Orlando's top TripAdvisor hotels may not be ones you think

[Otter49]

For what it's worth from today's Orlando Sentinel:


Orlando's top TripAdvisor hotels may not be ones you think

"The No. 1 hotel in Orlando right now is … Floridays Resort on SouthInternational Drive.

Never heard of it? Well, lots of travelers have, and more than 1,800 of them have rated the hotel south of SeaWorld an average 41/2 out of five stars on TripAdvisor, the social-media website that has caught on in recent years with travelers far and near.

Filled with millions of candid reviews from real travelers, the Internet site has gained a reputation as a go-to place for the lowdown on hotels, restaurants and entertainment across the U.S. and in 30 other countries."

Full Article Here

 

[TwistGrl101]

Thoughts anyone? I could get a 2 bedroom suite here for cheaper than a week in a Disney resort...but is it worth saving the money to be off property (I'm hoping to take advantage of free dining next summer, and also at Floridays they have shuttle busses at random times that take you to TTC...whereas at a Disney resort you can take the busses right to the parks.)
Opinions on Floridays?!

 

[Magalex]

This article is so true about the feedback from hotel guests. We are staying for the first time off-site for next trip in June 2012. The two hotels I am looking at are not ranked as the most luxury hotels but great customer service,clean, & convenient: Holiday Inn-DTD (ranked #10) & Radisson-Lake Buena Vista (ranked #12)

 

[Upatnoon]

Thoughts anyone? I could get a 2 bedroom suite here for cheaper than a week in a Disney resort...but is it worth saving the money to be off property (I'm hoping to take advantage of free dining next summer, and also at Floridays they have shuttle busses at random times that take you to TTC...whereas at a Disney resort you can take the busses right to the parks.)
Opinions on Floridays?!

A car would be a requirement for me. The Floridays is midway between Sea World/IOA and Disney, and I would stay there if visiting those places in addition to Disney. However, if you are just going to Disney, I would stay at Wyndham Bonnet Creek, much closer and much less money.

 

[Davey-D-99]

Is Floridays a full service hotel? or is it a timeshare rental?

When I check for reservations it shows a resort fee like a timeshare rental but all the reviews make it sound like a regular full service hotel?

It has become highest on my list for our Late April 2012 trip...I like the look, the reviews and the location since this will be a split trip between US, WDW and Outlet shopping.

 

[Alesia]

Thoughts anyone? I could get a 2 bedroom suite here for cheaper than a week in a Disney resort...but is it worth saving the money to be off property (I'm hoping to take advantage of free dining next summer, and also at Floridays they have shuttle busses at random times that take you to TTC...whereas at a Disney resort you can take the busses right to the parks.)
Opinions on Floridays?!

I wouldn't stay off-site without a rental car.

You can't get the dining plan (free or otherwise) if you're staying off-site, so if you are hoping for free dining, Floridays isn't going to work for you anyway.

 

[hel1304]

We stayed at Floridays couple years ago - & yes it is very nice. Shuttles get VERY busy to get to parks. I must admit we did like Fountains resort & Sheraton Vistana Villages better & it does make me wonder whether people post trip advisor as we were offered 10% discount if we did make a review for our next visit (sorry if I sound a bit cynical)!

 

[Vivianne]

From a different angle, I used Priceline for our 1st night stay before going onsite and got the Radisson Lake Buena Vista. Just to check on this 31/2* hotel I checked the reviews on TripAdvisor. There were many good reviews on this hotel. We stayed there last Sat. The hotel was very clean and the room was fine for $70. The only thing is I am a light sleeper and the room we were given was near the elevators. So I heard this sound which with time I realized was coming from the elevators. I thought it was something else...

We also stayed at a hotel in St. Petersburg which I had quickly checked the area hotels on TripAdvisor and it turned out to be adequate. I would check on the reviews for any hotel you would like to stay but not everyone has the same opinion on the same hotel. So take it with a grain of salt. People's expectations are not all the same. The best gauge for me is usually the age of a hotel. Also, if it has been newly renovated is a plus. The newer the better but then those are few and far between.