Looking for advice on non-package hotels - overwhelmed by choice!

[sazamophone]

Hi there

We're returning to Orlando this September, and will be spending the first four nights in Loews Royal Pacific, taking in Universal. We did DisneyWorld last year and Disneyland Paris earlier this year, so we're unsure of how much Disney we'll be dipping in and out of, so wanted to look at offsite/non package hotels, the problem is we've just been swamped by choice!

There's only two of us, and we don't want to break the bank. We've looked at the Vistana Resort Villas, but have been put off by the very mixed reviews, and the same with the Mélia in Celebration - at the minute we're also considering one of the Disney value resorts (Pop Century, All Star Movies) as without park tickets and with free parking for UK/IRE guests they're also very good value, though people have said they're very crowded. We also looked at Cabana Bay, put were put off by parking charges. It seems every new site we check opens up another 400 options!

I was wondering if anyone could HELP(!!) - at this stage we have choice paralysis. Have you recently stayed anywhere that hit the mark with price vs quality? Anywhere off the usual Disboard/IOT beaten track that we might not be aware of? Stayed in a Disney Value?

 

[HopperFan]

You ones you have mentioned are different styles, different locations, different ... I think you need to narrow it more ... there is just way too much available to have no parameters.

- what is your per night budget?
- do you want motel style, hotel style, villa style?
- do you want fancier pools with amenities?
- where do you want to be located?

Once you decide those things it will help narrow it down.

 

[sazamophone]

You ones you have mentioned are different styles, different locations, different ... I think you need to narrow it more ... there is just way too much available to have no parameters.

- what is your per night budget?
- do you want motel style, hotel style, villa style?
- do you want fancier pools with amenities?
- where do you want to be located?

Once you decide those things it will help narrow it down.

We're aiming for around £100 ($132) a night ideally, and would prefer hotel/villas (we're too dedicated to our creature comforts for a motel!) A decent pool would be great, as we're hoping to take it easy for the remainder of the trip after the Universal stay and take in some of the sights/things to do around Orlando itself. We're renting a car so location shouldn't be too big an issue, though free parking is a big plus.

Essentially somewhere nice. We've previously only stayed on on-site moderates, so we're worried that due to the massive choice we'll make the mistake of booking somewhere that seems nicer than it is and be disappointed when we stay. It's tough to be a newbie I guess!

 

[verleniahall]

We really enjoy the Drury hotels - you get free breakfast, a free evening meal, and a drink card - its really reasonably priced

 

[DisHmsklMom]

If you can get past the parking fee at Cabana Bay, we've found it to be a great value. The pools are nice and the resort is very cute. We loved Royal Pacific and Portafino, but if we are not going to Universal I'd stay at Cabana Bay again in a heart beat. Comparing Cabana Bay to All-Stars, Cabana Bay is a much nicer resort. If your visiting Disney and not spending much time in your room I'd recommend Pop of the values.

 

[monica9]

If you can get past the parking fee at Cabana Bay, we've found it to be a great value. The pools are nice and the resort is very cute. We loved Royal Pacific and Portafino, but if we are not going to Universal I'd stay at Cabana Bay again in a heart beat. Comparing Cabana Bay to All-Stars, Cabana Bay is a much nicer resort. If your visiting Disney and not spending much time in your room I'd recommend Pop of the values.

Is there transportation for Royal Pacific to WDW and if so, how much?

 

[Lmans77]

We did a one night stay at the Comfort Inn Maingate East at 2775 Florida Plaza Blvd. It was very nice. Free parking and free breakfast. They had a nice pool that was less chain motel style with a pool bar that had good prices. We stay at a lot of Comfort Inns because we have rewards through Choice Hotels, and its probably the nicest we've stayed at. DH was chatting with the first desk lady, and she mentioned that she has Brits that come stay year after year. It is often around $100 a night.

 

[DisHmsklMom]

Is there transportation for Royal Pacific to WDW and if so, how much?

We've always driven. You might want to look into Uber. You could also look into the Universal Section of the DisBoards for info from those who have used other transportation between UO and WDW.
https://www.disboards.com/forums/universal-orlando-resorts-hotels.75/

 

[kokomos]

Skyauction.com has 1 br condo at Sheraton Vistana Resort for 399.00 for a week available a couple of weeks during September. We love staying there.

 

[HopperFan]

Look at B Resort in Disney Springs VIA MOUSESAVERS. Incredible deal going on if you book soon. Rates are greatly discounted and the Resort Fee is waived. You only pay parking. Most of September is in your budget or less. You can walk to Disney Springs and enjoy poolside during the day. The pool is completely renovated with wonderful loungers, bar right there and lots of pluses. It's more a boutique style hotel with soothing blue rooms. We are all adults and love it here. https://www.mousesavers.com/b-resort-spa-lake-buena-vista-walt-disney-world-resort/

I agree on looking at Cabana Bay. It would be something different
and comparable or nicer than a Disney moderate.
It is very easy from there to go anywhere even if you are going to Disney.

Check out Lake Buena Vista Resort Village and Spa ...
... Flash Sales put it right in your price range.
Nice villas, great pool area, great location.
https://www.lbvorlandoresort.com/

Check your dates for Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista SOUTH ...
.. rates vary widely but some Sept dates look in line.
One of our favorites, always great service, well appointed throughout.
LOVE the breakfast buffet and managers receptions ..
.. with free nibbles and free drinks; beer, wine & mixed drinks.
Both save money, especially breakfast. So nice we only need one other meal.
Restaurant is decent and reasonable but you are minutes to lots!
Pool is not large but it's well done, adult atmosphere, nice hot tub.
http://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en...ndo-lake-buena-vista-south-MCOLKES/index.html

Have not stayed at these but have only seen good reports.
Very resort like and both look to be in your budget.
Hilton Grand Vacations at Tuscany Village
http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/fl...cations-at-tuscany-village-ORLINGV/index.html
This is by the outlet mall and easy access to everything
Hilton Parc Soleil by Hilton Grand Vacations
http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/florida/parc-soleil-by-hilton-grand-vacations-MCOMDGV/index.html
Not far out of Disney Springs going towards Universal

If your dates hit one of their specials - Rosen SHINGLE CREEK is a real treat.
When we stayed there we spent days relaxing by the pools. Check into it.
Some specials waive all fees and include breakfast.
https://www.rosenshinglecreek.com/

You can sometimes get a room at JW Marriott in your range
Worth exploring to see if there are some specials happening.
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mcojw-jw-marriott-orlando-grande-lakes/

 

[Woodview]

Try something Near by The Omni Hotel at Champions Gate ......... ( 15 min to A.K. )

Off Hwy 27 & near Hwy I-4

Lazy River & pool Great Location , Near Publix for food & Lots of eating places

 

[writerguyfl]

...at the minute we're also considering one of the Disney value resorts (Pop Century, All Star Movies) as without park tickets and with free parking for UK/IRE guests they're also very good value, though people have said they're very crowded.

...we're too dedicated to our creature comforts for a motel!

Perhaps you already know this, but Disney's Value Resorts are essentially themed motels with a large food court. Should you choose one of them, make sure you understand the basics (exterior entry, small room size) to avoid disappointment.

 

[BigredNole]

Some advice when looking at hotels in Orlando, the price you see is only 50% of the cost. You will add in the 12.5% tax, $10-$40 resort fee, and then another $20-$40 parking fee. Look for timeshare rentals. You will get more, most of the time nicer, and better accommodations.