Hotel Reviews
Comfort Inn & Suites Barnesville Frackville PA Hotel Review
One of the most stressful things that you do when planning a vacation is trying to pick the right hotel for your trip. You get this wrong and you could literally ruin your vacation.
Believe me I have spent hundreds of hours and lost so many hours of sleep over the process of trying to find the best hotel for our family.
Because this an important part of the process, this is the first of many hotel reviews I will provide based on our personal experiences in the hotels we chose during our many trips throughout each year. I hope these reviews help you make an important decision on which hotel to choose if you visit this part of the country.
This Comfort Inn & Suites Does Accommodate Pets..
If you have ever visited this part of Pennsylvania and have a pet, you will find it difficult to find a location that accommodates pets around this area. When visiting this location our main target was the Port Carbon, Pottsville, and Pine Grove area.
There is a hotel in Pottsville that accommodates Pets, but unfortunately, that’s a different story for a different day. So upon our research we came across this particular hotel which is a 2 star hotel according to Google and is located at 1252 Morea Rd, Barnsville, PA 18214.
When I checked the overall rating on Google was a 4.4, which didn’t seem to bad, but upon my research the place had pretty decent reviews a few negatives, but the pictures I saw seemed pretty decent. In a future article I will share my hotel research process, look out for that.
With Limited Options, We Booked A Two Night Stay…
Locating the Hotel was rather easy as it’s just off route 81. It’s easy to see. I was pleasantly surprised on the appearance of the building as it did look like it was fairly new. So I was excited on that front.
I parked the car and went into the hotel to check in. The lady at the desk was very nice and welcoming. The process to check in was fast and simple. I had no issues there.
I always try to get a lower floor room but forgot to request that for this particular case I did not. So I was fine as they gave us second floor. Unfortunately at the moment we were checking in she apologized as the elevator wasn’t working at the time, which sucked, but I understood.
The Elevator was fixed with in an hour and no other issues our entire stay.
We grabbed our things and went up stars to check in the room. I did noticed the hallway upstairs did feel a little flimsy. It’s hard to described.
I was already aware of this as one of the negative reviews of the the place was that the construction wasn’t very good and the place creaked. I can confirm that the second floor hall did a little, but did not go on any other upper floor.
We got into the room and we were pleasantly surprised. The room was better than expected and we were surprised at the size and the design of the room. It was pretty nice.
Cleanliness & Room Size Was Better Than I Expected.
I’m sure you feel the same way when you first enter a hotel room and it’s better than you expected. You release a little stress and you feel like you won something.
It was great. The room featured a kitchen Microwave, a full fridge, a counter-top stove, cabinets full of useful dishes, and of course a dishwasher to clean up after your food preparation.
Everything was great. But EVERYONE knows the first thing you do when you enter a room. CHECK THE BEDS. So as usual we checked the beds underneath, the corners, and it was clean.
I won, I got this one right…
What We loved…
The Hotel Was pet friendly, which allowed us to stay here. They do charge a fee but it’s only $15 which I am perfectly fine with. I think that is fair, especially for a Chihuahua. They do claim to have a 150 refundable deposit, but they did not do that for me, and just charged me the $15.
The Room was extremely Clean. I love it when you can go into a room and see they have a great staff and care about the cleanliness of the room. Everything was great.
The Rooms were large. Plenty of space and mostly sound proof other than the ceiling.
The kitchen area was great. The full fridge, stove, microwave all came in handy were clean and all worked great.
When we went the temperature was HOT. They had a room control on the wall, which made adjusting easy. The air conditioning was great.
What We Didn’t Like
The first thing will depend on who you have above you. We were unlucky and have a family with children above and let me tell you, they did not do anything to keep their kids under control.
They were running, jumping, and bouncing. Which made it a little annoying. Thankfully we didn’t stay to long in the room so we did not hear too much of it. But when they were there, it was pretty annoying.
No pool. Unfortunately I did not see a pool on the property, which was fine, We knew that a head of time, but was hoping they had something.
Nothing around the hotel except a freeway and a gas station. Which is fine, it was the closest thing we could find to where we wanted to visit. There is a small town near there and Frackville is down the road. So plenty of food options. They are at a location that most places deliver to them so ordering food is no issue. We did order pizza from a place, which was god awful, but that is another review for another time and not Hotel related.
This is just a hotel system thing, but the common hotel practice of take the money out upon arrival, then put the money back into your account and then pull the full amount created a little issue with our card. They ended up pulling out the full amount but I had over a $160 in pending for over 8 days. Which kind of sucked. I do not like that process especially with cards that do not interact well with the system. It tends to cause problems.
Our Big Theme Parks Hotel Rating.
Overall out of a scale of 10 I give it a 7.2
This isn’t a bad score. The not having a pool does effect it a little, but overall the room features is pretty nice. The cleanliness of the room was fantastic, but the annoying thing was the creaky floors.
Still though we will be visiting this area a lot because we have a ton of family in the area and we travel with a pet. So unless someone pops up closer and is nicer plus accommodates pets, this will be our choice of stay when we visit from here on out.
Dollywood
Discover Comfort: Top Hotels by Dollywood for Your Stay!
If you are planning a visit to Dollywood theme park, it’s important to find the perfect place to stay. With so many options available, choosing the right hotel can be overwhelming. You want to ensure that your accommodation is comfortable, convenient, and provides easy access to all the attractions and entertainment that Dollywood has to offer.
Luckily, there are plenty of hotels by Dollywood that offer all this and more. From luxurious resorts to budget-friendly options, you are sure to find the perfect place to stay for your Dollywood vacation.
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right hotel can greatly enhance your Dollywood experience
- There are plenty of hotels located near Dollywood
- Accommodations range from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly options
- Proximity to Dollywood and other nearby attractions is an important consideration
- Customer reviews can provide valuable insights when choosing a hotel
Hotels Near Dollywood: Finding the Perfect Accommodations
When planning a visit to Dollywood, finding the right accommodations can be crucial to a successful trip. Luckily, there are plenty of hotels near Dollywood to choose from, offering a range of options to fit your needs and budget.
If you’re looking for a hotel in close proximity to the park, you’ll find plenty of options just a short walk or drive away. These accommodations near Dollywood provide easy access to the park’s attractions, so you can make the most of your visit.
For those who prefer a more peaceful setting, there are also lodging options just a little further out from the park, nestled amidst the beautiful Smoky Mountains. These hotels near Dollywood offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the theme park, allowing you to relax and unwind.
No matter which type of accommodation you choose, you’ll find that the hotels near Dollywood offer a variety of amenities to enhance your stay. From swimming pools and fitness centers to on-site dining options, there’s something for every traveler.
Dollywood Resort: Luxurious Stay Amidst Nature’s Beauty
If you’re looking for a truly immersive experience, the Dollywood Resort is the perfect place to stay during your Dollywood vacation. This resort is not only located in close proximity to Dollywood and the Smoky Mountains, but also offers luxurious amenities to enhance your stay.
The Dollywood Resort features over 300 rooms and suites, each providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The architecture and design of the rooms are inspired by the natural beauty of the area, creating a tranquil and soothing atmosphere.Amenities Services Private BalconiesFireplacesSpacious BathroomsMini-fridges 24-hour Reception DeskConcierge ServicesTour AssistanceFree Parking
The resort also offers a variety of dining options, including an upscale restaurant, a café, and a poolside bar. You can also indulge in a relaxing spa treatment at the resort’s full-service spa, or take a dip in the indoor or outdoor pool.
The resort’s location offers easy access to Dollywood and other nearby attractions, such as Dollywood’s Splash Country water park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Overall, the Dollywood Resort provides a luxurious and comfortable stay amidst nature’s beauty. It is an ideal choice for those seeking an immersive and relaxing experience during their Dollywood vacation. Book your stay at one of the top Dollywood area hotels and discover the beauty of the Smoky Mountains!
The Best Hotels near Dollywood Theme Park
If you’re planning a visit to Dollywood theme park, choosing the right hotel can make all the difference. Here are some of the best hotels near Dollywood, known for their exceptional service, comfortable rooms, and proximity to the park’s attractions.Hotel Distance from Dollywood Rating Riverstone Resort & Spa 1 miles 9.2/10 La Quinta Inn & Suites 0.7 miles 4.4/5 Hampton Inn & Suites 1.4 miles 9.0/10 Country Inn & Suites 1.5 miles 8.0/10 Inn At Apple Valley 3.8 miles 9.4/10
These hotels not only offer easy access to Dollywood, but also provide a comfortable and convenient base for exploring other attractions in the area. With their prime location, you can easily make the most of your Dollywood vacation.
Choose from a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hotels to luxurious resorts, to suit your needs and preferences. With excellent customer service and top-rated amenities, these hotels provide an unforgettable stay near Dollywood theme park.
Book your stay now and get ready to enjoy an exceptional vacation experience, with the best hotels near Dollywood at your fingertips.
Amenities and Services: Enhancing Your Dollywood Stay
When choosing a hotel near Dollywood, the range of amenities and services offered can greatly impact your stay. Fortunately, the hotels in the area provide a variety of options to ensure your comfort and convenience.
Most Dollywood hotels offer a swimming pool, which is perfect for unwinding after a long day at the theme park. Some hotels also have fitness centers, allowing you to maintain your exercise routine even while on vacation.
Dining options are also plentiful near Dollywood. From grab-and-go snacks at the hotel to full-service restaurants, you’ll never go hungry. Some hotels even offer free breakfast, providing a convenient and cost-effective way to start your day.
For those traveling on business, many hotels offer meeting rooms and business centers equipped with printers and high-speed internet access.
Regardless of your needs, the hotels near Dollywood strive to provide exceptional service and amenities to enhance your overall stay.
Location Matters: Conveniently Exploring Dollywood and Beyond
Choosing the right location for your hotel near Dollywood is crucial to make the most of your stay. Opting for accommodations near Dollywood will provide you with easy access to the park’s attractions, saving valuable travel time and making your visit more convenient. You can spend more time enjoying the thrilling rides, live shows, and delicious food without any added stress.
However, the advantage of choosing hotels by Dollywood extends beyond the park’s confines. The region surrounding Dollywood is filled with entertainment options, from dinner theaters to water parks and shopping outlets. Staying at hotels near Dollywood allows you to explore these attractions with ease. You won’t have to worry about spending long hours in traffic or trying to figure out directions while navigating unfamiliar terrain.
Moreover, choosing accommodations near Dollywood will enable you to access the rest of the Great Smoky Mountains with ease. The park is known for its breathtaking views and scenic hiking trails. By opting to stay at hotels by Dollywood, you can swiftly explore the park’s natural beauty and return to the comfort of your hotel at the end of the day.
In summary, choosing the right location for your Dollywood vacation can make all the difference. By selecting accommodations near Dollywood, you can enjoy easy access to the park, other entertainment venues in the area, and the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Book your stay at one of the hotels by Dollywood and explore the region with ease!
Customer Reviews: Insights from Guests Who’ve Stayed
Reading customer reviews can give you valuable insights regarding the hotels near Dollywood. Guests who have stayed in these hotels can provide you with firsthand information about their stay, the amenities, and the overall service quality they received.
“We stayed in one of the hotels near Dollywood for our family vacation, and we were blown away by the hospitality of the staff. The hotel was clean, and the room was spacious and comfortable. The location was perfect, as it was just a short walk away from the theme park. Overall, it was an excellent experience, and we would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Dollywood.”
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
– Excellent location – Spacious and clean rooms – Friendly staff – Great amenities | – No free breakfast – Limited parking space |
Reviews like these give you an idea of what to expect during your stay and help you make informed decisions. Take the time to read through customer reviews and look for common themes. If there are repeated comments about issues, such as poor service or cleanliness, you may want to consider looking for another hotel.
On the other hand, if you find positive reviews with consistent comments about good service, comfortable rooms, and a convenient location, this could be a great option for you. Remember that customer reviews can be subjective, so be sure to read multiple reviews to get a well-rounded understanding of the hotel.
Planning Your Stay: Booking a Hotel Near Dollywood
Now that you have learned about the top hotels by Dollywood and what they have to offer, it’s time to book your stay and plan your Dollywood vacation. Follow these tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:
- Figure out your budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on your accommodations. The hotels near Dollywood offer options for every budget, from budget-friendly to luxurious resorts.
- Consider your preferred location: Do you want to stay near Dollywood Theme Park or explore other nearby attractions? Choose a hotel based on your location preference.
- Check the amenities: Look for hotel amenities that would suit your travel needs such as complimentary breakfast, swimming pools, and fitness centers.
- Read customer reviews: Customer reviews provide valuable insights into the hotel’s quality of service, cleanliness, and overall experience. Read through them before making a booking decision.
Booking a hotel near Dollywood is easy and can be done online or by calling the hotel’s reservation desk. To make the most of your Dollywood vacation, book your hotel in advance to secure a spot and get the best deals.
Don’t forget to pack your bags, bring your Dollywood tickets, and get ready for a memorable and comfortable stay near Dollywood!
Exploring Beyond Dollywood: Nearby Attractions and Activities
While Dollywood theme park is the main attraction, there are plenty of other exciting things to see and do in the Dollywood area. Here are some suggestions for nearby attractions and activities to explore during your stay:
- Gatlinburg SkyLift Park: Take a scenic chairlift ride to the top of Crockett Mountain and enjoy panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Explore over 800 miles of hiking trails, go fishing in the streams, or enjoy a scenic drive through the park’s beautiful landscapes.
- Dollywood’s Splash Country: If you’re visiting during the summer months, cool off at Dollywood’s water park, featuring a variety of water attractions and rides.
- Dolly Parton’s Stampede: Experience a delicious dinner show featuring horse-riding stunts, musical performances, and special effects.
- Tanger Outlets: Shop for deals at this outdoor mall featuring over 100 stores, including Nike, Coach, and Michael Kors.
These are just a few of the many attractions and activities waiting for you near Dollywood. With so much to see and do, you’re sure to have a memorable vacation in the heart of the Smoky Mountains.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hotel near Dollywood is crucial to the success of your vacation. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to book. However, by considering important factors such as location, amenities, and customer reviews, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect accommodation for your needs. Whether you prefer a luxurious resort or a budget-friendly option, there are hotels near Dollywood to suit every preference.
From easy access to the park’s attractions to breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains, each hotel offers a unique experience. Booking your hotel near Dollywood is simple and hassle-free. By following our tips and recommendations, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free booking process. During your stay near Dollywood, you can also explore nearby attractions and activities, from hiking trails to shopping outlets.
There’s something for everyone in the Dollywood area. In conclusion, a comfortable and memorable stay near Dollywood is just a few clicks away. With the top hotels near Dollywood at your fingertips, you’re sure to have an unforgettable vacation. Book now and get ready to discover the magic of Dollywood!
FAQ
Q: What are the top hotels located near Dollywood?
A: The top hotels located near Dollywood offer a combination of comfort and convenience for your stay. Some of the highly recommended options include Hotel A, Hotel B, and Hotel C.
Q: How can I find hotels near Dollywood?
A: Finding hotels near Dollywood is easy. You can use online travel websites, search engines, or check with travel agencies for a list of accommodations located in close proximity to the Dollywood theme park.
Q: What are the features and attractions of the Dollywood Resort?
A: The Dollywood Resort offers a luxurious stay amidst the stunning beauty of the Smoky Mountains. It provides a range of amenities such as spacious rooms, on-site dining options, swimming pools, fitness centers, and breathtaking views of nature.
Q: Which hotels are considered the best near Dollywood theme park?
A: The best hotels near Dollywood theme park are known for their exceptional service, comfortable rooms, and proximity to the park’s attractions. Hotel X, Hotel Y, and Hotel Z are highly recommended options for a memorable stay.
Q: What amenities and services can I expect from hotels near Dollywood?
A: Hotels near Dollywood offer a range of amenities and services to enhance your stay. These may include swimming pools, fitness centers, complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi access, on-site restaurants, and more.
Q: How important is the location of a hotel near Dollywood?
A: The location of your hotel near Dollywood can greatly impact your vacation experience. Choosing a hotel that is conveniently located allows for easy access to Dollywood as well as other popular attractions, dining options, and shopping opportunities in the area.
Q: What do previous guests say about hotels near Dollywood?
A: Reading customer reviews can provide valuable insights into the experiences of previous guests. Reviews from guests who have stayed at hotels near Dollywood can help you make an informed decision and have a better understanding of what to expect during your own stay.
Q: How can I book a hotel near Dollywood?
A: Booking a hotel near Dollywood is a simple process. You can book directly through the hotel’s website, use online travel websites, or contact travel agencies for assistance. Be sure to check for any special offers or promotions to make the most of your booking.
Q: What other attractions and activities are there near Dollywood?
A: Apart from Dollywood, there are plenty of other attractions and activities to explore near Dollywood. Some popular options include hiking trails, scenic drives, shopping outlets, museums, and water parks. There’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Cedar Point
6 Tips To Help You Save Money In Theme Parks
Theme parks are great for a day of entertainment and fun, but they can really be expensive! The average ticket costs $115, and that’s just the base cost. Add on food, souvenirs, and parking, and your day can cost hundreds of dollars. If you’re planning a trip to one in the near future, here are six great ways to save money so that you can have more fun without breaking the bank. Our goal with this article is to provide you with some tips to help you save money in theme parks.
1.) Take Public Transportation Instead of Paying For Parking
You might not find this cheaper if you’re going to a huge theme park, but taking public transportation instead of paying for parking is a great way to save money when you’re visiting a smaller one.
At the time of writing this article, Disney standard parking is $25 and Universal Studios is $26, which I find to be insane. It is kind of irritating that you spend all that money on a theme park ticket and then eat, plus souvenirs, then pay a parking fee when you already purchased the theme park ticket. I understand there are costs, but it’s a parking lot, anything over $10 is insane in my opinion.
If you’re staying in a hotel, you might also be able to park your car there for free (and then maybe even get around on their shuttle).
Another option if you are close enough to the Parks is taking an Uber or a Lyft. Paying $15 instead of 26 will at least allow you to save a few bucks.
2.) Bring Own Drinks Into The Theme Parks
One way to save money in theme parks is by bringing your own drinks. Most parks do allow you to bring in bottled water. If you are in Florida, bringing something that is insulated will help your drinks stay cooler longer throughout the day. You could refill those at fountains. You could ask food kiosks for ice as well to help cool down the drinks on a warm summer day.
In addition, if you’re traveling with children, you can also ask for free cups of water at restaurants and fast-food chains. In the Florida parks I have found that both Disney and Universal do offer small cups of water because they certainly do not want you becoming dehydrated while in their parks, no one wants to see that.
Theme park policies do change so it is best to go to the theme parks website to view what they allow you to bring into the park. This will allow you to plan accordingly on what you will bring and help you plan to save money at the theme parks.
3.) Bring Your Own Snacks Into The Theme Parks
If you’re on a tight budget and are planning to visit theme parks like Disney, Legoland, or Universal Studios, you should consider bringing your own snacks instead of spending money at the park. There is usually plenty of availability to bring outside food into the park. You can bring in items that are sealed up in order to avoid any messes and keep the items fresh.
Items like small bags of chips, popcorn, granola bars, and other items that won’t melt due to the heat are great snack items to bring. Most parks do allow a small number of snacks to be brought into the park, so take advantage of that as much as you can.
4.) Pack Your Own Lunch To Help Save Money In Theme Parks
You can save a lot of money when you bring your own lunch to the theme park. Stick with things that don’t need to be heated up or refrigerated, and try to pack them in reusable containers. This will reduce the cost not just for yourself but for everyone who will have to throw that food away.
If you can at least cut out paying high theme park food prices for lunch you can save a lot of money especially if you have a large family.
Some parks have picnic areas outside the park gates like Cedar Point. If they do you can bring a cooler with your food, drinks, and snacks. This makes it really easy to feed the entire family a lot cheaper than you would inside the theme park.
Here is a good forum where people are discussing lunch options to bring to Disney Here.
5.) Go Back to the Hotel To Eat Lunch Or Dinner
There are a lot of overpriced food options in most theme parks, so it’s no wonder that the typical budget for a vacation can quickly get blown. So instead of buying pricey food all day, you can take a break from your day at the theme park and go back to your hotel to eat lunch or dinner.
We do this a lot when we go to Disney or Universal. That Florida heat really puts a lot of stress on you too, so we find breaking up the day to go back to the hotel to eat is saving us a lot of money and also allowing us to recover a bit before we head back to the parks.
We usually get a hotel off-site with a full kitchen. We then grocery shop and get food that we can make at the hotel. This cut our theme park costs down a lot.
We love to do this between 1 – 4 pm since that is when the sun is really nasty and even take in some pool time to cool down. When we get back to the park we are usually refreshed. Best advice USE THE HOTEL POOL…
6.) Share Your Meals With Family Members To Save Money In Theme Parks
It may be tempting to buy food from popular theme parks like Disney Land. However, it can cost a fortune! Sharing your meals with family members will help cut the overall costs of your theme park meals.
The trick here is to locate menu items that are hefty and provide a good portion that would satisfy at least two people. This strategy allows you the opportunity to try some of the food you have seen in the park and enjoy the overall theme park meal experience.
Hotel Reviews
Hotel Review Of Residence Inn By Marriott Orlando At Seaworld
Right out of the gate I am going to quickly disclose that the Residence Inn By Marriott Orlando At Seaworld has been our Go to Hotel during our last three trips to the Great State of Florida and the Great City Of Orlando.
When we do go to Orlando, of course our main targets are the major theme parks in the area. Although we would love to stay on the resorts themselves, we have an issue we normally run into and that is we always take our dog.
So that eliminates a majority of the hotels in the area and of course most of the actual theme park resorts. A sad thing at times, but we love our dog, and will not be traveling with out her.
The hotel has 6 floors and 350 suites. Checkout time is 11:00 AM and check in time is 4 pm. The Hotel is a smoke free facility although there is smoking areas outside the hotel.
So the immediate take is that we are comfortable at the Hotel and that it is a dog friendly hotel. We’ve have nothing but a great time and experiences at the hotel other than one little mishap we had the first time staying here. Although that had nothing to do with the hotel just an unruly teenager that was a little jerk and needed his bell rung.
I didn’t necessarily like how the hotel handled that escalation, but that wasn’t their fault. It was the fault of a person who was simply a jerk and inconsiderate to other guests. Unfortunately you will have that every once in a while no matter where you go.
Another story for another day…
Why Has The Residence Inn Become Our Go To When We Go To Florida?
The first thing is it is pet friendly. However, there is a policy that the hotel has that is a little bit “extra” in my opinion and that is the actual pet fee. It’s a little high. And for us with a little 4 pound Chihuahua it’s a joke. We’ll talk about that more below.
The second thing about the rooms was they are pretty sound proof and pretty decent size. This made it a perfect choice as sleeping was not an issue, hearing other guests was not a problem for the most part. We did here the occasional door slam and if a bunch of rowdy people or kids ran by the door, but it was minimal and with the TV on no issues at all.
We did NOT want to put our dog in a kennel, so with the room being sound proof like it was and the fact our dog pretty much sleeps and will hide underneath the covers until we return. We were able to just leave her in the room while we visited the parks. We had zero issues with this as we always came back to let her out throughout the day.
The rooms had a full blown kitchen which when you are staying for a long period of time was necessary. We stayed for 7 days on two trips and a full 14 days for the third. It was perfect.
The Hotel location was another attractive thing. We were right next to Seaworld and in-between Universal Studios and Disney world. So accessing the parks was very simple and travel time was less then 14 minutes to any of the parks. The Hotel was located directly right off the freeway.
The Hotel Is GIGANTIC as well so we have had little issues getting a room or changing a room if we need to during our stays.
Photos Of Our Hotel Room At The Residence Inn In Orlando.
What We Loved About The Hotel.
Pet friendly – We cannot travel with out our precious pup. So that is always a plus.
Friendly Staff – The staff here are super nice and fabulous. The Front desk, fantastic. The Housekeepers, fantastic, the maintenance people, fantastic.
Large & Comfy Rooms – The rooms as you can see above are spacious. They are pretty sound proof. Are nice and clean. Most are newly remodeled. Have a thermostat to adjust heat and cooling of the room. The kitchen is the obvious winner here as well.
Reliable & Fast Internet – I work online, so I require this. The internet needs to be reliable from all over the hotel. And I never had one issue or outage. The speed was super fast too.
Affordable Room Rates For What You Get – Depending on what time of year you go, the rates for this hotel are pretty reasonable for what you get especially in the area. As a tip if you get a AAA membership you can get a nice discount on your daily rates as well. Also they run specials. So watch out for them. For Instance We stayed for 14 days for just under $1350. Now that is a great deal for a hotel in that area.
Plenty of Parking – There is no shortage of parking here.
Love the Area – As I said before we are close to all parks and a bunch of shopping, restaurants, and the famous International Drive.
Free Hot Breakfast – Every-morning they will put out a huge breakfast on their buffet bar. The items will vary each day. Sausage, eggs, biscuits, waffles, sometimes bacon, and usually some fruit. The options are better than most hotels we visit. BUT one thing is this place is a HUGE hotel so it can get busy. We recommend that you go as early as possible as the later you go the busier it gets.
The Pool Area – The pool isn’t huge but it’s been fine for us. The water has been fine and it has been very clean for the most part. We did have an issue with some kids throwing a football and hitting people at one time, but the last two visits have been pleasant.
Onsite Restaurant & Bar – Sometimes after a late day at the park, you just don’t want to cook or go anywhere. The Castaway Bay Bar & Grille they have on property is open usually after 4 pm and closes around 11 pm. The food has some good options. I love the sandwiches. They have a few good mix drinks to like the Bahama Mama. There is also many delivery options in the area. WARNING: There is a pizza place that slides their voucher under the door. We tried it once, awful, I suggest you avoid.
The outdoor area – The area features a fire pit, several gas grills to cook outside, plenty of seating, a grass play area, and a basketball court.
Has laundry Room – The hotel does have a laundry room. Which makes washing clothes a little bit easier. But who likes to do that on vacation right?
Fitness Center – the hotel does have a fitness center at the hotel.
The experience in General – There is a lot to like about this hotel which is why we keep going back. It’s safe, cozy, comfortably, a friendly atmosphere, affordable, and all we need when we go to Orlando. I know what I am going to get, so it’s a safe bet with me, which is why I book it regularly.
What We Don’t Like About The Hotel.
Even where there is good, there are always some things that could be improved on.
Pet Fee Way To High – The pet fee for the pets here are in my opinion way too much. Especially when you have a small dog. There is a non-refundable fee of $125 per stay. That is just nuts in my opinion.
I can understand a $25 or $30 dollar fee or deposit, but that is nonsense. My suggestion you go get a letter from your doctor so that your dog is a therapy dog or a service dog and at that point they won’t be able to charge you.
Don’t take this as advice, but I’m not sure if I’ll ever say that we have a dog visiting this hotel again. that fee is crazy and nonsense.
Parking Fee – The first time we visited this hotel there was NOT a parking fee. But the last two times they added a new policy and now there is a $10 dollar a day fee. Which again is ludicrous.
They have gates around the hotel and what look like a thing that is suppose to come down at the front, but it is never down. Yet we are charged the fee. I don’t get it. It’s just another way for the hotel to scrape a few more bucks and is a gimmick in my opinion.
They are not located downtown and have plenty of parking. I don’t see the reason for a fee. It has made us think about other locations because on a two week trip that daily cost did add up and it would be nice to use that on other things in the parks.
Bar Drink Prices A little much – Although we buy a few drinks here a few times during our stay, mainly for mixed drinks, we do not go crazy as the prices are little high especially for a plain bottle of beer. It’s almost on the Stadium level, which makes use of the bar not a priority of mine. I’ll just go to a local liquor store.
They also add a 18% annuity to the tab automatically as well, which I understand the reason, but still a tip should be the decision of the guest and depend on the service, and should not be a forced billed item. I’ve never agreed with the philosophy.
I think they could make better use by the bar if they would drop the beer prices a bit. I heard several guest get a little irritated by the prices and seeing their bill after a couple of beers. A $60 tab is not hard to pound out here.
Billing Process can get annoying – They bill weird. Sometimes they take the full amount immediately upon arrival and it sits on hold until you check out then it releases and they will take the full amount out a few days later.
Then other times they will take some of the money out and then release, take more out, then release. If you are not on top of your card or books, this can create a problem.
Our Official Hotel Review Score is…
Bigthemeparks.com Hotel Score is 8.5
This is a pretty great score for us. The hotel has most of the amenities we need and the hotel itself is simply affordable to stay at.
We love the staff, the atmosphere, the rooms, and the entire experience we have at the hotel which is why we book The Residence Inn by Marriott Orlando Seaworld every time we visit.
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