Here is my review from BFT website. Our stay was in July 2003 and wouldn't mind staying again, it has a certain odd charm:
My overall impression is that the hotel is perhaps a 3 star with fair amenities and 4 star staff.
Our room was on the 3rd floor overlooking the lobby. (We were given a choice of outside or inside facing room.) The desk staff fellow was really nice and accommodating.
The room showed wear... stains on the wall around the a/c unit, stains on the carpet, marks on the wall. The carpet needed vacuuming. There was someone else's potato chip right in plain view upon entering our room after checkin. I wear white socks while in at night and they did not get dirty from walking around the room. When that happens it is not good, so that was a plus.
The bathroom was set up like the Contemporary Resort at WDW with a double sink, tub/shower, toilet all in one room. The A/C was nice and cold in the bathroom which I like. I hate that hot steamy feel after I am finished showering. I like to be able to dry off, so this is a big plus to me. Plenty of towels in the bathroom.
Bath and Body works soap lotion shampoo and conditioner. No robes.
The bedroom was not much larger than a standard room. There was a desk and additional seating area.
FYI, the chairs and ottoman lined up together make a very comfy bed for one. I preferred this over the hard flat bed. (I asked for an extra pillow and blanket and received 4 extra pillows and 2 blankets. Oh joy and comfiness!!)I left the french door curtain opened just a bit and watched the elevators go up and down before I fell asleep and also if I woke up during the night, which happened often, thanks to stress, not noise.
I iron everything and the iron was good with steam and spray but the ironing board was wobbly and old. The clock radio looked like it was manufactured in the 1970's. Wood tone, huge and ugly.
I knew that the rooms did not have coffee makers but I had to see it to believe it. Even econolodge has coffee makers in the rooms.
We ordered room service each morning except our last, as we had an early flight. The service and servers were fabulous. Very pleasant and professional in look and behavior. The food was good and was low/ moderate resort price with a high service charge of 19% and a $2.00 room service fee, in addition to the regular tax of course. We also ordered room service in the late afternoon/ early evenings. I recommend the chicken salad on croissant for lunch or light supper. Super yummy!
Wake up call and coffee/hot chocolate delivery in the morning was a good thing. We had this complimentary service on our last morning. No fear of being seen with bed head and morning mouth. The tray is left outside the room for you. Big PLUS!
The pool area seemed more like a 3 star in that it was just a large cement deck with the kids pool, spa and large pool. No fountains. Not enough nice gardens/plantings. There were plenty of lounge chairs but they needed cleaning. At all resorts that I have stayed at, the grounds, especially the pool area, are fresh in appearance and neatly maintained with a "cleaned each morning" look. This resort lacked that extra touch.
Plenty of towels available by the pool. The music that played at the pool side bar was a big turn off for me. Country sad songs and 80's one hit wonders are not my idea of resort music, but may have been someone else's cup of tea. Speaking of tea, the free refills on soft drinks at the pool side bar was great!
Our kids enjoyed looking at the fish in the lobby water feature and also the birds in the atrium. The gift shop was well stocked and fun to look in.
Parking was fine and no fee.
I would stay here again, but I'd like the surroundings to be more plush. It was a comfortable stay and I will miss watching the elevators tonight, my first night home.
We stayed there 12/31 - 1/3 and loved it. It was very elegant and beautiful, but have not stayed in the other places you mentioned to compare them. A very nice pool, health club, deli and very relaxing. The atrium and glass elevators were classy as was the resort itself. Well maintained and great for taking the I-trolley to the outlet malls or down International Drive for dinner, movies or whatever. Enjoy!
