Hilton Bonnet Creek v. Hilton DS v. Wyndham LBV

[kc1798]

We've made the leap and decided to stay off property, but I'm struggling with where to book.

We have two children under 6 and will have a rental car. We'll be visiting the week before Easter.

The HBC seems to be the nicest of the three resorts I've listed, but the proximity to DS for some dinners (and not having to get in the car again) seems like it would be nice.

We plan to drive to the parks so I'm less worried about shuttle service.

Where would you stay and why?

 

[HopperFan]

HBC is miles above and beyond the other Hiltons. You really can't even compare it to the others.

Hilton Disney Springs was once a nice resort but it is many years past a much needed renovation, I've never had any kind of customer service there and it's overpriced (with parking and resort fees) for what you get. I'm actually shocked it's still a Hilton since the Buena Vista Palace now is.

Wyndham LBV .... well I can't speak for their service because I haven't stayed since they took over. Are you talking tower or garden room because it's apples and oranges. The garden rooms are small shoeboxes and honestly no matter how you dress them up you can't make them bigger. With so many choices I would never stay there again.

Of those three the only one I would consider is HBC. PS. I have stayed at Bonnet Creek Resort a few times and last time I timed it from leaving building to walking in to DS via car .... something like 7-9 minutes. So what .... 3 minutes longer than Hilton DS.

 

[kc1798]

Great - appreciate the perspective. Knowing how knowledgable you are of offsite...I have to ask...If you could stay anywhere other than the WDW resorts (outside of Waldorf and Four Seasons) where would you stay - including Dolphin and Swan?

 

[baler31]

The HBC is a resort and HDS is just a hotel IMO. No question, that for a vacation I would choose Bonnet Creek and we spend most nights after our flights at HDS as we often get it very inexpensively (all in taxes and fees $130 per room) and as our children are teens we get two rooms everywhere now and it adds up. As PP mentioned HDS is dated but unlike other posters we have had very good CS experiences there and have always been upgraded as well.

I would choose HBC if resort time (golf, pool, spa etc.) are very important for your trip or Swan/Dolphin if location is more important. Depending on the type of trip we will do offsite, onsite, and often a combination if we are landing late at night before an onsite stay.

 

[HopperFan]

Great - appreciate the perspective. Knowing how knowledgable you are of offsite...I have to ask...If you could stay anywhere other than the WDW resorts (outside of Waldorf and Four Seasons) where would you stay - including Dolphin and Swan?

Well, we have APs and go often. So I book based on cost in hotels that are above a certain line but I rarely would spend so much it would impact another visit's budget. I have not stayed at S/D but have friends who stay there often and love it. They are teachers and get good discounts. I would gladly stay there.

Offsite I like Bonnet Creek area, have stayed in the resort often. I haven't stayed in HBC but have it's sister (basically same built at same time) = Hilton Orlando (by SeaWorld) and we love that hotel. We are also Hilton Diamond so I tend to gravitate to Hiltons. One resort I LOVED was the Rosen Shingle Creek. Beautiful hotel, wonderful Rosen customer service and we loved the pool area often getting a cabana. It is an easy drive to all the parks.

I am returning to Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista SOUTH in April. It's a newer one, beautifully decorated, rooms appointed well, we like getting a suite for the space and seating room. Their breakfast buffet is best of any Embassy or actually any hotel that includes it. The evening reception is a perk. The restaurant there is a nice menu with good prices. The pool is is surrounded by big wall with nice furnishings and have never experienced it very crowded, really relaxing. 10 minute drive to parks. Always have top notch service, our first visit was 9 day stay where DH joined us late after staying in Ritz Carlton Orlando all week. He said the customer service at Embassy LBVS was far better than the Ritz.

For us Orlando is park time, tourist time and our pool/hotel time is for relaxing, quiet and quick refreshing. I'm also past needing playgrounds. It really depends if you are looking for something comparable to a moderate hotel or if you want a true deluxe luxury with all the bells and whistles.

 

[MrKnight]

HBC hands down!! This is one of the nicest Hilton properties in the area and its attached to the Waldorf which means you have tons of dining options and resort amenities on-site..

 

[Mom2m&k]

We have stayed at both HBC and HDS this year. We are primarily onsite people as we own DVC so this year was a first for us. HDS was nice for a night. It was PACKED with cheerleaders when we were there in May and you couldn’t get near the smallish pool. It was nice to be right across from Disney Springs. The room was small and not in the best condition. It was fine for one night and I would stay there one night again. HBC is beautiful. It’s conveniently located and the pool area is wonderful. We enjoyed the restaurants and room service there too! We would definitely stay at HBC for a long weekend again.