I just had to share that I booked the Staybridge Suites Lake Buena Vista after reading a few good threads about them,and I had the best experience there than I have had at any hotel in Orlando. It may not have the most elaborate pool area, but for other ammenities, it cannot be beat! I was there 8/1-8/4/08
1) Be a priority club member(Holiday inn frequent guest program)--we got a free room upgrade to a 2 bedroom suite because we checked in early and they were available and the guy was super nice. I did not even ask for it. We also got a big bag of freshly baked cookies upon check in. I can't even get cookies any more at the Portofino or Royal pacific. I do have gold status on my Priority club membership since I stay at Holiday Inn so much for work, that might have helped.
2) I used priority club points, so I did not pay for my three night there, but I was treated as if I was paying big $$$ for my room. I have never encountered a nicer staff at any hotel that I have stayed at. The front desk staff were the best and nicest, the breakfast staff were cheerful, and housekeeping was even super friendly. I would not have believed it if I did not experience it.
3) The breakfast area was unbelievable. Huge. The had two service lines with fruits, cereals, hot foods like eggs, bacon and sausage, plus a waffle station with many irons, several bread/doughnut stations, soda, juice, coffee, etc.
4) I guess there were nightly receptions as well with wine and beer, but we were never around for that.
5) Our room was huge. two bathrooms, two bedrooms, each kid had their own double bed, plus we had a king, plus a full kitchen with a huge refrigerator.
I would stay there for a full week if I had not been going to Universal and love the FOTL that staying onsite gets you there.
It was the best place I have ever stayed offsite to get to Disney and getting to the parks was 10 minutes.
The only thing missing is a really cool pool. It is just a standard, although large pool with a hot tub area. If you spend all of your time at the parks, and only need a pool for an occasional dip, then it is perfect.
