OverviewLocated on Little Lake Bryan and about a 9-minute drive from Disney World, the Grand Beach Resort Orlando is suitable for travellers who prefer condo-style accommodations with a full kitchen and easy highway access near Disney World.
This hotel has 156 air-conditioned one-, two- and three-bedroom condos, each offering cable TV, a CD/DVD player, an iPod docking station, a fully-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a dining area, a seating area with a sofabed, a hair dryer and an iron and ironing board. In-room Wi-Fi is an additional $29.95 per week. Jetted tubs and washers and dryers are available in some units, and the hotel is wheelchair accessible. Condos can sleep four, six or eight people.
Hotel amenities include two outdoor pools, a spa and wellness centre, a hot tub, a fitness centre, a tennis court, a gift shop, a children's playground, a games room and barbecue facilities. Canoeing and fishing are among the water-based on-site activities. Pets are not permitted.
Gourmeto's Pizza is roughly a 4-minute drive or 15-minute walk southward, while Orlando Premium Outlets - Vineland can be found 5 minutes north by car. Downtown Disney is a 9-minute drive northwest and Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM) is a 15-minute drive southeast of the hotel. (All distances and travel time estimates: Google Maps)
Verified with a front desk agent: Wi-Fi $29.95/week, free parking, pets not permitted, wheelchair accessible. (Call Date: July 30, 2013)
The GoodThe majority of the reviews sourced for this analysis were positive, with much praise going to the hotel's rooms, location and staff.
Numerous reviewers praised the hotel's accommodations. They described their rooms as clean, well maintained, beautiful, spacious, well equipped and nicely furnished, with comfortable beds.
The hotel's location was enjoyed by many guests, who found it to be close to Downtown Disney, Typhoon Lagoon, Epcot Center, shopping, highway access, restaurants, Walmart, SeaWorld and Universal Studios. One reviewer noted, "It is very close to everything, restaurants, shopping, grocery stores, and most of all Disney World".
The hotel's staff were complimented by several patrons of the hotel, who characterized them as efficient, friendly, helpful and accommodating.
The Bad
While the majority of reviews consulted for this analysis were positive, there were a few common complaints about the Wi-Fi and noise transfer.
Several reviewers were disappointed with the hotel's Wi-Fi fee. They described it as overpriced and expensive, and felt it should have been complimentary.
Noise disruptions were mentioned by a few guests. They reported noise from guests in rooms overhead, as well as loud maintenance workers and housekeeping in the early morning hours.
Expedia.ca guest reviews rated the hotel 4.5 out of 5 with a 96% recommendation rate from 402 reviews.
TripAdvisor.com guest reviews ranked the hotel #
105 of 329 Orlando hotels with a 4 out of 5 average rating from 363 reviews.
Booking.com guest reviews rated the hotel 8.9 out of 10 from 154 reviews.
The author called the hotel on July 30, 2013 to verify some information.