The WALDORF ASTORIA ORLANDO and HILTON BONNET CREEK Information Thread

[WendyisDarling]

I went through the Travelzoo link (pay 3 nights get 1 free) posted earlier for the Hilton, then decided to take a look at WA. I suppose since I went through that link I got the same offer for WA!

I did this last night and hesitated. Last night they had the offer open for even the 2 bedroom suites and on down to 2 Q Deluxe suite. Decided today to go ahead and all that was left was the 2 Q Deluxe suite at $179/ night. (Still, fine for us. 2 bedrooms would have been great). This is for the week before Christmas.

A corporate code came up when checking the reservation N2669220. I get nervous about such things and called Hilton directly to book. When I told them of the deal, the reservationist only then found it and gave it to me. I had to double check that I could use that code and she said yes. She explained that I would be charged for 4 nights then at check out credited for one. I don't quite see the logic in this maybe someone else does.

I did have to pay one night's deposit, but it is refundable up to 5 days prior
to arrival.

Received my confirmation via email. It says TRAVELZOO PROMO and gives the full amount as cost for all four nights. It says nothing about the promo being get a free night. I emailed Hilton and explained that I want something that documents this.
Anyone else have this or concerned?

If other dates have the large suites with the pay for 3 nights get one free available with the above corporate code that is a nice deal if you planned on spending some $ anyway.

I'll update if Hilton emails me back about clear documentation of the free night just in case anyone is interested.

 

[DisneyDoogie]

WDWKOOK and others,
I'm still confused about what's in the Waldorf Astoria Suite and what isn't. I have called several times and each time I've been told that the WAS is a one-bedroom suite with 1780 square feet -- it is NOT a two-bedroom suite. When I click on the suite from the reservations page, I get the pop-up that says it's one-bedroom with one-and-a-half baths (and it's the same picture that comes up when you click on any of the suites). When I told the reservationist that the downloadable brochure said it had two bedrooms and two baths, I was told that the brochure may not be accurate because their information says the WAS is one-bedroom. Apparently there were WAS floor plans that were removed. So, that's why I'm questioning the refrigerator and microwave. I'm a bit disappointed that there's this disconnect between the brochure, the rest of the website, and what the reservationists are telling me.

A 1780 sq.ft. one-bedroom suite is going to have some HUGE rooms!

I just called reservations again and was told there is no self-laundry at either the HBC or WAO. Maybe I need to call the front desk. I find it strange that a Hilton at WDW would not have self-laundry when they are likely to have lots of kids and families staying for a while.

 

[WDWKOOK]

WDWKOOK and others,
I'm still confused about what's in the Waldorf Astoria Suite and what isn't. I have called several times and each time I've been told that the WAS is a one-bedroom suite with 1780 square feet -- it is NOT a two-bedroom suite. When I click on the suite from the reservations page, I get the pop-up that says it's one-bedroom with one-and-a-half baths (and it's the same picture that comes up when you click on any of the suites). When I told the reservationist that the downloadable brochure said it had two bedrooms and two baths, I was told that the brochure may not be accurate because their information says the WAS is one-bedroom. Apparently there were WAS floor plans that were removed. So, that's why I'm questioning the refrigerator and microwave. I'm a bit disappointed that there's this disconnect between the brochure, the rest of the website, and what the reservationists are telling me.

A 1780 sq.ft. one-bedroom suite is going to have some HUGE rooms!

I just called reservations again and was told there is no self-laundry at either the HBC or WAO. Maybe I need to call the front desk. I find it strange that a Hilton at WDW would not have self-laundry when they are likely to have lots of kids and families staying for a while.

I was also surprised when I was told the Hilton doesn't have a laundry, I even said, "Are you sure?"

I know you've already seen this from their website:

WALDORF ASTORIA SUITES
The true beauty of these spacious, luxuriously appointed Waldorf Astoria Suites is that they are exquisite sanctuaries, insulated from the world beyond. Within these one-bedroom, one and a half baths retreats, guests will happily discover that every luxury is at their disposal. There is no need to look further, however, for guests who desire a panoramic view of the grounds and Bonnet Creek, there is a walk-out balcony.

Room Details:

Amenities
One separate bedroom
One and a half Italian marble bathrooms
Separate living room
Walk-out balcony
3 lounge chairs and sleeper sofa
Dining area for four

Television 42” High Definition LCD w/ MP3 player
Bath Marble with soaking tub and separate glass shower
Size (ft2) 1,780
Size (m2) 165.4

This site is also showing that the Presidential Suite is the only 2-bedroom,

and...

I notice that the last page of their interactive brochure is now missing. Originally, when I printed it, it had a nice chart summarizing all of the room options/amenties and it shows that the WAS is a 2-bedroom/2 bath and that all suites have an "executive kitchen with a microwave and a fridge." A PP confirmed she had a fridge, and I called today and confirmed that the microwave and coffee makers will be in all the suites "hopefully soon." I have to wonder why the interactive brochure's last page is now "missing." I guess they're tweaking some of their offerings...

When I called today, the "CM" was trying very hard to be helpful and offered to defer to mgt. for help with any questions she couldn't answer. I would hope that if you called the 407 number and asked to speak to a manager on duty, that they would actually know how the rooms are configured. I agree with you that it would be very odd to have 1-bedrooms of that enormity, and to originally advertise them as 2-bedrooms. Did they mention having any 2-bedrooms at all, other than the Pres. Suite?

 

[WDWKOOK]

I went through the Travelzoo link (pay 3 nights get 1 free) posted earlier for the Hilton, then decided to take a look at WA. I suppose since I went through that link I got the same offer for WA!

I did this last night and hesitated. Last night they had the offer open for even the 2 bedroom suites and on down to 2 Q Deluxe suite. Decided today to go ahead and all that was left was the 2 Q Deluxe suite at $179/ night. (Still, fine for us. 2 bedrooms would have been great). This is for the week before Christmas.

A corporate code came up when checking the reservation N2669220. I get nervous about such things and called Hilton directly to book. When I told them of the deal, the reservationist only then found it and gave it to me. I had to double check that I could use that code and she said yes. She explained that I would be charged for 4 nights then at check out credited for one. I don't quite see the logic in this maybe someone else does.

I did have to pay one night's deposit, but it is refundable up to 5 days prior
to arrival.

Received my confirmation via email. It says TRAVELZOO PROMO and gives the full amount as cost for all four nights. It says nothing about the promo being get a free night. I emailed Hilton and explained that I want something that documents this.
Anyone else have this or concerned?

If other dates have the large suites with the pay for 3 nights get one free available with the above corporate code that is a nice deal if you planned on spending some $ anyway.

I'll update if Hilton emails me back about clear documentation of the free night just in case anyone is interested.

I don't blame you for wanting documentation showing what the terms of your reservation are. I couldn't book the "free night" because our dates are after the promo. ends. I booked the "resort credit" package and it does show the resort credit promo on my confirmation. I know of at least one PP who said they booked the Travelzoo promo; maybe they'll follow-up on their experience.

It's interesting you were able to (but didn't) book the 2-bedroom suite, when DisneyDoogie can't even get the reservationist to admit they have any in the building

 

[WendyisDarling]

I did get a reply from Hilton asking for clear documentation of my pay for 3 nights get the 4th free reservation at WA.

Thank you for your message to Hilton Reservations and Customer Care. It is my pleasure to assist you today with your reservation promotion inquiry.

I regret that I am unable to assist you with your request, as your reservation was booked through a travel discount/third party website such as Travelzoo. For further assistance, please contact the customer service department for the website where your reservation was originally confirmed. You may also contact the Bonnet Creek Resort Waldorf Astoria Collection directly for further assistance concerning your request at 407-597-5500 or by fax at 407-597-3701.

Unfortunately, if you book a reservation at a Hilton hotel through a third party website, please note that our office only supports the official Hilton Family of Brands websites (www.hilton.com, www.hamptoninn.com, www.embassysuites.com, www.doubletree.com, www.homewoodsuites.com). We cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information given on other websites.

We appreciate this opportunity to assist you and thank you for your continued loyalty! If you have any further questions regarding your HHonors account, please don't hesitate to let us know.

I did not book through a third party site. I booked directly through Hilton. I called Hilton because I thought even doing it online might present a problem. I told the rep. the corporate number was from a company called Travelzoo and asked if I could use it. She said yes. Hilton reservations have a space for corporate numbers. I looked at the WA site again tonight. They have this offer posted but for higher cost. I am pretty sure Hilton will price match if you find a cheaper price on one of their rooms, I wonder if this applies to WA. So, I have some phone calls to make in the morning.

I would much appreciate it if anyone has info. that will assist me.

 

[jacqu3lin3]

jacqu3lin3, did you ever use the WiFi in your room? If so, were you charged?

Yes...it was $10.00 a day.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Yes...it was $10.00 a day.

Thank you. I'm going to update the first page with your experience. They had originally told me that it was "free throughout the resort" and then another "CM" told me that it was $15/day.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I did get a reply from Hilton asking for clear documentation of my pay for 3 nights get the 4th free reservation at WA.

Thank you for your message to Hilton Reservations and Customer Care. It is my pleasure to assist you today with your reservation promotion inquiry.

I regret that I am unable to assist you with your request, as your reservation was booked through a travel discount/third party website such as Travelzoo. For further assistance, please contact the customer service department for the website where your reservation was originally confirmed. You may also contact the Bonnet Creek Resort Waldorf Astoria Collection directly for further assistance concerning your request at 407-597-5500 or by fax at 407-597-3701.

Unfortunately, if you book a reservation at a Hilton hotel through a third party website, please note that our office only supports the official Hilton Family of Brands websites (www.hilton.com, www.hamptoninn.com, www.embassysuites.com, www.doubletree.com, www.homewoodsuites.com). We cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information given on other websites.

We appreciate this opportunity to assist you and thank you for your continued loyalty! If you have any further questions regarding your HHonors account, please don't hesitate to let us know.

I did not book through a third party site. I booked directly through Hilton. I called Hilton because I thought even doing it online might present a problem. I told the rep. the corporate number was from a company called Travelzoo and asked if I could use it. She said yes. Hilton reservations have a space for corporate numbers. I looked at the WA site again tonight. They have this offer posted but for higher cost. I am pretty sure Hilton will price match if you find a cheaper price on one of their rooms, I wonder if this applies to WA. So, I have some phone calls to make in the morning.

I would much appreciate it if anyone has info. that will assist me.

The email you received wasn't helpful at all. I'm confident what you booked is what you'll get since it does mention the Travelzoo Promo on your confirmation, it just doesn't stipulate the terms, which is disconcerting and would make me apprehensive.

mechteach is the poster who booked your package and left for the WA last weekend. I don't know if they're back yet, but maybe they'll check back with us with a trip report or you could PM them. rtill was the original poster for the Travelzoo deal (I had never heard of the site before, I just copied and pasted the details from their site.) I don't know if rtill actually booked the package, but maybe you could PM them, too.

The Travelzoo website is showing that their offer expired on October 9th.
The WA still has a very similar offer. The "Great Beginnings" package requires a 5-night stay to get the free upgrade and the Travelzoo code requires only a 3-night stay - I think. I'm not certain because the Travelzoo offer doesn't actually stipulate how many nights are required to get the upgrade, but the GB package does. They both require only a 3-night stay to get the fourth night free. So if you're already staying at least 5 nights, why not book the Great Beginnings package instead?

 

[WDWKOOK]

WendyisDarling, I just linked to your offer from the Travelzoo site, even though it has expired. It still brings you directly to the WA reservation site and inputs Travelzoo's code. It still says this:

Rate Type:
TRAVELZOO OFFER GDM BUILD
STAY 3 NIGHTS AND 4TH NIGHT IS FREE FREE NIGHT DEDUCTED AT CHECK-OUT

So maybe you could print this page out as proof?

DisneyDoogie, it does show that 2-bedrooms exist! It appears as a room option on the reservation page after you input the dates: "2-bedroom Deluxe Suite."

 

[WendyisDarling]

WendyisDarling, I just linked to your offer from the Travelzoo site, even though it has expired. It still brings you directly to the WA reservation site and inputs Travelzoo's code. It still says this:

Rate Type:
TRAVELZOO OFFER GDM BUILD
STAY 3 NIGHTS AND 4TH NIGHT IS FREE FREE NIGHT DEDUCTED AT CHECK-OUT

So maybe you could print this page out as proof?

DisneyDoogie, it does show that 2-bedrooms exist! It appears as a room option of the reservation page after you input the dates: "2-bedroom Deluxe Suite."

Thank you so much for going to all that trouble.

Actually, all is fine . After getting the email from Hilton I sent a reply stating that I would make my calls, etc. but that I did not book from a third party, etc. I simply used the corporate code that the Hilton phone rep said would be OK. Explained I called Hilton directly to avoid problems such as these.
I really didn't expect further reply from them.

To my surprise this morning, I have a new confirmation message directly from WA stating at the bottom the terms of the promotion

I feel so much more comfortable having it in writing.

 

[jerseyboy99]

I can't wait until some reviews start rolling in as I'm curious about the transportation options from the HBC/WA to the parks - how often do shuttles run, where do they drop off/pick-up, etc. I know what the Hotel's website conveys, but is it reality...actual experiences would be most helpful!

 

[DisneyDoogie]

WDWKOOK,
Yes, I saw the 2-bedroom suite pop up on the reservations page. They do exist - even though I was told for weeks there were no 2-bedroom suites at the hotel!! I'm hearing that the 2-bedroom is a WAS + a regular room with 2Q or 1K. Maybe that's why there was a mix-up!??

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thank you so much for going to all that trouble.

Actually, all is fine . After getting the email from Hilton I sent a reply stating that I would make my calls, etc. but that I did not book from a third party, etc. I simply used the corporate code that the Hilton phone rep said would be OK. Explained I called Hilton directly to avoid problems such as these.
I really didn't expect further reply from them.

To my surprise this morning, I have a new confirmation message directly from WA stating at the bottom the terms of the promotion

I feel so much more comfortable having it in writing.

You're welcome.

I'm glad to hear that the WA responded to your specific request for a detailed confirmation. That was much more "5-starish" than the Hilton robo response...

WDWKOOK,
Yes, I saw the 2-bedroom suite pop up on the reservations page. They do exist - even though I was told for weeks there were no 2-bedroom suites at the hotel!! I'm hearing that the 2-bedroom is a WAS + a regular room with 2Q or 1K. Maybe that's why there was a mix-up!??

Hmmm... If you add-up the square footage of a Deluxe Room (448 sq. ft.) and a Deluxe Suite (945 sq. ft.) that = 1,393 sq. ft. The WAS is listed (on the now missing last page of the interactive brochure) as 1,780 sq. ft. Now, the Luxury Suite is listed as 1,460 sq. ft. which is closer to the 1,393. So perhaps the Luxury Suite is a DR/DS combo with a slightly larger balcony?

Websites/call centers really need to do a better job for all the O/C planners out there

 

[Kimcameronkelsie]

I had the same questions - as I booked the suite via Travelzoo. I got the following reply VIA email - After talking to several people - nobody could give me an accurage answer.

Can you please tell me the difference between the Waldorf Suite and the two room suite. Trying to make a reservation and the website contridicts itself - the Waldorf suite indicates it's a one bedroom with one and half bath...but the downloaded brochure indicates that it's a two bedroom.

Thanks,
KIM

ANSWER: All suites @ WAO are either 1 or 2 bedroom. There are 4 leveks of suites - Deluxe, Luxury, Waldorf Astoria (corner suite) and Pres

QUESTION:

So to clarify - the Waldorf suite comes in either a one bedroom or two bedroom. It states that it's 1780sq feet - is that a two bedroom. How many WAldorf Asortia Suites do you have?

ANSWER: Yes, the 1780 sf Waldorf Astoria Suite is a 2-bedroom. We have 22 Waldorf Astoria Suites. Thank you for your kind inquiry. Best regards, Tom

 

[WDWKOOK]

I can't wait until some reviews start rolling in as I'm curious about the transportation options from the HBC/WA to the parks - how often do shuttles run, where do they drop off/pick-up, etc. I know what the Hotel's website conveys, but is it reality...actual experiences would be most helpful!

She didn't use the hotel transportation, but I just wanted to make sure you had seen jacqu3lin3's great WA photos and review here and here.

There are also a few on Tripadvisor here.

 

[WDWKOOK]

jacqu3lin3: I posted a link on the first page to your photos and your WiFi update.

 

[ms mouse]

I am still waiting to see if anyone has used the transpertation. With the increase in parking fees and having to tip the valet both in and out we are thinking of taking a cab to the parks, anyone ever tried this?

 

[rie'smom]

I am still waiting to see if anyone has used the transpertation. With the increase in parking fees and having to tip the valet both in and out we are thinking of taking a cab to the parks, anyone ever tried this?

Not at the WA but we do this all the time at other resorts.

 

[ms mouse]

Not at the WA but we do this all the time at other resorts.

Where do you get dropped off at the parks?

 

[erwende]

Spent 4 nights at the Hilton last week. We were upgraded to a 2 room suite that was awesome. Would be happy to answer any questions regarding the hotel/pool. We used the hotel transportation one night as well. Had a great time and would return in a heartbeat. So ask away!!!
Wende