DoubleTree Guest Suites - the good? the bad? the ugly?

[pooh2001]

DoubleTree Guest Suites - in DTD - free bus to WDW Parks
Large rooms for DW & DD and teen DD & DS (own double beds to sleep in)
Has a microwave, refrigerator and table for 4 to eat at.

We could do a town car with a food store stop to get some items to have for the week.

We could walk to DTD to get a bus to the CR and walk to MK.
We could also walk to DTD to get a bus to the YC/BC and walk to EPCOT or boat to DHS.

AAA rate about $160 per night.
BUT - no extra magic hours and if we wait a year or two, maybe we can get the FP+ and magic bands like WDW resort guests.

But we are used to staying on the WDW property.

So - please tell me the good, the bad the ugly about DoubleTree Guest Suites.

Other choice maybe the Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel
Also less expensive about $130/night

Thank you

 

[HopperFan]

DoubleTree Guest Suites - in DTD - free bus to WDW Parks
Large rooms for DW & DD and teen DD & DS (own double beds to sleep in)
Has a microwave, refrigerator and table for 4 to eat at.
- If you do need another chair they will bring one to you, we are five and gotten the extra.

We could do a town car with a food store stop to get some items to have for the week.

We could walk to DTD to get a bus to the CR and walk to MK.
We could also walk to DTD to get a bus to the YC/BC and walk to EPCOT or boat to DHS.

AAA rate about $160 per night.
BUT - no extra magic hours and if we wait a year or two, maybe we can get the FP+ and magic bands like WDW resort guests.
- You can get FP+ now day of and the offsite guests booking them 30 days out should be starting. Set up your MDE, attach your tickets.
- You can buy MagicBands if you want them for $12.95, they are everywhere.

But we are used to staying on the WDW property.

So - please tell me the good, the bad the ugly about DoubleTree Guest Suites.

GOOD:
-Rooms are big and they have just been completely renovated!!! Looks beautiful.
-If you can find a good rate via Mousesavers you can get cold breakfast buffet included and it's excellent.
- Close to DTD or can walk other way to Crossroads with all kinds of eats.
- It's Hilton, they have good customer service there.

BAD/UGLY:
- I can't think of anything bad. Maybe the shuttle but we always had a car and drove.
- Does your rate include a resort fee? You might want to verify as many DTD hotels charge for resort fee and parking.
- If you are wanting a cool or interesting pool, it's not there. Just a basic one that will meet your refreshing needs.
- It is the farthest resort from DTD so it will be a jaunt.

All that said, I would return in heartbeat for the right rate.

 

[noahcarter]

We stayed here last August. The newly renovated rooms are beautiful! Very modern. The only thing I did not like was the parking fee.

Yes, it is farthest hotel from DTD, but the walk was not bad. I made it with a 7 and 10 year old in the August heat. The pool is basic, but there also is a hot tub, and I think tennis courts.

We will stay here again in the future!

 

[HopperFan]

Mousesaver Newsletter today announced some awesome rates and perks at the DTGS! for select stays May 5 through December 17, 2014:

You’ll receive:
DoubleTree’s Best Available Rates (best refundable/changeable rates)
FREE daily Continental Breakfast!
20% Off Coupon for lunch and dinner meals at the hotel’s EverGreen Café!*
Plus, FREE Daily Internet in-room wi-fi access!* ($9.95/day value)
BOOK NOW! This special offer is available for a limited number of rooms only, and some weekends may require a 2 or 3-night minimum stay.

May 5 – May 11, 2014: Rates from $129
May 14 – June 2, 2014: Rates from $129
June 6 – 7, 2014: Rates from $149
August 10 – December 17, 2014: Rates vary