Grosvenor opinions needed!

[harleyquinn]

Hi everyone!

I'm planning my honeymoon for next June and I'm thinking of staying at the Grosvenor.

Can you give me some reviews?

I stayed at POR this August for my very first trip ever and now I have to go back for my honeymoon .

I loved POR and the bus system. How are the buses in DTD?

If I stay at the Grosvenor I'll save about $600 vs a disney moderate.

So what do you all think?

Sarah

 

[AllisonG]

Sarah,
I'll try and put this as nice as possible.
Please don't ruin something as important your honeymoon by staying at the Grosvenor. My sister and her husband stayed there about a year ago and said it was an absolute dump. It was dirty, the service was terrible and it smelled awful.
I would splurge for your honeymoon and get a 'Disney' resort. Something a little bit more magical for such a magical occassion.

 

[harleyquinn]

Whoa!

That's what I was worried about. I've been searching thru the boards and I can't find anything about it.

I guess I'll keep looking.

Sarah

 

[jwfla422]

We've stayed at both the Grovesnor (2x) and Hotel Royal Plaza (1x) in the past 7 years. Grovesnor was in desperate need of renovations last time we were there. We had a tower room and it didn't smell but it was definitely getting run down.

They were renovating HRP when we were there and I honestly have to say we thought the rooms and amenities at HRP were pretty nice. We stayed there the first night of a trip a few years back and then at POR. Honestly we thought HRP was nicer than POR...just my opinion.

The buses at DTD were ok. We walked to DTD and drove to other resorts when dining at them. You might want to check out the Courtyard. Have you checked the thread "Orlando Hotels and Attractions?" You might be able to find some feedback on the DTD resorts there. Some of them are very nice.

 

[harleyquinn]

Thanks for the reply!

I think I'm going crazy because there are so many ways to save at Disney. But I really don't want to skimp, it is my honeymoon after all.

I'm going to set a max budget and then spend it all!!!

Mowaaohaaaa!

I really liked the bus service at the parks and I don't want to rent a car so basically I have to pick from the DTD resorts or staying on site.
Sarah

 

[glo]

I am going to move this to the Orlando attraction and hotels board. The Lake Buena Vista area is discussed there, and I hope you get more responses there....Good luck and have a Happy Honeymoon!!

 

[harleyquinn]

Actually I did post there, but no one responded so I posted here too!

I actually got responses on this board.

I posted here because I'm debating between the Disney resorts and the DTD resorts so it is pertinent to this board
Sarah

 

[HopperFan]

We stayed at the Grosvenor this summer, meeting a few other families. We did get a great deal, but bottom line, we got what we paid for.

The rooms were worn out, we didn't get the room we were promised, it did smell, the elevators were miniature sized, the pool was no different from an interstate stop, when we walked in the lobby people were calling at us to sell us a condo, it was a place I would never go back and never send anyone.

I'm sure there are other very nice hotels in DTD, but on your honeymoon I can't imagine not staying in a Disney Hotel. Believe me, having not had a real honeymoon, I have so many regrets. In the long run, the $600 won't be worth it! You can't do it over !

 

[harleyquinn]

Thanks!

I've decided to tighten my belt and see how much I can save. I figure I can save enough extra to maybe go deluxe. Whoo-hoo!

I just can't buy that new outfit I was looking at Or eat out so much. Or...well you get the idea.

I just got caught up in saving money and forgot to go for what I really want!

Thanks so much everyone!
Sarah

 

[Gretchen]

Sarah,
try the Wilderness Lodge....not as expensive as other Deluxe, but VERY nice. Also, do you have AAA? You can save on room only ressies with it.
Gretchen

 

[ncbyrne]

DH and I had a very different experience at the Grosvenor. We spent a few days there for our 25th wedding anniversary and it was a very special time. Great room, bigger than the Dis moderates, very clean and not worn. Perhaps we got an updated room or something, but we were very pleased. Ok, now having said that - I'm sure you won't stay here because of all the negative feedback. Have you thought about the Dolphin or Swan? Both are located along the same lake as the Boardwalk, BC, and YC - a very desirable location. They are upscale resorts with perks and you can find rates much lower than the Disney deluxe resorts. There are plenty of threads with info on both of these properties. BTW...we'll be staying at the Dolphin next May!

 

[Kansaswritergal]

Okay, I'm going to offer a little different opinion I've stayed at the Grosvenor several times and always enjoyed it. Is it as nice as Disney hotels? Of course not. But it is a ton cheaper, the service and restaurant were excellent, the buses are comfortable and convenient, and you can't beat the location -- within walking distance of Downtown Disney & Pleasure Island, which you HAVE to go to!

On the down-side, it is old and run-down and not the most romantic hotel by a long shot. If you'd like to save some money and take advantage of the location, but stay somewhere a little nicer, why not check into other Downtown Disney Hotels? Good luck with whatever you decide. I'm sure you'll have a great time!

Deborah

 

[littlestar]

I'd stay at a Disney moderate or the Wilderness Lodge over Grovesner. The Wilderness Lodge has rooms abour $100 a night cheaper than the other deluxes. And talk about atmosphere. I'd let the front desk know you're on your honeymoon.

We're DVC members and our daughter and her husband received gifts from the BCV front desk when they found out it was their honeymoon. They also stayed at the Dolphin on the weekend (using an entertainment 1/2 price rate) and the Dolphin hotel gave them a free meal for their honeymoon.

You might be able to get a good rate at the Dolphin or Swan. Or, you could rent points from a DVC member Sunday through Thursday and get Boardwalk, Beach Club, or Villas at Wilderness Lodge studio for very reasonable (probably about the same price you'd pay for a moderate). Beach Club and Villas at Wilderness Lodge studios are 14 points a night during June. And Boardwalk standard view would only be 11 points a night - keep in mind this is Sunday through Thursday. If you rent the points at $10.00 a point, 11 points a night at Boardwalk works out to $110.00 a night! Not bad for a deluxe hotel.

One thing about staying onsite, you won't need a rental car. If you're under 25, that's a big cost savings.

Good luck!

 

[harleyquinn]

I think you all read my mind!

I first started looking into WL and then I remembered that both my fiance and I qualify for the teacher discounts from the Swan/Dolphin, which is an awesome price for a deluxe quality level resort. And beyond that I can make my ressies now and if some great disney package comes along I can canceled up to 5 days b4 we go with no penalties!

BTW We LOVE DTD. My fiance is obsessed with the adventurers club.

Kongaloosh!!
Thanks so much!
Sarah

 

[disneyfan551]

You may want to consider bidding on a 4* Resort through Priceline. I've heard they go as low as $50, but usually $60 is an average. You really can't go wrong with the 4*'s that they work with!

If you are unfamiliar with PL, visit www.biddingfortravel.com to learn about bidding & see what others have bid for. Good luck!