Residence Inn Orlando Sea World?

[Big Kid]

My wife, then 16-month old son, and I are contemplating staying at the Residence Inn Orlando Sea World on Westwood Blvd. for about a week in early December. DW will be at a confernce for three days and then we'll hit WDW for a couple of days and probably Sea World for a day.

Would love to hear from anyone who has stayed here recently, particularly about cleanliness, noise levels, kid-friendly activities within walking distance, and transportation to the theme parks. We don't plan to rent a car unless we absolutely must.

Also, is there a supermarket nearby?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Jason71]

Had a friend stay there this Summer. Showing its age, but certainly not filthy. Other than one incident with noisy kids in the hallway, no louder than any comparable motel. If I had to describe it in one word, "adequate."

Have a car, so no idea about shuttle service. You could walk to Sea World (maybe not with a stroller, tho), but that's about it in terms of kid-friendly activities. The I-Drive trolley does stop on Westwood, tho, so you could use that to get around. If you do have a car, Universal is no more than 10 minutes away, WDW around 15.

There are multiple Publix and a Super Wal-Mart within a short drive, but you couldn't really walk to any of them.

 

[dis-happy]

If costs are comparable consider staying at the Res. Inn on Palm instead. It's newer and the breakfast buffet is much better. Other than that, you'll probably like the SW location just as well.

 

[horseshowmom]

I don't know if you're interested, but you could probably get a condo at Vista Cay for the same money (or less). The property is adjacent to the Convention Center. You can look at properties at www.vistacayrent.com. Don't go by all of the prices. I was able to find a 3BR for Thanksgiving week last year for less than $600. You can email the ones you want and ask for quotes.

I think you'll be much better satisfied if you rent a car (check over on the Transportation board, you might be surprised how cheaply you can get one - I've got an intermediate for the week leading up to Christmas for $104 total). The I-Ride Trolley will take you up and down International Drive, but you'd have to use the Lynx for more than that.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[swilshire]

We spent one night there in the Spring. Very nice, except that the window AC unit was very noisy and woke my husband and I up every time it cycled. That's pretty typical for that type of unit, but it's unusual for my husband to complain.

I also would suggest getting a car. They're cheaper in Orlando than anywhere I've ever been and that will give you options. You could take DS places while the wife works. Maybe the Lego store at Disney Marketplace. Or the toy store there. Or even McDonalds for lunch. They have something like the World's largest Mickey Ds on I drive with a play yard for the babe.

I can't think of anything that would be in walking distance. If you're determined not to get a car, you should stay on Disney property so you can use their transportation. Pop Century is great for kids.

Sheila

 

[veronchichi]

We spent one night there in the Spring. Very nice, except that the window AC unit was very noisy and woke my husband and I up every time it cycled. That's pretty typical for that type of unit, but it's unusual for my husband to complain.

Actually, I've been staying at that Residence Inn every Summer for the past 3 years and they have Central A/C with your own thermostat -- no window units. This is the Residence Inn at 11000 Westwood Blvd.

Very nice hotel, great pool, great cocktails, full buffet breakfast every morning. You'll definitely need a car to get to the I-4 and the parks. It's JUST around the corner from SeaWorld, and about 10 minutes to Universal!

I LOVE this hotel!!! So much better than anything in I-drive!!

 

[swilshire]

Actually, I've been staying at that Residence Inn every Summer for the past 3 years and they have Central A/C with your own thermostat -- no window units. This is the Residence Inn at 11000 Westwood Blvd.

I should have explained it better. I didn't mean the window units like you might have in a home. I meant the long units that sit under the window. Maybe my memory is faulty on what the unit looked like, but I remember the noise very well.

I often have problems with various HVAC units waking me up. Usually DH sleeps through anything, so that's an indication that this one was particularly bad.

I'm in a Residence Inn up north this week that has a central until that almost drowns out the tv when it comes on. Luckily, it was cool enough last night for me to just run the fan and keep it comfortable.

Sheila

 

[veronchichi]

I suppose the A/C can get loud, especially in the bedroom - I've woken up once because it turned on, and I will admit that it has gotten a little damp because of the humidity -- and I'm sure that if you're not happy with your room, you can always request to change it, which I've done once. The staff is very accommodating, and eager to please.

 

[Big Kid]

Thanks all for the information and suggestions for us newbies. We stayed at a Disney resort on our first trip and enjoyed letting them do the driving for us, but that doesn't sound at all practical for downtown Orlando. The other properties that you have mentioned sound intriguing so we'll give them a look too.

 

[swilshire]

I suppose the A/C can get loud, especially in the bedroom - I've woken up once because it turned on, and I will admit that it has gotten a little damp because of the humidity -- and I'm sure that if you're not happy with your room, you can always request to change it, which I've done once. The staff is very accommodating, and eager to please.

Probably so, but by the time you realize in the middle of the night that sleep isn't happening, it's a little late on a one night stay. I sure wouldn't wake up the two kids to move. They sleep through any thing. We were in Canada this summer and there was a fire truck running for almost an hour just feet from their bedroom window. They never knew a thing.

I've also moved in a FS Marriott because of a noisy AC and was put in a room where it was even worse. I can usually do OK by either turning the AC to frigid temp so it never cycles off or by having the fan only on. I hate units that don't allow the fan only.

My sleep is easily disturbed. DH sleeps with a fan going in our bedroom year round. If the power goes off, the fact that the fan stops will wake me up.

Sheila

 

[HeatherC]

You could also check out Marriott's Grande Vista. It's just another minute down the road. Beautiful resort and you can rent someone's timeshare week or book right through Marriott.

Have a great trip!