Recently stayed at the Saratoga Springs Resorts for 6 nights in early June with my family. We are recent DVC'ers so this was our first stay as a member. My perspective is that I have traveled for over 25 years for business and pleasure, staying at everything from a Motel 6 (and less expensive accommodations) to the Greenbrier, NYC Plaza (and better) and their European and Asian equivalents. This current trip represents my 10th time at Disney splitting time between the Beach Club, Grand Floridian and Polynesian Resorts including stays at the concierge level.
In our opinion there is no place like home and we have become fans of vacation resorts where cramped rooms and having to always go out for food are not requirements but great hotel service is still available. Additionally our preference is to stay in the USA.
The Disney Home Away from Home Resorts therefore have great appeal to my family and me. The SSR, while still under contraction, has a wonderful elegance perhaps only a short step down from the Grand Floridian. Our 1 bedroom suite had a great design with a formal feel and nice touches (granite counter tops, carved headboards, etc). Our kitchen was well stocked with utensils and dishes, the washer/dryer worked well and I did not miss not having house keeping in the room everyday to straighten up. The service level was high and felt the staff was there to honor my requests. Visiting the quiet pool at Congress Park was excellent with a great view of Pleasure Island to be had. DTD sounds and music could only be heard in the room with the patio door open as the room itself was well soundproofed.
I see on some discussion boards that some feel that stepping into an outside hallway when exiting your room (as at SSR) rather than an enclosed hallway is somehow a sign of 'low end'. I look at that as a personal choice since my favorite accommodations at the Greenbrier in fact have you stepping outside (as you leave your cottage) much to my pleasure. I do appreciate the attempt on Disney's part to use high quality materials and low maintenance designs to help keep a low yearly fee for me and believe they have not compromised a high quality feel.
The on site restaurant admittedly is not remotely lavish dining pretty mundane, somewhat overpriced for what you get - but we spent more time leisurely enjoying the fruits of our trip to Gooding's and dining at the Brown Derby, House of Blues etc. than testing the Artists Palette.
Since we rented a car, we did not test out the bus service and did not have any issues getting to the theme parks. We did try the boat service and while not the most convenient allowed us to enjoy DTD (Disney Quest in particular) and PI more than during past trips. We did walk back crossing the bridge near the HOB side of DTD. Long walk but very do able. When the other walkway heading towards the Rainforest Café is opened, walking should be much more convenient.
Our only gripe was that when returning to our room during the day we seemed to be competing for parking with salesmens transportation carts shuttling perspective customers around. We found that to be thoughtless on their part since there were other areas for them to park in.
In the future the various groupings of the guest buildings should offer their own personalities from golf course views, proximity to the High Rock Spring Pool, or a quiet setting.
Overall, I would recommend the resort and plan to enjoy many vacations there in the future. My own children are in their teens and this resort works for them. Those with younger children may find one of the other resorts more entertaining.
Doc
In our opinion there is no place like home and we have become fans of vacation resorts where cramped rooms and having to always go out for food are not requirements but great hotel service is still available. Additionally our preference is to stay in the USA.
The Disney Home Away from Home Resorts therefore have great appeal to my family and me. The SSR, while still under contraction, has a wonderful elegance perhaps only a short step down from the Grand Floridian. Our 1 bedroom suite had a great design with a formal feel and nice touches (granite counter tops, carved headboards, etc). Our kitchen was well stocked with utensils and dishes, the washer/dryer worked well and I did not miss not having house keeping in the room everyday to straighten up. The service level was high and felt the staff was there to honor my requests. Visiting the quiet pool at Congress Park was excellent with a great view of Pleasure Island to be had. DTD sounds and music could only be heard in the room with the patio door open as the room itself was well soundproofed.
I see on some discussion boards that some feel that stepping into an outside hallway when exiting your room (as at SSR) rather than an enclosed hallway is somehow a sign of 'low end'. I look at that as a personal choice since my favorite accommodations at the Greenbrier in fact have you stepping outside (as you leave your cottage) much to my pleasure. I do appreciate the attempt on Disney's part to use high quality materials and low maintenance designs to help keep a low yearly fee for me and believe they have not compromised a high quality feel.
The on site restaurant admittedly is not remotely lavish dining pretty mundane, somewhat overpriced for what you get - but we spent more time leisurely enjoying the fruits of our trip to Gooding's and dining at the Brown Derby, House of Blues etc. than testing the Artists Palette.
Since we rented a car, we did not test out the bus service and did not have any issues getting to the theme parks. We did try the boat service and while not the most convenient allowed us to enjoy DTD (Disney Quest in particular) and PI more than during past trips. We did walk back crossing the bridge near the HOB side of DTD. Long walk but very do able. When the other walkway heading towards the Rainforest Café is opened, walking should be much more convenient.
Our only gripe was that when returning to our room during the day we seemed to be competing for parking with salesmens transportation carts shuttling perspective customers around. We found that to be thoughtless on their part since there were other areas for them to park in.
In the future the various groupings of the guest buildings should offer their own personalities from golf course views, proximity to the High Rock Spring Pool, or a quiet setting.
Overall, I would recommend the resort and plan to enjoy many vacations there in the future. My own children are in their teens and this resort works for them. Those with younger children may find one of the other resorts more entertaining.
Doc
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