Can't decide between a villa or hotel

[TinTin]

Hi all - DH and i are looking to book for September. We have been several times now, usually split between Orlando and the coast. This time we are thinking of staying the full fortnight in Orlando, as haven't done places like US, IOA, SW and BG for a number of years. We were planning on sting in hotels again and splitting our time between Crowne Plaza Universal, RPR and CSR but i've starting looking at villas and now am totally confused :confused2
It will probably just be the two of us, a small chance that we may be able to persuade my DM and her partner and DB and his partner to come for a week. But for DH and i - is renting a villa worth it? What are the advantages, disadvantages of them? Is there any housekeeping or totally self sufficient? i've read about the extra cost of pool heating too.
Thanks for any help and tips.
Have a lovely day :grin:

[ROBBOTOO]

:wave: Hi TinTin. I have to say my preference would be the villa. Myself and DH have been on our own and still had a villa. Just the sheer pleasure of all that room, your own private pool and space. Can't put money on that. ;)

Sitting outside at night with a glass of wine by your own pool (when you aren't out doing other things of course), is fantastic!

I'm sure others would say they prefer the hotal option, but I love the luxury of it all with a villa :spin:, as they are all so well equipped, it all adds to the magic for us, having own beautiful villa and pool for our hols.

:wavey:

[RobertWestwood]

You could also look at a condo which gives you plenty of room but with shared pools etc and plenty of other facilities on site.

As always, I can thoroughly recommend Bahama Bay and there is at least one one owner (Source) to be found here who can give you plenty of advice re that resort.

There are other resorts such as Windsor Hills which plenty of dibbers rave about here as well.

[ROBBOTOO]

:wave: Hi TinTin, sorry, should have said that I doubt you will need pool heating in September anyway. ;)

Also with the villas we have had, you have the luxury of a washing machine and tumble dyer, so the days you are lounging around by the pool, the machine can be on washing and drying any clothes you may want to freshen up, in no time, and with no hassle.

It's also great for coming home, as all our washing is done and clean before we come home, so no laundry on return, and it's all done via the machines in the villa while we are out or chilling, with no ag for us at all!

We also like the fact that sometimes villa owners will also let you check out late, which means you get to chill and still spend time by the pool on your last day, and don't have to worry about having to check out of a hotel with a load of luggage while you kill time before your flight home. I know there is free time check in with some airlines, but that's not always convenient for everyone.

And all those bathrooms are lovely too when you are getting ready to go out in the mornings! We had 3 bathrooms between 2 of us last time :d:!

Villa would definitely get my vote!

:wavey:

[paw]

Stayed in a hotel this year for the first time in 10 years. While the hotel was lovely and very convenient for all the parks I have to say that next time we will be back in a villa. The space, the privacy, the washer and dryer, the ability to sit by the pool and watch the sun come up, have shade whenever I want and be able to sit on real chairs to watch TV in the evenings are just a few of the things I missed.
We have used both 3 and 4 bed villas for just the two of us and to be honest the price was very similar to a hotel room. The only thing I would say is try to get as close to Disney as possible, our last few visits saw us move further and further down the 27, the villas were beautiful but it could take a long time to get to SeaWorld, Universal etc, especially in August.

[alim]

i would also opt for a villa even if only the 2 of u but i suppose the cost would have to come into consideration as well.

A Villa gives you soooo much flexibility and space.

The only thing is you have to make your own beds whereas in the hotel they will be made for you (He He)!

[sylvy]

:wavey: The Crowne Plaza is a lovely hotel we stayed there 2 years ago,I personaly prefer hotels but each to their own hope you enjoy whatever you decide on.:thumbs-up

[PatsyPie]

Defo a villa. It gives you so much more freedom and privacy.

[disneybabe]

We have had many couples in our homes so couples do rent larger than they need. I expect its the comforts of home that swing it, being able to wash all your clothes on return, having a bathroom each, LOL!! Also free phonecalls etc.

Also if there is no guests checking in on the day our guests checkout I can arrange a late checkout if requested, which is very useful expecially with all the late evening flights.

But if a villa feels too large for only two of you then a condo on a community resort would be perfect. It also has the feeling of home plus has the washer/dryer etc.

The villa/condo is totally self sufficient, but it doesnt mean that you need to do loads of "houswork". In fact in all the years we have been going (before we got our own) we have only ever tidied all the pots away and made the beds - easy peasy pull accross. No where ever seems to get untidy and dirty like at home. Wonder why??? I am always saying I wish we could keep our home as tidy as this, does anyone else think that too?

Christine

Good luck in your decision.

[Zak's mum]

:wave: Hi TinTin. I have to say my preference would be the villa. Myself and DH have been on our own and still had a villa. Just the sheer pleasure of all that room, your own private pool and space. Can't put money on that. ;)

Sitting outside at night with a glass of wine by your own pool (when you aren't out doing other things of course), is fantastic!

I'm sure others would say they prefer the hotal option, but I love the luxury of it all with a villa :spin:, as they are all so well equipped, it all adds to the magic for us, having own beautiful villa and pool for our hols.

:wavey:

Have to agree wholeheartedly with this. Although we go with our DS who's 9 presently, we would still go to a villa if it was just the two of us. The space, privacy, peace, wonderful surroundings, own pool and jacuzzi, the list just goes on .......... and on .......... and on :spin:

[*source*]

I would choose a villa or condo too ~ purely from a flexibility and privacy point of view.

Have fun whatever you decide :)

[Ruth]

From the very first time we went, in 1993, we have always had a villa.

We learnt from the first time (off Boggy Creek Road) - even through 22 sets of traffic lights down the 192 to Disney, it was the ideal accomodation for M&D plus DS of 3 and grandad of 70!

We now prefer the area around north Poinciana Blvd but still, a villa, best suits our needs.

Even though there are now only 3 of us we still prefer our own pool, the convenience of having a fridge full of food/drink:tounge:, and space for everyone to do their own thing (DS to watch the golf channel, me to read/do puzzles and DH to fuss about :confused2)

I, personallly, coudn't contemplate more than 2 adults and a child in one room for more than a week !

Ruth

[princessfiona]

When we went last year for 2 weeks we done one week at The Quality Inn Plaza on International Drive, then the 2nd weeks at Dh cousins villa in Four Corners Village,Davenport. Whilst the QIP was in a great location on IDrive and we did not have to drive to eat out,if I was to choose I would pick the Villa option pending our finances could deal with it. The pool and the laid back feeling is a def winner.

[castanea1985]

Hi:wavey:

We have done both, but for different reasons.

Staying on site is ideal with small children. We found it invaluable to be able to get into the parks before rope drop and, being nearby to have a 'breather' when the little ones tire easily. But, now the kids are young adults, we need the space of a villa...... can't imagine sharing a room with our 6ft 16yr old son:d:

That is why we started to use villas, and subsequently bought our own!

We love having the space when there is just the two of us....... its bliss! And I think, once you've had your own pool....... there is no going back!!

Whatever you decide...... have a great time!!

Tracy xx

[ojoboots]

Hi

This will we be our 6th time in Orlando & we have always had a villa even though there are only 3 of us. Couldn't face more than a couple of nights in a hotel room with my beloved husband and daughter !

[steve@mac155.f]

It has to be a villa it's just like a home from home with all the comforts of home

[sunsetlakes]

What a surprise - we would vote for a villa everytime too - so much so that we bought one in the end (eeeks)!! It's fantastic to have the place to yourself and enjoy a glass of wine in the pool or hot tub late evening, its like being in your own little bit of paradise :wave::wave:

[SnapperJohn]

I have been tempted a few time with the thought of staying 'on property' in one of the nice hotels, but when it comes down to it no matter how good the hotel is you don't get the freedom you have staying in a villa.

[TinTin]

Thanks for all the replies - must admit i am tempted by the thought of having all the home comforts and our on private pool. My one niggle though is that i would miss staying onsite at WDW - we always have the last 5 nights of our stay onsite as our special part of the trip - so maybe we could rent for 10 days and the last 4 nights at WDW!!! Perfect :grin:

[Flo]

If you are visiting Universak don't forget that a night or 2 there means front of line passes. Even when it was just 2 of us before DD I still loved staying onsite at Disney.