HIFS or DTD?

[vhoffman]

I got a great rate at the courtyard Marriott DTD, $55 per night. However, I now have found a very good rate at HIFS. Altogether, HIFS would be about $130 more for a total of six nights. So now, I have to make up my mind!

The advantages of DTD are that you are close to DTD and can walk there (or so I've been told). We plan to rent a car, so I feel driving to the various parks would be about the same amount of time regardless of where we stay. I also feel with two kids a suite would give us so much more "breathing" room. My kids can get very hyper, especially when excited. Perhaps a seperate room for us would be worth the slight extra we'd pay. So, has anyone stayed at both properties and have an opinion? I've heard excellent things about HIFS. Anyone have a negative experience? Opinions, please!

 

[bigsis1970]

You wont regret HIFS if that is what you choose.. We stayed there in 2001 and are staying there again this Oct . We loved the extra space in the kidsuites ! the fact that the kids can go to bed while you stay in the living room/kitchenette part to watch TV or read or get stuff ready for the next day is so GREAT . we actually switched from 2 rooms at the POP to here .. OH and the FREE Breakfast and kids eat free all the time is such a savings ... it saved me over $130 in my budget ( along with the $ 97 savings on the hotel = $227 saved by staying here ..) I have also just learned that on e-bay they are sellling $25 vouchers for the buffet dinner at HIFS for $1-$5 depending on the bids.. more food buget money !!! In 2001 my kids had a great time in the heated pool , having their faces painted , singing Karoke and seeing the clown ! Best of luck with your decision.. MIchelle

 

[vhoffman]

We've decided to go with HIFS. We got a great rate on both hotels and HIFS is more money, but not by much. Total extra comes to $120. The free breakfast will more than compensate for that. Actually, my husband was the decision-maker on this one. He reminded me of our last two trips with the kids. We had a standard hotel room. On each trip, there was one day when I asked my DH to take the kids out of the room for awhile, take them swimming, the park, wherever, so I could have some down time and a nap. In thinking it over, a hotel room is only for a night or so when you're traveling with kids. For a base of operation for an extended stay (I'd say anything longer than 2 nights) you really need a suite or at least two connecting rooms just so everyone has their space. It just becomes too stressful for 4 people to cram into one room for a week, especially when you're used to your own space at home. And I do like the three TV's at HIFS. Not that we watch that much TV at home that we can't get away from it on a trip. However, it is a good way to unwind from a hetic day. This way I won't have to spend my "down time" listening to cartoons! Last but not least, I do enjoy reading before going to sleep. Well, the light keeps everyone else awake. This trip I can read to my heart's content and not have to do so in the bathroom! I'm budget-minded and its hard for me to part with my money, but if you're getting value for the dollar, then go for it. After all, trips such as these aren't a "have to" they're a "want to". Spend a few extra dollars and do it right!

 

[vhoffman]

Oh, BTW, just checked my ING Direct account. I now have $165 in there, more than enough to pay the difference for the HIFS. Its a great way to get "found money" and a great way to save for a trip, or any purpose. If anyone's interested and needs a referral, just send me a pm with your first and last name and email address and I'll get a referral out to you quickly.

In case you don't know what this is, there's several discussions on this board about the ING Direct account. Basically, ING is an internet savings account. There's no fees or minimum deposits, balances, or withdrawls. Plus, you get $25 bonus when you open an account, and $10 for every referral you make. If you want more info about ING, go to their website http://www.ingdirect.com. However, do realize if you open an account through their website you won't get the sign on bonus. You need a referral. Then they send you an email and you go through that link. Like I said, I have plenty of referrals. Many people have found ING a great way to save for a dedicated purpose, such as a vacation. Its a seperate account so you don't comingle funds such as when you put money in your general checking or savings account. when I do that, it just goes. So, if you'd like to get on this bandwagon, research it through their website and other posts on this board. Happy savings!