Needing some help with Orlando hotels

[Leeanne]

I am planning my first Disney trip (YAH!!!!) and need some help. My boyfriend and I are looking to use some hotel points (best thing from all those trainings work sent me too!!! ) and am worried that I will end up in the 'roach hotel'. We don't want to stay too far from WDW as we want to be at rope drop on the first day to MK but have to check into our Disney hotel first. We are driving into Orlando a couple days ahead to be able to relax a bit and get some sleep (we are both working right up to the day we are leaving) so we will be there two nights then and then our last day we will spend in the parks and then go to offsite hotel then. My choices are: Wyndham, Ramada, Days Inn, Super 8, Wingate, Baymont, Hawthorn, Howard Johnson, Travelodge, Knights Inn, and AmeriHost Inn. Any horror stories or recommendations? All is welcome. First time to plan a trip and first time to Disney!!!
Thanks
Lee!

 

[HeatherC]

Based on the chains you mentioned, I would definitely try to stay at a Wyndham property. They have two timeshare resorts there called Wyndham Cypress Palms and another called Bonnet Creek that would be nice. They also have a resort on I-Drive that is more a hotel.

Have a great time!

 

[dougsmom98]

I have not stayed at these hotels, but I read this forum a lot. From what I have read, stay away from Days Inn and Knights Inn. Here is a poor review of Howard Johnsons too:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1926279

At one time people were saying good things about Ramada Main Gate West. They said it was an okay place to stay on a budget. You might want to try the search function at the top of the page to pull up some old reviews.

Depending on which Holiday Inn it might be an okay choice. Here is a review with pictures:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1995066&highlight=Holiday+Inn

As another poster mentioned Wyndham properties have a good reputation if you can get one.

 

[JennSaint]

I would research the hotels on tripadvisor.com