[Cinderellafifi]

We stayed at the Sheraton Safari Hotel, located in Lake Buena Vista, at the entrance to Downtown Disney, from March 14 - 17, 2002.

We arrived at night on the 14th to check in to our suite at a rate of $119.00 per night. A nice surprise was we also got free buffet breakfast for everyone for two days. When I was signing the guest regsiter, I noticed our room was a "SKS". I asked the woman helping me if that meant "smoking". She said it did not, just meant a king suite. We were advised our room was #4611. That meant we were on the 6th floor of building 4.

So, we had to leave the main lobby and drive to the next building. It is right next door but the rooms are accessed from the outside. We entered our dimly lit suite and it was nicely decorated in Safari garb. The room layout was very poor, in our opinion. And yes, it ended up being a smoking room.

From the door, the suite was laid out as if each room was on top of each other. So, the first room was the living room/kitchenette. Then you keep proceeding straight into the bathing area - sink on the right, bathroom on left, closet further ahead on right. Then the next room is the bedroom and finally, continuing straight was the balcony overlooking the pool. Very nice view. Very uncomfortable room.

The first problem was that it was hard to access the actual bathroom. There were too many dividing doors using up all the space for everyone to pass through. We had 3 adults and one toddler so it was a busy room. My husband and I are not smokers but my mom is so she was always heading out to the balancony by passing through the bedroom - so much for privacy.

The next problem was that the bedroom air conditioner was running HOT. We complained and the next day we got a note that read "Air conditioner is working good". Uh, wrong. It blew hot all three days.

Our first morning at the hotel was chaos in the room because we were all in each other's way. Then the front desk staff gave us a NASTY attitude when we asked if our wheelchair had been delivered yet. Totally uncalled for. I was so, so mad.

The breakfast was very good both mornings. The regular price was $7.95 and I think it would be worth the price. Unlimited everything, including drinks, tip, and tax.

The day we called for extra towels, we never got them. I had to call the next morning and we had to wait to take a shower. Oh and they NEVER had a fresh batch of pool towels brought out in the afternoon so we all had to go back to our room dripping wet. Nice.

The hotel did offer room charging privileges.

Out of 5 stars, this hotel would barely rate a 2. I was so disappointed in the room, the attitude of the staff, and for "wasting" our money on a dump. We would have been just as happy at the AStars!

So, I vote thumbs-down for this hotel. There are plenty of nice options right on the same stretch of road.

[Goofette]

Thanks for the update. Again, I'm sorry that it didn't work out very well for the room.

[Cinderellafifi]

Well, I just sent my email and survey to Sheraton about our bad experience. The survey asked if we would ever consider staying at another Sheraton property and I replied: highly unlikely.

Well, I have been searching the web for a nice villa for a week stay at Disney in June. I made a reservation at Blue Tree Resort and they emailed me a confirmation. Guess who owns Blue Tree? Yep, same company as Sheraton! Oh well!

Here is the web site to Blue Tree:

http://www.bluetreeresortorlando.com/

They have 2 bedroom villas with 2 full bathrooms, a jacuzzi, balcony, full kitchen, washer/dryer all in each villa. The rate is $105.00 for a deluxe and $93.00 for standard - which offers the same things but no king bed. They are located right outside Downtown Disney.

Just in case you were curious!:) :p

[tnkrbell]

Hey Fifi!!
Sorry your stay was bad!! :(
I would suggest staying onsite in June!! They are offering great rates for Fl residents at that time!! 49.00 for allstars, 89.00 for moderates, 129 for Wilderness and Animal kingdom !!

[Cinderellafifi]

I would LOVE to stay on property! The thing is, we now take my mom with us so it is more comfortable for her to have a suite so she can stay in the room during the day if she wants. And, since I am a lowly, broke law student, I can't afford a suite at Disney.

I just fell in love with the Boardwalk when we went there at night in March. I think Prince Charming (hubby) and I will have to plan a "couples only" weekend at Disney and do things right!:)