02/20/07

Nice, but not really the best at Disney

by brdave

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.

• Pros: Ambience, proximity to Magic Kingdom
• Cons: Service: terrible

11/20/06

Everything you expect of Disney

by marissam

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!

• Pros: Luxury, glamour
• Cons: not the best resort for kids

01/07/06

The splendor of Florida's high-society resort living of the early 1900s recalls the atmosphere of an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel.

by Contributor

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.

03/14/05

Poor Service at the Spa

by asiberon

Staff seems to busy and unhappy. Facilities are outdated. No towels at the locker room. This facility is not at the same level as the rest of the hotel. Not coming back!

• Cons: Poor Service, Dirty Facilities

05/13/04

Ultimate Luxury Disney Resort!

by techc21

One of the very best Resorts I have ever stayed at! The service is outstanding, the rooms are great, the amenities are excellent, and the Grand Floridian Spa is one of the very best! The resort is also home to Victoria & Alberts, a formal 5 Diamond Restaurant, one of the best in Central Florida!

• Pros: Great Service, Great Amenities, Great Rooms

01/30/03

Beautiful

by Luckyjumper

From looking at the outside it was like a dream come true. I felt like Cinderella as we drove through the nice entry at Disney's Grand Floridian. The wonderful landscaping, it was like walking out of a dream. When we checked in the "cast member" was very polite and treated us as if we were larger than life. I am sure that was her job, but it was awesome. There was also a kid appeal that you don't get at regular hotels. I loved it. My family and I will definatly make the Grand Floridian the number resort on our list!

01/18/03

Twins

by Anin

Excellent, superb and beautiful hotel. I love that the monorail passes by the hotel and it feels like home when you return from the parks.

• Pros: Excellent location
• Cons: Expensive

11/19/02

Best Hotel Ever

by court356

My family and I started comming to the Grand ever since I was a year old. I am now 15, and love going back more then anything. Every Spring Brake we stay in the Sugar Loaf building for 3 weeks, and by now know the faculty like they are family.

• Pros: Fun, Romantic, Special
• Cons: To far from NJ, Too many little kids, Not enough guys

09/19/02

Truly Grand

by lnj4e

This hotel is fitting of its name. It's decor is old victorian, and even has a orchestra in the main lobby every night, and high tea every day. Some say it is stuffy, I say it's classy. You pay for what you recieve, if you don't want elegance then stay at the all-star(though they are nice too).

• Pros: view, romantic, elegant
• Cons: small bathroom, some by elevator