renaissance or residence inn?

[DisMama3]

We are planning a last minute August trip. I am leaning towards residence inn for a few reasons, but would love to hear opinions. Thanks!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I have only stayed at the RI, but here are some of the main differences for you to consider:

Residence Inn:
- buffet breakfast, internet and parking are all free
- less sophisticated feel
- further away from SW
- option for authentic suites with full kitchens and fully separated bedrooms (one bedroom and two bedroom layouts available, plus studio suites)
- suites can accommodate larger families than Renaissance rooms
- one and two bedroom suites have multiple TV's per room
- cheaper per-night room rates
- has a large courtyard w/grills for guest use
- has an onsite sport/basketball court

Renaissance:
- no included breakfast
- extra charge for parking and internet
- more upscale feel
- directly across the street (walking distance) to SeaWorld
- onsite child's water park area
- no fully separated suites w/separate bedrooms
- more expensive room rates

I don't think you could go wrong with either one. Both offer the same onsite benefits (free Quick Queue, free transportation, early entry, etc.).

If you want to see pics of the RI, you can click on the link in my signature to my Christmas 2012 trip report. We ultimately chose the RI over the other properties for two main reason: one, we wanted a suite with a fully separate bedroom and two, the included extras (breakfast, internet, and parking) made this hotel "the best bang for our buck".

 

[DisMama3]

Thanks so much Gina! I definitely feel when it comes to saving money there are more perks with RI. By any chance do you know which rooms have the stove? When I was looking through pictures I noticed that some rooms had a stove and most had nothing. I would like to be able to cook dinner most nights so I was interested which room size would get me that. Also, how is transportation? I saw on their website that you just call to schedule. Is it that easy ?

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Thanks so much Gina! I definitely feel when it comes to saving money there are more perks with RI. By any chance do you know which rooms have the stove? When I was looking through pictures I noticed that some rooms had a stove and most had nothing. I would like to be able to cook dinner most nights so I was interested which room size would get me that. Also, how is transportation? I saw on their website that you just call to schedule. Is it that easy ?

Our one bedroom suite had a cooktop (with burners....you can see it as part of the countertop to the right of the fridge) but no oven. Not sure if the oven is a deal breaker for you or not. We also had the full size fridge, a large microwave, and a dishwasher, plus a coffee maker, toaster, etc.



We had a rental so didn't use the free transportation, but I know we were given a schedule of the shuttle service and it was quite lengthy....lots of stops at each park and the hotel throughout the day. I would call the hotel to inquire about that specifically.

 

[DisMama3]

Our one bedroom suite had a cooktop (with burners....you can see it as part of the countertop to the right of the fridge) but no oven. Not sure if the oven is a deal breaker for you or not. We also had the full size fridge, a large microwave, and a dishwasher, plus a coffee maker, toaster, etc.

http://s362.photobucket.com/user/th...0126orlandochristmas0063_zpsb2a0ac35.jpg.html

We had a rental so didn't use the free transportation, but I know we were given a schedule of the shuttle service and it was quite lengthy....lots of stops at each park and the hotel throughout the day. I would call the hotel to inquire about that specifically.

Well since the Renaissance has no cooking ability I don't think I will let no oven be a deal breaker . I found a Whole Foods nearby so I can always get the prepared foods and heat up in the microwave. Thanks for the info!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Well since the Renaissance has no cooking ability I don't think I will let no oven be a deal breaker . I found a Whole Foods nearby so I can always get the prepared foods and heat up in the microwave. Thanks for the info!!

You are most welcome . Have a great stay!!!