Residence Inn Convention Center

[rimomma66]

Has anyone stayed here? What are your thoughts? We originally had a family suite at RI-LBV, but it only has one bathroom. I can get a 2 BR suite with 2 BA at the one at the convention center for the same price. I really think the second bathroom will be huge in the mornings with 5 of us getting ready.
Anyone have any input?
Thanks!

 

[Detailor]

Haven't stayed there but most Residence Inns are pretty predictable and fairly nice. Not as good a location if you're spending much of your time at Disney parks but not a terrible location either. It's on Universal Boulevard, about 2 miles from SR 528 which helps to by-pass the sometimes slow-moving traffic in the Convention Center area of International Drive. SR528 gives you easy access to I-4 and the Disney parks and pretty easy access to/from the airport. Also, Universal Blvd runs right up to the Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure parking lots (maybe 2 to 3 miles from that Residence Inn). It's about 2 1/2 to 3 miles to SeaWorld, too. So, all-in-all a pretty good location if you're taking everything in. Lots of restaurants within a (roughly) 15 minute walk - Bahama Breeze, Cafe Tu Tu Tango, Charlie's Steakhouse, Fishbones, Tommy Bahama's, Maggiano's, Johnny Rockets are some. I'd guess that it's a fifteen to twenty minute drive to the various Disney parks' parking areas at low traffic times.

Dick Taylor

 

[Bete]

Keep looking for a better deal at RI-LBV. They run specials and you could hit a good offer. It seems that the better deals hit around the 60 day out window through 30 days out. Check the Internet everyday. You can still have your convention center ressie and then cancel it when you get a better deal at LBV. Now, if you are going during a popular time like spring vacation then it might be tougher to get a better deal.

I love the LBV-RI. It's not too far from Downtown Disney. You have a lot of restaurants near by. You get a fabulous breakfast buffet. We eat a hearty breakfast and a lighter meal at night is all we need. They serve an evening buffet on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. They include beer and wine. This is enough for our evening meal. You do have limited hours on this between 5:30 pm and 7 pm. There pool is okay. They have a shuttle to the Disney parks, but there is a specific schedule for it. The car commute is easy and fast to the Disney parks; although, there can be some congested times.

The only downside to RI-LBV is the resort rooms are outdated, but they are clean and nice. There are 3 TVs in the 2 bedroom suites.

I can't tell you about the convention center location, but I really like the LBV location.

 

[rimomma66]

Thanks!!
I'm going to keep looking at LBV, but they don't have any 2BA rooms available during my dates which is the kicker for getting the room at the Convention Center. If any open up I will switch in a heartbeat but it's good to know that the location isn't awful for getting to the parks.