Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
104
Yours, Mine & Ours . . .
With an ever-increasing number of condo-hotels (they rent rooms and suites to
the general public as if the property were a mainstream hotel, but in this case
the room is either fully or partially owned by someone other than the hotelier)
springing up around the Orlando area, they're becoming more and more dif-
ficult to overlook. In the past, timeshares were notorious for their pushy sales
tactics, luring mainstream guests to buy into their resorts by offering gimmicks
and discounted attraction tickets. Nowadays timeshares (or fractional owner-
ships, as they're usually referred to) are in the minority (and far less pushy than
in the past) as wholly owned condos become more popular—in many cases
vacationers never even realize that the property is ownership based (especially
as most condo-style resorts are completely sold out prior to completion—or at
least prior to opening).
Among the newest (and nicest) to pop up in recent months are the
Westin
Imagine
(
&
888/822-3532;
www.westin.com), a modern high-rise style
resort with standard rooms as well as one- and two-bedroom suites (prices
start at $200); and
Floridays Resort Orlando
(
&
866/797-0022;
www.
floridaysresortorlando.com), a Mediterranean-inspired resort with two- and
three-bedroom suites (prices start around $250), plus extensive pool and play
areas all in a village-like setting. Each offers spacious and well-appointed
accommodations, upscale amenities, inviting grounds, and locations close to
the shops and restaurants that line I-Drive.
Several ownership-based properties cater to visitors planning on an
extended stay, offering extensive on-site amenities, spacious suite-style
accommodations with full-fledged kitchens, and all the comforts of home
(often at a more affordable rate—though in some cases in a location that's
slightly more remote).
Lighthouse Key Resort & Spa
(
&
877/463-4914;
www.lighthousekeyresortorlando.com), an upscale Mediterranean-inspired
resort, and
Runaway Beach Resort
(
&
866/289-0238
or 407/997-1900; www.
runawaybeachhotel.com), a Key West-inspired resort—both Mike Ditka resorts
4
Staybridge Suites Lake Buena Vista
This chain hotel is ideally located just
off of Apopka-Vineland Road, close to the action of Downtown Disney and the theme
parks, as well as area restaurants and shops. Spacious rooms, reasonable pricing, and a
friendly staff make this an excellent choice for families. Featured are one- and two-bed-
room suites (which sleep up to eight), all with full kitchens; two-bedroom suites have two
full bathrooms. The suites have large, comfortable, separate living areas when compared
to other all-suite hotels. Stocking up on necessary supplies, snacks, and assorted sundries
is much less of a hassle, as a full-service grocer is located next door.
8751 Suiteside Dr., Orlando, FL 32836.
&
800/866-4549
or 407/238-0777. Fax 407/238-2640. www.
sborlando.com. 150 units. $139-$299. Rates include full breakfast. Rollaway beds and cribs available at
no charge. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V.
Amenities:
24-hr. exercise room; Jacuzzi; outdoor heated pool; children's
pool; free shuttle to Disney parks.
In room:
A/C, TV/VCR, hair dryer, free high-speed Internet access,
kitchen.
