo's, it might be worth it. (I'm guessing that the Fairfield pool is better than BW, but that Hojo's is much better than either. Is this right?

- the fact that it's another 100 - 200 yards further than the BW wasn't a big deal to us. Maybe we're weird, but after Orlando mega walks & living in Texas weather, the walks just aren't that bad in SoCal. Yes, it's nice to soak the dogs in the afternoon & evening for a few minutes, but nothing like the sprawled on the bed, panting like a hound, almost too tired to walk to the pool, that my family always experienced when we collapsed into our rooms at the Port Orleans Riverside (@ WDW).

hound

You're not weird...your just in better shape than I am. I also have some problems with my feet that I inherited (thank you Grandpa) and walking can become very painful after hours on my feet. There are others in our family who have the same problems (thank you again, Grandpa) and everyone really likes the idea of being at the crosswalk so we can leave the parks for lunch and a break if we need it. Also, DD and her hubby have several $30.00 vouchers for Denny's that his boss is giving him and Denny's is close to BWPPI...so that's another plus.

So all in all, I think BWPPI is the right choice for our group.

 

[Hound 109]

You're not weird...your just in better shape than I am. I also have some problems with my feet that I inherited (thank you Grandpa) and walking can become very painful after hours on my feet. There are others in our family who have the same problems (thank you again, Grandpa) and everyone really likes the idea of being at the crosswalk so we can leave the parks for lunch and a break if we need it. Also, DD and her hubby have several $30.00 vouchers for Denny's that his boss is giving him and Denny's is close to BWPPI...so that's another plus.

So all in all, I think BWPPI is the right choice for our group.

SEVERAL $30 DENNYS VOUCHERS!!!!

You didn't mention that little tidbit of info. nuff said.

Man.... my family would be in heaven. Grand Slam Breakfasts, half a dozen milkshakes &/or big pieces of pie per day .

Even soups & chicken strips.

Have fun.

hound

 

[Carter'sMommy]

Hi -
We are in the same dilemma as you. My rate at the BWPPI is $110.00 more (total) than at the HOJO with the Entertainment rate. I am SO torn over the walk. We have stayed at the CCI in the past and it is not a bad walk, I spoke at length with the reservationists at HOJO and she said the walk was about the same. We are traveling with a 6 yo and the thought that there is a MCD's on the route (instead of back tracking) is enticing since he is a picky eater plus the cost of kid's meals at DL can be expensive considering that he hardly eats anyhow!

I need to know how I can get an Entertainment coupon – I will buy the book but I just want to make sure that I buy the right one. Does it have to be for Orange Co. or can it be out of ANY location?

Any help is appreciated!!

 

[bouncy54]

Hi -
We are in the same dilemma as you. My rate at the BWPPI is $110.00 more (total) than at the HOJO with the Entertainment rate. I am SO torn over the walk. We have stayed at the CCI in the past and it is not a bad walk, I spoke at length with the reservationists at HOJO and she said the walk was about the same. We are traveling with a 6 yo and the thought that there is a MCD's on the route (instead of back tracking) is enticing since he is a picky eater plus the cost of kid's meals at DL can be expensive considering that he hardly eats anyhow!

I need to know how I can get an Entertainment coupon – I will buy the book but I just want to make sure that I buy the right one. Does it have to be for Orange Co. or can it be out of ANY location?

Any help is appreciated!!

An Entertainment book from your hometown is ok according to the reservation specialist at HoJos. Oh, yeah...you will get a membership card inside the cover of your Entertainment book. This is what you will use when you check into the hotel. You do not need a coupon.

 

[kjhgarden]

Hi -
We are in the same dilemma as you. My rate at the BWPPI is $110.00 more (total) than at the HOJO with the Entertainment rate. I am SO torn over the walk. We have stayed at the CCI in the past and it is not a bad walk, I spoke at length with the reservationists at HOJO and she said the walk was about the same. We are traveling with a 6 yo and the thought that there is a MCD's on the route (instead of back tracking) is enticing since he is a picky eater plus the cost of kid's meals at DL can be expensive considering that he hardly eats anyhow!

I need to know how I can get an Entertainment coupon – I will buy the book but I just want to make sure that I buy the right one. Does it have to be for Orange Co. or can it be out of ANY location?

Any help is appreciated!!

Carter's Mommy - Did you get the 59.00 Entertainment rate for August? How early did you book the Hojo? I am already looking ahead to next July or August thinking the Hojo, and the Entertainment rate, might be a great option for us since we need two rooms. I just didn't know if they offered that low rate in peak season?

 

[Hound 109]

An Entertainment book from your hometown is ok according to the reservation specialist at HoJos. Oh, yeah...you will get a membership card inside the cover of your Entertainment book. This is what you will use when you check into the hotel. You do not need a coupon.

This is correct.

And Carter's Mommy...the Ent. Book used to be GREAT in Houston. I suppose it still is. Hundreds of Restaurants & stuff 2 for 1. It'll pay for itself your first month (irregardless of Hojo).

Also i put 7 y/o on my shoulder for the 10 min. walk back to the motel, it's not that big a deal, (if that's an option in your family) & btw...the BW is a 6 min. walk.
Most importantly for your family (imo) is the better pool and McDs. (Note: On my next trip, i'm doing HoJo.......(unless we hit the lotto & then it's GCH BABY!!!! )

It really illustrates how the best lodging options might be different for different families.