Second guessing hotel - currently Boardwalk Villas

[FSU Girl]

I’m second guessing my hotel choice for my upcoming trip which is almost here so I don’t have too many days left to change. I currently have a one bedroom villa booked at the Boardwalk Villas. On cash.

I heard they need a refurbishment, are the rooms really bad off? I’m a little nervous with my toddler who is going to try and get into everything.

I wanted to be at the Grand Floridian Villas but it just doesn’t seem that’ll get dropped by anyone before I go. But there is a one bedroom villa available at the Riviera. It’s a newer hotel so I’m assuming the rooms are in good condition? I’ve gone for breakfast there and it’s pretty. Just a downside of having to drive everywhere. (I’m not sure about getting on the skyliner.)
I’ve thought of a few different hotels but the rooms change a lot every time I look. I’m also trying to not do a split stay I considered it but we decided it would be easier with the toddler not to.

Should I make the switch? Any other hotel to consider if a room pops up?

 

[aokeefe]

I've stayed at the Boardwalk twice in the past year- never once did I think either room (2 bedroom and studio) were in bad shape.

 

[FSU Girl]

I've stayed at the Boardwalk twice in the past year- never once did I think either room (2 bedroom and studio) were in bad shape.

That is good to know! I stayed there once back in 2017 and really liked it but it’s been a while

 

[Marthasor]

Even if the room is a little older, I would take the location of BWV over RIV any day. The RIV villas are gorgeous, but if it's going to make getting around difficult for you, I would stick with BWV. We've stayed at BWV multiple times and the current state of the rooms has never bothered me.

 

[FSU Girl]

Even if the room is a little older, I would take the location of BWV over RIV any day. The RIV villas are gorgeous, but if it's going to make getting around difficult for you, I would stick with BWV. We've stayed at BWV multiple times and the current state of the rooms has never bothered me.

Good to hear! We do have two Epcot days booked mainly because we can walk from boardwalk so it would be annoying to lose that convenience

 

[npatellye]

We are in a 1 BR at BWV now and the room is fine. There’s no issues, it’s not beat up, nothing is dirty or peeling or broken. No chipped paint, nothing loose or hanging. It’s fine. We have a half wall BW view balcony with views of HS on the left and Epcot on the right and the location cannot be beat. My kids love it here.

 

[FSU Girl]

We are in a 1 BR at BWV now and the room is fine. There’s no issues, it’s not beat up, nothing is dirty or peeling or broken. No chipped paint, nothing loose or hanging. It’s fine. We have a half wall BW view balcony with views of HS on the left and Epcot on the right and the location cannot be beat. My kids love it here.

On the website it mentions renovations happening, do you hear any construction going on?

 

[npatellye]

On the website it mentions renovations happening, do you hear any construction going on?

There are currently no renovations we can see or hear. But we are on the 2nd floor and have not ventured to higher floors.

 

[DeeBee3]

Even though Riviera is much newer, I would just stick with what you have. The location is hard to beat! The rooms at Riviera are going to look new and fresh compared to BW, but walking to Epcot and HS is amazing. If you don't like the Skyliner, Riviera would be a no for me. Plus, the Boardwalk area entertainment is fun!

 

[AnnabelleTheTalkingTree]

We were at BWV in 2019 and we LOVED it - we had the boardwalk view which I100% recommend. I know it was a few years ago, but the rooms were in excellent condition at that time. The location is amazing. We have also stayed at GFV within the past year and yes the rooms there are a bit grander feeling, but BWV are great in their own right. We have an upcoming stay at GFV in the spring and I actually booked one extra night at Boardwalk just because I love it and wanted that view again.

 

[BamaGuy44]

We stayed there in May and loved it. We were all the way at the end closest to the tennis courts. Made for a very easy walk to HS. Room showed some wear, but nothing that would take away from our enjoyment of it, or keep me from recommending it. Everything was clean and in working order.

 

[FSU Girl]

Thanks everyone I feel a lot better about keeping this hotel!

 

[BaybeeYoda]

With a toddler I would stay where it’s most convenient… bwv , rooms are still nice. So walkable.

 

[jimmytammy]

I would stay with BW since you have 2 Epcot days

 

[tjkraz]

I've owned at boardwalk for about 15 years and Riviera for about 6 months. Frankly I'd take Riviera over BW. No the rooms at BW are probably not THAT bad (conditions are bound to vary from room to room so hard telling what exactly you'll find.) But Riviera is much newer. Transportation to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios via Skyliner is easier than walking / boat. Riviera has a better kids play area at the pool and a character breakfast (if you can get reservation.)

Admittedly I'm probably a little jaded by years of staying at the BoardWalk. While it's charming, there isn't much added to your trip unless you're interested in dining at Flying Fish or Big River Grill, visiting Jellyrolls or playing carnival games. I guess the ice cream parlor is a bonus if that's enough to sway an opinion.

 

[TCRAIG]

I do NOT like the SkyLiner as I have a fear of heights and tendency for motion sickness - for me - walking from BWV to Epcot and/or HS is the best!