Doubletree Guest Suites Input -- The Good and the Bad

[ForeignMom]

Three years ago, we stayed at the HIFS. It was still quite new but we had a very pleasant stay there. However, transportation was a problem and when I rented our car out at the
Doubletree Guest Suites, I told myself that I would opt to stay here the next time we visit on account of its location in proximity to Downtown Disney. There were too many nights when I missed that little exit to return to the HIFS!

We are returning to Orlando this April and I'd like some input on the Doubletree Guest Suites -- good and bad. I'd especially like to hear from the folks who have been there in the past six months.

Thanks!

 

[Disney Ella]

I'd like to hear about it too.

 

[Flyersfan]

We're also considering the Doubletree Suites. Any input would be appreciated. Also, how does it compare to the HIFS? Thanks!

 

[erikthewise]

I stayed there by myself on a business trip (conference at the Hilton next door). I have not stayed at HIFS though I've read a lot of reports about it.

I had a rental car which I used to visit the parks when I was not at the conference. Doubletree Guest Suites is a perfectly good option IF you have a car. I did not use their shuttle service. I'm sure it's better than the one at HIFS (which I've heard awful things about), but that doesn't mean it's good. Walking to DD is OK if you don't get run over at the intersection; it's a bit of a hike as the Doubletree is the furthest of the DD hotels from DD. (It's actually right across 535 from Crossroads shopping center.) But DO NOT plan on walking to DD and catching buses to the parks there. Disney considers that an abuse of their transportation system and for that reason does not make it easy to get to the parks from DD.

The rooms at the Doubletree are huge -- my guess is about 600 sq ft. As I recall this is as big or bigger than the suites at HIFS, but they are configured differently. There are only two rooms. One is a somewhat small master bedroom with two double beds, a bathroom, and some closet space. The other is a large living room with a sleeper sofa, small dining table and chairs, small fridge, cheap microwave, and sink. Maybe it's because it was just me, but the living room seemed big enough to host a hockey game.

Self-parking is free; valet parking is available. There is a restaurant which I did not use but it seems to be a basic family restaurant. Sometimes you can get "free" breakfast included in your rate package. The staff was very friendly and helpful. And the chocolate chip cookies you get at checkin are REALLY good!

See http://www.mousesavers.com/dtguestsuites.html for a review (and link to good rates). There is also a review of HIFS on the same site. I was able to get an even better rate directly through doubletree.com, so be sure to check that as well.

Doubletree is a generally a class operation. This is not the best Doubletree hotel I've seen but it's a good value, esp for a family that needs some space. Any questions?