Hampton Inn or Residence Inn or other

[pistonfan32]

My family of 4 is going to WDW 12/21/10-12/25/10. Looking at staying offsite with a rental car as compared to onsite at WDW without a rental car. Looking at the Hampton Inn-LBV ($100/night) vs. Residence Inn-LBV ($140/night). The Residence Inn has more room with a living room which is appealing but also would cost me $160+ more for our trip. Originally booked at Coronado Springs Resort at $168/night but decided we want a car for this trip. Thoughts or other similar recommendations?

 

[happymommy]

Have you looked into the Downtown Disney hotels? I checked, and the new Holiday Inn is about $120 a night. It looks nice and new, and has shuttles to the parks, so even with a car you don't have to drive to the theme parks.

 

[dis-happy]

It really depends on your comfort level. If your family of 4 will do okay in one room with beds taking up most of the space, while you only run in to sleep at night, the Hampton Inn should be fine. It's a decent hotel and I like the bathroom layout (lots of space beneath the sink). At the Hampton Inn you have to pay extra to have a room with fridge/micro, not sure if your room rate is including that.

The Res. Inn will give you a lot more space (I assume you're talking about a 1 b/r unit not a studio), has a better breakfast buffett (for our family this makes a difference as we have 3 boys! and want them to load up on a good breakfast each day to save money), and if it's a rainy day and you find yourselves at the hotel more than anticipated you'll have space to spread out and hang out. You'll also have a full kitchen for storing things or having a quick and easy dinner if you want.

All that said, if going during the week around Christmas and New Year's, I would stay on site and make use of EMH. You'll need it.

 

[pistonfan32]

It really depends on your comfort level. If your family of 4 will do okay in one room with beds taking up most of the space, while you only run in to sleep at night, the Hampton Inn should be fine. It's a decent hotel and I like the bathroom layout (lots of space beneath the sink). At the Hampton Inn you have to pay extra to have a room with fridge/micro, not sure if your room rate is including that.

The Res. Inn will give you a lot more space (I assume you're talking about a 1 b/r unit not a studio), has a better breakfast buffett (for our family this makes a difference as we have 3 boys! and want them to load up on a good breakfast each day to save money), and if it's a rainy day and you find yourselves at the hotel more than anticipated you'll have space to spread out and hang out. You'll also have a full kitchen for storing things or having a quick and easy dinner if you want.

All that said, if going during the week around Christmas and New Year's, I would stay on site and make use of EMH. You'll need it.

I am still considering staying at Coronado. We are coming back to WDW in January and staying at AKV-Kidani. This trip is more to enjoy the beauty of Christmas of Disney with the knowledge that we may not get on a lot of rides. We were thinking of using teh rental car to drive between resorts and parks. As you know, getting between resorts using Disney transportation can be very time consuming. I have even thougt of an off-site timeshare like Marriott or Holiday Inn or Sheraton. I am very flexible.

 

[dis-happy]

I am still considering staying at Coronado. We are coming back to WDW in January and staying at AKV-Kidani. This trip is more to enjoy the beauty of Christmas of Disney with the knowledge that we may not get on a lot of rides. We were thinking of using teh rental car to drive between resorts and parks. As you know, getting between resorts using Disney transportation can be very time consuming. I have even thougt of an off-site timeshare like Marriott or Holiday Inn or Sheraton. I am very flexible.

Okay, I was wondering if this was a "once in a lifetime trip" or a laid back touring trip. Since it's the latter, you'll be fine off site. I really like both hotels (Res. Inn and Hampton Inn) and don't think you'll go wrong either way. It's definitely nice to have a car!!!!

note: The pool area at Res. Inn is nicer and also includes a hot tub.

Do you have AP's? Otherwise you'll need to factor parking costs into your comparison.

 

[pistonfan32]

Yes, I do have annual passes. I am also looking into the Hawthorn Suites-LBV. I just need to get my 8 year old up early enough to get to the parks early before they close the gates.

 

[pistonfan32]

I ended up booking the Staybridge Suites LBV. $119 per night for a two bedroom unit thru travelzoo. Can't beat the price and we will have a car.