My family and I had the great pleasure to be guests of the Courtyard by Marriott Lake Buena Vista at Vista Center from 31 May 2007 through 6 June 2007. We had an utterly amazing time there, with so many amenities available to us. Here are just a few of the great qualities of the hotel:
1. Location, location, location! This property is very, very close to Downtown Disney and all of the fun to be had there. Once you're out of the hotel property and have gotten onto Apopka-Vineland Road (the left turn at the stoplight can be tricky), the drive to Epcot is usually no longer than 5 minutes. Incredible!
2. Spotlessly clean rooms! The sheets and other bedclothes will be as white as snow for you and your family. The bed is welcoming and comfortable, just soft enough to cuddle you to sleep but firm enough to keep you supported all night. The bathroom will be free from any sort of detritus and will sparkle.
3. Cold refrigerators! We purchased four cases of bottled water to take into the parks during our stay. The in-room refrigerator kept the water icy cold. Definitely a benefit on those hot, muggy Central Florida days.
4. A great breakfast buffet! While it is possible to order a la carte breakfast items, we chose to utilize the Courtyard Cafe for their breakfast buffet. We were thrilled with the selection, which included a variety of fresh-cut melons and pears, yogurt, a vast bread selection and pastry selection, waffles in the shape of Mickey Mouse's head, freshly scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage links, seasoned potatoes, biscuits and sausage gravy, pancakes, fresh apples, bananas and oranges, a variety of juices, individual servings of boxed cereals and four different varieties of milk. It was all delicious and the price of $7.95 per adult can't be beat. You will save time if you dine at the Courtyard Cafe in the morning and then leave for your day's activities. The convenience factor alone makes for an easy morning.
5. The available activities! There are two great pools available for the use of guests. There is shuffleboard, a huge sandbox for children to play in and a small playground for kids. If your idea of a flawless vacation includes sunning yourself beside a sparkling pool, then you will be pleased with this hotel. There are comfortable lounge chairs available for use and lots of clean pool towels.
6. The hotel staff! Where shall I begin to write about the awesome staff at this hotel? The front desk staff were so helpful to us and answered all of our questions. Sandra, our server for most of our days in the Courtyard Cafe, is a sweet lady and will make breakfast a pleasure for you. There is a clown who sometimes appears in the Cafe during breakfast, presenting balloon sculptures and illusions to delight the children.
I highly recommend that if you plan to stay at this property, you become a Marriott Rewards member. Membership is free and details are available from Marriott. If you are a member, you can cash cheques for free at the front desk, usually up to $100 a day. Other amenities are available as well.
We will always stay at this hotel when we return to Lake Buena Vista for a Disney vacation. The room rate was exceptional and the staff, location, cleanliness and breakfast are already calling us back.