Just back from AKL - Room 4429

[Hillbeans]

Hi Everyone,

We've just returned home to rainy NJ from our wonderful trip to Disney. We stayed 3 nights at the Radisson and 3 nights at the AKL in room 4429 on the Arusha Savanna.

This room had one queen bed, and a bunk bed for my 2 yo. The hotel provided bed rails for the lower bed. We saw giraffes, zebras, wildabeast, some birds, and an array of other creatures. Our room was just about diagonal from the tip of Arusha Rock.

My observations:

1) I was worried for months before my trip that I wouldn't see any animals or have a good view. The good news is that there isn't really a bad view in the place. The Kudu trail, which I thought had less animals, seemed to have more this trip. We could still see animals most of the early day and night (not so many during mid-day). Even the rooms that are on the bus stop looked nice. There are so many viewing spots in the hotel you could see animals from dawn to dusk if you wanted.

2) The bus service was fine, however we had a car and used it some days because with a 2 yo, stroller, etc, it's not easy waiting 10-15 minutes for the bus.

3) Mara is a great spot for a quick lunch near the pool. Boma was very nice, however i'm a picky eater and admit to having some chicken fingers and meatballs off the kids table.

4) They have cameras on all the rooms which face animals. Don't think about leaving your shades open and dancing around nude in your room unless you want to put on a show for the security people. I didn't believe it at first, however I overheard two cleaning people talking about someone on camera.

5) Have fun - you're on vacation.

 

[Gillian]

Thanks for the report!

Is 4429 on Kudu trail? I wasn't sure from your post. I think the reason most people prefer zebra/arusha savannah to kudu/arusha savanna is the proximity to the pool, mara, etc.

It's a great resort & I'd happily stay in a standard view room sometime (well, if I had to, LOL)!

 

[Hillbeans]

Sorry for the confusion. 4429 is on the Zebra trail, the 2nd building from the main lobby area. The Giraffes and zebra seemed to be hanging out more on the Kudu trail this trip although we saw them easily from our balcony also. We were very close to the pool, laundry and restaurants, so that's a plus to be on the Zebra trail. The giraffes were also right by the pool area the 3 days we stayed. Anyone who gets a pool view room (say 4428, right across the hall from us) may get a view of them at certain points during the day.

 

[Scratch42]

Great to hear about AKL but no worries there, but wondering about the Radisson.

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

TIA

Scratch

 

[jamsmom]

My niece and I were in Room 3114 on the OStrich Trail to the left of the check-in desk. We also enjoyed the view. Didn't see zebra from our room, but did from one of the viewing areas.

This was the second time I was on the Ostrich trail and have been happy both times I was on another trail last time, but didn;t see as many animals.

 

[Hillbeans]

Scratch 42, I posted a full report about the Radisson on the "Orlando Hotels" forum so you can read all about it. It was very nice.

This is the first time seeing the AK, AKL and both were better than I expected. I probably wouldn't go again in June just because it was very hot and crowded, however there was so much to do at the AKL itself we didn't feel like we needed to go to a park every day.

 

[Scratch42]

I found the report after I posted here!LOL

But I did have some questions for you if you would be so kind to answer.

Thanks.

Scratch

 

[blanche]

hi, i was just wondering what you thought of the pool/pool area? were there enough lounges, etc.?

 

[Hillbeans]

Blanche,

The Pool area had tons of lounges available every time I went to sit down. Granted, the pool seemed extra crowded in the late evening (8-10) and I didn't go then. The pool area is huge, and there is a cocktail bar, 2 spa's and a kiddie pool. The pool itself is only about 4 1/2 feet deep at it's deepest part. Don't expect the pool to have a bright blue liner. It's tan and meant to fit into the decor. I liked it better this way I think.

Scratch 42, i'd be happy to answer your questions about the radisson...just PM me or leave me a message on the Orlando thread and i'll answer.

 

[blanche]

thanks for the pool info!

 

[stinkerbelle]

Originally posted by Hillbeans


4) They have cameras on all the rooms which face animals. Don't think about leaving your shades open and dancing around nude in your room unless you want to put on a show for the security people. I didn't believe it at first, however I overheard two cleaning people talking about someone on camera.

ummm. what?

they have cameras where?
pointed in the rooms?

why is this the first I'm hearing of this?!?

can you explain this a little more please?
Thanks!

 

[Mary Ellen]

In all savannah view rooms, there are notices on the sliding glass doors stating (paraphrasing here) that security cameras are in use and to close the curtains for privacy.

This comes up every now and then, sorry you haven't heard of it before. Someone even posted a picture of a notice some time ago.

 

[KyMattDisney]

Thanks so much for the info...we have requested the same room arrangement.....1 queen and bunk beds (2 sons, ages 8 & 3).........my sons are very much anxious to see Giraffes and zebras..would this be a good room area? How is the walk to the pool, restaurants, etc?

Is the Balcony a good size for a family of four to sit on?

 

[treehouser]

WE just got back from a 5 day stay at AKL #4413- king size bed savannah view- patio has 2 chairs and might be a bit crouded with 4.
Saw all the animals listed on the sighting chart given out. Kids would love it.
We stayed 2 days at Raddison Parkway and had a great room
we drove down so stayed there the first night - to unwind and the last night to get an early start home. would use it again. Room was on 6th floor and had a pool view - Pizzahut is a good place to get a late night snack. the poolls were nice - not crouded or as noisey as AKL. liked them both

 

[Hillbeans]

KyMatt Disney - This room, and this general location, are very close to the pool, restaurants, etc. We did see every animal outside our room on the Savannah. We got free bedrails from the front desk so our son wouldn't roll out of the bottom bunk. I'm sure your 8 yo will be fine on the top bunk.

As far as the "Cameras pointed to your room" don't get nervous. There are no cameras on your balcony, however they must have cameras facing the balcony area of most Savannah rooms so they can monitor if anyone is feeding/taunting the animals. It's for the safety and well being of the animals, not meant to peep on unsuspecting guests.

The balcony is small with 2 chairs. 4 people could stand but sitting 4 would be tight. You can go to one of the many viewing areas and sit in huge beautiful rocking chairs though.

 

[stinkerbelle]

silly question

if my room is non-smoking, can I smoke on the balcony? (not sure what my fiance reserved.) We're staying on the concierge level...

I'm assuming if we are facing animals smoking is a no-no...right?

thanks!

 

[dgaston]

I've read other posters saying you're only supposed to smoke inside your smoking room, not on the balcony to avoid disturbing the animals.

 

[Hillbeans]

I know there's much debate about this topic, so i'd probably say no about smoking in the non-smoking area b/c of the location near the animals. I think most of the smoking areas are in one area as well.

 

[palmtreegirl]

Welcome back to depressing NJ! Is this weather the pits or what???

Glad to hear you had a great vacation, we loved the AKL too. Our upcoming trip we're staying at the YC but just added a few days to the start at the AKL, I can't wait to go back.

Thanks for the review!

 

[stinkerbelle]

thanks hillbeans and dgaston for clarifying...I figured as much about the no-smoking near the animals. No biggie...not a problem at all!

thanks again!