Hilton Garden Inn vs. Mariott Renaissance

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I'm trying to decide which would be better to stay at - The Hilton Garden Inn or the Mariott Renaissance. We'll be going in July 2008.

If I based it on money alone, I'd go with Hilton but I also look for the following:

Which has a better breakfast that's quick and easy? Which has the better pool? Are the beds comfy?

The kids and I are going to Seaworld without DH so I really want a hotel/resort that is nearby so I can get back to it easily for an afternoon break and without running into tons of traffic.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[BettyCv]

We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn in early June. I don't know anything about the Marriott...

The HGI had very comfortable beds (really nice, "crisp" duvet cover), and I"m pretty sure it had a small fridge. The lobby had a restaurant that had a buffet breakfast (sorry, I don't remember the price). It was fast because it was buffet. (I don't remember if you could order off a menu or not...)

The best thing about the hotel was that it was within walking distance to Sea World. The hotel was about as far away from the Sea World entrance as the furthest parking space in Sea World's parking lot, KWIM? I would say about a 15 minute walk...?? The only drawback was that you had to walk across the parking lot, and they really didn't have a designated pedestrian area.

The pool was small, but adequate - but remember, we were there in very early June before the crowds hit...

Have fun!

Betty

 

[mickeysaver]

We stayed for free at the HGI with rewards points. We had a king bed. The room was comfy. It had a mini fridge. The restaurant in the hotel was fine. We had breakfast there twice and dinner there once. Our meals were all ok. Yes, there is a menu option in the mornings, but the buffet was sufficient. There was a personalized omlett station in operation there too. The coffee wasn't that great, but hotel coffee rarely is. There was a bar just off the lobby too. They are not shy with the alcohol there either. Overall, we enjoyed the room. It was nice and suited our needs quite nicely.....and God knows, the price was right!

I could see staying there again, whenever we do decide to go back to DC. I doubt that SeaWorld will see us again....it just was not our kind of park. The employees there are so not magical! lol Maggie