Originally posted by CarolynNC
I've stayed here (in wing rooms) 3 or 4 times and never had a disappointing stay. I've always been able to get a discounted rate. I'm staying again for 7 nights in a little over 2 weeks. I'm planning on paying close attention to all the things people complain about and writing a review when I return.
Carolyn
We returned last night and had another enjoyable stay at the Grosvenor. If you like spending the evening at Downtown Disney the location can't be beat.
We had connecting rooms (west wing facing Downtown Disney) on the third floor of the wing building. I usually ask for the 3rd floor because it's the same level as the lobby. Both of our rooms were clean and well taken care of. This is an old property so the rooms don't look brand new but they were well maintained. I did not find mold in the bathrooms. The tile and fixtures were in good shape. The only complaint I have is the shower curtain is clingy when showering. It too was clean and without mold.
It rained a lot while we were there. After a few days our rooms smelled damp but I think that was more because of our wet clothes, not a condition of the room. One storm was so bad it knocked out the ticket computer in the Disney gift shop located in the lobby. I had to walk over to the Hilton to get our e-night tickets (another perk of staying in this hotel).
Back to the rooms! Someone mentioned low ceilings. I didn't take a tape measure but they looked normal height to me. My son is 6' 4" and he had plenty of head clearance. Maid service was excellent and we had no problems communicating with the staff. The rooms are equipped with irons, ironing boards, hair dryers, coffee makers, supply of tea and coffee, ice bucket, safe, and refrigerator. Soap, shampoo, conditioner, and shower caps are provided.
We were able to use the on-TV internet but I also used my laptop for a more secure connection to do my work. Local calls up to 20 minutes are included in the resort fee so we just disconnected and reconnected if we weren't finished. You could also check your room charges on the TV. I paid a cash deposit up front so I was able to see how we were doing against the balance. I didn't want charges made to my credit card.
I used 2 or 3 different sets of steps and the stairwells were clean and well lit. One morning there was litter in the stairwell but when I returned later in the day it had been cleaned. I put that down to guests who can't pick up after themselves. The wing elevators are small and old but they were clean as well. There are two laundry rooms, one in each wing. The one in the East Wing has more machines but both have new looking machines. It cost $2.50 to wash and $2.50 for 30 minutes of dryer time. The laundry room was also clean.
My son and his friend had Pizza delivered to the room one night. I believe there is a Pizza Hut franchise in the building. They thought the pizza was great. One thing I forgot to warn him about was the mandatory tip on room service. He tipped additionally. It was a learning experience for him so that's okay. We also picked up things from Crumpets (lobby shop) several times. Prices were a little high but no higher than they would have been at a Disney property. I think 20 oz drinks were $2 but in the machines they were $1.75. Once we made it to a store that wasn't an issue. We also ate one night in the upstairs bar (Moriarty's). Food and drinks were good and reasonably priced.
With all the rain I didn't use the pool and hot tub as much as usual. When I go with my son I spend the mornings at the pool while he sleeps late. (It was hard coordinating 4 people's wants during this trip.) The boys thought the pool and hot tub were great. I checked them out and found nothing to complain about.
Bus service. There is a disadvantage to being the last hotel on the bus loop but only in the early morning runs. We only went out early two mornings. The bus fills up before it gets to the Grosvenor. One morning they called for a backup bus which came within 10 minutes. The other morning we were headed to Epcot but when the bus filled we took the MK bus and went over to Epcot on the monorail. The bus service didn't bother us since we aren't commando types. We rarely make it to the park for opening. Buses run every 20 to 30 minutes picking up at the hotel on the hour and half hour. They pick up at the park on the quarter hours. Park pickup is in the parking lot at space #26 which is no further walk than some of the on-site bus stops.
We were offered package delivery to the hotel. Although we didn't take advantage we were told they would be delivered the following day. If I remember correctly that's the same service received by on site resort guests.
The Disney shop in the lobby is well stocked with a variety of merchandise for those last minute souvenirs before returning home. They even had the monorail magnet! Love this magnet. Push the button and hear the monorail phrases. It's like having a little bit of Disney at home!
I think I've covered everything but if you have questions, just ask.
