Where would you stay Portofino/Marriotts Grande Lakes/Gaylord Palms/Villas of Grand

[Hulabaloo]

All right experts, where would you stay? My wife and I and DD age 3 are going to the world Dec 5-14th, the 7th - 14th we are OKW in a one bedroom vila , so that leaves the 5th - 7th open.

We can spend 2 nights at:

Portofino with a bay view for 211
Gaylord Palms 189/199
Villas of Grande Cypress for 198.90
JW Marriotts Graned Lakes 207 with a good chance for a free upgrade to a suite.

You see I currently have a ressie at JW's for $207 a night and the advantage is that I'm a Marriott Platinum Reward Member and will be automatically upgraded to the best accomadations available. The hotel has 64 suites and I'm sure it should be available plus,
the reward points, I would recieve 4140 points for the stay plus a
double point promo plus 10 points per dollar when I pay with my marriott visa so I should recieve 12,420 points (BIG PLUS)

but for the same dough I can stay at the Portofino, no points but we are planning on doing Universal though I want to do it on the 13th so we can see macys parade.

Gaylord Palms just looks great and that ICE thing sounds pretty neat.

The Villas of Grande Cypress are amazing as well

and for that matter we could also stay at the Ritz if we wanted for the same dough.

Please let me know what you think, I will not be golfing and the spa isn't a factor but the pools are, which one would be the best for DD (3), she is a fish, I know it is cold but as long as it is heated I will take her swimming,

Any and all help will be greatly appreciate,

Hulabaloo

 

[Robinrs]

If you're doing Universal I have to choose the Portofino.

How did you get the quote? Was it a discounted rate with Ent, AP or AAA? It does sound like a good rate.

The FOTL access perk is the best perk in Orlando. Worth every dime! And the Portofino is on par with the Grand Floridian so you know it's worth the money.

Hope that helps!

 

[seastar]

The JW Marriott has an incredible pool. It is 4 pools connected by a lazy river with waterfalls and bridges. My DD's loved it!!!

 

[zaxmom]

Another vote for the Portofino. Hands down, my choice. The Front of the line access is worth every penny you pay for a room there. Especially if you want to take turns riding rides your little one can't. There pool is amazing. There is a sandy beach/zero-depth entrance and a waterfall. If yours is adventurous like my 2 year old was, the waterslide. Mom and Dad like it, too. They have a boat that will take you to the City Walk/park area that my kids love. Plenty of restaurants in the City Walk area as well. The others are all nice hotels, but if you are going to Universal stay at Universal.

ICE does look really cool. We are going to go there on the day we leave Orlando and have Sunday Brunch and check it out. I have heard about them doing something like this at the Opryland Hotel before.

 

[CPM]

I think they are all great choices. That is a great rate for Portofino and since you are going to US you will love having Express priviledges! Portofino!!!

 

[Motherfletcher]

Portofino!!