HIFS - We're Here NOW - My Observations - Any Questions?

[boltjames]

Originally posted by from Canada
And, why would anyone be "thankful" that the enterainment rate, and pizza party coupons would be "on the way out the door" Just because you get a great rate, or use a coupon, doesn't make you any less important of a guest. It makes you a better informend/prepared guest.
JMHO
K.

Ms. Canada: It's not that you're "less important of a guest". It's the concept of discounting that is preventing HIFS from being a better quality suite hotel, that's all. Once any company goes down the promotional/discount road, they're not going to succeed unless they've got enough volume to justify the short profit margins. It appears that the HIFS went through this phase and it's not working. Cater to the discount crowd, and you've got to over-stuff the place and cut major corners on quality, food, amentities, etc.

Yes, I should have been better informed. Yes, it's a Holiday Inn. But guess what- the HIFS is going to become what I thought it would be (misinformed and all) so clearly they see my point. Next year, it'll be filled with the BMW/Rolex crowd paying high prices and getting the quality they want without paying a ridiculous amount for similar space at Disney. Gone will be the coupon cutters stuffing their handbags with immitation Equal packets oh so happy with their entertainment rate (still don't know what that is). There's nothing wrong with geting a good deal *except* when it forces the company to compromise the experience for its customers. You want to accept a 50/50 quality scale to save a few hundred bucks? Go knock yourself out at the Motel 6 where you can get 6 connecting rooms for the price of a suite at HIFS. The HIFS aspire's to be something better and I'm the customer they're looking for. Looks like things will be terrific in 2005

 

[boltjames]

Originally posted by Lorix2
Boltjames - Offsite will never compare to Disney, it's silly to try.

I can only offer some suggestions. We've only stayed offsite and will never stay onsite because I can spend less and get much more room.

You might want to try renting from an owner at a nice resort such as Marriott or Hilton - this can be done for $800- 1500. for the week with more than enough room for everyone with plenty of storage, parking, activities, etc. You'd really be surprised at these accommodations and pleasantly too.

Our family of four was extremely happy in a 2BR villa with a private balcony, 2 baths, full kitchen and w/d, living room, 3 tv's...and plenty do around the resorts.

Hope you're week gets better

Thanks Lorix2! I didn't realize you had PM'd me in early March with fair warning and alternatives Just checked tonight and I'll consider those timeshare rentals you mentioned.

BJ

 

[boltjames]

Originally posted by taylor1293
I'm not sure if you intend to, but your posts come across as being very bitter. As for all of us "moms with so much free time on our hands", that is laughable at best! I am amazed that you claim to have so little time, yet you have plenty of time to post your replies on this board. Teresa

I type fast. Don't think this means that much to me.

Originally posted by taylor1293
ROFL! Since you are so "wealthy" I am surprised that you even took a second look at the Holiday Inn. Simply because you were so naive to pay so much, don't be so angry to those who have done our research and paid so little. Teresa

I am not angry at those who got a good deal. Just disappointed that the quality of the hotel didn't live up to expectations combined with the fact that those getting the good rates are bringing the quality of an otherwise terrific suite hotel concept down simply by not paying enough to allow the facility to cater to *both* the discount seeker (pizza party entertainment shills) and the luxury seeker (me).

Originally posted by taylor1293
I don't believe HIFS misses they boat. They targeted their market and have achieved success. If your statement were true, the resort would not have been so crowded when you were there last week.Teresa

.....or, you could have written: "Since the hotel has recently stopped taking the entertainment rate and since the hotel's management has intimated that it's going to upscale under the Nickelodeon brand, it's clear that boltjames is onto something and the reason the hotel was so crowded wasn't because of it's terrific reputation or quality; it's because their current and flawed business model is to overstuff the place to the benefit of no one."

Originally posted by taylor1293
My suggestion to you is that with all your wealth, consider opening an all suite, higher priced resort that caters to families near Disney. I'm sure it would go over well as I am sure that there is a market for that type of accommodation.Teresa

Sorry, but who are you accusing of being "bitter"? Pot, meet the black kettle.

 

[boltjames]

Originally posted by thumperjr9
I really feel for you. It must have been horrible staying at the same establishment and letting your children swim in the same pool with these "budget minded people". I only hope that on your next trip to WDW you find more acceptable accommodations.

Yikes! I had zero qualms with the quality of the guests whatsoever.

Since when is it a crime to want people to pay a little more to get a lot more? I like the HIFS very much- on paper. The concept of suites, space, rooms, large zero-depth pools is all very appealing to myself and my growing family. The place would be the perfect compliment to a Disney moderate if only they'd charge $200-$225 a night and use that extra revenue to make it better for all of us.

It's not the guests that were there that made me disappointed; it's the fact that they didn't pay enough. I know this is a foreign concept here in Discount Coupon Pizza Partyland, but it's a fair request and an honest one.

 

[boltjames]

Originally posted by HaleyB
I think I did, at first, have too high an expectation of this resort. I have even had people tell me that they would stay at HIFS over AKL. I am not sold on that.

I would never consider going off property (WDW) unless I was saving a good bit of money. I never could understand that. We learned that lesson on a long ago trip, and it was well learned.

Whew.....thanks HaleyB......was beginning to think everyone forgot about the posts making HIFS out to be the equivalent of an AKL or CBR from a quality standpoint.

What was on the table was that we would have had to spend $360+ for two rooms at the CBR as opposed to $184 a night for the one suite at the HIFS. Was good to think that we wouldn't have to jam all of us into a standard CBR room now that we've got three kids...

Honestly folks, like it or not this board made me believe that HIFS was a CBR-quality type suite restort that traded-off the Disney "magic" for triple the space at the same price. That simple.

I understood that I was going to trade a daily Disney character appearance, a nightly fireworks show, Mickey soaps, tandem bikes, and water mice for kids check-in, face painting, amateurish nightclub schtick, and TV's without DVD input jacks.

What I did *not* expect was the sub-par food quality, the non-English speaking help, the crowds, the limited pool deck space, the flea market quality plastic flatware, the no-name sweetener, the lack of parking, and a feeling of "you get what you pay for" by corner-cutting at every opportunity at the facility.

Thankfully, the new and improved NFS will be a terrific destination in 2005. For those of us who actually like spending a little more to make things better for everyone, it's really going to be what we're looking for.

 

[Doesney]

Thank you boltjames for your honest opinion. We have tossed around the idea of staying there as well, but I think the negatives far outweigh any positives. For space, any of the Marriott Resorts are a much better choice. I don't get the "free" food as being a big enticement if it is not edible. I would rather just buy my own cereal and have it in my room than to contend with the pizza party entertainment shills. People that have the entitlement attitude are usually found in places like HIFS. They pay 99.00 for a suite and complain about it I am with you boltjames, if they do decide to try to attract a different crowd, I would not hesitate to try it. But for now, I will stay onsite or at one of the more upscale timeshare resorts. Our next trip is split between Poly and Marriott Sabal Palms. Try and enjoy the rest of your trip.

 

[from Canada]

I DID pay about 99/night, and did NOT complain about it. If you notice, the OP paid $184 and IS complaining about it. As well he is complainng about a "no name sweetener". For crying out loud!! It is a Holiday Inn, and Dis Boards or not, anyone would know that it is not the CBR!! There are other posts from the same time of year that totally contradict the conditions the OP mentioned. I have to wonder if this whole thread was just meant to "stir things up", because the attitude (or at least how the OP comes across) is snobbish, put down-ish and makes me feel that because I actually liked this resort, that I am a poor mother who has nothing to do all day but research my trips.
Everyone has an entitlement to an opinion on a resort, thats what makes the DIS so great. But, to put down the many people who like something that perhaps you did not is not helpful at all.
Have a nice day,
K.

 

[taylor1293]

QUOTE]Originally posted by boltjames
I type fast. Don't think this means that much to me.

Yet you spend so much time responding. It certainly means more than you admit. However, you already are aware of that.

I am not angry at those who got a good deal. Just disappointed that the quality of the hotel didn't live up to expectations combined with the fact that those getting the good rates are bringing the quality of an otherwise terrific suite hotel concept down simply by not paying enough to allow the facility to cater to *both* the discount seeker (pizza party entertainment shills) and the luxury seeker (me).

How exactly are those that are getting a good rate bringing the quality down. The entertainment rate is used when a hotel is expected to be at half occupancy or less. Therefore, they are filling otherwise empty rooms by offering it. Many resorts in the Orlando area, including the Universal resorts offer this discount to fill empty rooms.

As for the BMW/Rolex crowd, of which I am sure you are neither. No matter how "upscale" you feel the resort will become. It is still a Holiday Inn, and you will still see the parking lot full of minivans and rental cars.


.....or, you could have written: "Since the hotel has recently stopped taking the entertainment rate and since the hotel's management has intimated that it's going to upscale under the Nickelodeon brand, it's clear that boltjames is onto something and the reason the hotel was so crowded wasn't because of it's terrific reputation or quality; it's because their current and flawed business model is to overstuff the place to the benefit of no one."

I don't disagree that the hotel will be a nicer resort. I saw the model and computer images, they looked incredible. I also don't think they will be offering as steep of discounts. They have to pay for the renovations somehow. However, it is not going to be the upscale resort you are envisioning with a $200+ a night price tag. Not if HIFS wants to fill its vacant rooms.

If it is a choice between paying $200 a night at HIFS or getting 2 rooms at a value, or two rooms at a Moderate, or one room at a Deluxe for a lessor price. Many will likely choose the on-site option. Oh, and for the record. Last year HIFS said they were going to stop taking the entertainment rate also. Yet, they ended up bringing it back.


Sorry, but who are you accusing of being "bitter"? Pot, meet the black kettle. [/QUOTE]

Outline exactly where I come across as bitter in my posts, Sarcastic perhaps, but never bitter. Feel free to quote me directly.

I'm very satisfied with HIFS. Yes, I do think there are areas where they can improve. I will continue to stay there unless I have to pay outrageous rates. If that happens (and I doubt it will since I just booked a room yesterday for December at $114.00), I'll simply find another place to stay at one of the Disney resorts. I'm flexible as well as easily satisfied, I don't allow the small things in life bother me. Perhaps you should take the same attitude instead of the snobbish arrogant attitude that comes across on this board. Life would be so much more fulfilling for you .

 

[taylor1293]

QUOTE]Originally posted by Doesney
People that have the entitlement attitude are usually found in places like HIFS. They pay 99.00 for a suite and complain about it I am with you boltjames, if they do decide to try to attract a different crowd, I would not hesitate to try it. [/QUOTE]

Boltjames is that you under another name? lol

Did you read this thread? The only person complaining and acting with a sense of entitlement was the OP who paid $184 a night. No where in this thread did you see complaints from those who paid $99 a night.

I want to be the first to thank you for not staying at HIFS. The fewer people with a snobbish attitude the better. It's a family resort and I hate to see it ruined by people with an attitude that they are better than others.

Word of warning about the Polynesian. Just like at HIFS, you are likely to run into fellow guests who have booked at a discount. They may not offer the Entertainment rate but they sometimes offer substantial discounts.

There is no where to run or hide. We discount hunters are everywhere ! Perhaps a rental home would be better, that way there is no chance you would run into the wrong crowd. No cross contamination of the classes to worry about. You wouldn't want to swim in the same pool with those beneath you would you? ROFL!

Teresa

 

[thumperjr9]

I paid $99/night last year and I will be paying $89/night in about 2 weeks and I will be happy with that. In fact, I would even pay a little more for this hotel. Would I have paid $184/night NO WAY!! I'm thinking that the OP's job that keeps him so busy is not in Sales or Marketing. Frankly anyone that pays rack rate for their accommodations IMO is paying too much.

It's not the guests that were there that made me disappointed; it's the fact that they didn't pay enough. I know this is a foreign concept here in Discount Coupon Pizza Partyland, but it's a fair request and an honest one.

What may be a foreign concept to the BMW/Rolex crowd is that this hotel is not a BMW/Rolex type of hotel, and I don't think it tries to come across as that kind of place. It is not that we didn't pay enough. It's that you paid too much.

If the HIFS in fact raises it's rate to $200+ I think it will price itself out of the market that has made it so successful. BTW, if that is the kind of rates that they will be charging next year, then you will probably find me staying at the Ft. Wilderness Cabins. I would certainly stay on-site in similar accomodations at the same rate. Boltjames, you may want to consider this property, while it is a little more pricey than HIFS is may better suit you. If HIFS raises rates you could stay here for about the same price (well, maybe a little more during peak season) But you won't have to give up the Disney Magic.

 

[Mike]

Originally posted by thumperjr9
BTW, if that is the kind of rates that they will be charging next year, then you will probably find me staying at the Ft. Wilderness Cabins. I would certainly stay on-site in similar accomodations at the same rate. Boltjames, you may want to consider this property, while it is a little more pricey than HIFS is may better suit you. If HIFS raises rates you could stay here for about the same price (well, maybe a little more during peak season) But you won't have to give up the Disney Magic.

But you might get bird poop on your BMW

 

[keswick1uk]

Oh. No worries. The valet will sort it

 

[tigger2on]

OK.
I have a disabled child and am not wealthy but we do tend to stay on site most of the time. My child needs a zero entry pool to enjoy the water like able bodied children.
HIFS entertainment rate is the only thing that lets families with "special" children travel together and enjoy the pool like other kids. As my child gets older, I can not carry her into a pool and rather can walk right into it with no problem of straining myself. In fact thanks to HIFS, my new husband and I will be able to take a 2 night honeymoon without my child and leave her at HIFS with my mom, knowing she will be able to use the pool and accomdations. However if it wasn't for the entertainment rate, we'd have to forgo our the "us" time as she would be stuck at another hotel pool "watching" able bodied children swim and not her.
I don't think "wealthy" folks have the right to take over a resort because they want a " off-site resort for themselves." We have yet to stay at this hotel but are looking forward to it. Also... I think HIFS depends on the folks who use the the specials deals.... From my understanding.... the wealthy tend to stay on site at Disney and it is very rare for them the sell out at all deluxe and moderate hotels at anytime.
For those who can afford it also if you are looking for a "resort that accomdates your familes in 1 or 2 bedrooms" .... look into renting points from the DVC board and stay at a Home away from home resort.
But leave the HIFS for the people who can't afford the big on site Disney hotels/ resorts..... prices may go up with the change, but hopefully they will still be affordable! The only time my kid gets to be a real kid is at Disney.... we rely on those trips with no therapies or Dr. apts.... and get a week of fun times and happy thoughts to last us a year!

 

[Lewisc]

I really don't understand all the attacks. HIFS, not the OP will decide if they want to upscale and upprice the property. OP said the hotel would be reasonable at $100 /night but not at $200/night. I don't think anyone has disagreed with that opinion. Is there any doubt that HIFS is hoping that can increase the prices after the renovation is complete? Time will tell how much they'll be able to rasie the rooms rates and still attract customer.

Free breakfast, kids eat free and other amenities attract familes. I suspect a rate of about twice the price of the value resorts is about as high as they can go. BTW I mean the rate people are actually paying not rack rate.

 

[ttichenor]

from Doesney "People that have the entitlement attitude are usually found in places like HIFS."

Terribly disappointed in such a broad statement.

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by ttichenor
from Doesney "People that have the entitlement attitude are usually found in places like HIFS."

Terribly disappointed in such a broad statement.

But the context is people who want free food but are willing to accept lower quality are found in places like HIFS. You can certainly quibble over his choice of words but I think his post is on the money.

Certainly it's something HIFS should consider before they raise the prices that people pay.

 

[HaleyB]

Originally posted by Lewisc

I really don't understand all the attacks. HIFS, not the OP will decide if they want to upscale and upprice the property.

F

I don't think people are attacking him because he thinks higher rates would be great.

I am glad to see his thoughts on HIFS but he got a tad bit snide in his posts. I think some others might have been snide with him too, but I am not your Mom so I don't care who started it. I get snide myself sometimes, so I am not going to hold it against him or anyone else. He came here with the intention of letting us know his thoughts on the property and he did a great job of that. He did say what he liked along with what he had an issue with. Information I am glad to have.

So thanks for telling us about your stay, I hope you have or had a great vacation.

Haley.

 

[CrazedDisFan]

.

 

[thumperjr9]

I think we all agree that we want to hear others opinions regarding HIFS. It helps us all decide if in fact we would want to stay there. After all, that is what this forum is all about. I think he was pretty on target about certain things... food, parking, storage etc. When I stayed there (not peak season) parking was not a problem however the parking lot was pretty full. The food was not that great. However, the free food was not a lure for me. In fact we only ate there once. The storage was not a problem for us. We tend to live out of our suitcases on vacation.
But I do respect the fact that these things bother him, especially when you are paying $184/night. The thing that really STRUCK A NERVE with me is that it seems to me he is putting down people looking for a discount. And the fact that the guests are unwilling to pay more is the reason that this place is not up to his standards. This is common practice for hotels to inflate the rack rates and then offer discounts. Like I said in a earlier post I think anyone paying rack rate is overpaying. But don't put us down for trying to get a good deal. I think anyone paying $100/night or less is getting a good value. I am perfectly happy with this place at the rate I paid ...$89. And BTW I didn't participate in the pizza coupon thing and I didn't stuff my pockets with the no-name sweetner. I just want to stay in a decent, clean place that can accommodate my family at a price we can afford, like I 'm sure many others that stay there want. If the renovations cause a rate increase I may still stay there or I may not but I will still look for the best rate can get!!

 

[ttichenor]

TYVM Thumperjr9, my thoughts put in a much better way.

I agree that I like reviewing other comments, good & bad, but this post seemed to get a bit out of hand with generalizations.

We booked at HIFS based upon outgrowing an on-site moderate resort (DD12 over 5'7"+buddy same size+DD8); proximity to the world; shuttles; and being able to book 4 rooms for a week at $89/nite for family/friends with varying incomes that would like to go a little heavy in fun inside the world such as character meals, luau and Cirque.

First time off site. I hope HIFS lives up to OUR expectations.