Need help choosing between Hojos and Tropicana

[LovetheGoof]

I've got a ressie at Hojos for $151.00/night and one at Tropicana for $131.00/night. I've stayed at Hojos before and really like it but this trip is really tight so the extra $20/night savings if I stay at Tropicana will help. I've never stayed at Tropicana before and would really appreciate any input if you've stayed there before. I'm kind of leary about it since I saw a few unfavorable reviews on it.

 

[DangerMouse]

Did you request the 15% Disboards Discount at the HoJo? That may help bring the price down a bit. What kind of room did you request at the $151 rate?

Also, HoJo just opened up its new Castaway Cove pirate-themed water play area, so if you have kids that will be a big plus!

 

[LovetheGoof]

Hi DangerMouse, I've got a Disney view, top floor, premium room with a fridge and microwave at Hojos. I asked for the 15% off from LP and they said this was as cheap as I could get it. I'm glad the construction is done with that makes Hojos more attractive now.

 

[DangerMouse]

Would you consider changing to a deluxe room in bldg. 2? (these now have microwaves as well) These are my favorite rooms at the HoJo as I have found them quieter than the Bldg. 1 view rooms. If a NQQ2 room is available, it should be less expensive than the NQQ1 room you currently have reserved.

 

[avalon451]

Hi, when you made your reservations, did you talk to in house reservations or the national reservation line? Because often you can get a better deal by talking to in-house. Call the hotel and specify in-house, and ask if Lorealle is available to talk to; she is the best! She really goes above and beyond for DIS-boarders.

What dates are you going?

 

[LovetheGoof]

Avalon, I went straight to in house reservations, but did not talk to Lorealle. I'll try again on Monday to see what they have. DangerMouse, I really want the Disney view room and I love the way the sun comes in from the skylights in the rooms on the top floor.

 

[DangerMouse]

Avalon, I went straight to in house reservations, but did not talk to Lorealle. I'll try again on Monday to see what they have. DangerMouse, I really want the Disney view room and I love the way the sun comes in from the skylights in the rooms on the top floor.

I understand, but if things are tight, and you want to save $$, I would choose a NQQ2 room at the HoJo over a room at the Tropicana. Just sayin. . .

 

[Gisele]

There is the $59/$79 Entertainment card rate, that is available for various dates, have you looked into this? based upon the great information that I have been given by Gail, amongst other posters, and the Howard Johnsons
HOJO Information website, click here:
I also know to ask for in house reservations, don't bother with the 800#, to inquire about the EC rate, you will need the card, from any book will be fine. You do not need it, to book the rate, you will however need it, in order to secure that rate at check in.

Good luck, and happy shopping!

 

[Sleepless Knight]

I stayed at the Tropicana in February and had no problems there whatsoever.

 

[LovetheGoof]

That makes sense . I'll call tomorrow and see what they have. If they have something I'll change ressies then call Lorealle on Monday and see what she can do. I remember years back Willie Simpson was the man to talk to. Do you know if he still works there? I really like HoJos and would rather stay there than at the Tropicana.

 

[DangerMouse]

That makes sense . I'll call tomorrow and see what they have. If they have something I'll change ressies then call Lorealle on Monday and see what she can do. I remember years back Willie Simpson was the man to talk to. Do you know if he still works there? I really like HoJos and would rather stay there than at the Tropicana.

Yep, Willie is still there, but I think he was getting so bombarded by all the different Disney board people (Dis, LP, MP, etc.), that he brought on Lorealle to help him be the "face" on the internet. He is the Director of Sales & Marketing -- and I think he's a bit too busy to be bogged down with taking general reservations. Lorealle has filled this role PERFECTLY and she is a GEM to work with. She really has taken into account what the guests want and need, and taken our requests to the management. I give her the credit for getting microwaves in the NQQ1 and NQQ2 rooms.

 

[Gisele]

LovetheGoof,


The link that I posted for you, will take you directly to the page, where the current dates that are available for the Entertainment Rates, are listed, and are updated. If you do not see your dates, I would call and ask if they may be available, seeing how reservations are canceled everyday, by one person or another.
Just remember, that you will need that card, you can always ask about payment confirmation for having ordered on line, would be sufficient to prove that you have the membership, hopefully you could receive the book in time.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

We like the Tropicana! Right across the street, clean, nice pool area. On our next trip we'll be staying there again.

If you do stay at Hojo's I'd go with building 2 as suggested. We stayed in building one last month, with the Disney view on the 4th floor, and found it quite loud. Everyone has suggested that the other buildings are quieter.

 

[Queenbillabong]

LovetheGoof,


The link that I posted for you, will take you directly to the page, where the current dates that are available for the Entertainment Rates, are listed, and are updated. If you do not see your dates, I would call and ask if they may be available, seeing how reservations are canceled everyday, by one person or another.
Just remember, that you will need that card, you can always ask about payment confirmation for having ordered on line, would be sufficient to prove that you have the membership, hopefully you could receive the book in time.

If the OP is going in a couple of weeks, I would doubt they can get the Entertainment Rate at Hojo. It's worth a try, but still....... They do have other discounts available still though - AP, DIS, and you can ask the reservations people (who are VERY helpful!) what the best rate you can get.

I have been waffling for our trip in October on various hotel options myself, but I really cannot beat the price and location for Hojo compared to the others we were looking at!! If things are tight budget-wise though, I probably would look into the NQQ2 rooms (that's what we went with!) as they are less expensive.

 

[LovetheGoof]

I just called HoJos and got the price down. They don't have the entertainment book rate for the days I'm going but I'm still getting a great deal. I'm getting a pool view room with a fridge and microwave for $109 a night that's a savings of $43 a night so HoJos here we come. We'll be saving even more than if we stayed at the Tropicana. Thanks for all your input

 

[vossjemi]

When are you going? I got 15% disboard discount and am still at $135 for the disney view rooms.

 

[LovetheGoof]

Hi Vossjemi, we'll be there from Sat. July 26 to Fri. Aug. 1. I changed from a Disney view room to bring the cost down, otherwise I was going to pay $152/night.

 

[Gisele]

I am glad and happy to know, that you were able to obtain very nice accommodations, and at a very good rate at that! most definitely a bonus! Good job.
Have a wonderful trip and visit!

 

[LovetheGoof]

Thanks Giselle, I'm glad I posted this and got some feedback, otherwise I'd be paying too much.