Which Hilton to stay at?

[shuteye]

We are visiting my parents in The Villages and decided to squeeze in a 3 day trip to Disney in April.We would like to use our Hilton Points to stay at one of the Hiltons. Which one do you think is better? Pros and Cons? Do they all offer EMH as well?

 

[HopperFan]

Only Disney Springs will offer EMH so that would be Hilton Disney Springs, Hilton Buena Vista Palace and Doubletree Suites Lake Buena Vista. We are Hilton folks and Doubletree is our favorite. Palace just went through a major renovation and has a great pool area. Hilton DS is in need of an overhaul and I think the points they want there is crazy too much. All three will have parking fees you will still owe. PLUS is you can walk to Disney Springs and they have their own decent bus system that will save you parking fees at parks.

Look at above via www.disneyspringshotels.com

If you go offsite you will not get EMH but there are some nice options. Our favorite is probably Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista SOUTH. Beautifully appointed, great buffet breakfast, best evening reception we've ever had at an ES and a 10 minute drive to the parks. The points required are usually substantially lower. Parking fee here too, but much less than others.

 

[baler31]

As PP mentioned Doubletree in DS is a nice basic property with EMH. Embassy Suites LBV South is a well run newer property but no EMH. If you are looking for more of a resort we enjoy the Hilton Bonnet Creek. I used to rec'd Waldorf but we've had a couple of lackluster stays there recently and I cannot justify the points they usually require. I would still stay with a good rate but we have found the Hilton Bonnet Creek to be a bit better and the amenities are shared anyway.

 

[HopperFan]

As PP mentioned Doubletree in DS is a nice basic property with EMH. Embassy Suites LBV South is a well run newer property but no EMH. If you are looking for more of a resort we enjoy the Hilton Bonnet Creek. I used to rec'd Waldorf but we've had a couple of lackluster stays there recently and I cannot justify the points they usually require. I would still stay with a good rate but we have found the Hilton Bonnet Creek to be a bit better and the amenities are shared anyway.

AGREE and totally forgot about Hilton BC. We have not stayed there but stayed at Hilton Orlando which is the twin to that one. LOVED all the resort amenities. But just depends on how you plan to spend your time.

 

[Lynne M]

Moving this to the Orlando Hotels board.

 

[MrKnight]

IMHO Hilton Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria are the best Hilton properties on WDW property, just no EMH..

http://www.hiltonbonnetcreek.com/

http://www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com/

As far as Hilton properties that DO offer EMH, here are your options:

Hilton Disney Springs
http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/fl...-ORLDWHH/attractions/downtowndisney-info.html

Hilton Buena Vista Palace
http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/fl...palace-disney-springs-area-MCOBUHH/index.html

DoubleTree Suites Disney Springs
http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/ho...rlando-disney-springs-area-MCOFHDT/index.html

IMHO out of the three hotels above, I would go with either the DoubleTree or the Hilton Buena Vista Palace..

There are also other Hilton properties OUTSIDE of the WDW area, one of the highest rated and most recommended Hilton properties in the area is the Hilton Orlando (I-Drive area):

http://www.thehiltonorlando.com/

 

[HopperFan]

IMHO Hilton Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria are the best Hilton properties on WDW property, just no EMH..

http://www.hiltonbonnetcreek.com/

http://www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com/

As far as Hilton properties that DO offer EMH, here are your options:

Hilton Disney Springs
http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/fl...-ORLDWHH/attractions/downtowndisney-info.html

Hilton Buena Vista Palace
http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/fl...palace-disney-springs-area-MCOBUHH/index.html

DoubleTree Suites Disney Springs
http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/ho...rlando-disney-springs-area-MCOFHDT/index.html

IMHO out of the three hotels above, I would go with either the DoubleTree or the Hilton Buena Vista Palace..

There are also other Hilton properties OUTSIDE of the WDW area, one of the highest rated and most recommended Hilton properties in the area is the Hilton Orlando (I-Drive area):

http://www.thehiltonorlando.com/

Just to clarify for OP and anyone else, especially since Disney Springs on-property hotels are gaining perks ..... the Hilton and Waldorf Bonnet Creek are NOT on property. They are next to property and you have go via property to get to them due to the land being boxed in. Not to be picky but it has confused folks before who are not familiar and read about Hilton Disney Springs on property and confusing the two.

 

[robinb]

I’ve stayed at the Doubtree at DS and at the Home2 Suites near the mall. I think I liked the Home2 Suites a little better. The Doubletree was a little tired and they changed for parking.

 

[DaisyDuck001]

Our favorite is probably Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista SOUTH. Beautifully appointed, great buffet breakfast, best evening reception we've ever had at an ES and a 10 minute drive to the parks.

What's the best way to get a good rate there? Do you book directly on the Hilton website, or do you use a third-party website? Is there a particular number of months ahead when the rates tend to be lowest, or is it unpredictable? Thanks in advance.

 

[writerguyfl]

What's the best way to get a good rate there? Do you book directly on the Hilton website, or do you use a third-party website?

Unless you're getting a massive discount by bundling hotel and airfare, it's almost always smartest to book direct. That advice works for hotels and airlines.

If anything goes wrong, you can call the company and speak to someone. In contrast, if something goes wrong and you've booked through an online travel agency (Expedia, Orbitz, etc), you will have to call them. They will then call the hotel or airline. Adding that extra person only helps with she or he is an expert. I wouldn't classify call center agents working for online travel agencies "experts".

Additionally, Hilton offers free internet for guests who book direct at hotels who don't give it free to everyone. For the Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista South, that means you save $9.95/day for in-room internet if booked direct.

Finally, Hilton only grants points for their frequent guest program if you book direct.

Is there a particular number of months ahead when the rates tend to be lowest, or is it unpredictable? Thanks in advance.

I used to be a hotel Revenue Manager. That's the person responsible for maximizing revenue by controlling which rates are sold. Without access to proprietary information, there's no way to tell when the lowest rates will be available.

Best Practice: Always book a cancelable/refundable rate. Then, periodically check as your trip gets closer. You may get lucky and find the price has dropped.

 

[HopperFan]

What's the best way to get a good rate there? Do you book directly on the Hilton website, or do you use a third-party website? Is there a particular number of months ahead when the rates tend to be lowest, or is it unpredictable? Thanks in advance.

Everything @writerguyfl said.

I book direct and I use online so I can see all details in front of me. I never book ones I can’t cancel.

This hotel has fluctuating rates so there are times I pass. About 6 weeks ago I booked spring break for $113 - great rate for there especially the week I booked. Not sure about trip but wanted to hold room. I think room is now $60 higher per night.

Worth checking regularly for your potential dates, never know. I have found over years my best rates are far out and sometime last minute.

 

[shuteye]

Only Disney Springs will offer EMH so that would be Hilton Disney Springs, Hilton Buena Vista Palace and Doubletree Suites Lake Buena Vista. We are Hilton folks and Doubletree is our favorite. Palace just went through a major renovation and has a great pool area. Hilton DS is in need of an overhaul and I think the points they want there is crazy too much. All three will have parking fees you will still owe. PLUS is you can walk to Disney Springs and they have their own decent bus system that will save you parking fees at parks.

Look at above via www.disneyspringshotels.com

If you go offsite you will not get EMH but there are some nice options. Our favorite is probably Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista SOUTH. Beautifully appointed, great buffet breakfast, best evening reception we've ever had at an ES and a 10 minute drive to the parks. The points required are usually substantially lower. Parking fee here too, but much less than others.

Thank you great info!

 

[shuteye]

IMHO Hilton Bonnet Creek and Waldorf Astoria are the best Hilton properties on WDW property, just no EMH..

http://www.hiltonbonnetcreek.com/

http://www.waldorfastoriaorlando.com/

As far as Hilton properties that DO offer EMH, here are your options:

Hilton Disney Springs
http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/fl...-ORLDWHH/attractions/downtowndisney-info.html

Hilton Buena Vista Palace
http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/fl...palace-disney-springs-area-MCOBUHH/index.html

DoubleTree Suites Disney Springs
http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/ho...rlando-disney-springs-area-MCOFHDT/index.html

IMHO out of the three hotels above, I would go with either the DoubleTree or the Hilton Buena Vista Palace..

There are also other Hilton properties OUTSIDE of the WDW area, one of the highest rated and most recommended Hilton properties in the area is the Hilton Orlando (I-Drive area):

http://www.thehiltonorlando.com/

Appreciate the info!

 

[DaisyDuck001]

Everything @writerguyfl said.

I book direct and I use online so I can see all details in front of me. I never book ones I can’t cancel.

This hotel has fluctuating rates so there are times I pass. About 6 weeks ago I booked spring break for $113 - great rate for there especially the week I booked. Not sure about trip but wanted to hold room. I think room is now $60 higher per night.

Worth checking regularly for your potential dates, never know. I have found over years my best rates are far out and sometime last minute.

Thanks. Wow, then you got your great rate of $113 by checking the Hilton website frequently? If their cancellable rate was $113, I wonder what the non-cancellable rate was?

 

[HopperFan]

Thanks. Wow, then you got your great rate of $113 by checking the Hilton website frequently? If their cancellable rate was $113, I wonder what the non-cancellable rate was?

Thinking about $10 less not worth it to me. Think mine is AAA.

I often use AAA because it has usually been my best option.

 

[MrKnight]

What's the best way to get a good rate there? Do you book directly on the Hilton website, or do you use a third-party website? Is there a particular number of months ahead when the rates tend to be lowest, or is it unpredictable? Thanks in advance.

Another vote for direct booking via the Hilton website.. There are often many discount options available (Hilton HHonors Discount, AAA, AARP, etc.), if you are not already a Hilton HHonors member you can sign up for free and you automatically qualify for the discount on room rates and also get free internet access.

 

[lmhall2000]

We booked a $99 (3 night stay) through Hilton Vacation Club...we have to watch a presentation...We solely travel Hilton...our daughter is in the College program and will get us into the parks one day, right now we're at Hilton Buena Vista...if she gets us into the park, do we still get EMH? Considering moving over to Tuscany Village or Park Soleil because they are a bit closer to her??

 

[MrKnight]

right now we're at Hilton Buena Vista...if she gets us into the park, do we still get EMH?

Hilton Lake Buena Vista (aka. Hilton Disney Springs) is in fact eligible for the EMH benefit so it would be best to stay there if EMH access is important to you..

Considering moving over to Tuscany Village or Park Soleil because they are a bit closer to her??

Tuscany Village and Parc Soleil is Hilton Grand Vacations which is a separate entity from Hilton, they are two separate companies.. Hilton Grand Vacations is a timeshare company and Hilton is the hotel company, they are not affiliated with each other.. Since you are already staying at Hilton Lake Buena Vista you cannot "move" to another hotel, you would have to make a new reservation at the other location and then checkout early at your current hotel, in addition, most resort hotels charge an "early departure fee" if you checkout before your scheduled departure date..

 

[lmhall2000]

Hilton Lake Buena Vista (aka. Hilton Disney Springs) is in fact eligible for the EMH benefit so it would be best to stay there if EMH access is important to you..



Tuscany Village and Parc Soleil is Hilton Grand Vacations which is a separate entity from Hilton, they are two separate companies.. Hilton Grand Vacations is a timeshare company and Hilton is the hotel company, they are not affiliated with each other.. Since you are already staying at Hilton Lake Buena Vista you cannot "move" to another hotel, you would have to make a new reservation at the other location and then checkout early at your current hotel, in addition, most resort hotels charge an "early departure fee" if you checkout before your scheduled departure date..

I can change my reservation up to 3 days before I go. Won’t go until May..but the reviews for Lake Burns Vista were awful so I cancelled and we’ll use daughters CP discount to stay onsite...that way we won’t need a car. Stayed at Waldorf in December, if that didn’t impress me I’m worried the others wouldn’t either. Stayed at Hilton Garden Inn last week, not sure if it’s just Orlando but the hotels there just seem more run down than other cities where I stay Hilton...Guess it’s the high traffic??

 

[MrKnight]

I can change my reservation up to 3 days before I go. Won’t go until May..but the reviews for Lake Burns Vista were awful so I cancelled and we’ll use daughters CP discount to stay onsite...that way we won’t need a car. Stayed at Waldorf in December, if that didn’t impress me I’m worried the others wouldn’t either. Stayed at Hilton Garden Inn last week, not sure if it’s just Orlando but the hotels there just seem more run down than other cities where I stay Hilton...Guess it’s the high traffic??

I'm not sure why you had such bad experience at the Waldorf, most people rave about the Waldorf and its one of the top rated luxury rated hotels in Orlando, what was run down about it?

With that said, IMHO, the nicest Hilton hotels in Orlando are the Hilton Bonnet Creek and the Hilton Orlando (I-Drive/Convention Center).. Have you looked into those? I think you would enjoy those..