Marriott

[nowellsl]

I have a chance to stay at a Marriott for 3 nights free(with score card points from my Visa). Please someone give me your opinion of which Marriott is the nicest. It can be a Marriott Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, Residence inn, Springfield Suites, or TownePlace Suites. I don't even know if some of these are in Orlando? Any ideas would be appreciated!!! We would spend most of our time in Disney World. Thanks!!

 

[RobinMarie]

We've stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott in Downtown Disney a couple of times (cheap) and found it adequate. I liked it for its location - don't really use the hotel much except for breakfast.

 

[miko]

I have stayed at Courtyard at Hotel Plaza 4 times in the past 12 months. Contrary to some posts, I have never been disapointed with this facility. It has pretty good bus transportation to all parks, is within easy walk of DTD and a little more vigorous walk to Crossroads, thereby opening up dining options. There has been a Managers reception from 5-6 each night that has free wine/beer and snacks. Pool is rleatively plain but the water is as wet as any other. Rooms are larger than standard Courtyards and I have always found them clean with good service.
I have also stayed at the World Center which is quite large. It has a very nice pool and several dining choices. Bus service is also provided. If you are a golfer ,the course at the World Center is not bad.

 

[nowellsl]

Thanks, that's what I was hoping to hear. Have you stayed in the Garden wing? Can you recommend a room or section choice? It would be really nice to be close enough to walk to DD!

 

[miko]

Each time I have stayed on the 12th or 14th floor with a good view of Downtown and Disney Parks in the distance. (Fireworks are viewable from balcony facing this direction). I have not stayed in the other sections.

Being able to walk to DTD is a real advantage since parking continues to get worse.

 

[safetymom]

I would also recommend the Courtyard or Fairfield, Spring Hill Suites at the Marriott Village. It is about a mile away from Downtown Disney. I like all of them. The pool at the Courtyard in the Village is an inside/outside.

You can't go wrong with any of them or the CY in Downtown Disney. We have stayed at all of them. I had free certificates so I tried them all.

 

[Pat_Elliott]

Another vote for Marriott Village. We're staying at the Courtyard for the second time. The hotel was new in 2001, and every review I"ve read up to date echos my sentiments that it's a clean, friendly hotel with a really nice pool area, big rooms, and a great location, just a stone's throw from the entrance to DTD.

Pat

 

[horseshowmom]

I haven't stayed at any of them. but I know there are some Residence Inns in the area that are supposed to be nice (and include a full breakfast).

 

[hercamore]

I have stayed at the Residence Inn LBV.

Great hotel near dt disney. Large room, good breakfast.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the Marriotts. Will you have a car? Is transportaiton an issue?

herc.

 

[nowellsl]

Thanks for all the responses. Yes, I will have a car but I don't really feel all that comfortable driving around the world (once I get in there I lose all sense of direction for some reason) I guess the Mariott at DTD would suit me better since I would just park and use buses the whole time. I'm glad to hear that most people have found it to be a good place to stay. It would be nice to have a suite but I don't know if it would be worth it to be farther away from Disney. It's just me and my 18 yr old DD and we probably don't need the extra space anyway.
Thanks again!!

 

[bunnyfoo]

How long of a walk is the Courtyard to DTD?

 

[Pat_Elliott]

Originally posted by bunnyfoo
How long of a walk is the Courtyard to DTD?

Depends, of course, on which Courtyard. The Courtyard DTD is a ten to fifteen minute, easy walk, depending on your speed. The Courtyard at Marriott Village is an unrealistic walk. I'd put it at about a mile and a half, maybe more, and you have to cross too much highway. But the Courtyard DTD, easy walk.

Pat

 

[bunnyfoo]

Thanks Pat I was thinking of the Courtyard in DTD...

 

[nowellsl]

Now I have a problem. I received my certificate today and it says I have to pick one of the resorts listed on the back of the certificate. DTD Mariott is not on the list (which is the only reason I ordered it!) It doesn't say anywhere on the literature which I ordered it from that it was only accepted at participating Mariotts. It clearly states " This award is valid at all Marriott hotels, Resorts and Suites, Renaissance Hotel and resorts .......locations within North, Central and South America, Hawaii and the Caribbean." It even states that on the back of the certificate. When I called to check the person helping me said it would not work at DTD Mariott. Doesn't that stink?!!!! Any suggestions?

 

[safetymom]

When I use my award certs they are not good at the Courtyard in Downtown Disney. That is why I stay at the Marriott Village. When I called to order them I asked what hotels in that area accepted them and they said the Marriott Village but not Downtown Courtyard.

 

[Pat_Elliott]

I can't suggest to you any way to use the cert at DTD, but I can tell you, without doubt, that the Courtyard Marriott Village is a peach. The location, while not walking distance to DTD, is pretty close. The pool area is not to be believed, and there's plenty of eating and shopping in and around the immediate complex. One downer, if you won't have a car: they no longer charge a resort fee, but if you want to use their transportation, it's $5.50 per person, per day, per one round trip. I find that a little excessive, but we're lucky to always have a car.

Pat

 

[nowellsl]

Now the latest - thanks to all the posts I was all set to try the Marriott Village. I called to check availability (it's not on the list either) and they said no, it's not available but the Courtyard Marriott at DTD is! I made reservations really fast before they changed their minds again! I just hope nothing goes wrong when we get there. I do have a confirmation number but who knows?! I wonder if it depends on the dates you are trying to reserve? Anyway, thanks for all your help!!! You guys are great!