Doubletree DTD, Homewood Suites or Embassy Suites?

[Girls1]

Please Help me make a decision based on your experiences and knowledge of the following establishments:
Homewood Suites, Doubletree DTD, Embassy Suites.

It's a long story, but I basically have to choose between these three. Price is no factor and in each case I would be getting a one-bedroom suite for myself, my husband and our two girls, 7 and 13. Here is what it has come down to for me:

--We can not rent a car so excellent shuttle service is important. It appears that all of these hotels provide that, but I'm leaning more towards DT as it is in DTD and gives us more flexibility, i.e. jumping into a cab if we are running late.

_It seems like DT is not as up-to-date as the other too. I don't give two hoots about updated furniture or tv's but I want everything to be clean and functional. Especially the bathroom. I have a problem with bathrooms. The grout's got to be clean and there must no be any signs of mold or mildew.

_We do want to prepare some meals in our rooms to save money and Homewood and Embassy provide cook-tops where DT does not. AND they actually provide a hot breakfast for free as well as evening snacks. So this would save us time and money.

_It sounds like Embassy Suites is a bit isolated and since we are not going to have our own transportation, that is a minus. It would be easier to be someplace where we are able to get around by doing a little walking.

_Embassy sounds like it is a more upscale establishment out of the three and that's always a plus right?

What do you guys think? Any personal experience with these places? Room sizes? Pools?

Thank you so much.

 

[ibob52]

I can't speak from experience regarding this particular Embassy Suites ... but all the Embassy Suites I have stayed in = Do Not have cooking options = other than a microwave and a mini frig.

I have stayed in other Homewood Suites and they have a full kithen ... while a Embassy Suites and Doubletree Suites = will have a microwave and mini frig in the suite.

When I have a choice between the three Hotels ... I tend to take Embassy Suites over Homewood Suites = **if I am in a one Bedroom** because the bathroom is not in the bedroom area = and can be shared without entering the bedroom ... (teen girls)

If I am in a 2 Bedroom (2 Bath) = then a Homewood Suites = is a Better choice (for me) = because of the dedicated kitchen (Frig - Dishwasher - Stove - Microwave - etc).


If all things are equal *add* ... Also a factor = is the age of the Hotel .... a newer place (or resent Refurb) is often better than a older dated place.

 

[Girls1]

Thanks a lot. This is all really helpful! I've also learned that Homewood provides towels at the pools but I've seen none of that mentioned on the other sites. That makes a huge difference because I don't know if there are laundry facilities on site.
I've also learned hat Homewood and Embassy are pretty much next to each other and right accross from the outlet mall; a plus for the teen.
The research continues!

 

[Sue M]

We stayed at doubletree DTD last aug for a night pre WDW package. Our suite was very spacious, larger then any Embassy or home wood I've stayed in. Fridge & microwave, cousinart pod coffee maker. Toiletries by Crabtree & Evelyn.
We booked using the code and link from mousesavers.com. I believed we paid $79 and included the continental breakfast. You could upgrade to hot breakfast for a small fee. But we found the continental was enough for us.
I didn't notice if they had pool towels we didn't use the pool while there. But would be easy enough to ask housekeeping for extra towels.
The busses from doubletree run every 30 min from park opening on. I doubt either embassy or home wood has that. You could call them directly to find out what kind of service they have, but it's been my experience the hotels outside of DTD don't have as complete a shuttle service.

Our suite looked updated, bathroom was large, and clean. Also had a dressing area outside bathroom by closet with big mirror good for makeup if someone is using bathroom.

 

[tmoret]

I have stayed at all 3 of them and by reading what your needs are I would say that your best bet is the Homewood.

 

[sksjasams]

I have been researching 1 bedroom suites, so I can share a little info...

PP is correct...Homewood Suites is the only one with a full kitchen. The other two have small fridge, microwave and coffee maker. Embassy calls this a kitchenette, which is kind of misleading.

A big deal maker/breaker for me is the size of the beds in the bedroom. Homewood Suites has 2 queens, where as Embassy and Double Tree both have 2 doubles in the bedroom.

Just an FYI... Buena Vista Suites and Caribe Royale both have 1 bedroom suites with fridge/microwave/coffee maker, and 2 queens in the bedroom. Buena Vista Suites is less expensive and comes with free breakfast. No window in the lving room is a drawback for me though.

We are hoping to stay at Homewood Suites if/when we go.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Girls1]

Just wanted to say thanks so much. For wveryone's input. I'm learning so much and this is all helping me come to a decision. I'm calling the hotels today with a few more questions and will soon haves my decision. Furthermore, as my daughter graduated from 8th grade yesterday and I had to deal with my husband acting stupid when we went out to eat, I'm leaning closer to Homewood than ever. It's sounding like a better choice for us. Will let you know for sure.
Thanks everyone!

 

[Girls1]

I was able to to settle on Doubletree and here is why:
Homewood's shuttle leaves at 8,10 and 12, dropping guest off at Epcot. It returns at 5:30,7:30,9:30 pm, picking up at Epcot. That is too inconvenient and we would end up not being able to use the bus service some days.
Doubletree offers service to and from the parks every half hour until closing which means it is much more reliable. Even if we did need to take a cab for any reason, it's about $10 to the nearest Disney resort.

FYI: in case anyone was wondering, there are laundry facilities on the premises at Doubletree at $2.50 per wash and $2.50 per dry cycle.
The continental breakfast buffet is $ 10.95 for adults and $6 for children. The hot breakfast is $15.95 and $7 respectively. Of course we will not be utilizing that service though.
Really glad the decision is made. Thanks everyone for your help!

 

[sksjasams]

I was able to to settle on Doubletree and here is why:
Homewood's shuttle leaves at 8,10 and 12, dropping guest off at Epcot. It returns at 5:30,7:30,9:30 pm, picking up at Epcot. That is too inconvenient and we would end up not being able to use the bus service some days.
Doubletree offers service to and from the parks every half hour until closing which means it is much more reliable. Even if we did need to take a cab for any reason, it's about $10 to the nearest Disney resort.

FYI: in case anyone was wondering, there are laundry facilities on the premises at Doubletree at $2.50 per wash and $2.50 per dry cycle.
The continental breakfast buffet is $ 10.95 for adults and $6 for children. The hot breakfast is $15.95 and $7 respectively. Of course we will not be utilizing that service though.
Really glad the decision is made. Thanks everyone for your help!

Sounds perfect for you! Enjoy your trip

 

[Girls1]

Thanks so much. We can't wait to go!!

 

[HopperFan]

Doubletree is a great location without a car. Have stayed several times. If you are paying (vs points) check out Mousesavers. They have a link to book with good rates where the continental is included. It is a good one with many options and lots of fresh fruit (at least when we were there).

Also if it helps, the outlet mall is "across", on the other side of the INTERSTATE from Homewood and Embassy, not accessible except by a car because you have to drive down towards to Disney, under the interstate, to the access road and back up to the mall. You are much better off being walking distance to DTD.

We have always requested a DTD view, it often included a view of fireworks.

 

[suzcruz]

what mall is that? i'm staying at homewood next week

 

[Girls1]

Doubletree is a great location without a car. Have stayed several times. If you are paying (vs points) check out Mousesavers. They have a link to book with good rates where the continental is included. It is a good one with many options and lots of fresh fruit (at least when we were there).

Also if it helps, the outlet mall is "across", on the other side of the INTERSTATE from Homewood and Embassy, not accessible except by a car because you have to drive down towards to Disney, under the interstate, to the access road and back up to the mall. You are much better off being walking distance to DTD.

We have always requested a DTD view, it often included a view of fireworks.

Thanks for your respond. We are excited about out trio and it's getting closer and closer. Thanks for the clarification on the location of the mall.

 

[happymommy]

I agree with your choice! I've stayed at the DT twice (once for a week with my parents, I got the sofa sleeper, then once for a night with my own family). It works well with the space, and the shuttle service! You can definitely make enough food with a fridge and a microwave! Heck, I've made mac & cheese, ramen, instant oatmeal, lots of easy stuff with just a hot pot, which I always used to take on vacations (and was always super careful since I'm a worry wart). Plus you can walk over to the Crossroads shopping center easily, where you can get reasonable priced food or (God forbid.....) Gooding's for groceries (no I don't recommend them but in a pinch maybe pick up one or two things). If you can do a stop for groceries from the airport, I'd do that (super Target is where I've gone a lot).

I hope you have a great time!

 

[softballmom3]

Glad for you . We have stayed at the Homewood suites there and while I am a Hilton fan, this was the least favorite of any I have stayed in. People were friendly but the rooms themselves needed some TLC in the form of cleaning better and better linens (our sheets had holes in them). The sleeper sofa was absolutely horrible!!

 

[sksjasams]

Glad for you . We have stayed at the Homewood suites there and while I am a Hilton fan, this was the least favorite of any I have stayed in. People were friendly but the rooms themselves needed some TLC in the form of cleaning better and better linens (our sheets had holes in them). The sleeper sofa was absolutely horrible!!

Uh-oh...this is the first negative comments I have heard about Homewood Suites - was it the one in LBV or one of the others? I had this one chosen for our trip this winter.

 

[softballmom3]

Lake Buena Vista. We were there November 17th, 2011 the day before we checked in to POR. I have to say I was disappointed in it. We have stayed at numerous Hampton Inns and Homewood Suites and I thought the room was somewhat run down compared to what we had experienced before. Maybe it's because of the amount of business they probably do, but I just don't know. Our sheets were somewhat worn (unusual for homewood suites) and the sofa bed itself was atrocious. My daughter said springs were in her back all night long. I have to say unless I received a great rate again, I don't know if I would go back. It also needed a really good cleaning . Now, in their defense it may have been more so this room but I do know it was ranked higher on Trip Advisor last year when I booked compared to what it is now.

 

[sksjasams]

Lake Buena Vista. We were there November 17th, 2011 the day before we checked in to POR. I have to say I was disappointed in it. We have stayed at numerous Hampton Inns and Homewood Suites and I thought the room was somewhat run down compared to what we had experienced before. Maybe it's because of the amount of business they probably do, but I just don't know. Our sheets were somewhat worn (unusual for homewood suites) and the sofa bed itself was atrocious. My daughter said springs were in her back all night long. I have to say unless I received a great rate again, I don't know if I would go back. It also needed a really good cleaning . Now, in their defense it may have been more so this room but I do know it was ranked higher on Trip Advisor last year when I booked compared to what it is now.

Gosh, you're right. The most recent reviews are not good at all. What a disappointment! Do you know any other places that would be nicer that would be a one bedroom, with a kitchen, 2 queens in the bedroom (not doubles), and a big window or balcony in the living room? Thanks! I am still so bummed Homewood has gone downhill...

 

[softballmom3]

I've been looking around for something like that for a couple night stay before checking in to wdw so if I find something good I will post it . Good luck!!