Which hotel would you choose?

[embracinglife]

I'm trying to decide on one of these places to stay for my upcoming trip. I know that these hotels are very different, as well as their rates, but, which one would you choose and why?

 

[Aurora63]

Gaylord Palms!! It's beautiful, lots of ammenities. You won't be dissapointed.

ETA - It's also very close to the parks!

 

[kilee]

Well, if the price isn't an object, because the rate difference's are so extreme on these properties-- I too would pick Gaylord Palms. It really looks top-notch. Like another said, for off site you can beat the location. Just minutes to the parks.

 

[f7prez]

I chose Buena Vista Palace. This resort sits on 27 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, on Disney property, across the street from DTD. The rooms have balconies, and if you are up high enough (we were on the 19th floor facing DTD and SSR) you have a great view of WDW. The hotel is beautiful, has a full service spa, tennis, multiple pools, kids playground and a good selection of restaurants. They also provide complimentary transportation to the 4 Disney theme parks.

We have also stayed at the Peabody which we also liked. However, it is out on I-Drive. Not as convenient as the DTD hotels.

 

[HopperFan]

If money not a problem, I would chose Gaylord Palms. It is like nothing I have ever been in. Would love to have some time there to explore it more. We spent the afternoon there NYE doing different activities. We tried to stay there during spring break but booked solid, so we stayed in her new sister resort Rosen Shingle Creek - which we loved.

 

[ducklite]

Location, location, location. I chose the Hilton. The Peabody is the nicest of all of those properties, the Gaylord is a nicer business type hotel. Frankly the biggest disadvantage to the Gaylord (other than having to pay to park) is the cost of food. There is no inexpensive place to eat there. There's one little place in the lobby with a very limited selection of bagels and premade sandwiches and salads--and those are expensive, even by Disney standards--and not very good.

At the Hilton there are a couple of restaurants, plus the little marketplace in the lobby with reasonably priced foods and Starbucks. It's also a five minute walk to the DTD Marketplace with a bunch of lunch and dinner options.

The Hilton is going to offer the most transportation options, plus EMH.

Anne

 

[Lewisc]

Will you have a rental car? Without a rental car you'll want one of the DTD hotels. Do you want EMH? Hilton is the option.

What else are looking for? Do you want golf? Chose one of the hotels with a golf course. Are you looking for a spa? Gaylord Palms has a great spa.

The buffet restaurant at GP is excellent. Not cheap but very good.

With that list of hotels I'd be tempted to use Priceline. Many of those hotels come up on PL.

 

[embracinglife]

Wow, thanks for the great answers!!! You've given me lots to think about. And yes, we will be renting a car. We're not really interested in golf or the spa, but would like to have a place with a good pool, and good restaurant options. I've stayed on the Buena Vista Palace before and loved it, but I was hoping to stay someplace new. I think I'm leaning more towards the Hilton (because of the the proximity to DTD) and the Gaylord Palms, because it just look amazing!

And yes, I've been looking at placing a bid on Priceline, but I just don't know. I really like to know the hotel I'm choosing.

By the way, I know that the Hilton, Royal Plaza, Buena Vista Palace and Gaylord Palms are withing good distance to Disney parks, but how are the other, Omni, Peabody and the Grand Cypress located in relation to all Orlando parks, including Universal, Seaworld, etc?

Thanks for your help!

 

[embracinglife]

bumping! Would love to read more opinions!

 

[Lisa BC]

Seems like DISer Ted had good things to say about the Omni at Champions Gate / Reunion area.

If price were no point, I'm pretty sure I'd pick Ginn Reunion. I know it isn't on your list... but I would want a lazy river. The pictures on the website look absolutely fabulous. It is further out to WDW than the others... but it isn't a horrible drive to the parks. There's a lot to do right at the resort too.

If you are mainly going to tour the theme parks, I'd probably opt for the Hilton or maybe even the Swan. However, I'm not totally spoiled on the thought of having my own private swimming pool and hot tub. So we're renting a private vacation home for our trip. I want the fridge, and the washer/dryer to.... along with the jacuzzi in the master bath.



Lisa

 

[cirquelovers]

We liked the Royal Plaza in DTD. It had a little sitting area and a balcony that we could see the DTD fireworks. The food was good and the staff was pleasant. We had a tower room with a big tub which was wonderful!

You mention the Grand Cypress, if that is the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress then it is amazingly beautiful! My husband has been there on business and we joined him once. The hotel is gorgeous, the pool is big and beautiful with little cave swim throughs and such. I don't swim much but it was really neat to look around. The grounds were beautiful and filled with many activities if you choose.
We took their bus to WDW and it was convenient and fun. The drivers were knowledgeable and entertaining. I'm pretty sure we drove to Universal but I don't remember it being that far away
My husband stayed again but in the villas and he said those were Simply Amazing!

 

[weepoppet]

Stayed at the Omni Nov 2005 and we return for 1 week Nov 2007. It really is a beautiful hotel with a fantastic lap pool, play pool and lazy river. The gym is also one of the best hotel gyms I have ever seen with free fruit and protein drinks.

The hotel is so well looked after, staff are polite and helpful and the rooms very comfortable and spotless.

Be sure to join their Select programme if you book with them. Amongst other benefits are morning juice, coffee, croissants and newspaper delivered to your room.