KittenLittle
<font color=FF66FF>Minds her manners! ;)
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2003
- Messages
- 399
I have been back for a week,but we were offline due to a virus.
Anyway-here goes!! Thanks to all the info,help,and great advice from the DisBoards,I was able to plan and execute a wonderful trip for DH,DD-age 10-and me! I will attempt to give my overall impressions of these 2 hotels.
We stayed at HIFS for 1 night-August 30.I tried to check in early-around 1:00,but was told in order to have most of my preferences met,we would have to wait. We were offered a parking lot room on the 1st floor,but decided to wait.My rate was the ENT.rate of $99 plus tax-great value! We went to the Hospitality Suite-room 900 by the big kids' pool,and changed into swimsuits. It was a beautiful,hot day. We were not able to swim due to a recent"accident"in the pool
so we went over to the adults' lap pool.It was fine.We got out after an hour or so,and then they had to close that pool,too!We finally got into our room around check-in time-4:00,I think. We were in bldg. 6 on the 4th floor-we got a poolview which I had not requested and I thought cost extra.We were so happy to get the jungle theme! We loved the room-separate livingroom,king bedroom,curtained-off bunkbed room,bathroom. The suite was super clean and comfortable! My DD loved walking around the pond and feeding the swans,ducks,and fish-so picturesque.We had no noise at night,slept well,and went to breakfast at 7:30. I do recommend going before 8:00-that's when the crowds appeared.Breakfast was good and plentiful. We took a tray of food back to DH,then she and I went down to the pool/waterpark for an hour.Loved it!!She swam and splashed and did not want to leave! It was great.Everything worked well,and I thought it was a super value for the $99 rate.
The JW Marriott hotel at Grande Lakes is the best hotel I have ever seen! I was completely blown away from the moment we drove up the impressive palm-lined drive,until we reluctantly checked out 2 days later! Beautiful-awesome-5 Star-1st class all the way.The lobby is magnificent and so elegant.Check-in was a breeze-much quicker than at HIFS.We enjoyed looking around the lobby,then found the bank of elevators that would take us to the 9th floor-gorgeous mahogany walls and ceiling,and marble floors in the super fast elevator.Our suite was 9058-on the corner with a magnificent view of the lakes,golf course,and surrounding area.We walked in and just stood there-wow! What a room!! Beautiful foyer,hallway,livingroom with sleep sofa,armoire with big screen TV,safe,minibar,desk with internet access,chairs....then door to separate HUGE bedroom.The entire suite is 840 sq.feet! The king bed was beautifully appointed-comforter,duvet,wonderful sheets and pillows,another big armoire/entertainment center with big screen TV and wireless keyboard for internet.Another door led to the hall which led to the marble bathroom-gorgeous separate shower and bathtub.I loved the fact that you could access the bathroom without having to go through the bedroom. Tha SPACE was amazing-I loved it! We also had 2 step-out balconies.It was so spacious,grand,and comfortable in every way. But the best part of the resort has to be the fabulous swimming complex!!! Best in Orlando,I would have to think!! So tropical,lush,exotic-wonderful! You cross a bridge to a tropical paradise of several separate pools all connected by a long and lush lazy river.The theming was fantastic-like in a jungle river.It is all rocky on the sides with lots of waterfalls and lots of mature trees.It is so clean and fun!! The pool bar complex was perfect. We just stayed there all afternoon,ate a great meal,and watched the dive-in movie! My DD was in heaven! The turndown service was a great touch and the bed sooo comfortable.The breakfast buffet was good.Walking around the resort was wonderful.We looked around the Ritz,too-very beautiful! We loved it and are totally spoiled! We spent most of the next day at the pool area.I drank mimosas and floated around the lazy river a hundred times!! The service was outstanding from all-the valet parkers,front desk,concierge,bellmen,maids,wait staff,lifeguards-they were all so cheerful ! I have rambled on too long and need to quit! If you have any questions,I will try to answer them! WHEW!!
Anyway-here goes!! Thanks to all the info,help,and great advice from the DisBoards,I was able to plan and execute a wonderful trip for DH,DD-age 10-and me! I will attempt to give my overall impressions of these 2 hotels.
We stayed at HIFS for 1 night-August 30.I tried to check in early-around 1:00,but was told in order to have most of my preferences met,we would have to wait. We were offered a parking lot room on the 1st floor,but decided to wait.My rate was the ENT.rate of $99 plus tax-great value! We went to the Hospitality Suite-room 900 by the big kids' pool,and changed into swimsuits. It was a beautiful,hot day. We were not able to swim due to a recent"accident"in the pool
so we went over to the adults' lap pool.It was fine.We got out after an hour or so,and then they had to close that pool,too!We finally got into our room around check-in time-4:00,I think. We were in bldg. 6 on the 4th floor-we got a poolview which I had not requested and I thought cost extra.We were so happy to get the jungle theme! We loved the room-separate livingroom,king bedroom,curtained-off bunkbed room,bathroom. The suite was super clean and comfortable! My DD loved walking around the pond and feeding the swans,ducks,and fish-so picturesque.We had no noise at night,slept well,and went to breakfast at 7:30. I do recommend going before 8:00-that's when the crowds appeared.Breakfast was good and plentiful. We took a tray of food back to DH,then she and I went down to the pool/waterpark for an hour.Loved it!!She swam and splashed and did not want to leave! It was great.Everything worked well,and I thought it was a super value for the $99 rate.The JW Marriott hotel at Grande Lakes is the best hotel I have ever seen! I was completely blown away from the moment we drove up the impressive palm-lined drive,until we reluctantly checked out 2 days later! Beautiful-awesome-5 Star-1st class all the way.The lobby is magnificent and so elegant.Check-in was a breeze-much quicker than at HIFS.We enjoyed looking around the lobby,then found the bank of elevators that would take us to the 9th floor-gorgeous mahogany walls and ceiling,and marble floors in the super fast elevator.Our suite was 9058-on the corner with a magnificent view of the lakes,golf course,and surrounding area.We walked in and just stood there-wow! What a room!! Beautiful foyer,hallway,livingroom with sleep sofa,armoire with big screen TV,safe,minibar,desk with internet access,chairs....then door to separate HUGE bedroom.The entire suite is 840 sq.feet! The king bed was beautifully appointed-comforter,duvet,wonderful sheets and pillows,another big armoire/entertainment center with big screen TV and wireless keyboard for internet.Another door led to the hall which led to the marble bathroom-gorgeous separate shower and bathtub.I loved the fact that you could access the bathroom without having to go through the bedroom. Tha SPACE was amazing-I loved it! We also had 2 step-out balconies.It was so spacious,grand,and comfortable in every way. But the best part of the resort has to be the fabulous swimming complex!!! Best in Orlando,I would have to think!! So tropical,lush,exotic-wonderful! You cross a bridge to a tropical paradise of several separate pools all connected by a long and lush lazy river.The theming was fantastic-like in a jungle river.It is all rocky on the sides with lots of waterfalls and lots of mature trees.It is so clean and fun!! The pool bar complex was perfect. We just stayed there all afternoon,ate a great meal,and watched the dive-in movie! My DD was in heaven! The turndown service was a great touch and the bed sooo comfortable.The breakfast buffet was good.Walking around the resort was wonderful.We looked around the Ritz,too-very beautiful! We loved it and are totally spoiled! We spent most of the next day at the pool area.I drank mimosas and floated around the lazy river a hundred times!! The service was outstanding from all-the valet parkers,front desk,concierge,bellmen,maids,wait staff,lifeguards-they were all so cheerful ! I have rambled on too long and need to quit! If you have any questions,I will try to answer them! WHEW!!
I am sure that we could have gone swimming at the Ritz,but who would want to? The Ritz has a beautiful pool, but it can't compare to the lazy river/pool complex at the Marriott!
I'm telling all of you-this place is a destination in itself. You would be very happy just to stay on the grounds for several days. I just hope to see some special rates in the future!!!
