Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Nice, but not really the best at Disney. They hotel is very expensive, but beautifully themed. It appears to fit the bill of a luxury resort. Unfortunately, the staff (they're probably not even worth being called "cast members" here) screw it up. I had a string of disappointments from the moment I checked in:

1. The front desk refused to split my room charges into two different accounts. I needed to split up the business and pleasure parts of the trip, and they just wouldn't do it. Come on: the Hampton Inn will do this.

2. The cleaning job in my bathroom left a lot to be desired. Pubic hair in the shower. When I called housekeeping, they sent someone right up, and they did... almost nothing. The shower never got cleaned. After two such visits, I wiped it out myself.

3. After midnight, I was headed to the pool. I called the front desk and asked if there were towels at the pool. I was told, "Not this late, you'll have to bring your own." When I got to the pool, there was a staff member who continued to stock pool towels for over an hour. The front desk person had no idea what was going on.

Most of these events really aren't big deals. But they demonstrate that the service just isn't up to par with other luxury hotels. I expected this hotel to be something special- a step or two above the other Disney resorts. It just wasn't.

All that said- I ultimately had a great stay. It was a beautiful hotel, but for the extra cost, there are far better choices at Disney.…

Everything you expect of Disney. As a local, I got to know all of the Disney resorts and the Grand Floridian is the most worth your time and money. The spa is amazing, very clean and a lot of personal, customized attention. The separate hair salon did a great job on my friend's difficult highlights and the restuarants were perfect. There is also a live orchestra that plays in the lobby. Monorail access takes you to the parks, and the marina has those great little boats. Best of all, the wedding chapel there has a carriage like Cinderella's and now my friend liked it so well she's getting married there!…

The splendor of Florida's high-society resort living of the early 1900s recalls the atmosphere of an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel.. The Scene
This is Disney's flagship hotel, modeled after early-1900s Florida beach resorts, with a Victorian theme of flawless consistency, from design to service protocols. Among a palatial setting of red gabled roofs, the opulent lobby (with marble floors and elaborate chandeliers,) expansive verandas, vintage automobiles, a staff in Edwardian attire and afternoon tea accompanied by old-time piano music create a scene right of out of "The Great Gatsby."

The Details
Most rooms enjoy panoramic views, be it of the lagoon, or the hotel's marina, courtyard or gardens. The pool resembles a natural Florida spring, while a white-sand beach, vibrant flower gardens, a wedding chapel and croquet appeal to honeymooners. Its spa is ranked among the best in the U.S., and the collection of on-site restaurants includes the intimate and award-winning Victoria & Albert's, featuring Floridian and seasonal fare.…