Holiday Inn Family Suites

[dallastxcpa]

I read an article today in the NY times that said that Nickelodian had purchased/are involved with the family suites in Orlando. The story said that they are remodeling the suites with Nickelodian themes along with the common areas. It also implied that the hotel was closed during this remodel.

Does anyone know the status. Also, what is the likelyhood that this renovation will drive up the hotel's prices. And last does anyone know if the Kids Spa is still their and open?

Thanks,

 

[LibertyBelle]

From what I have seen driving by the original hotel buildings are still occupied by guests. The Nickelodeon buildings seem to be a new phase added on in the back of the property. They are creating a new entrance that is Nickelodeon style as well.

Here is a link to their web page
http://www.hifamilysuites.com/

Not sure how the pricing will change, but that is one of my favorite Orlando area resorts.

 

[Taratink]

I beleive that they are open during their remodel. We stayed there last year and it was ok. The food was TERRIBLE there! That was a big problem for us since we had to leave the hotel to eat. We wanted some time to relax at the hotel and that made it difficult. The room set up was nice. The kid spa was in the check in area built in with curtains around it. It was not impressive. I don't know if you have stayed there before or if you plan to stay in the future. It was hard to tell by your message. The new plans look cool and I will definately drive by in Feb. In believe that they plan to be finished by spring 2005.
Tara

 

[NCRedding]

We stayed there for 2 nights during hurrican Jeanne. There is on set of buildings open. They are remodeling a second set of buildings with the Nick theme--these are walled off and are closed.

The area we were in had a pool, and a pool bar. The mini-golf area was closed. The kids spa area remained open. The restaurant area was undergoing alot of construction, but was useable.

I had no problems with the food, although the hot breakfast foods weren't the best. We had to eat there due to the curfew for the hurricane, but I thought the pizza was on of the best I've had. We also had a burger, sandwiches, etc. I thought they were reasonably priced. We also ate at the dinner buffet one night and found the food to be good, not great.

The staff was excellent. They were as friendly as any Disney hotel CMs. Everyone we saw spoke and smiled. I would definitely recommend this even with the construction.

 

[lunabkat]

We are staying the Holiday Inn Family Suites in December and I have been told by the hotel itself (in FL) that the big pool will be done and many of the rooms will be finished. The hotel will remain operational thru the change - though I believe the prices are going to go up, i am not absolutely sure. I think I read that in some website or guidebook but have read so many I cannot recall who. I think the rates are going to to up to 189-200 for a standard Kids Suite.

However, you can get great deals if you look long and hard. We booked last December (before they did not accept entertainment club cards anymore) and got a fabulous rate of 76$ per nite with free buffet breakfast and kids eat free lunch and dinner. (for a kidsuite room)

I have also heard that the free buffet breakfast program ends 12/31/04.

I have heard alot of good reports about the place, so let's cross our fingers and go!

 

[eeyorelor]

I have a reservation for jan.2005 ..Which i made in july. I had a quote of $127 and i then called in sept to find out the same time i gave them before was down to $ 103 . I then called back and complained and they gave me the cheaper price since its b/c of the renovations..It is the kid suites. Im thrilled since its like 230 bucks im saving ..More for dinner...We have 7 in all and im trying very hard to be able to make it on a budget....But still have a memorable vacation disney style ..Only 99 days to go lol.....Cant wait

 

[CM2J2R2S]

I called there today. We also have a rate of $127 for November. She said that was the best they could do and there were no lower rates or concessions for costruction

 

[Pammy jo]

Is the main pol closed, or will it be during construction? We're going on 10/30 and had hoped to swim during the day.

 

[lunabkat]

As far as the rate goes, I was online at 2000Orlando-Florida yesterday and if you go to the hotels section and pick Buena Vista area hotels you should be able to book a room at the Holiday Inn Family Suites for $103.00 per nite (kidsuite). It was up yesterday and I bet they can change that if you call the hotel and tell them it was on that website. They might make you go thru the site but give it a try, they may still have rooms for your dates.

The main pool is supposed to be open by the end of October, but due to the hurricanes this year it may open a bit later. Apparently the other pools are supposed to be open. Check with the hotel, they have been very helpful every time (numerous occassions lol) i have called.

Good luck!

 

[ttichenor]

Just checked out of HIFS this morning after a week's stay.

The west track pool is not open yet, although some of the rooms with the Nickelodeon theme are being given out. One of the families that was there when I was in the lobby got a SpongeBob room. We had a room facing the east pool and the pool was open, minature golf was open and there were cherry pickers with painters painting the top floors green.

An office employee told me that the recent weather has put them behind a little, but we saw a crew working at 8 pm one night in the new lobby area.

I may be wrong, but I think she said 500 of 800 available rooms are currently rentable.

 

[Mike_in_FL]

We just got back after staying at HIFS for the first time this weekend. We were given one of the new rooms, although it was not quite finished yet (no characters painted on the walls). The main pool was open, as was the mini-golf. The food was nothing special, but was ok for the most part, and the kids eat free part is a great deal for families.

The plans for the both pools and the new "Mall" look quite impressive, although it did not look to me like they will be done by early December. They did expect to be in the new Lobby before the end of the year, though. The staff were very friendly and helpful. We were not overly keen on the color scheme (lots of Nick's trademark bright green and orange).

We normally stay on-site, but all agreed that we would definitely consider staying there again.

Mike

 

[kar313]

We are looking at staying here for one night, Dec 2, while we do
MVMCP. Can you tell me how close to MK this hotel is? And if you used the shuttle service?

 

[ttichenor]

We did not use the shuttle at all. They ask you when you check in if you need to use the shuttle and you have to make reservations. I think I saw a shuttle once, but then I wasn't looking for one.

Our original intent was to use the shuttles, even though we had a rental car. We figured the cost of shuttle from the airport per person and the cost of a rental ($111/week from Thrifty for a full size) made having a rental more feasible, while providing some flexibility. We found the location of the HIFS to be so easy that we never pursued the shuttle.

Have fun!

 

[stlrod]

I've been looking around for spa information and saw that the HIFS has the spa. There are pictures at www.kidsspa.com It looks like a dump and the prices are only a little less than kids services at the Ritz and Saratoga.

 

[Gales4Goofy]

I would not recommend the spa. Due to construction, its presently relocated a suite. Although we did not use it, we walked past several times. Each time there was a line of people in the spa waiting for their turn....did not look all that "cool" to me!

 

[MK Familystone]

HI ALL!
Just reviewed HIFS website and discovered the room rates have declined since September for the April 2005.
I called HIFS and brought to the attention of the sales rep that the AAA rate had dropped $13 from the original rate and she adjusted the rate immediately!
"ENJOY!"

"THE MAGIC HAPPENS!!!"

Like the USS FENWAY!

 

[kessieann]

I just now went and checked out the new HIFS Nick hotel site because we have decided to go back in Oct. 2005. ( We stayed at HIFS this past Jan.)

I am disappointed because we enjoyed HIFS exactly as it was. When they are done remodeling the hotel none of the perks that it currently has will exist anymore and the price is increasing almost 3-fold. (Looks like that will be happening sometime in spring 2005) When we went it was run/owned? by a wonderful woman who even put on the nightly shows with her husband for the kids. The new website seems to indicate that the Nick "corporation" will now be running the show and nothing will be like it was.

We had said without a doubt when we left in January we would go back to HIFS. Now I can say without a doubt we will not be booking with the new "Nick" themed HIFS because it has nothing to make us want to stay there.

Too bad they had to mess with what they had

 

[eeyorelor]

Ive been reading threads and threads of hotels and i read somewhere, that the shuttle service wasnt the greatest ..And the parking wasnt either...We will be pulling a small luggage trailer behind us,We were hoping to park and do the shuttle service..Someone said parking was horrible c0oming back late in the evening.. I dont no what to do I cant find anything else price wise or big enough for 7 peeps..I also have a son in a wheel chair so i want confeince of going back to the room when he is miserable.. What will be better for us driving our selves around or the shuttle???Pleas help im going nuts to decide to keep our ressy..thank you lori

 

[lunabkat]

Hi.

This is the one on Continental Gateway, right by epcot, i think. If you have a handicapped sticker or card for the window, you should be able to get parking fairly close to everything. I suggest the car if you want to be able to leave whenever you want. I believe that the shuttle takes you to the Ticket and Transportation Center when it drops off and picks up, not the individual parks. So travel back to the hotel will take some time, as you will have to get the the TTC from whatever park you are at and then wait for the shuttle.

Maybe they will let you leave your trailer parked so you can take the car without it? You should call HIFS and speak to someone at the hotel (not the chain, but actual hotel in Orlando). they have been very helpful everytime i have called. 1-877-387-5437. Also get the booking at Hotel Kingdom, they have better rates than getting it thru the Hotel usually, maybe you could get the rates from Hotel Kingdom and then call to see if they will match the rate.

Also, thru Hotel Kingdom, try the Cypress Pointe or cypress pointe Grand Villas, they had great prices on 2 and 3 bedroom villas but did not have a room for our last night so we are staying at the HIFS. ( ithink they were 60$ 1 bdrom 84 2 bedrm and 100 3 bedroom per nite for the time we were going 12/11 thru 12/18)

Good luck, and don't forget to get a copy of Disneyworld for people with disabilities so you know the ropes of getting and help you need while at the parks - including special waiting areas for the entire group.

 

[eeyorelor]

Thanks Lunabkat, how do i get a copy of people with disabilities you talked about? Can i get one before we leave or after we get there? thanks a whole bunch for all the info...